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CREATIVE Electronics & Entertainment Merchandising
June/July, 2007

Best Buy P.O.S. Highlights HD Digital Radio

Best Buy Co. has joined forces with the HD Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading broadcasters to accelerate consumer adoption of HD Digital Radio.

The retailer’s broadened HD Radio product emphasis is supported by a comprehensive in-store point-of-sale program. Interactive HD Radio listening stations will enable customers to experience the technology’s diverse content and crystal-clear sound.

“The HD Digital Radio Alliance has made HD Digital Radio one of the hottest electronics choices around,” said Chris Homeister, Best Buy V.P., Merchandising.

HP Offers Improved Inkjet Shopping Experience

Beginning this year, most new HP consumer printers will be introduced with multiple inkjet cartridge offerings. In conjunction with these new cartridge offerings, HP is rolling out a new color-coded packaging system. Three color-coded categories: standard (blue), value (green) and specialty (red), will allow customers to walk into a retail store and quickly scan their options.

To improve the customer purchasing experience, HP has extended its color-coded system to point-of-sale materials, such as updated ink selection guides. The changes will attract shoppers’ attention in retail aisles and direct them to the appropriate supplies.

Martha Stewart Crafts Line Launches

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia is launching the Martha Stewart Crafts line. The line features more than 650 SKUs, including a wide array of materials for paper crafting and scrapbooking, with exclusive paper designs, beautiful embellishments, as well as convenient binders and storage systems that help keep everything organized.

Debuting exclusively at more than 900 Michaels stores in the U.S. and Canada, the Martha Stewart Crafts line will be a complete crafts destination, including products, inspiration, and educational materials, all arranged to create a “store-within-a-store” feel.

www.abovealladvertising.net

Displays Back Steve Irwin Wildlife Line

Wild Republic, the nature toy brand of K&M International, has launched the Steve Irwin Wildlife Adventure Series of products. As part of the company’s agreement with Australia Zoo, royalties will go directly to endangered species programs, including Wildlife Warriors, an organization founded by Steve Irwin.

Kim Hammeren, Director of Marketing, Special Projects for K&M, said, “Wild Republic is the suitable partner for Australia Zoo and the Steve Irwin product line. The company is known as the top brand of action-driven, nature-themed toys designed to educate children about the wonders of the wild through creative play.”

The Wild Republic Steve Irwin Wildlife Adventure Series will be supported with special p.o.p. displays.

Mattel HotWheels Interactive Display

This display was designed to attract attention to the product line as a ‘must have’ for all kids. The interactive display is a ‘must visit’ destination for Mattel’s HotWheels Cars and Racetracks.

The display includes light sensors, pre-recorded voice chips and radar speed gun to further enhance the interactive experience. It is designed for placement in main aisle, high traffic retail locations, adjacent to the product.

The display allows for up to 4 racers to participate in an interactive game. Stores have reported lines of kids waiting to play the HotWheels Race Track display.

This display was created for Mattel by Design Phase, a Waukegan, IL-based p.o.p. display firm.

Ojo Displays Personal Video Phones

Ojo is using this interactive floor display to merchandise its new Personal Video Phones in electronics, computer and communications stores.

Ojo’s personal video phones are easy to install and use and feature full motion video.

This interactive display demonstrates the phone to consumers. The display highlights some of the product features: operates as easily as a regular telephone; uses an existing household phone number; uses existing high-speed Internet connection with no PC required; and leave and receive video messages.

The display features the Ojo web address and distributes product literature.

Skype Displays Products In Wal-Marts

Wal-Mart is teaming up with Skype, to display Skype Certified™ hardware in 1,800 of its stores throughout the U.S. This partnership gives shoppers immediate hands-on access to headsets, webcams and handsets designed to work with Skype, as well as the first pre-paid cards for Skype available in the U.S.

Users download Skype software to make free voice and video calls and send instant messages over the Internet. Skype also offers paid-for products which let users make, receive and forward calls to and from landlines and mobile phones.

Kevin O’Connor, VP Wal-Mart Electronics, said, “The Skype hardware and pre-paid cards are a great fit with Wal-Mart because they offer money saving solutions for parents, grandparents, college students and military families.”

Disney Displays ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Books

Disney Book Group’s recently shipped 2 million books to U.S. retailers in conjunction with the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.” The books are published for readers at every age - from beginning readers to more advanced chapter books, from storybooks to young adult fiction - and for adult fans, there are gift and collectible titles as well.

Books based on the entire Pirates of the Caribbean franchise will also debut; titles include, From Ship to Shore: A Magnetic Book; The Secret Files of the East India Trading Company; Pirates of the Caribbean Poster Book; and The Black Pearl: A Pop-Up Pirate Ship.

Disney Book Group is using dramatic in-store displays in support of the Pirates of the Caribbean book program to convey the excitement of the movies in the retail store.

The display header features Johnny Depp. The Disney logo is prominently highlighted on the display base.

Planetwide Displays Marvel Comic Book Creator

Planetwide Media has introduced Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator™ software. Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator software allows users to create personalized comic books featuring the Marvel characters-Spider-Man, X-Men with Wolverine and Elektra.

Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator enables fans to use “Marvel Heroes” content to create personalized comics, which can then be posted to blogs, e-mailed or printed out.

The software is being displayed at game, mass market and electronics retailers.

Pop Rocks Hosts ‘Be a Pop Rocks Star’ Sweepstakes

Pop Rocks, makers of the original popping candy brand, is offering fans the chance to release their own unique musical genius, with the company’s first annual Be a Pop Rocks Star Sweepstakes.

Pop Rocks has invited children to enter into the sweepstakes by submitting original song lyrics about why Pop Rocks is their favorite candy treat. Five grand prize winners will each receive a Limited Edition Pop Rocks Star Satin Jacket to flaunt their new rock star status.

The Sweepstakes is being supported with in-store shipper display standees.

Nickelodeon & Stride Rite Display SuperBall Footwear

Nickelodeon, New York City, and Stride Rite Corp., Lexington, MA, have entered into a partnership whereby Stride Rite will utilize Nickelodeon as the exclusive marketing platform for its SuperBall footwear line.

Stride Rite has launched a substantial advertising campaign for the SuperBall Shoe on multiple Nickelodeon platforms. Stride Rite will also be giving an official SuperBall as a giveaway with a purchase of a pair of SuperBall shoes.

“Stride Rite has been committed to kids for many years, which makes this pairing with Nickelodeon, the top entertainment brand for kids, a natural fit,” said Phil Risinger, Vice President of Marketing for Stride Rite. Colorful P.O.P. materials, headlined, “Shoes With Bounce SuperBall Show” will support the introductory campaign.

www.creoh.com

RIDEMAKERZ Opens First Car Customizing Experience For Kids

RIDEMAKERZ™, a car-customizing experience for kids, has opened its first shop at Myrtle Beach, SC. The concept is inspired by Build-A-Bear Workshop, and taps into America’s love of cars and the car-customizing movement.

The RIDEMAKERZ experience invites guests into the ultimate car-customizing shop where they can personalize a one-of-a-kind RIDEZ. Between the body styles and colors, tires and wheels, lights and sounds, and accessories, there are more than 649,000,000 combinations.

The durable RIDEZ plastic cars and trucks range from a Fire Engine to a retro Hot Rod. Customizers can have the complete RIDEMAKERZ experience and leave with a car ranging in price from $12 to $28, depending on body and paint style. Radio remote control can be added for an additional $25, and custom accessories range from $5 for monster tires to $10 for a Street-Glow light kit to $15 for a deluxe “Muscle Kit.”

Nickelodeon & Marriott To Create Branded Hotel Experience

Marriott International and Nickelodeon have formed an agreement to co-develop a breakthrough new lodging resort brand and concept for travelers seeking fun and adventure, “Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott.” The first “Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott” property is expected to be a 650-room resort at Liberty Station in San Diego, which will incorporate a 100,000 sq.-ft. water park.

Each resort will feature a wide variety of attractions ranging from state-of-the-art pools to live entertainment programs featuring popular costumed Nickelodeon characters. “Studio Nick,” a state-of-the-art theater will anchor the resorts’ live entertainment programs. The “NickToons Café” will provide a casual and friendly environment. Retail offerings will be a key element of the guest experience, with Nick-themed retail items available that are exclusive to the resort.

Hard Rock Park To Open In Myrtle Beach

Hard Rock Park, the world's first rock ‘n’ roll theme park, is slated to open in Myrtle Beach, SC, in spring 2008. Hard Rock Park will be a 140-acre theme park boasting more than 40 attractions for rockers of all ages, including roller coasters, shows, children’s play areas, restaurants, cafes and retail stores, a multi-purpose live music amphitheatre, and ultra-modern sound system.

Hard Rock Park will feature six “rock environs” celebrating rock’s culture, lifestyle and legends, including: Rock & Roll Heaven, British Invasion; Lost in the 70’s, a large indoor mall where Britannia and America converge; Born in the USA; and Cool Country.

Steven Goodwin, CEO, Hard Rock Park, said, “From the innovative rides and the entertainment experience to the priceless memorabilia we will have on display and special events we will host, visitors can expect a new standard of fun to rock fans of all ages.”

Luxury Movie Theater With Dining Opens In Miami’s Dolphin Mall

Taubman Centers’ Dolphin Mall is partnering with Cobb Theatres to offer Miami- Dade County, Florida’s first premium movie theater complete with dining, cocktails, reserved luxury seating and digital projection. The 20,000-sq. ft. cinema will have five digital screens, a restaurant, an outdoor dining patio and a bar located a few steps from Dolphin Mall’s main valet parking area.

Each theater has 75 to 125 seats rather than the typical 200 to 300 to provide more comfort and ambiance than the traditional theater. The high-end leather seats with handmade wood table armrests, that may be folded up to create a “sofa-like” seat, are arranged stadium style, but feature almost six feet between rows rather than the traditional 48”.

Moviegoers may still get popcorn and soda, but they may also sample from the tapas-style menu or they can have dinner before or after a show.

Some of the theater’s special touches include stainless steel railings wrapped in leather, a chandelier, fabric-clad walls behind the bar that have classic movie images projected on them and director’s chair-like seating in the dining room.

Zandl Reports On Changing Teen Trends

Technology has had a profound impact on teen trends, according to The Zandl Group, a New York City-based research firm. Familiarity with young tech billionaires, fuels their entrepreneurial spirit and boosts confidence about one day making it big.

Home continues to be teens’ favorite place to be (up 36%) as parents trick out the family house to be entertainment central with HDTVs, OnDemand, gaming systems and premium cable. Savvy marketers will target teens for home décor, big ticket electronics/tech upgrades, and other home entertainment activities. More young people are concerned with health and fitness as obesity reaches a tipping point. On the entertainment front, teens are becoming more involved creating content, distributing it online. We'll see marketers offering consumers creative opportunities to bond with their brand.

Teens are becoming serial brand loyalists, bouncing from one brand to the next. With so many options, longstanding brands are losing ground to niche brands (e.g. Levis down 74% among panelists, Gap down 86%, Nike down 30%). However, teens’ eagerness to try new products will keep the new product machine well-oiled, according to Zandl. More brands are expected to be in constant revitalization mode. Apple has been a pioneer in providing stylish, designer technology that is relevant to the teen lifestyle, Zandl notes.

In fashion retail, over half of teens are shopping at specialty stores (up 27%), e.g. American Eagle, Pac Sun, Forever 21, Abercrombie and Hollister. Less than 1 in 5 do their shopping at department stores (down 35%). Kohl's is the star retailer in that category. Mass has the least appeal for teens but Walmart and Target have become more popular over the last 10 years.

According to Zandl, cell phones with GPS create one-on-one marketing opportunities. More personalized and localized tech is the next trend.

Portable Game Market To Exceed $10 Billion In 2007

Worldwide revenue from the portable game systems from Nintendo and Sony is expected to exceed $10 billion in 2007, according to a new report from DFC Intelligence.

The market is being led by the Nintendo DS, the hottest selling system of 2006. DFC Intelligence also expects the Sony PSP to establish a solid position in the marketplace.

According to David Cole, an Analyst with DFC Intelligence, “Under the right scenario, by 2011, the combined installed base of the DS and PSP could exceed that for the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360.”

Mobile Phone Accessories Market Will Exceed Smartphone Market In 2007 According To ABI Report

The market for mobile phone accessories will generate over $32 billion in revenues in 2007, more than the $28 billion expected from the Smartphone market, according to the study “Mobile Phone Accessories,” conducted by ABI Research. About 77% of these revenues will come from the sales of “after-market” mobile phone accessories and the remaining from “in-box” accessories shipments.

According to ABI Research industry analyst Shailendra Pandey, “The number of mobile phone accessory products is expanding with new products driven by technology as well as by customer fashion and personalization needs.”

Handset vendors now recognize that to increase sales of their high-end mobile phones and smartphones, they need to provide accessories that allow users to fully enjoy and benefit from the features provided in those handsets. Nokia is addressing the handset accessory market with a distinctive approach of “Mobile Enhancement” products while Motorola is playing special emphasis on the growing "Personalization" and “Self-Expression” trends.

ABI Research expects the market for mobile phone accessories to grow steadily in the next five years and generate over $80 billion in revenues in 2012. The continuing innovation and further advancements in technology coupled with the increasing desire of customers to personalize their handsets bodes well for the future of the market.

Playstation Eye Brings Advanced Communication To Playstation 3

Sony Computer Entertainment is launching the next-generation PLAYSTATION Eye camera. PLAYSTATION Eye will permit voice and video chat to revolutionize the experience of both interactive gaming and online communication on the PLAYSTATION Network.

Verizon Wireless Launches V Cast Song ID

With Verizon Wireless’ exclusive new V CAST Song ID, a music lover can now hear a song, hold the phone toward the music, capture a sample of what they are listening to and within seconds V CAST Song ID will identify the music, and allow them to purchase a matching full-track song, Ringtone or Ringback tone.

V CAST Song ID is being supported with media and in-store advertising, and with Verizon Wireless Street Team promotions.

Polar Debuts Activity Watch

Polar has launched its newest Activity Watch, which tracks the quality and quantity of daily activity. The Activity Watch measures movement and caloric consumption based on personalized settings to motivate and guide people to get the most from their daily activities. The new watch features a custom calorie counter, a timed active step sensor that gauges five levels of activity ranging from slow walking to jogging and running.

Microsoft Corp. has unveiled Microsoft Surface(TM), which turns an ordinary tabletop into a dynamic surface that provides effortless interaction with all forms of digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that small groups can use at the same time. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, said, “We see this as a multibillion dollar category, and we envision a time when surface computing technologies will be pervasive.” Customers in T-Mobile retail stores will be able to place different cell phones on Surface’s interactive surface where product features, prices and phone plans will appear. For more information, visit www.surface.com.

Dr Pepper Debuts Band In A Bubble

Epic recording artists Cartel, recently were sealed in a 2,000-sq. ft, bubble at Pier 54 in New York City, to record the follow-up to their breakthrough debut album, CHROMA.

The bubble, designed by renowned architecture firm TPG, housed the five members of Cartel for a month while they recorded their new album for an MTV music special, “Band in a Bubble Presented by Dr Pepper,” with special access streamed round-the-clock at www.drpepperbubble.com Andrew Springate, V.P., Marketing, Dr Pepper, said “The bubble was rigged with 23 web cameras so consumers could get special access to Cartel’s every move at www.drpepperbubble.com.”

The bubble, inspired by the way many small bubbles build up together in a freshly-opened bottle of Dr Pepper, incorporates 55,000 pounds of steel truss and fire-proof rigid fiber glass.

“The structure is an exercise in branding. TPG approached the challenge of creating a fully branded, yet fully functional, structure,” said Armando Gallardo, director at TPG.

Plantronics Launches ‘Sound Innovation’ Tour

As part of the Plantronics’ Connect Partner Program, the Sound Coach, a 44’ mobile marketing unit, will make stops at industry events, channel partner sale offices and retail stores. The tour is designed to train Plantronics’ channel partners and end-users on the benefits of wireless headset solutions.

Kelly Myers-Santos, Director, Channel Marketing at Plantronics, said, “The Sound Coach provides an immersive experience, where partners receive interactive training and demonstrations. When partners leave, they’ll be better equipped to capitalize on the growing wireless communications market.”

T-Rex Tour Promotes ‘Night At The Museum’

Twentieth Century Fox and Fox Home Entertainment are promoting the DVD and Blu-ray disc release of ‘Night at the Museum’ by conducting the T-Rex Trek Across America tour. Responsible for bringing REXY (the movie's lovable T-rex) around the country is The Borden Agency, of Huntingdon Valley, PA. “Figuring out how to mount a 20-foot long dinosaur to a flatbed trailer and then planning the extensive cross-country tour has been an exciting challenge,” said Larry Borden, CEO, The Borden Agency.”

The two-ton, 13 foot tall and 21 foot long REXY will travel over 7,000 miles on his trek across the country.

In addition to the main national tour, The Borden Agency is also spearheading a second tour that features another dinosaur in a custom built glass truck. This second tour will be making stops at Walmart stores across the nation.

Pioneer Dome Travels The Country For ‘Best Seat In The House’ Promotion Campaign

Pioneer has launched the Pioneer Dome, a component of its 2007 ‘Best Seat in the House’ marketing campaign, designed to attract “millenials” at events such as the DUB, Hot Import Nights, Night Shift and NOPI car shows. At events across the country, young people will experience Pioneer’s mobile audio products through 360 degrees of product imagery, video, music, demo vehicles and DJ performances in a 50-foot dome-shaped structure.

“Instead of a run-of-the-mill display at these events, we chose to create a ‘club-like’ atmosphere where kids can listen to music, sit in demo cars and even scratch on video DJ turntables. It will be ‘the place’ to be when they get to these events,” said Larry Rougas, V.P., Marketing at Pioneer Electronics.

The Pioneer Dome will house a DJ booth, and Smart Car demo vehicles. Guests will be immersed in a club like atmosphere with Pioneer product imagery projected on the dome ceiling.

Category: Security Systems
Display Producer: Se-Kure Controls® Inc.
3714 Runge Street, Franklin Park, IL 60l32l

The 4-Port Alarm System is a self-contained display alarm for up to 4 merchandise items. It was designed to protect a small group of displayed items. It is ideal for use near the register or on an End cap, as an economical way of display and protection. A tamper switch prevents unauthorized handling of the alarm module. It is available in black and white and works with a full line of sensors. It uses 4AAA batteries.

Category: Inflatables
Display Producer: Above All Advertising, Inc.
9080 Activity Rd., Suite A, San Diego, CA 92l26

The Curbie is an Inflatable innovation in outdoor point-of-sale advertising. Its unique design overcomes signage regulation by allowing the Curbie™ to be mounted in the back of a truck or on any flat surface. The Curbie™ comes equipped with an attachable 1/4 HP ADAT IV blower for easy setup. It inflates in seconds. The Curbie™ has attachment points sewn into its vertical display area for easy attachment, banner changes and/or release of signage. The Curbie™ measures a total of 11ft X 4ft, and has a billboard display area of 92"x58" The Curbie™ can be used at events, in parking lots, store fronts, malls, etc.

Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Nashville Display
306 Hartman Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087

This unique two-sided desk calendar floor display is a replica of a flip calendar. It is constructed from MDF, metal and wire. The display features 6 shelves per side and interchangeable header sign frame. The MDF center panel has a clear powder finish and the MDF base and metal parts have a black powder finish.

Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Retail Solution Center
5 Hanse Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520

This consumer interactive display unit presents Brookstone's Picturebook Portable Digital Photo Album. This merchandiser is laser cut of heat bent acrylic and allows consumer access to view photos and test the operational ease of the Picturebook while maintaining product security. An anti-theft secure-tight screw system keeps the merchandise secure but allows for product replacement at the in-store level. An interchangeable graphic panel communicates product information and allows for graphic updates with easy fingerhold slide access.

Category: Corrugated Displays
Display Producer: Proprint Services Inc.
562l Finch Avenue East, Unit 5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada MlB 2T9

This standee display for Pepsi is printed directly upon 200# b flute corrugate in full color. The piece was then die cut to shape with an easel attached to the back, scored and folded in half to be packed one per box for easy shipping. The standees were distributed to a multitude of on premise locations to showcase the contest to win a phone every hour. The standee was part of an overall program which included cling vinyl, shelf talkers, mobiles, pole signs and wobblers. The program is currently running and has been extremely successful.

Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Mobile Merchandisers
P.O. Box 1223, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Mobile Merchandisers has developed a 32-Rotating Pocket News Center display. The display is shown with a top basket and newspaper shelves. The display features a 2-position double-sided center grid. Many accessories are available. The display is stocked in black, and custom colors are also available.

Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: Creoh Packaging & Displays
246 Siegel Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Walgreen's Stores recently unveiled its newest watch center. This unique Display Tower elevates the current drug store display esthetic with a brilliant mix of light wood, brushed aluminum and frosted acrylic and it allows for more product as well. The product visibility is enhanced by the curved shelving units, making it easy to see the product and access all the watches on the shelf. The turning radius was kept at a minimum creating open floor space in the retail environment. Input from store managers played a vital role in the design and development of the display. This attractive, innovative display allows the product to sell itself.

Category: Permanent Displays
Display Producer: New Dimensions Research
260 Spagnoli Rd., Melville, NY 11747

Raymarine wanted to create consumer awareness about the Raymarine LifeTag, a personal wireless man overboard system used by boaters. This display allows consumers to interact with the actual LifeTag product. A product holder is designed into the counter unit that allows consumers to touch and feel the actual LifeTag unit and remove it from its position on the display for inspection. The display is designed to take up a minimum of retail floor space. It has a clean sleek look that stands out from the competition in the boating and sports recreation area. The display graphics were printed in English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, French, Portuguese, German, Spanish and French to communicate with consumers worldwide.

Category: Security Systems
Display Producer: Se-Kure Controls® Inc.
37l4 Runge Street, Franklin Park, IL 60l3l-lll2

This tall glass Alarm Display Case Security System is designed for all types of display cases. It protects up to 6 doors and has remote control operation. It is AC powered with Battery back-up. A remote horn is available. The system features management key control.

The "Tis The Season" display is an interactive unit that had to be cost effective and permanent in appearance to last through the Christmas selling season. The interactive portion was easily removable to be shipped back to the display manufacturer for reprogramming and re-use the following season. The fixture was initially designed using standard materials and has since been redesigned using materials which utilize more biodegradable characteristics. The new panels are made from Skyblend. The vinyl woodgrain covering was replaced with paper. The PVC edgebanding was replaced with polypropylene edgebanding and the hardboard back was replaced with point stock with a wood grain finish. This display was created by Harbor Industries, South Industrial Park, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

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