Apple Opens Retail Store On New York’s Fifth Ave.
The Apple Store Fifth Avenue is Apple’s most architecturally innovative store, featuring a distinctive 32-foot glass cube that creates a stunning new destination on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The Apple Store Fifth Avenue will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to offer an unprecedented level of service.
The new store offers more than 100 Macs and nearly 200 iPods for customers to try before they buy, as well as the world's largest assortment of accessories to help you get the most out of your Mac or iPod.
The store features a combined 45-foot Genius Bar, iPod bar and The Studio where customers can get face-to-face support, free advice and work on creative projects at any hour of the day or night.
The hands-on Apple Store experience provides visitors with a chance to test-drive Apple’s entire product line.
“With outstanding service and an amazing location open 24 hours a day, we think the Apple Store Fifth Avenue is going to be a favorite destination for New Yorkers and people around the world,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. More than 147 million people on three continents have visited Apple retail stores since they opened in May 2001. Apple now operates 147 stores, including six in Japan, six in the U.K. and two in Canada.
Mattel Fiberoptic Sign Promotes Toy Line
Mattel recently used this fiber optic train sign to promote its Disney line of infant & preschool toys.
The colorful, eye-catching Mattel train fiber optic lighting was an entrance sign for Mattel’s Disney branded preschool products. The train has a photo image background. The wheels appear to turn. The train puffs rainbow colored steam. Each logo is animated individually. It was very effective in combining the brand identities of the two companies and indicating they were working together to create this joyful line of toys for young children. The Mattel train sign measures 37" high x 96" long.
This fiberoptic sign was produced by Fiberoptic Lighting, Inc., Grants Pass, OR.
Build-A-Bear Offers Custom Gift Card Kiosks
Build-A-Bear Workshops faced a challenge in selling its gift cards in a retail setting where customization and personalization are an integral part of the customer experience. Build-A-Bear wanted to improve this experience for its guests and speed the gift card buying process by incorporating self-service technology.
Build-A-Bear worked with Nanonation, Lincoln, NE, to create a personalized on-demand gift card printing station. The custom gift card kiosks offer a personalized experience, as well as a way to speed up transaction times and decrease wait times. The kiosks enable users to select the custom card background and specify the value they want to add to the card. A preview feature allows the customer to see exactly what the card will look like when printed.
Durst Photo Book Station Debuts
Durst Image Technology has introduced the Durst Photo Book Station, a compact, productive and easy-to-use four-station book binder that makes it easy to produce event albums, memory books and other photo book products in-store.
Durst’s new Photo Book Station produces high-quality, high-margin consumer photo books and albums with a variety of appealing “looks” at a rate of 25-30 albums per day. A compact all-in-one book binding system, it comes with all major components required to make photo albums and memory books from double pages digitally printed on photo paper.
The Photo Book Station is operated by one person who moves through the four stages of production by simply stepping around the unit and performing a function at each side-crease, glue, mount and press. The unit attaches covers as basic as a laminated photo and as elaborate as fine leather, synthetics or metal.
OfficeMax Launches Ink Cartridge Refill Program
OfficeMax has installed Ink Filling Station Kiosks that will enable consumers at nearly 900 OfficeMax stores by Fall 2006 to refill empty ink cartridges at up to 50% savings over buying a new cartridge. The Company-wide Ink Initiative is designed to provide OfficeMax customers with a total ink solution spanning the purchase of new ink cartridges, the refilling of empty ones, and the recycling of old ink cartridges.
The eight-foot-high Ink Filling Stations will be rolled out to OfficeMax stores across the country throughout 2006.
“Our new Ink Refill station program saves consumers money and is environmentally responsible,” said Ryan Vero, Exec. V.P. & Chief Merchandising Officer for OfficeMax.
Penguin & NBA Promote Literature Classics
Penguin Classics and the National Basketball Association have teamed up to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Penguin Classics and NBA Cares “Read to Achieve” Literacy Initiative with a new campaign entitled “Aim High, Live Classic.”
NBA and WNBA stars and legends will participate in a striking visual campaign and in events that will reinforce the idea, “Aim High, Live Classic.” In the visual campaign, players will be shown reading a Penguin Classic chosen by the player. These images will appear on posters and promotional materials.
CompUSA Sells Items On eBay For Las Vegas Customers
CompUSA has launched the eBay selling program in its Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada stores. Area consumers and businesses wanting to sell items on eBay, but not wanting to hassle with the selling process, have an easier solution by having CompUSA manage it for them.
Customers can monitor their sales online from their own home or office. Once their item sells, customers can choose to redeem their sales profits in cash or CompUSA gift cards. If customers choose cash, they receive 70% of the first $500 of the sale and 80% of any additional earnings, or they can receive 80% of the entire sale in CompUSA gift cards.
“We are always trying to help our customers unleash the power of technology, and while eBay is a great technology solution for businesses and consumers alike, it’s often a hassle when it comes to effectively managing the selling process,” said Larry Mondry, President and CEO of CompUSA. “We’re in a unique position to simplify this for our customers and at the same time extend their buying power at local CompUSA stores.”
Apple Launches Free Computer Take-Back Program
Apple recently launched its free computer take-back program, offering U.S. customers environmentally friendly recycling of their old computer when they buy a new Mac.
The Apple Store and Apple retail stores will give U.S. customers the option of recycling their unwanted PCs, regardless of the manufacturer. Apple also offers a free iPod recycling program through its U.S. retail stores, providing environmentally friendly disposal of any unwanted iPod and a 10% discount on the purchase of a new iPod.
Auction It Today on ebay Introduces ‘Store-In-Store’ Kiosk
Auction it Today, an online-auction franchise, has introduced the first, stand-alone kiosk and the only ebay drop-off-store franchise currently using this kiosk service.
“The kiosk service enables every kind of business, even in the most remote areas, to quickly and easily bring in new revenues on an international basis, without having to purchase inventory,” said John Hoose, Auction It Today Founder and President.
Business owners receive personalized training, software and equipment from Auction it Today. In less than two weeks, they can use the kiosk service to sell merchandise on ebay that is currently in their retail store, wholesale products and drop-off items from the public.
Motorola Unveils Destination Q On Chicago’s Magnificent Mile
Motorola is opening a pop-up retail location, dubbed Destination Q, on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. Destination Q gives consumers an exclusive opportunity to experience the Motorola brand brought to life through in-depth, customized and hands-on experiences with its game-changing product line led by the new Motorola Q.
“Motorola stretches the boundaries with innovative products and cool experiences that delight and surprise,” said Ron Garriques, President, Mobile Devices, Motorola. “Destination Q is the first in a series of experiential locations we will bring to consumers, giving them an ‘all-access pass’ to the Motorola brand and its products.”
Taking advantage of a historic marquee location in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, Destination Q will transform the former Terra Museum into a real-life manifestation of the Motorola brand. Adding to the interactive experience, guests can sample a variety of content including video, Internet updates and music at the innovative Moto Q bar. In the Moto Q lounge, guests can sit back and soak in the high energy of Destination Q. Guests may also purchase a Motorola Q as well as other Motorola products.
Lay’s & Kodak Run Summer Promotion
Lay’s potato chips and Eastman Kodak have teamed up to “Capture The Smiles of Summer” by offering free photo stickers with Lay’s potato chips. Consumers can redeem codes found on Lay’s potato chips and receive 12 free photo stickers from Kodak Easyshare Gallery, an online photo service. Consumers may also enter to instantly win one of 150,000 Kodak prizes, such as a Kodak Easyshare V530 digital camera or free Photo Mugs and Photo Books The promotion will be supported with online advertising and point-of-sale displays.
“The Capture the Smiles of Summer promotion will introduce millions of Lays customers to the Kodak Easyshare Gallery,” said David Rich, V.P. Marketing, Kodak Easyshare Gallery. Jeff Swearingen, V.P., Shopper Marketing, Frito-Lay, said, “Lay’s and Kodak Easyshare Gallery are turning good times with family and friends into great memories.”
PepsiCo Ties In With Warner Bros.’ 'Superman Returns'
PepsiCo recently partnered with Warner Bros. to promote “Superman Returns” as the film’s official food and beverage partner. Ralph Santana, V.P., Marketplace Development, Pepsi-Cola, said, “This alliance has allowed us to bring our consumers closer to one of the biggest movies of the summer.”
Pepsi is offering a $1 million reward to the winner of the national “Capture Lex and Win” sweepstakes. To play, consumers enter codes found on packages of Pepsi products at www.dailyplanet.com. Thousands will learn the whereabouts of Lex Luthor and win: an EA Superman Returns video game, a Superman Returns toy from Mattel or a $10 cash reward. Each code entry also enters the consumer into the $1 millionGrand Prize drawing.
Mountain Dew Arctic Burst and Mountain Dew Kryptonite Ice flavored Slurpee drinks will be available in limited-edition Superman returns cups at 7-ELEVEN stores. Pepsi Superman Returns interactive displays will be featured at retailers throughout the country.
HarperCollins Publishing & Sutter Home Run Joint Promotion
HarperCollins has partnered with Sutter Home Winery to create the perfect pairing: a glass of wine and a good book, whether they're enjoyed curled up on a couch or in the company of a book club.
Since spring, Sutter Home has been featuring a different Harper paperback title on its Web site each month, as well as reading group guides, recipes and wine and food pairings inspired by the book. In addition, HarperCollins placed neck hangers on two million bottles of Sutter Home wine, offering $3.00 off HarperCollins books.
American Girl Place Opens West Coast Retail Experience
American Girl Place Los Angeles recently opened at The Grove, southern California's renowned shopping destination. The experiential retail experience includes shopping for the American Girl dolls, books and accessories; dining in the American Girl Café and seeing a live musical in the American Girl Theater.
Girls will also delight in the Character Boutiques that bring to life the worlds of American Girl’s beloved historical heroines. Girls can explore the unique display alcoves that showcase each character's entire product line, or learn what life was like for their favorite characters through Peek into the Past historical vitrines.
“American Girl Place Los Angeles provides a special place where girls can share unforgettable experiences with their families and friends,” said Ellen Brothers, President of American Girl.
Embassy Suites & Build-A-Bear Workshop Team Up For Summer Travel Fun
Families and kids traveling with their Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals this summer will now have a place for their furry friends to sleep when they purchase a Build-A-Bear Workshop Sleep Over Pack as part of the Build-A-Bear Workshop promotion at Embassy Suites Hotels.
Guests who book the promotion will receive a Build-A-Bear Workshop themed premium at check-in featuring everything a traveling bear might need for a night away from home including a bear-sized Embassy Suites sleeping bag, dental kit, Embassy Suites Tiny Tees shirt and $5 Bear Buck$ gift card to use at a Build-A-Bear Workshop.
“Embassy Suites Hotels, like Build-A-Bear Workshop, provides outstanding guest experiences and caters to families’ travel needs,” said Maine Clark, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Networked Consumer Electronics & Home Networking Hardware To Reach $85 Billion By 2011
The market for home networking and connected entertainment devices will grow at an astonishing rate over the next few years, as the total value of home networking hardware, gateways, networked storage devices and networked entertainment devices rises from $14 billion in end-user revenue in 2005 to more than $85 billion by 2011, according to a new study from ABI Research.
The major driver in overall revenue growth for this market is the transformation of most conventional consumer electronics devices such as game consoles, DVD players, TVs and portable media players from stand-alone devices to network-connected ones, using both wireless and wired IP communications technologies.
“The total number of network connections shipped into the connected home will grow from 247 million in 2005 to over 861 million by 2011,” said Michael Wolf, Principal Analyst. “Wi-Fi will become the most common of the connection technologies, as consumers look to connect home servers, gateways, networked consumer electronics and portable devices over the media network.”
Connected Console Revenues To Grow 150% From 2008 To 2011
The next generation of Internet connected game console revenues will grow from roughly $800 million in 2008 to nearly $2 billion in 2011, according to the “US Console Games Forecast” published by JupiterResearch.
Industry console revenue growth will reach a high of $12.2 billion in 2007 when new platform sales are strongest. Among the key elements that will attract the second and third players on consoles will be the availability of a large catalog of casual games.
“In 2008, more than 50% of US households will have broadband Internet access and nearly 35% will have a home network,” said David Schatsky, President of JupiterResearch. “As the industry shifts to digital distribution, it will attract an estimated 24 million households in the U.S. to get connected. That will contribute to the revenue growth from $800 million to nearly $2 billion in 2011.”
Soldius Solar Charger Golf Bags Charge Mobile Phones
New Soldius Golf Bags give golfers the freedom to fully charge their cell phones and Blackberries while playing a round of golf.
Soldius Golf Bags include charging tips compatible with more than 250 mobile phones and Blackberries.
Bang & Olufsen Unveils BeoLink Wireless
Audio Solution
Bang & Olufsen has introduced its first multi-room wireless solution, BeoLink Wireless 1.
The stylish BeoLink Wireless 1 adds the convenience of wireless transmission of quality audio between rooms, replacing the Master Link Cable in Bang & Olufsen’s BeoLink concept.
Nike & Apple Launch Nike+iPodGlobal
Nike and Apple are partnering to launch the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a wireless system that allows Nike+ footwear to talk with an iPod nano. The new Nike+ Air Zoom Moire is the first footwear designed to talk to an iPod.
With the Nike+ footwear connected to iPod nano, information on time, distance, calories burned and pace is stored on iPod and displayed on the screen; real-time audible feedback also is provided through headphones. The kit includes an in-shoe sensor and a receiver that attaches to the iPod.
Nintendo Unveils Wii Video Game Console
Nintendo has announced the Wii home console. Wii (pronounced “we”) will allow players to “feel” games in a way never known before.
For example, in a four-player tennis game, the Wii Remote becomes a virtual tennis racket, from the vibration of the hit to the sound of the ball. The Wii Remote’s sensors enable players to hit straight, or put spin on the ball.
RTX America Launches Landline/Internet Phone
RTX America has announced the DUALphone, a Skype-certified hybrid phone that allows consumers to combine the benefits of traditional phone lines with Skype Internet calling capabilities.
“We’ve eliminated the need to sit in front of a PC when placing Skype calls,” said Chris Tubis, CEO, RTX America. “We are providing customers with an easy way to integrate powerful Skype functionality into their everyday lives.”
Phlash Universal Cameraphone Flash Debuts
Foxden Holdings has introduced Phlash, the first universal cameraphone flash designed to provide powerful, even lighting for superior mobile phone photography.
Phlash attaches to any cameraphone and provides powerful lighting to enable quality picture taking indoors and at night.
AP Graphics is the exclusive U.S. distributor of a three dimensional relief printing process known as AP3D. This printing process is a more dynamic alternative to flat one dimensional printing, and can be used in a myriad of ways including point-of-purchase displays, case cards, standees, full size posters, backlit signage, counter cards and danglers. For more information, contact AP Graphics, 250 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013; (Tel) 212-645-1792, (Fax) 212-645-6204, (E-mail) rgapgraphics@aol.com.
Corona & Playboy Run Summer Sweepstakes
Corona Extra is partnering with Playboy this summer to take its “Linen & Lime” promotion to the next level. Targeted to the urban market, the promotion is supported with on -and off-premise POS, radio and print ads in Playboy. “The eye-catching POS and sweepstakes will build the product’s momentum with the urban market,” said Don Mann, Marketing Manager, Gambrinus Co.
The sweepstakes winner will receive a luxury home for the weekend, invitation for three guests and a private party including a Playboy Playmate. Consumers can enter the sweepstakes via forms on retail displays, and the July issue of Playboy.
On- and off-premise displays include dimensional danglers, table tents and banners, and there will also be Corona “White Linen Parties” at on-premise accounts. The “Linen & Lime” promotion was developed by multicultural agency GlobalHue.
Glaceau Vitamin Water Launches Mobile Tour
Glaceau Vitamin Water launched a national marketing tour to promote Formula 50 Vitamin Water, co-created with rap star 50 Cent. The nationwide tour greeted all arriving Anger Management Tour concert goers and a professional mobile sound stage was set up for an MC battle to find the best freestyle MC in each particular market while serving as a sampling opportunity for Vitamin Water and their network of nationwide hydration teams and vehicles.
Festive Productions (www.festiveprod.com), a leading special events production company, provided a 40x24 Hydraulic Mobile Stage, Tow vehicle, Next GEO T Sound System, Lighting, DJ, MC Battle Host, Stage Vehicle Branded Wrap and major signage opportunity. The tour traveled over 15,000 miles in less than 2 months cross country and up and down each coast.
Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast Is Launched
Simon Property Group continues to support children’s literacy by hosting the Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast!, at 88 Simon malls. Participating sponsors of the Book Blast! Campaign include content partner Harper Collins, Lions Gate Films, Fisher Price, and Nelvana.
Local celebrities ranging from community leaders and sports figures to children’s book authors and local TV personalities will be on hand to read Adventures in the Park, Simon Kidgits Club's first book, which introduces each of the Kidgits characters. Children will also participate in interactive activities that bring the stories to life. Everyone in attendance will be eligible to win free books and special prizes.
Book Blast! is one of several programs and events held throughout the year for members of Simon Kidgits Club, which focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3 to 8.
Disney/Pixar’s “CARS” Road Trip Presented By State Farm
Disney/Pixar’s “CARS Road Trip 06” presented by State Farm will bring the “CARS” stars to life through interactive experiences. The tour, which was developed by the Becker Group, Baltimore, MD, will cross the country and be highlighted by an appearance at the World Premiere for Disney/Pixar’s “CARS” in Charlotte, NC at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The cars will ride in style via a special truck inspired by the character Mack, which will be provided by Mack Trucks.
As the number one auto insurer in the U.S., State Farm sought to sponsor “CARS Road Trip” in addition to their category sponsorship of “CARS.”
The all-star vocal cast includes Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Michael Keaton, George Carlin, and Katherine Helmon.
Category: Wood Displays
Display Producer: Nashville Display
306 Hartmann Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087
This 4-sided book fixture was designed and manufactured for a major retail chain. It is constructed from MDF with a melamine finish and has adjustable wire shelves. The metal parts have a durable powder finish. The display feaures four header signs and four vertical signs.
Category: Inflatables
Display Producer: Inflatable 2000, Inc.
207 N. Aspan Ave. #6, Azusa, CA 9l702
This bigger than life wild wonder of a Punk Rocker was created for the Vans Warped Tour 2006. The Warped Tour is the longest running Punk Rock Road tour with over 700,000 paid attendees annually. The traveling festival will take place over the summer visiting major cities with this awesome inflatable as its center piece. The unit was designed by PartyWorks Interactive in Monrovia, CA and created by Inflatable 2000.
Category: Display Systems
Display Producer: Xtra Lite Displays
3451 W. Burnsville Parkway, Suite 100, Burnsville, MN
55337
Xtra Lite produced a series of displays for "Best Buy" which were used by its Human Resources Department as an aid in the hiring of new employees. The displays were used in their stores, at hotels and elsewhere as needed.
Category: Corrugated Displays
Display Producer: Menasha Display Group
60l E. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA l9l34
The 5/6 Watch PDQ is designed to function as a refillable unit that sells watches in windowed gift boxes - 5 per display, or 6 watches per display. The display has generic "watch-face" artwork and ships pre-assembled and empty. The display is compact so that it can be placed in a variety of locations in the watch or jewelry department. The entire display is manufactured from a single sheet of litho-lam, e-flute, corrugated board offering graphic continuity and maximum brand identity.
Category: Counter Mats
Display Producer: CounterPoint
6355 Sunset Corporate Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89l20
CounterPoint ® Frame-It ™ FLEX Window Counter Mats increase the attention your sales message receives by allowing recipients to customize the counter mat. Users place current specials, instruction sheets, notices, etc., into the protective window, framed by a promotional message. Our Edge Load Frame-It ™ FLEX mats offers window sizes up to l l/4" from the edge of the counter mat, multiple windows and custom-shaped windows.
Category: Wood Displays
Display Producer: Nashville Display
306 Hartmann Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087
This 4-sided Toy Spinner is constructed from slatwall, metal and wire. The use of slatwall allows for flexibility and adjustability of the metal shelves and prongs. The metal parts have a durable powder finish. The display features a die-cut, 2-sided, 4-color header.
Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: New Dimensions Research Corp.
260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY ll747
This Duracell Endcap creates a long-term battery location which supplements additional Duracell displays already in the store and helps gain category dominance. It creates a distinct identity for the brand. It is designed to accommodate both peghook packaging as well as Duracell's PackOne modules. A gravity feed system allows for easy restocking.
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