Disney Launches New Line Of Consumer Electronics
Disney Consumer Products has launched a new line of Disney Electronics, including a 13" TV, DVD player, boom box and portable CD radio. “We're delighted to be a premiere destination for Disney Electronics nationwide,” said Ron Baime, V.P. at Circuit City. “For kids and adults alike, Disney Electronics are infused with the brand’s timeless characters and Circuit City has designed a kid-friendly and vibrant environment to display the Disney Electronics line.”
The new Disney Electronics will initially be available at Circuit City, Sears and Target.
Scholastic Promotes New “Harry Potter” Book
Scholastic has announced a multi-million dollar marketing campaign for the launch of the fifth Harry Potter title: “Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix.” The book will be supported by a marketing campaign that includes: national advertising, partnerships with four Major League Baseball teams, promotional giveaways, and thousands of midnight parties at retail locations.
As part of the campaign, Scholastic has distributed promotional materials to retailers including: 400,000 buttons; 50,000 window clings; 9,500 easelbacks and 24,000 standees with a countdown clock. In addition, Scholastic supplied over 15,000 event kits to booksellers to help them plan their midnight events.
Scholastic has partnered with four Major League Baseball teams to sponsor “Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix.” days. Each team has crafted unique promotions including players dressed up in Harry Potter outfits displayed on the video board, costume contests, raffles, and promotional giveaways.
nReach Develops Kiosk For Mobile Phone Content
nReach, a Golden, CO-based leader in mobile content delivery, is deploying trials with major national consumer electronics retailers for in-store, self-serve Mobile Content Vending Machines. The vending machine allows consumers to personalize their mobile phones by purchasing content including ringtones, graphics, and games.
Through the Mobile Content Vending Machine, customers browse a comprehensive selection of mobile content products, preview what the product sounds or looks like, then purchase the product by entering cash directly into the machine. Once the customer has completed the purchase, the product is sent instantly, over-the-air to their mobile phone.
“Personalizing mobile phones with ringtones, graphics and games was previously for the highly technical crowd,” said Mike Stemple, CEO of nReach. “nReach’s innovations will expand the use of entertaining mobile content to a much broader audience while capturing new revenues for retailers.”
The kiosk is available as a freestanding or counter unit.
Corona Conducts “Verano al Ritmo de Corona” Promo.
The Gambrinus Co. is conducting a “Verano al Ritmo de Corona” (Summer to the Rhythm of Corona) Hispanic-market promotion, featuring Latin talent Roselyn Sánchez.
The promotion includes a consumer sweepstakes to win an all-expenses-paid trip to a televised Latin music concert hosted by Roselyn Sánchez in Miami in September.
A full line-up of on-and of-premise POS supporting the “Verano al Ritmo de Corona” promotion will feature Sánchez.
“Verano al Ritmo de Corona is all about the unique vibrancy of the brand, the #1 import beer in the U.S.,” said Don Mann, Marketing General Manager, The Gambrinus Co. “The integrated marketing campaign hits a number of hot buttons for young Hispanics - star power, leading-edge events, exciting music and dance, and a huge concert in a major Hispanic market."
Zima Promotion Offers Consumers A Free CD
Coors Brewing’s Zima has partnered with “Complex,” a new young men’s bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for a summer promotion. Complex is producing a full length CD with urban appeal that will be made available as a Gift with Purchase to be distributed through Zima’s website. The CD features artists in the hip-hop arena. Consumers who purchase Zima will receive a code within the product packaging that allows them to redeem their CD by entering the code on Zima.com.
Additionally, Complex is creating a custom publication/guide for Zima titled, “Start Your Night Right,” which will be distributed nationally through Zima retailers. It will be free to Zima purchasers and will feature articles on musical artists, style and nightlife.
“Zima came to Complex because the magazine delivers male consumers who will help drive their business at retail,” says Rob Weinstein, Marketing Director, Complex Media.
A one page Zima ad in Complex highlights the promotion. Additionally, there will be listening stations set-up in grocery chains and convenience stores so the CD can be sampled.
Lancer Displays Thalia Eyewear Collection
Lancer International, Louisville, KY, a division of the Kenmark Group, has introduced several new ophthalmic styles in its Thalia Eyewear collection.
Each new style highlights the fun and excitement that represents the passion of Latin entertainer, Thalia. These styles were designed for women who want to make a statement with their eyewear. The frames feature expressive colors and unique shapes for women. Many styles have spring hinges and custom signature Thalia nosepads.
Thalia Eyewear is being supported by a comprehensive marketing program that includes advertising and point-of-purchase materials. A one-piece display includes a counter card to be used on or next to the platform while the 3 and 4-piece displays include a reversible image of Thalia modeling her eyewear.
Daymaker Offering Deluxe Display Rack
Barbour Publishing, Uhrichsville, OH, is using this display rack to merchandise its DayMaker Greeting Books in gift market stores around the nation.
The full-color gift books feature inspirational text and photos for a variety of gift-giving occasions, such as “Happy Birthday,” “Apples for A Teacher,” and “Especially for Mothers”. The books come with envelopes and can be mailed just like a greeting card.
This spinner rack has a 12” footprint and stands 71” high. The header reads, “When a Card Isn’t Enough.”
The display holds a large selection of books and provides retailers with a large return in a minimum of floor space.
Coca-Cola Has Launched Summer Thrills Promotion
Coca-Cola has launched a “Bring On Summer Thrills” promotion, targeted at teens, to promote its Coke and Sprite products.
Numerous regional promotions around the country will offer free trips and discounted admissions to local amusement and water parks. A national under-the-cap game offers special prizes.
The promotion will be supported with media and point-of-purchase advertising, including special rack cards.
Kool Displays Free Pager Offer
Brown & Williamson Tobacco’s KOOL cigarette brand has teamed with PageMaster Corp. to present an exclusive opportunity for KOOL customers to get connected with alphanumeric paging services.
Consumers who purchase specially marked packs of KOOL will receive coupons they can redeem for their choice of either a $150 Motorola Talkabout T-900 2-Way or a $70 Motorola T-350 1-Way pager. Pager content channels include news, sports, weather, music and entertainment, information and updates.
“KOOL celebrates urban living,” said Ludo Cremers, V.P. for KOOL brand marketing. “The Motorola pager promotion fits into the lifestyle of KOOL consumers who want to be connected.”
The free Motorola pager offer will be supported by media advertising and point-of-sale materials.
141 Worldwide, New York, City, a division of Bates, developed the consumer communication materials for the KOOL/Motorola Pager Promotion.
Siemens Inflatable Raft Promotes Cell Phones
Siemens is using this 62-inch S-56 Mobile Phone Raft to promote its phones at the point-of-sales, trade shows and promotional events.
In addition to promoting the S 56 phone, the inflatable is a fully functional pool raft.
Siemens is also using 20’ Giant Cold Air Inflatable Mobile Phones to draw traffic to dealers, and at special promotional events.
These inflatables were created by The Inflatable Marketplace, El Cajon, CA.
Baskin-Robbins Promotion Ties In With ‘X2’
Baskin-Robbins recently tied in with Twentieth Century Fox’s ‘X2.’
Joe Adney, Senior Director of Marketing for Baskin-Robbins, said, “Our flavor production team developed a collection of ice cream creations that reflect the theme and elements of this summer movie.” These flavors included; Oreo X-Mint, X-Treme Berry Sherbet, and Wolverine’s Berry Rampage Sundae.
The X2 summer promotion has been supported with media and internet advertising, extensive in-store signage and special in-store displays.
DreamWorks Signs Promotional Partners For ‘Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas’
Baskin-Robbins, Burger King, General Mills, Hewlett Packard, M&M’S Brand, and Speedway SuperAmerica have signed up as promotional partners to tie in with DreamWorks’ “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas.” The “Sinbad” promotional campaign will be prominently featured in over 50,000 retail locations this summer.
Burger King restaurants will offer a four-week kids meal program, featuring “Sinbad” collectible premiums. Baskin-Robbins is offering exclusive flavors and themed products such as the Deep Blue Menace Sundae and Sinbad’s Triple Punch Sherbet. The promotion will be supported with a national TV campaign and extensive in-store signage.
General Mills is featuring “Sinbad” on millions of packages of Big G Cereals, Totinos, and Pop Secret and is supporting the promotion with in-store p.o.s. materials. In theatres around the nation, M&M’S will support “Sinbad” with a value pack promotion.
Speedway SuperAmerica convenience stores will offer an exclusive “Sinbad” cup and will highlight the offer with in-store signage.
Virgin Entertainment Group Spearheads A Save-the-Single Movement
Virgin Entertainment Group is spearheading a movement to reintroduce the Single to music fans. “The Single format holds an appeal for a wide breadth of music consumers,” said Dave Alder, V.P., Product & Marketing, Virgin Entertainment Group. “Because of its low price point, the Single gives younger customers an affordable way to start buying music.”
To revive sales of Singles, Virgin has pledged considerable physical space in all of its 23 Megastores. Virgin is conducting one of the first large-scale Singles promotions that the industry has seen in years. Virgin’s Save the Single nationwide promotion allows customers to buy 2 Singles for $10, from a wide selection of over 70 new, catalogue, and import titles.
Virgin will continue to support the format through maintaining a dedicated Singles department in every store.
Wireless Retail & BJ’s Wholesale Club Announce Merchandising Agreement
Wireless Retail Inc. has announced an agreement with BJ’s Wholesale Club, to sell wireless phones, satellite television and broadband services at all BJ’s Wholesale Clubs. Wireless Retail will provide a “turnkey” store-in-a-store program, utilizing an innovative, open store fixture.
“Wireless Retail has demonstrated a successful track record for providing superior customer service, easy access to the nation’s leading carriers and service providers and the best designed store fixtures,” said Michael Wedge, President of BJ’s.
To facilitate customer interaction, Wireless Retail partnered with Design Forum to develop the store-within-a-store prototype fixture. Unlike traditional in-store kiosks with counters and enclosed display cabinets that separate a customer from the sales person and the merchandise, this “mini” store features open access and product displays that encourage customers to interact with the sales consultants.
Pepsi Offers Consumers A Chance To ‘Play For A Billion’
Pepsi-Cola is offering consumers a chance to “Play for a Billion” live nationally on The WB TV Network. Pepsi has joined forces with AOL and The WB Network to produce a live TV show in which a contestant will have the chance to win $1 billion. The show guarantees a $1 million winner who will then have the chance to win $1 billion. There is a one in 1000 chance that the $1 billion will be awarded. The show, set to air in September, will be the culmination of Pepsi’s “Play for a Billion” summer promotion.
The 1,000 contestants on the show will be selected through the Pepsi “Play for a Billion” sweepstakes. TV advertising and point-of-purchase materials will support the promotion, which was created by TLP, Wilton, CT.
“We’re out to spark excitement with big ideas and big activities,” said Dave Burwick, Chief Marketing Officer of Pepsi-Cola N.A.
Office Depot Rolls Out Ink Depot
Office Depot has launched the Ink Depot, an initiative to provide the best shopping experience for customers wishing to purchase ink, toner and fax supplies.
Dave D'Arezzo, Exec.V.P., Merchandising and Replenishment for Office Depot, said that the Ink Depots, a corralled shop at the front of each store, will present the industry’s most extensive product lineup.
The Ink Depot will feature a web-enabled reference/finder kiosk and its own free-standing register. A cartridge recycling area will offer customers a free ream of Office Depot’s EnviroCopy recycled paper when they return used ink and toner cartridges.
Office Depot's launch will be supported by cohesive marketing programs that cross multiple channels and media, including radio, newspaper, direct mail, inserts, ROP, email and store signage.
“The campaign will promote Office Depot as the best destination for ink, toner and fax supplies,” D'Arezzo said.
Product Innovations Driving Auto Entertainment & Navigation Market
The introduction of new products at steadily declining prices is propelling rapid growth in the North American mobile infotainment market, according to Frost & Sullivan’s “Automotive Entertainment and Navigation Systems” report. The report reveals that current original equipment and aftermarket sales generated revenues of $1.2 billion in 2002, and that sales are expected to reach $4.7 billion in 2008.
“New products such as DVD-based rear-seat entertainment systems, voice- based navigation systems, satellite radio, and MP3 audio systems are redefining the in-vehicle entertainment experience,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Veerender Kaul.
To reach the increasingly important customer segments of “soccer moms” and older males, manufacturers are strengthening their consumer electronics and mass merchandising channels.
Logitech Launches NetPlay Controller
Logitech has launched the Logitech NetPlay Controller.“Online gaming, often requires the functionality of both a gamepad, to control the actions of a character, and a keyboard, to type everything from game commands to messages to the opposition,” said Fred Swan, Director of Marketing for Logitech. “NetPlay Controller will give online gamers the best of both worlds, allowing them to type and use the gamepad without having to juggle two different devices.”
Smirnoff Liberation Lounges At Amphitheaters
Smirnoff is sponsoring Clear Channel Entertainment’s summer concert program called “Smirnoff Summer of Live” at outdoor venues across the US. “We’re excited to sponsor the launch of ‘Smirnoff Summer of Live,’ which promotes an amazing array of talent,” said James Stammer, Smirnoff Sr. Brand Manager.
Smirnoff will host “Smirnoff Liberation Lounges” for select adult concertgoers, which will be the hottest spots at outdoor concerts all summer long featuring interactive games, contests and experiential entertainment.
Dr Pepper & Warner Conduct Joint Promo
Dr Pepper/Seven Up and Warner Bros. Records are conducting a summer promotion that appeals to consumers’ love of music and soft drinks. The LiquidLoot promotion will enable consumers to collect points from specially market soft drink products and bid on music-oriented merchandise in an online auction-style promotion. Consumers will be directed to www.liquidloot.com, a Web site operated by Dr Pepper/Seven Up as part of its online consumer loyalty program presented by eBay.
“We believe our promotional partnership with Warner Bros. Records will help drive excitement for our brands by providing consumers with fun and unique prizes,” said Holly Mensch, V.P. Marketing, Dr Pepper/Seven Up.
The promotion is supported with special p.o.p. materials that are co-branded with the Warner Bros. Records logo.
Kodak & Cineplex Run Joint Promotion
Kodak Canada and Cineplex Odeon are conducting The Free Movie Passes and Movie Snacks promotion. Kodak products contain coupons redeemable at Cineplex Odeon, Galaxy Cinemas and Empire Theatres for movie passes or snacks.
There are more than 1.3 million movie prizes in Kodak products with a total prize value of more than $6 million. Every specially marked Kodak product pack is a winner.
The promotion is backed with in-store materials and in-theatre posters.
Heineken Ties In With “The Matrix”
Heineken and Warner Bros. Pictures have conducted an integrated marketing program supporting the hit movie, “The Matix Reloaded.” The campaign included TV advertising and specially designed point-of-sale materials.
“We are excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures on promotions surrounding the latest installment of the Matrix trilogy,” said Steve Davis, Sr. V.P. Marketing, Heineken USA. “Over the past few years, Heineken has been associated with a number of top-grossing motion pictures, and 2003 is destined to be the year of the Matrix.”
Better Homes & Gardens Experience Is Launched
Better Homes and Gardens magazine has announced The Better Homes and Gardens Experience, a mobile tour that will visit 20 markets and reach more than 3.5 million consumers.
The Experience brings to life the magazine’s “Your Best Summer Ever” editorial series in a 5,000-sq. ft., interactive event space. The main stage features a kitchen, garden landscape, custom work area and plasma screens.
A 42-foot expandable trailer opens on-site to create the event backdrop and main stage. The trailer is wrapped in imagery from Better Homes and Gardens.
CATEGORY: Standees
DISPLAY PRODUCER: Proprint Services Inc.
5621 Finch Avenue East, Unit #5, Toronto, Ontario Canada M1B 2T9
The Mountain Dew - Hulk Standee is a screen printed three dimensional six foot standee which was part of a large scale marketing campaign supporting the release of the film. The Hulk leg and hand with the Mountain Dew logo jump out of the main piece, and making it look like the Hulk is crashing through the wall. The image and construction of the standee reinforces the recognizable popular mean and green theme of the character. It also ties into the "Unleash Your Thirst" campaign to bring the consumer to purchase more soft drinks. The standee was one of the many Hulk size promotional P.O.P. pieces that were shipped as part of the kit that included shelf talkers, wobblers, display toppers and pole signs.
CATEGORY: Permanent Displays
DISPLAY PRODUCER: New Dimensions Research
260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY 11747.
This display provides a dramatic, durable and portable display for Scholastic Bookfairs, which are mini Bookstores organized on school premises. The display acts as both a transport unit and a kiosk display. It sets up in minutes at the various schools by simply pulling a latch and pulling open levered doors, lifting a header and folding back the side panels.
CATEGORY: Inflatables
DISPLAY PRODUCER: The Inflatable Marketplace
1810 Gillespie Way, Suite 202, El Cajon, CA 92020
This Sea World Haunted Light House is a giant cold air inflatable, 30 ft. tall. It raises visibility and highlights the new attraction opening in San Diego and San Antonio "Sea World Adventure Parks". The inflatables are being used at shopping malls and special events to promote the new attraction.
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