Kodak Unveils Digital Camera Print Kiosk
Kodak has debuted the Kodak Digital Camera Print Kiosk, which produces photo quality prints from digital cameras. According to Kodak, the consumer receives a 4x6 print every 30 seconds. It's designed so that the consumer walks up with the memory card, plugs it in, and they can print the entire batch of photos with the card. It is designed for those who want quick pictures
Kodak plans a limited trial of the units in traditional and non-traditional areas, such as resorts, national parks, and travel centers (perhaps even amusement parks), to test their popularity in places that aren’t traditional retail outlets.
Ericsson Establishes In-Store Presence
Ericsson required a modular cell phone display, which would provide product information and work in both a wall or countertop format. The components had to fit together seamlessly as a system or be capable of standing alone.
This Ericsson display system, developed by Concept Designs of Mountain View, CA, was a complete re-branding project for Ericsson. The display was the debut of the first-ever complete P.O.P. system for the critically important retail partners such as AT&T, and Cingular Wireless. Brand new display boxes were invented to exhibit hard-to-show phone accessories. It was imperative that this system could be utilized in its entirety or that any and each component could stand alone in the retail environment while touting the Ericsson brand name. Retailers are now able to create an Ericsson Display system to conveniently cluster the entire product line in a visually stimulating yet compact space.
Tony Hawk’ Floor Display
Best Buy is reporting record sales of its Tony Hawk Skate Board Trick Tips DVD and VHS tapes, which it attributes to this POP floor display. Cindy Springer, Marketing Manager for Red Line Entertainment, Division of Best Buy, said, “Our objective was to have a high impact presentation of the product in order to promote a sweepstakes for Tony Hawk.”
The display was produced by Meyers Display, Minneapolis, MN, which drop shipped both the display and product. “With each of these free standing floor/aisle displays (17.5”x16”x64”) we shipped to each Best Buy store 36 VHS tapes and 12 DVD’s,” said Scott Carron, Sales Coordinator for Meyers Display.
SpongeBob Squarepants Pineapple POP Display Debuts
Golden Books Family Entertainment (GBFE) is using this display to showcase new titles based on the hit Nickelodeon series.
The exciting product line-up will be supported by a national "Design-A-Tie" contest, where kids 4-17 are encouraged to design a new tie for SpongeBob SquarePants and enter to win prizes. In order to generate in-store awareness for the line, Golden Books has created a striking point-of-purchase display designed in the shape of SpongeBob's home-the pineapple.
“We are excited to have an opportunity to work with Nickelodeon and bring one of their breakthrough characters to print,” said Rich Maryyanek, Sr. V.P., Marketing, Golden Books. “Our titles really reflect the unique style of SpongeBob SquarePants and we expect a great response from consumers of all ages.”
Zany Brainy Stores Feature LEGO Gondola Environment
Zany Brainy stores are installing the LEGO Modular Gondola Environment, designed to utilize existing store fixturing.
The design is flexible, effective and cost conscious. Various materials and manufacturing processes were utilized to achieve this vivid environment. This flexible design can be configured for several different gondolas in a variety of dimensions. All graphics panels are changeable and can accept a variety of printed materials.
The LEGO Modular Gondola Environment was created by Design Phase, Inc., a Northbrook, IL-based p.o.p. display firm.
Target Displays Play + Learn Early Development Toys
Parents Magazine Play + Learn early development toys, an innovative collection of infant toys, are being featured in an 8-foot display section in all Target Stores in August. Building on the brand's success at Target, a comprehensive program of Parents Magazine Play + Learn including workbooks, flashcards, and activity sets, recently introduced by Learning Horizon, a division of American Greetings; over 50 sku's of the Parents Magazine Play + Learn infant toys by Battat; and Parents infant safety products will all be on display in one comprehensive section by this fall.
The Joester Loria Group, New York, NY, developed this program, creating the partnership between the retailer, the brand and the manufacturer.
Kahlua Runs ‘Hit The Hot Spot’ Sweepstakes
Kahlua and E! Entertainment Television are conducting the Hit The Hot Spot With Kahlua Sweepstakes, transporting six lucky winners and their guests to the Isle of Ibiza, Spain for one week this fall.
E!'s Talk Soup host Aisha Tyler will appear in various promotional spots, followed by a special E! Wild On Ibiza show to air later this year. In addition, the Kahlua Kollective Beats Tour kicks off featuring the kind of progressive club music Ibiza is known for.
Entry forms for the sweepstakes are available at special p.o.p. displays.
“We are thrilled to team up with E! for ‘E!'s Hit the Hot Spot with Kahlua sweepstakes,” said Kevin McCarthy, Kahlua's Sr. Brand Manager at Allied Domecq Spirits, USA. “The island of Ibiza is all about unconventional fun, just like Kahlua.”
Slim Jim Displays Promote ‘Raw Meat’ Music CD
The Slim Jim brand is offering consumers a sampler Raw Meat CD featuring music tracks from 13 up-and-coming raw, fresh, and in-your-face groups.
Slim Jim point-of-sale displays screaming “3 Meaty Snax Gets Your 13 Beefy Trax” encourage consumers to collect the free SlimJim CD by following three steps: Buy any three Slim Jim products; Look for the numbered code printed at the bottom of the package; go to www.slimjim.com and enter three product numbers along with their name and address. Slim Jim will ship a Raw Meat CD free, which will also include valuable savings, including a $5 coupon for Midway’s San Francisco Rush 2049 video game and four free issues of Spin, Vibe and Rolling Stone magazines.
The CD promotion was concepted by The Creative Couch of Los Angeles, CA, which specializes in reaching the teen market.
Budweiser Runs ‘Wild On Bud’ Promotion
Budweiser has joined forces with E! Entertainment Television and its “Wild On” program host Brooke Burke, who is serving as spokesperson for the “Wild On Bud” promotion. The “Wild On” program, which explores exotic destinations is the basis for the six-month-long promotion by Budweiser.
Consumers can experience the “Wild On Bud” promotion at local bars and clubs. In each market, retailers are hosting events featuring a variety of fun, co-ed party games. Consumers have opportunities to win local prizes and a grand prize trip for two to exclusive “Wild On Bud” destination parties.
“Our ‘Wild On Bud’ promotion will reinforce Budweiser's contemporary image by creating the ultimate party experience in bars and clubs,” said Dan Hoffmann, Director of Budweiser Marketing.
A complete collection of “Wild On Bud” POS materials is available in both English and Spanish to support the promotion.
Heineken Runs Promotion With ‘Swordfish’
Heineken USA, Inc., White Plains, NY, and Warner Bros. have launched a multi-million-dollar promotion for the action thriller, "Swordfish."
“Swordfish” stars John Travolta, Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry, will appear in character on Heineken television ads featuring clips from the film.
Travolta and Berry will also lend their likenesses to high-visibility Heineken point-of-sale displays.
Theo de Rond, Director, Corporate Marketing, Heineken International, said “Tying in with films provides a strategic fit for our customers. We are happy to associate with Swordfish.’”
RadioShack Cool Things’ At Blockbuster
Blockbuster and RadioShack have launched the “RadioShack Cool Things” store-within-a-store in 120 Blockbuster stores in four initial markets. “RadioShack Cool Things” marks another step in our mission to transform Blockbuster stores into complete home entertainment destinations and positions us to leverage our customer traffic and increase profitability," said John Antioco, CEO of Blockbuster. Leonard Roberts, CEO of RadioShack said, “The 'RadioShack Cool Things’ stores at Blockbuster bring top quality electronics products and an educated sales force to serve customers in a whole new way. Our presence in Blockbuster allows us to reach a new customer base of women and young shoppers who are shopping more frequently than the typical RadioShack customer.”
The “RadioShack Cool Things” store features interactive displays that allow customers to experience products.
American Express Launches Blue For Music Smart-Chip Based Loyalty Program At Virgin
American Express has launched Blue for Music, expanding the functionality of Blue's smart chip at Virgin Megastores. Blue for Music provides Blue customers with 30% off on featured artists’ CDs at Virgin; Concert benefits at SFX Amphitheaters; and a Web site at americanexpress.com/bluemusic, where Cardmembers can enjoy music-related content including exclusive MP-3 downloads and artist features. “American Express is committed to ‘evolving’ Blue and adding new and innovative functionality to the Card and its smart chip,” said Kathy Marryat, V.P., Blue Product Management, American Express.
The program will include significant American Express presence at all U.S. Virgin Megastores, including Blue-branded aisle displays, listening stations and Blue-branded bin cards.
The Blue for Music CD offer at Virgin, represents a step forward for American Express in the development of smart cards. Blue from American Express, Blue for Business for small business customers and Blue for Students, are traditional magnetic-striped credit cards equipped with a smart chip that stores a unique digital certificate for Cardmember identification. Point of sale terminals that incorporate smart card readers will be used to activate the CD offer for featured CDs.
Tower Records Store Features Global Music
Tower Records has opened its World Music store in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Through the availability of instant listening devices, multicultural focus and live performances, customers will be introduced to a myriad of musical styles from across the globe. Towers’ World Music emporium occupies over 5,000 sq. ft., with an inventory of over 50,000 pieces.
The store’s atmosphere is one of global celebration. Ethnically rich music plays throughout the store, which is filled with international flags and memorabilia.
“We chose this category of music because of the great interest from our customers in other cultures and musical styles,” said Russ Solomon, Chairman of Tower Records.
Apple To Open 25 Retail Stores In 2001
Apple announced plans to open 25 retail stores across the U.S. in 2001. “The Apple stores offer an amazing new way to buy a computer,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Customers can now experience the things they can actually do with a computer, like make movies, burn custom music CDs, and publish their digital photos on a personal website.”
The Apple store is organized into sections to make it easy for both first time and computer savvy customers: Products- “Home” and “Pro” sections offer customers the opportunity to explore the full selection of Macintosh computers. Solutions-Four separate sections allow customers to explore the latest digital lifestyle solutions. Genius Bar-Where everyone is invited to ask the Mac “genius” questions, or receive service. Theater-Where customers can watch demonstrations on the store’s 10-foot screen. Software and Etc.-Containing printers, scanners, cables, and other accessories.
NPD Reports U.S. Video Game Sales Up
Retail sales of U.S. video games hardware, software and accessory sales increased 18% in the first quarter of 2001, according to The NPD Group, Inc., a marketing information provider based in Port Washington, NY.
While the total U.S. video game industry showed substantial growth in dollar sales, there was also an increase in unit sales. Unit sales of video games hardware, software and accessories rose 5% in first quarter 2001, compared to one year prior. Consoles produced the biggest sales gain in first quarter 2001, a whopping 146% in dollar terms and 49% in unit terms. The continued growth of the console category was driven in part by next-generation console Sony PlayStation 2 and decreased price points of the Sega Dreamcast system.
“There will be high anticipation in 2001 as the video game industry will complete its transition into the next-generation of consoles, as well as the 32-bit generation of portables,” said Richard Ow, Account Executive at NPD.
QVC @ The Mall Opens Flagship Store
QVC @ The Mall, a subsidiary of e-commerce leader QVC, Inc., plans to open a unique flagship store with broadcasting capabilities at Mall of America.
QVC @ The Mall will continue to offer customers a unique shopping experience where they can see, touch and purchase much of the same merchandise they can acquire through QVC's television program or through iQVC, QVC's e-commerce site. With broadcasting studios integrated into a unique store design, QVC @ The Mall will produce live television shows directly from its new retail location.
Maureen Bausch, V.P., Marketing, Mall of America, said, “QVC @ The Mall brings our visitors the unique experience of live television combined with the thrill of a great shopping experience.”
Teens Driving Wireless Phone Sales
With Generation Y's size (60 million), spending, ($13 billion in 1999), according to Teenage Research Unlimited, and technology savvy, this generation exercises tremendous buying power. One of the products Generation Y is putting its buying power behind is the wireless phone.
“A wireless phone has become a ‘must have’ accessory for Generation Y teens and a source of relief for today's parents,” said David Friedman, U.S. Cellular V.P., Marketing. “Recent Yankee Group studies shows that 35% of teens will be wireless by the end of 2001 and nearly 65% will be wireless by 2005.” The buying surge can be attributed to a decrease in plan and equipment prices and emerging teen-friendly wireless phones and accessories.
While teens may own the phones, parents mostly pay the bills. According to Teenage Research Unlimited, the first reason teens give for wanting a wireless phone is to “look cool,” followed by “keeping in touch with friends” and “keeping in touch with parents.” Parents on the other hand buy their teens phones primarily for “emergencies,” to help teens “keep in touch with parents”and vice versa.
Brach’s Offers NSYNC Fruit Snacks
Brach’s Confections has introduced a new fruit snacks brand featuring musical group *NSYNC. The brand will be marketed under the “Hot Hits” name and will mark the first time that Brach’s has featured a musical group on fruit snacks packaging. Brach’s plans to feature other popular entertainment personalities in the future.
Samsung Debuts Mini Yepp
32MB Digital Audio Player
Samsung has introduced the Mini Yepp, the world’s smallest USB-based 32MB digital audio player, featuring a cool, wearable design. Samsung’s new player will come bundled with audio tracks from top recording artists allowing users to enjoy music instantly out of the box. Russ Bleeker, Samsung’s Digital Convergence Marketing Manager, said, “The sleek egg shaped design of the Mini Yepp will be the rage for high school and middle school students as well as busy moms.”
Sony Unveils New CLIE Handheld
Sony Electronics has unveiled its second generation CLIE handheld, marking the first time a Palm-Powered handheld will offer an embedded digital audio player and a high-resolution (320x320 pixels) color screen to deliver a rich multimedia experience. “Never before has something designed for the hand so excited the eyes and the ears,” said Russell Paik, V.P., Handheld Marketing at Sony.
Iomega Ships New Peerless Portable Storage Devices
Iomega Corp., has launched the Peerless 10GB and 20GB drive system, a new generation of portable high-speed storage devices. Doug Collier, Sr. V.P., Marketing Iomega, said, “With pocket-sized Peerless disks, users can back up an entire hard drive, and automatically protect all of their vital data with Iomega's QuikSync file backup software.”
ADT Launches iCenter
ADT Security Services, has launched ADT Safewatch iCenter, a comprehensive home security, communications and internet connectivity control center. The iCenter alarm also provides control of interior and exterior lights, garage doors, stereos, coffee makers and other small household appliances. Remote access to the iCenter is provided while on the road via ADT's web site or over the phone.
Motorola’s Accompli 008 Combines Phone And PDA
Motorola’s Accompli 008 is a new all-in-one phone embracing three of the most important technical/cultural trends of recent years: the mobile phone, the PDA, and the Internet. The Motorola 008 is a cell phone with PDA functionality and a large (240x320 pixel) grayscale LCD screen.
New Sports Card Game Features Electronics
Wizards of the Coast has released the NFL Showdown 2002 sports card game, which incorporates an electronic reader called The PlayGrid. The PlayGrid is a scanning device that reads, decodes and stores information from cards. Through a series of prompts and swipes, the PlayGrid computes each play result. “The PlayGrid allows us to take the traditional trading card game to the next level,” said Tom Goedde, Marketing Director for Wizards of the Coast.
Olympus & Nickelodeon Run Summer Promo.
Olympus America is partnering with Nickelodeon to support the launch of the new iSnap camera. Tweens will have a chance to use the iSnap to become the official photojournalist of Nickelodeon’s summer concert series, featuring singer Aaron Carter, and will also have a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando, FL.
The iSnap, which marks Olympus’ entrance into the youth market, is a hip-looking camera that allows tweens to express themselves at a price they can afford.
A special header card supports the promotion. LIME PR/Promotions is the agency.
Aguilera Stars In Coca-Cola Promo
Coca-Cola’s summer promotion puts the spotlight on singer Christina Aguilera this summer, giving fans the chance to win a backstage tour and meet Christina on the set of one of her upcoming music videos. P.o.s. displays with a larger-than-life image of Christina, have been ordered in record numbers for placement in thousands of retail outlets.
“It’s great to have Christina as an official part of the Coca-Cola family because she fits perfectly with the brand-like Coke, she’s genuine and real,” said Jan Hall, Sr. V.P., Consumer Marketing, Coca-Cola North America.
The promotion marks the return of the Company’s “pop-top” cans, which have a false lid that pops off when opened to reveal a prize-winning disk. In addition to five $1 million prizes, there are 100 million other instant-win prizes, including “behind the scenes experiences,” such as the backstage pass to Christina’s set.
Pringles Rolls Out Summer Concert Promo
Procter & Gamble and SFX have launched a music-themed game show called the Pringles Pop Quiz at 31 of SFX’s amphitheatres across the country during the 2001 summer concert season. The game show will offer concertgoers the opportunity to win a variety of prizes just prior to watching the summer’s hottest SFX-produced concerts.
Procter & Gamble and SFX will invite concertgoers to test their musical knowledge through a series of trivia questions. Contestants can win tickets to SFX concerts and Six Flags theme parks.
Timberland & Discovery Announce Partnership
The Timberland Co. and the Discovery Channel have formed a strategic marketing partnership, beginning with Timberland’s sponsorship of the Discovery Channel Adventure Race: New Zealand. For fall, Timberland will sponsor the Discovery Channel’s Valley of the T-Rex.
For each initiative, Timberland has created integrated marketing programs with retail promotions at Timberland and other retail stores, sweepstakes and p.o.s. signage.
blink-182 Kicks Off Honda Civic Tour
The Honda Civic Tour 2001 has launched with the band blink-182 serving as spokespersons, as part of Honda’s efforts to reach the youth market.
The Civic Tour, featuring blink-182’s live performances, also gives fans a chance to participate in two sweepstakes. Fans can enter to win a 2001 Civic custom-designed by blink-182. Additionally, the “Meet the Band” sweepstakes will award a grand prize trip for two to a blink-182 Civic Tour Concert.
The Tour was produced by marketingfactoryinc, Venice CA.
Sauza Tequila Runs Film Tie-In Promo
Sauza Tequila and The Independent Film Channel (IFC) have teamed up to launch the ‘Pure Film Experience,’ promotion. The IFC will conduct a search for the five most talented emerging film directors in the country. These directors will each receive a donation from Sauza to create film-shorts titled “Stay Pure.” One filmaker’s short will receive a VIP screening and potentially air on the Independent Film Channel.
The Pure Film Experience promotion will also offer consumers the opportunity to win a role in an upcoming independent film, attend a NYC Sauza Pure Film Premier and win hundreds of other prizes.
The sweepstakes will be featured with on-and off- premise p.o.s. items, including case cards and director’s chairs.
CATEGORY: Special Event Programs
DISPLAY PRODUCER: Flair Communications Agency Inc.
214 West Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60610
KOOL, from Brown & Williamson, featured the KOOL MIXX 2000 DJ Competition in ten markets. This is a national competition for up and coming DJ's, who entered in an open mic atmosphere showcasing their mixing abilities. Four preliminary events were held at bars and clubs in each market of the competition, with winners moving on to the final event in their market. The champion for each market received $2,000 and clothes from Lifted Gear, A DJ -inspired clothing line. At each event, KOOL was distributed to smokers 21 and older. Over 22,000 consumers attended 50 events.
CATEGORY: Corrugated Displays
DISPLAY PRODUCER: Alpak Manufacturing Corp.
181 Boyd Street, P.O. Box 339, Montgomery, NY 12549
The 2001 Guinness World Records Display was created with an emphasis on construction. Fully loaded, the display weighs over 50 lbs. The base, tray and shelves were all reinforced. The complete display was shipped pre-assembled. The base and tray are printed 1-color plus varnish, the header SBS.
CATEGORY: Corrugated Displays
DISPLAY PRODUCER: Kell Specialty
421 Palmer St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
This Iceberg Augie display was created to provide mass merchandisers with a unit for a product line of plush collectible animals based around the theme of the main character. The animals are sold in conjunction with a story book and audio tape that tells the tale of the main character. Exposed display parts have a UV coating to ensure brilliant colors and longevity.
CATEGORY: Permanent Displays
DISPLAY PRODUCER: Acrylic Design Associates
6050 Nathan Lane, Plymouth, MN 55442
This DVD/CD fixture incorporates PETG Pocket pushers to push product towards the front, giving a full clean appearance. The design deters theft, not allowing more than one DVD/CD to be taken out at a time. The fixtures allows for a wide array of design sizes and configurations. It can be customized to include product graphics and custom screened to fit any store decor. Extruded shelves can be retrofitted to be used on existing steel gondolas.
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