AT&T Unveils New Store Concept
AT&T has unveiled a new way to shop for communications and entertainment services with the official re-branding of a Cingular store in Houston, TX. It is the first of many planned conversions of Cingular stores from wireless-centric spaces to a high energy showcase for AT&T’s complete phone profile.
The new AT&T Experience Store is the first to feature a fully integrated media experience that encourages interaction with AT&T’s complete portfolio of wireless, broadband, video and wireline voice products and services. The 5,000-sq. ft. store will feature several new retail concepts including six integrated “customer experience” stations encouraging customer interaction. The stations include: AT&T Entertainment--Customers are invited to watch AT&T U-verse TV and AT&T Homezone service demonstrations on three 52" high-definition plasma TVs, experience high definition programming and browse an extensive video on demand catalog. AT&T Home Connections-Customers will be able to browse the Internet and customize AT&T Yahoo! Homepage portals. Music-Customers will be able to listen to XM Satellite Radio with wireless phones, Bluetooth headphones and also transfer personalized music content.
Gaming-Demonstrate game downloading to wireless phones. Messaging And Video-This station will highlight 3G phones and Bluetooth accessories. Laptop Mobility, E-mail and Data-Geared toward road warriors, this station will include wireless phones, PDAs, Smartphones, GPS and Bluetooth accessories. Other store features include four dozen screens located throughout the store, 32-inch LCD displays and a series of “Guided Selling Kiosks.”
Kodak Launches New 'Compact' Photo Kiosk
Eastman Kodak has introduced the Kodak Picture Kiosk GS Compact, providing retailers an easy to use, plug and play solution.
“The new Kodak Picture Kiosk GS Compact provides retailers a compact category solution that delivers retailer profit out of the box in only minutes,” said Nicki Zongrone, General Manager, Worldwide Kiosk Systems and Services and V.P., Consumer Digital Imaging Group.
Its compact countertop design is extremely space efficient and well-suited for smaller shops with demand for 30-70 prints per day.
The GS Compact produces the same Kodak lab-quality prints as full-sized kiosks.
Mandee Stores Promotes Switchfoot’s New Album
The chart-topping, multi-platinum recording alternative rock group, Switchfoot, is celebrating the recent release of its 6th album “Oh! Gravity,” with a nationwide in-store promotion at Mandee, the hip and trendy fashion shop for teens.
Launched by Retail Entertainment Design for Columbia Records and Mandee, the “Go Backstage with Switchfoot” promotion includes a grand prize trip with VIP tickets to meet Switchfoot and a shopping spree at Mandee stores.
Mandee will carry “Oh! Gravity” in over 125 store locations, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
OCC Full Throttle Fragrance Displayed In Wal-Mart
This floorstand was designed to drive sales in Wal-Mart stores for the OCC Full Throttle fragrance, inspired by the Discovery Channel's “American Chopper” television show.
The pre-pack unit design, with set-up taking only a few minutes, was key in gaining placement in Wal-Mart stores.
The OCC fragrance is positioned in the front of the unit, which features the OCC logo. Gift sets are located in the floorstand’s center channel. The corrugated display has a screen printed body, and four-color Litho die-cut header.
A uniquely engineered flap creates a pedestal for a bottle of test cologne resting below the header, allowing consumers to sample the product. The display, grabbed consumer attention and made it easier for the consumer to locate and test this new Full Throttle fragrance.
The OCC Full Throttle Fragrance Floorstand was created by New Dimensions, Melville, NY.
Pringles Promotion Tied To ‘American Idol’
As a partner for American Idol’s sixth season, Pringles has launched an expansive marketing campaign that will feature limited edition American Idol branded cans, television advertising and a national sweepstakes, “Jingles for Pringles,” inviting consumers to live out their American Idol dreams.
Pringles will offer consumers the chance to express their passion for Pringles by submitting videos of themselves performing a jingle that expresses their feelings about Pringles.
The grand prize winner will receive VIP ticket packages to the American Idol finale show in Los Angeles including hotel, transportation, and an unforgettable night of excitement, ushering in the next American Idol.
The promotion is supported with special packaging and an array of p.o.p. materials, including special pallet end-aisle displays.
Microsoft Displays Zune Personal Digital Player
Microsoft is using this display to attract attention to its new digital music and video player, Zune, Microsoft turned to DCI Marketing, a Milwaukee, WI-based display firm, to create this display.
The display needed to prominently feature Zune’s advantages: wireless sharing capabilities, a built-in FM radio and a larger display screen.
In just seven weeks, DCI Marketing produced and deployed 17,000 displays, which were distributed to 21 retailers, each with its own unique requirements for size and location of the display.
Mall Of America Partners With Nickelodeon For First Nickelodeon Theme Park
Mall of America and Nickelodeon have formed a partnership bringing various Nickelodeon properties and characters to life in the first-ever Nickelodeon themed park, part of the re-branding of the Mall’s seven acre amusement park.
Fresh designs and exciting new rides and attractions, inspired by Nickelodeon's popular shows and characters, are just a few of the anticipated changes.
“Both Nickelodeon and Mall of America have tremendous family and kid appeal,” said Howard Smith, Sr. V.P., Nickelodeon Recreation. “This is the perfect marriage of two entertainment entities: Nickelodeon, the number-one brand for kids, and Mall of America, the top shopping and entertainment destination in the country. We’re thrilled to expand our brand with our first stand alone Nickelodeon theme park and our largest retail presence in such a wonderful destination.”
Celebrity Cruises To Offer Leapfrog SchoolHouse Programs Onboard
Celebrity Cruises is enhancing its onboard activities for kids by working with LeapFrog SchoolHouse to provide engaging, multi-sensory learning tools and instruction that align with Celebrity’s travel itineraries around the world.
LeapFrog SchoolHouse worked with Celebrity to make available onboard a variety of their most popular products, and created six exclusive educational modules for children ages 3-9.
“Shipboard youth programs typically are designed to provide kids with fun activities,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity’s V.P., Entertainment & Activities. “Our goal is to go beyond that concept, providing kids with an environment where they can learn while also having a great time.”
One Of Four Handsets Shipped In 2011 Will Cost Less Than $20,
According To ABI Research
The global market for sub-$20 ultra low cost handsets will be over 330 million units in 2011. A new study from ABI Research finds that over 50% of these handsets will be shipped in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific and the remainder in markets of Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
“The growing demand for ultra low cost handsets has provided mobile operators and handset vendors with a quick route to a greater share of the emerging markets,” said Shailendra Pandey, ABI Research Analyst. The downside is that they are manufacturing and shipping a greater proportion of low-cost handsets, which can adversely affect their profits."
The ultra low cost handset marketplace is currently dominated by Motorola and Nokia, but other handset manufacturers including LG Electronics, BenQ, Samsung, Philips, Ningbo Bird, Haier and Kyocera have also started to introduce handsets for this segment.
ABI Research expects that by 2011, almost one out of ever four handsets shipped globally will be an ultra low cost handset. The research shows that India will be the biggest market in the next five years, growing from a little over 9 million handsets in 2006 to more than 116 million handsets in 2011.
Survey Reveals That Consumers Would Eliminate Landline If In-Door
Cell Signals Improved
About one in four (27%) of cell phone owners who have a landline would be at least somewhat likely to eliminate their landline if they had better reception at home, according to the Boost Cell Phone Signal Survey commissioned by Wi-Ex, a leading provider of cell phone signal boosters.
The survey also found that 69% of cell phone users who also have a landline say the reason they have a landline is because they always had one.
Other findings from the survey include: Cell phone owners, on average, give the cell phone reception in their home a grade of B-; 69% of cell phone owners have experienced service problems such as dropped calls (46%), poor signal reception (39%) or dead zones (33%).
GE Digital Cameras Debut
GE and General Imaging Co. have formed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement by which General Imaging will design, manufacture and distribute an all-new line of GE-branded digital cameras.
“The cameras from Genera Imaging are truly worthy of the GE name, representative of GE's leadership in technology and innovation,” said Brad Irvine, GE Licensing President.
Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 Elite
Elite, is a new model of the Xbox 360 game system that will include a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE(R) headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
BK Scratch & Win Game Dares Fans To Choose ‘Which Spidey Suits You?’
Buger King is conducting a tie-in promotion this summer with Columbia Pictures’ “Spider-Man 3.” The promotion features prizes for the “Which Spidey Suits You?” scratch-and-win game pieces on specially marked BURGER KING menu items.
Just as in the movie, in which Spider-Man is forced to choose between his red and blue suit and a new black suit, guests will choose to reveal what's behind either the familiar red-and- blue Spider-Man or the black-suited Spider-Man. With a prize behind one of the two scratch-off areas on each game piece, BURGER KING guests have a 1:2 chance of winning each time they play. Prizes include a $1 million American Express gift card; a 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT; a Sony Electronics Full HD Experience; and free Burger King food items
McDonald's Launches Global Promotion Of DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek The Third
McDonald’s is launching a multi-faceted global promotion that includes high-tech Shrek Happy Meal toys created in eight languages and the company’s single biggest promotion of fruit, vegetables and milk. Mary Dillon, Global Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s, said, “Shrek is helping us bring special excitement to our restaurants, everything from food and fun to activities and entertainment.”
McDonald’s is celebrating the arrival of “Shrek the Third” with its “Go for Green” message. The campaign showcases a variety of food choices including Premium Salads, Premium Chicken Sandwiches, fun desserts and a Happy Meal featuring Chicken McNuggets made with White Meat. Milk Jugs are served in child-friendly containers with Shrek packaging.
Butterscotch Pony Display
This display features a life-size pony that has the ability to interact with children. Touch activates the pony at retail which includes movement and wag of the tail. Butterscotch was showcased on an end cap in the toy area at Wal-Mart. A corral look was created with the fencing of the pony in its environment. The display features the brand logo and a call out that says "Pet me". The Butterscotch Pony display was a hit for both Target and Wal-Mart. The display came fully assembled. This display won a Gold OMA in the Toys and Accessories Category and also won the Display of the Year, Semi-Permanent. The Butterscotch Pony display was created by Design Phase, Inc., 1771 S. Lakeside Drive, Waukegan, IL 60085.
Happy Feet Display For Blockbuster
This display was designed to elevate the Blockbuster brand by offering core family consumers a display tied to a high visibility theatrical release to introduce a way for Blockbuster to sell lucrative toys and licensed merchandise. The Artic theme and color scheme complemented other merchandising elements in the store and showcased product packaging. A highly dimensional header with continuous ice dancing penguins attracted consumers and a l0 second sound chip sampling the music from the movie helped engage consumers. The open design encouraged shopping from all sides. The flexible design allowed for a variety of product mixes. This display won a Gold OMA in the Toys and Accessories Category and was created by Idea Planet, LP, 6000l Summerside Dr. Suite 204, Dallas, TX 75252.
CVS Top of Checkout Rack
CVS wanted to create a positive impression at the checkout, while merchandising magazines and other impulse items, with minimal obstructions. The display adjusts to hold magazines of different sizes. Its flexibility is key to respond to changing planograms. Numerous slots allow trays and peghook positions to be customized. The trays are interchangeable to hold different size products. Graphics slide in and out to update feature items. This display won a Gold OMA in the Drug Store Retailer Category and was created by POP Displays, 555 Tuckahoe Rd., Yonkers, NY 10710.
Bibleman PowerSource Series Relaunch. This display is designed to build awareness of the brand and was the core element of the marketing campaign. The displays were placed in the CBA market (Christian Bookseller Association.) The design of the display is directly taken from the design of the video series. The main focus was on the character and sword. The Bibleman display with its attention grabbing graphics and light up tube, was inviting for all age groups. Created by U.S. Display Group, 8l0 S. Washington Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388. SILVER AWARD.
Showtime Hoops Temporary Floor Display. Hasbro wanted to establish out of aisle placement for Showtime Hoops. Hasbro teamed up with And 1 to create more of a street image for Showtime Hoops. Hasbro was looking to bring street ball in doors. The voice of Duke Tango was used across all marketing channels, TV, internet and in store. When the buttons on the display were activated, Duke Tango’s voice would shout out features of the toy. The voice is unique and catches the attention of customers. Created by Design Phase 1771 S. Lakeside Drive, Waukegan, IL 60085. BRONZE AWARD.
Sponge Bob MEGA-Sealed Inflatable
Large format sealed inflatables (MEGA-sealed) are an innovative way to grab the attention of people. "Sponge Bob" made an instant impression on consumers. MEGA-sealed inflatables are great for short term promotions where budgets are tight. For less than $8 per day per piece you can get an eye-catching icon for your brand. They are portable and easy to set up and a nationwide turnkey installation program is available. This inflatable was created by The Inflatable Marketplace, 1810 Gillespie Way, Suite 202, El Cajon, CA 92020; (Web Site) www.inflatablemarketplace.com.
Motorola MotoDriven Mobile Pavillio
The MotoDriven Tour program was created to provide a day of education for current and prospective buyers at a local hotel or distribution center. The mobile marketing vehicle, or Mobile Pavillion is a showroom for a wide variety of products. The Mobile Pavillion is a 53' double expandable exhibit trailer, featuring colorful exterior graphics and is parked a short distance from presentation rooms and is fully branded as Motorola. The MotoDriven Mobile Pavillion program was produced by Pico Chicago and Mobility Resource Associates, 2900l Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 4808l.
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