Nintendo World Opens As Retail Destination
Nintendo recently opened its first retail store in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza.
Featuring 10,000 square feet of retail space and two stories of interactive fun for all ages, Nintendo World is a one-of-a-kind interactive entertainment and retail destination.
Highlights of the store include a selection of exclusive Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance SP, Nintendo GameCube and Pokemon merchandise not found at any other store in the world.
There are over 50 interactive stations featuring the hottest Nintendo games and an extensive multi-player gaming wall featuring Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS systems.
A surround sound gaming lounge offers consumers a place to play and feel like they are part of the game-complete with rumble seats. The Pokemon Center features exclusive merchandise, state-of-the-art demo stations and an Ultra-Pokedex.
Other highlights include an extensive Nintendo DS sampling station; and a complete GameBoy Advance SP “bar” where consumers can grab a barstool and play a variety of games.
American Eagle Runs ‘Monkey Business’ Promo.
American Eagle Outfitters along with DMX MUSIC and Interscope Records recently conducted a cross-promotional marketing campaign to launch The Black Eyed Peas’ new album, “Monkey Business.” The promotion featured exclusive listening parties in AE’s 847 stores throughout North America and a sweepstakes on ae.com offering a trip for two to AE's new flagship store in Seattle for a shopping spree with The Black Eyed Peas.
“AE has always known that music is essential in the lives of our customers,” said Adam Diamond, vice president of marketing operations at American Eagle Outfitters. “The Black Eyed Peas are diverse, individual, and real - a perfect match in style and spirit with the AE brand. We are always looking for creative ways to connect with our target demographic and this groundbreaking partnership enables us to provide them with a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Guitar Center Teams With THQ For Nationwide Promo.
Guitar Center recently teamed up with THQ, developer of the MX vs. ATV Unleashed video game for a nationwide promotion, which gave one winner thousands of dollars in prizes including a Suzuki Quadsport LT-Z400, Suzuki RM 250 Motorcycle, a custom MX vs. ATV Unleashed Schecter/THQ guitar and a copy of the new MX vs. ATV Unleased video game.
"Video Games are an integral part of a musician's lifestyle and music is a high profile element in the current crop of video games," said Jack Sonni, V.P. of Marketing for Guitar Center.
“Music plays an important role in THQ’s marketing strategy for MX vs. ATV Unleashed. Partnering with Guitar Center is a key component for us to increase product exposure during the title launch,” said Craig Rechenmacher, Director, Global Brand Management, THQ. In-store posters inform consumers on how to enter the promotion.
Microsoft Ink-In-Motion POP Promotes XBOX
Microsoft is using Ink-In-Motion, a flashing electronic display that combines the motion with the visual appeal of ink-on-paper to promote its latest XBOX game release, Bioware's Jade Empire.
Woo-Jong Kang, CEO of NeoLux, a distributor of the Ink-In-Motion display technology, said, “This unique technology was able to meet the customer’s requirements for effective animation, easy installation and on-time distribution.” Microsoft was particularly pleased with the displays “eye-catching” appeal and its thinness and long battery life allowing for an easy roll-out to their distribution channel.
The core enabling technology for Ink-In-Motion is an electronic paper display material called electronic ink, which is manufactured by E Ink Corp., Cambridge, MA.
Pep Boys Unveils Remodeled Stores
The Pep Boys automotive aftermarket retail chain has opened newly remodeled stores, which have been re-merchandised with new products ranging from tools and ATVs to the latest in mobile entertainment.
A modern interior design, which reflects the new red, white and blue Pep Boys corporate colors, includes multimedia displays, dynamic signage and customized areas for new product categories. The store exteriors have also been updated.
“Our new stores feature bolder product displays that leverage our retail space, create a permanent space for exciting new product categories, and highlight the repair and maintenance service we provide,” said Larry Stevenson, Pep Boys Chairman and CEO.
Display Merchandises ‘Life In The Bowling Lane'’
Unknown Bowler Productions has released “Life In The Bowling Lane!,” the world's first comedy DVD made specifically as a point-of-purchase sales item for the 65 million bowlers in the U.S. and Canada.
“Life In The Bowling Lane!” is a fast-paced, laugh-filled, comedy romp in a wild and crazy bowling center, starring the Unknown Comic and co-starring stand-up comedian Bob Zany.
A space-efficient point-of-purchase counter display, which was specially created for bowling centers and pro shops, holds 10 DVDs.
Mountain Dew And Microsoft To Giveaway Xbox 360 Systems Before Console Hits Store Shelves
Microsoft and Pepsi-Cola are conducting a promotion to put the Xbox 360 next-generation video game and entertainment system into the hands of thousands of people before the console hits store shelves. Beginning August 28, Mountain Dew and Xbox will select a winner of an Xbox 360 every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for nine weeks straight in the "Every 10 Minutes' promotion.
To play, consumers will collect codes found under the caps of Mountain Dew and other participating Pepsi products, and enter codes in a personal online account at www.every10minutes.com. Participants will be able to choose which 10-minute drawing to enter, and can spread codes across different drawings or stockpile codes and put them all towards one drawing.
“The launch of the Xbox 360 system is the most anticipated event that will happen in gaming this year,” said Dave Burwick, Chief Marketing Officer at Pepsi-Cola NA. “We are thrilled to reward our loyal Mountain Dew consumers with the hottest new gaming technology before anyone can buy it in stores, in a way that only Dew can do it.”
“We are excited about teaming up with Pepsi-Cola to turn up the volume on the Xbox 360 excitement,” said Mitch Koch, V.P., Worldwide Retail Sales for Xbox. “Our co-marketing relationship is based on our commitment to deliver entertaining, top-of-the-line promotions to our customers.”
Nexcom Introduces First Store In U.S. To Exclusively Sell BlackBerry Solutions
Nexcom Wireless has opened the Nexcom Wireless store in Charlotte, NC, to exclusively sell BlackBerry products, Nextel Wireless Data services and in-depth training on the BlackBerry platform.
The unique store will feature the BlackBerry Wireless HandHeld from Research In Motion, BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry services and Nextel voice and data solutions. BlackBerry from Nextel provides a mobile office experience, enabling phone, Direct Connect, email, Internet, organizer and corporate application access via a single integrated device. It operates on Nextel's guaranteed all-digital network to provide mobile professionals the freedom to access information and communicate while away from the office.
"This unique partnership between Nextel, RIM and Nexcom will be of great value to BlackBerry customers," said Craven Shumaker, V.P., Nextel. "By providing hands-on training and practical demonstrations, Nexcom Wireless will help to enhance customers' understanding of the multiple business solutions possible with BlackBerry."
RadioShack's Opens StoreOne
RadioShack Corp. has opened StoreOne, a unique retail environment and learning portal in downtown Fort Worth, TX. This flagship store underscores RadioShack’s commitment to understanding customer interest, demand and grasp of consumer electronics and, ultimately, improving the customer experience in RadioShack stores across the country.
StoreOne is modeled after the ultimate modern home of the future. Featuring a Family Room, Home Office, Garage, Game Room, Kitchen and more, StoreOne lets customers experience a broad assortment of consumer electronics in a real life setting that is fun and interactive. Customers can try out virtually any product in the store, learn about them using the interactive, touch-screen "Easy Answer Center" in each room, and even have information e-mailed to them.
“The look and feel of StoreOne supports the ongoing revitalization of the RadioShack brand,” said Don Carroll, Sr. V.P., Chief Marketing and Brand Officer. “Our goal is to infuse that same energy and freshness throughout all RadioShack stores.”
The second floor of StoreOne is home to the “MotoZone,” an activities area sponsored by Motorola, RadioShack's premier partner for StoreOne. There, customers can "spray paint" original art at the MotoGlyph, have their picture taken at the MotoMosaic, and enjoy a showing of “Operation: Micron” in the Experience Theater with interactive seats.
Nextel Center Offers Wireless Experience
Nextel’s Las Vegas Monorail Convention Center Station offers visitors an opportunity to experience wireless data solutions in a unique interactive environment. Nextel Center encompasses an all-in-one transit station, product showroom, flagship Nextel Retail Store and a dedicated showcase area.
The 15,000-sq. ft. facility is a wireless industry first where a monorail station stop is branded as a sales and marketing venue, taking advantage of the more than 5 million conventioneers that visit the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The opening of Nextel Central is the culmination of our collective vision to seek out a premier branding opportunity that focused on helping our customers experience the benefits of wireless communications in a hands-on environment,” said Mark Schweitzer, Sr. V.P. Marketing, Nextel.
Nokia Theatre To Open In Times Square
The Nokia Theatre Times Square is debuting on Broadway this summer as a showcase for live entertainment. Nokia collaborated with AEG, a sports and entertainment presenter, to further expand their existing relationship which encompasses Nokia Theatre Los Angeles, Club Nokia in Los Angeles; and Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie. The Nokia Theatre venues are part of the ‘Nokia Unwired’ marketing platform, which brings live music to fans in the Nokia Theatre venues.
“Nokia Theatre Times Square will allow us to reach out to music fans among the lights and excitement found only in the crossroads of the world-Times Square,” said Jo Harlow, V.P., Marketing for Nokia.”
Best Buy Taking Gamers To Next Level
Best Buy is refocusing its stores with the equipment, service and technical support to help gamers take their game to the next level. New experience stations are being rolled out to let gamers experience the benefits of complete gaming systems for themselves.
As the experience of gaming evolves, so too is the profile of the gamer. The stereotype of teenage boys playing video games has given way to a new reality. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the average age of a gamer in the U.S. is 30, and more than one-third of gamers are women.
“The gaming experience itself is changing,” said Jill Hamburger, V.P., Movies, Video Games and Toys at Best Buy. "It is more social and engaging than ever before. At Best Buy, our goal is to help people unlock the full potential of their gaming systems."
Qwest Opens Solution Center Living Rooms
Qwest Communications is expanding its retail presence in the Phoenix area beyond its traditional kiosks, with the opening of two new Qwest Solution Center Living Rooms, offering the services available at Qwest Solutions Centers plus additional amenities in the comfort of a living room environment.
Qwest Living Rooms center around comfortable seating areas where plasma screen TVs display a full complement of Qwest Choice TV channels. Each location is equipped with wireless Internet access and customers can get expert advice on purchasing wireless, high-speed Internet service, home-phone packages, long-distance service and DirecTV.
Mobile Gaming Is Gender Neutral
Despite commonly held beliefs about the differences between men’s and women’s mobile entertainment preferences, the similarities are noteworthy, according to research conducted by Sorrent, Inc.
Sorrent has found that both men and women (66% of men and 68% of women) play games at least once a day. More than a third (34%) of both men and women play games more than three times per day; Both men and women typically play games at home, however, more women (68%) are playing games at home compared to men (60%); Men are slightly more likely (37%) to typically play games in the workplace than women (31%); More than 60% of both men and women play for more than 10 minutes at a time. More than 70% of both men and women share mobile gameplay on their phones with friends or family members, however, men are slightly less likely (68%) to do so compared to women (74%).
Women Are Mobile Warriors, WITI Survey Reveals
When it comes to technology, women are mobile warriors and early adopters, according to the results of a survey conducted by WITI (Women in Technology International), IDC and Intel. “This survey challenges some of the pervasive stereotypes about women and technology,” said Dr. Genevieve Bell, a cultural anthropologist for Intel.
The survey found that 67% of women say mobile technology has given them the freedom to work when and where they want. Some 89% of women use e-mails and 36% use photo-sharing web sites. 89% use their laptops regularly and 67% use cellular phones with one-third using advanced features on their phones. New technologies such as home networking (57%) and WiFi (24%) are favorites among women.
The survey revealed that women are dissatisfied with the retail experience on technology purchases. Only 15% felt that retailers understand their needs. The WITI/IDC survey demonstrates dissatisfaction with today’s marketing messages. 43% of women surveyed said that today’s technology product marketing campaigns do not “talk” to them. Women say what they want emphasized are the lifestyle features that offer direct benefits.
Xbox 360 Console Is Announced
Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox 360, a next -generation game and entertainment system with a wireless controller.
Every Xbox 360 game is designed for high-definition, wide-screen televisions. Connect Xbox 360 to a broadband connection and get instant access to Xbox Live Silver, available for no monthly service charge with an Xbox 360 system.
Players can connect with friends anywhere through Xbox Live voice chat; send and receive text and voice messages; and download demos and trailers.
Memorex Introduces DVD Media
Memorex is debuting its new Director’s Cut recordable DVD media, ideal for movie buffs and home movie producers. A movie reel-style metal storage tin comes with each package. These tins help maintain the integrity of important recordings by preventing exposure to light.
“Consumers will look for DVD media that provide longer-lasting preservation for their home movies and personal video collections,”said Brad Yeager, Director, Product Marketing, Optical Media.
Tony Hawk Helmet Cam Debuts
Digital Blue has launched the Tony Hawk Helmet Cam, a digital camcorder that attaches to a helmet. Digital Blue created the product to enable skateboarders, cyclists, snow boarders and other sports enthusiasts to make their own sports videos as exciting as any on TV.
The Tony Hawk Helmet Cam comes with a 32MB memory card recording up to 30 minutes of video and sound. The software lets kids edit their own videos alongside footage of Tony Hawk.
Schwinn Introduces Sting-Ray Electric
The new Sting-Ray Electric shares the original design characteristics of the Street Series Sting-Ray, but adds an electric motor and battery pack. It will reach 14 mph and the battery will last two hours.
“Electric bicycles are a hot trend right now,” said Chris Hornung, CEO, Pacific Cycle, owner of the Schwinn Bicycles brand. “The Sting-Ray Electric takes this trend to a higher level by marrying superior power assist technology with the chopper design that Schwinn introduced to the market with the Sting-Ray.”
This immersive, 44,000-sq.ft. exhibit environment was laid out as a metaphorical arena with an ascending series of platforms, facilitating smooth traffic flow and hands-on interaction for over 100,000 visitors to the Sony PlayStation exhibit at E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo. The glowing pillars, which marked the exhibit's entrance, were visible from hundreds of feet away, ensuring “must see” status among the video game developers, press and retailers attending the show. The Sony PlayStation exhibit was created by Pinnacle Exhibits, Hillsboro, Oregon, in partnership with Mauk Design.
Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Harbor Industries, Inc.
14130 172nd Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417
The Bose 'Stitch' display was designed as an elegant counter display to demonstrate the superior quality of the new Bose headphones. An AM/FM/CD player provided by Bose is used for demonstration purposes. Lifestyle graphics and information highlighting the superiority of these headphone sets was used to educate the consumer on the benefits of the Bose products. The graphics slide into channels and are changeable.
Display Producer: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Thorco Industries
1300 E. 12th Street, Lamar, MO 64759
The Dayspring International Calendar 5-panel spinner was designed to be a sturdy, visually appealing display with a minimum footprint. Each of the 5 panels uses engineered-in flexibility to display a variety of inspirational wall, pocket or purse calendars, desk planners, magnetic calendars, memo pads and related products. Great importance was placed on maximum product load-in, flexible display options and variable product mix both in and out of season. The all satin black powder coated metal and wire components are complimented by smoked acrylic end panels and wood grain laminate top and bottom caps. The display is topped by a die-cut graphic panel.
Category: Corrugated Displays
Display Producer: Menasha Display Group
60l E. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA l9l34
The Supermag 2-sided Floorstand was developed to increase brand recognition in the U.S. for a well-known European Toy. The high-impact display accommodates three sizes of packaging. The footprint of the unit fits onto a l/4 pallet and ships to retail pre-packed. By using B flute corrugated with litho-laminated graphics for the majority of the display, strength was achieved without losing visual impact.
Category:Promotional Displays
Display Producer:Alpak Manufacturing Corporation
18l Boyd Street, Montgomery, NY l2549
This counter display was produced for the "Discovery Channel" for all categories of Discovery Channel books and magazines. The display ships set up in a carton, a l-piece, l-color pre-pack. The display is used at supermarkets and c-stores. Design to production in two weeks!
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