Cingular Wireless Opens Flagship Stores
With the opening of three new retail stores, Cingular Wireless, the nation's second largest wireless carrier, debuts an innovative store design that enables customers to try various wireless services before buying. The unique store design, which provides shoppers with a new level of accessibility to products, services and store personnel, will be introduced in all of Cingular’s retail outlets.
The three flagship prototype stores are opening in the Dallas, Atlanta and Trussville, AL markets. Cingular is re-designing and incorporating elements of the new look into 90% of its retail stores by year's end. The new stores provide a unique shopping experience unavailable in wireless stores today. Rather than the typical wireless “hardware store,” Cingular Wireless customers will find a welcoming, café style area with a Live Bar that enables customers to try out products and services right from the store. A hands-on approach allows customers to access the Internet and download ringtones to their phones, try out the Wireless Internet from one of the latest mobile phones, or send text messages to another phone. The Live Bar, a unique new approach to wireless products, enables customers to “try before you buy” and choose a plan, special features and accessories that best express their needs and personality.
Callison Architecture, Inc., Seattle, WA, is providing conceptual design and program management services for the new Cingular retail stores. The Callison team will be supported by Insight Alliance partner, Atlanta, GA-based, Thompson Ventulett & Stainback.
Handspring Visor Displays Rolled Out
Handspring required a display that would be visually appealing, space efficient, and include an anti-theft device.
To achieve these requirements, LSI Grady McCauley, North Canton, OH, integrated several types of substrates including a curved perforated aluminum back panel that provided a non-obstructive area to mount various products while adding to the aesthetics of the unit. A retractable coil system served as a theft deterrent. Clear, corrugated polycarbonate held the security “pucks” in position without detracting from the overall look of the piece.
DreamWorks SKG Displays Chicken Run Standee
Dream Works SKG developed this standee for the movie “Chicken Run.”
The standee consists of two 3-dimensional units, the Hen House and the Barn, fabricated out of B-flute corrugate, mounted and intricately die-cut. Rocky, the flying chicken from the animated feature film, swings from a telephone line connecting the two units. A custom designed DC crank driven motor creates the swinging motion. Inside the Barn, a flashing light simulates the workings of the dreaded Pie Machine.
The Chicken Run standee was created for Dream Works SKG by The Gemini Group, Inc., a Los Angeles, CA-based POP design and manufacturing company specializing in theatrical standees.
Warner Releases Monstrous Array Of Halloween Titles
Warner Home Video (WHV) is offering a comprehensive line-up of new and classic Halloween titles for the whole family, ranging from the all-new Scooby-Doo’s Spookiest Tales to The Goonies to the Telebtubbies: The Magic Pumpkin and other Stories.
A national print and online advertising campaign targeting kids and parents will add significant support to this promotion. WHV encourages retailers to create an in-store Halloween video section by offering both custom and pre-packed haunted house merchandisers in various sizes and configurations.
“WHV is proud to offer an extensive collection of family Halloween titles that is sure to deliver hours of fun for both parents and children,” said Ewa Martinoff, WHV Vice President, Family Entertainment. “With the DVD debut of The Goonies and new and classic titles from cartoon favorites such as Scooby-Doo, this line-up offers something for everyone.”
JVC Runs ‘Wild Side’ Promo
JVC is targeting 18- to 29-year-old males with its “Ride the Wild Side” promotion.
Under the “Ride the Wild Side” promotion, by purchasing JVC products, consumers will have the opportunity to obtain products from a full range of well known music and action sports brands.
The Wild Side promotion takes extreme prizes a step further allowing consumers to accumulate points to experience a Wild Side Weekend on a snowboard or mountainbike with Shaun Palmer, snowboarding and mountain biking world champion; on a skateboard with Jason Maxwell, skateboarder extraordinaire or at the sound board at concerts with Nikki Sixx of the band Motley Crue.
JVC is supporting the “Ride the Wild Side Promotion,” with national advertising, radio promotions, and p.o.p. materials at JVC retailers.
Virgin Megastores Offering Digital Preview System
The Virgin Entertainment Group (VEG) has announced the pilot launch of Virgin’s new digital Preview System, which allows customers to preview a huge assortment of both music and video on demand. It is the most advanced entertainment preview system in the market today, and will allow customers to access a database of over 10,000 DVDs and 200,000 CDs through an easy to use touch-screen interface. Virgin developed the system using entertainment data supplied by Muze, Inc.
The system allows customers to preview entertainment product by simply scanning the item’s barcode. It also provides Virgin recommended titles, and soon will offer search, remote ordering and access to exclusive Virgin content and products. The system is the first stage in an ongoing initiative to integrate VEG’s “Clicks and Bricks” operations.
“Combining Muze’s comprehensive entertainment data with Virgin’s inventory data allows us to provide our customers with the richest product information possible, so everything consumers want to know about our products is right at their fingertips,” said Anthony Dean, Vice President, Retail Development for VEG.
Grandia II Floorstand Attracts Attention
This Grandia II Floorstand display was created to draw attention to a new virtual reality word game.
Three-dimensional elements were created using die-cut construction and four-color litho. Bold character graphics featuring the signature parrot and main character of the Grandia game boldly proclaim that the new arrival is now in stock. Vignettes on the display demonstrate the various action aspects of the game. The imagery used on the display tied into other forms of advertising that supported the launch.
The Grandia II Floorstand was produced by Phoenix Display/International Paper of Thorofare, NJ.
WWF And BIC Team Up To Launch Novelty Lighters
BIC Corp. has introduced twelve BIC lighter designs featuring the World Wrestling Federation brand. The launch is the beginning of a two-year partnership between WWF and BIC, to produce a line of lighters designed with the images of WWF superstars including Chyna, The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The new series will be available in 50-count trays. The display trays are designed to resemble the famous WWF’s “squared circle” wrestling ring.
According to Chris Mills, BIC's Global Marketing Manager-Lighter Category, the WWF branded product line will promote “collectibility.” “The initial twelve designs will feature today’s hottest WWF Superstars as well as three property logos,” he said. “When the story line changes and new stars are in the limelight, our lighter designs will feature these new stars and create on-going excitement about the series.”
Miller Brewing & MGM Run Halloween Promotion
MGM Home Entertainment and Miller Brewing have joined forces for a Halloween promotion featuring MGM’s Halloween 2001 collection of more than 66 videos and DVDs and Miller Lite and Miller Genuine Draft.
The “Get Your Party Vamped” promotion allows consumers who purchase Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft or Miller Genuine Draft Light to purchase one of three selected MGM Halloween VHS titles for $3.99. Consumers also receive discounts on MGM Halloween titles through instant coupons placed on-pack of Miller products.
The promotion is handled by Los Angeles-based PBM Marketing Solutions for MGM and St. Louis-based Zipatoni for Miller. P.O.S. includes stand-ups, display cards and ceiling danglers.
“We sought an alliance timed to the Halloween season that would increase our distribution channels and provide impactful cross-promotional opportunities,” said Corie Tappin, Sr. V.P. Marketing, MGM Home Entertainment. “Combining the global recognition of Miller and MGM with the fun of Halloween allows us to entertain a wider group of consumers,” said Mario Austin, Brand Promotions Manager, Miller Brewing.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Boxed Calendars Displayed
Yankee Publishing wanted a way to leverage the strength of The Old Farmer’s Almanac to sell its newer products, such as The Old Farmer’s Almanac boxed calendars.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac display was retooled to make the tray deeper, allowing for four facings, two deep, of the boxed calendars. The design of the floorstand allows the flexibility to configure the packing three ways as needed-all books, books and wall calendars, and now, books and boxed calendars-all with no change to the tray itself.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac display was produced by Triangle Display Group, a Philadelphia, PA-based p.o.p. display firm.
Pokemon 3: The Movie Promoted On VHS & DVD
Fans can now complete their Pokemon movie collections with the Warner Home Video release of “Pokemon 3: The Movie” on VHS and DVD.
“Warner Home Video is thrilled to add Pokemon 3: The Movie, available on VHS and DVD, to the Pokemon movie library,” said Ewa Martinoff, Warner Home Video’s Vice President, Family Entertainment Marketing.
“Pokemon 3: The Movie” is backed by a multi-million dollar, national marketing campaign targeting both parents and children, including national broadcast, print and on-line support.
Merchandisers are available in 18-, 24-, 36- and 48-unit configurations for “Pokemon 3: The Movie.” Mixed merchandisers featuring “Pokemon,” “Pokemon: The Movie 2000” and “Pokemon 3: The Movie” are also available.
Nintendo Official Accessories Half Pallet Display
Nintendo of America placed this half pallet unit in the ‘Action Alley’ area of Wal-Mart stores to display accessories for Nintendo 64 and Game Boy in one location. The placement was intended for impulse buying in an area separate from the video and music sections.
This half pallet was designed with quick assembly shelves for easy packing of product. Each shelf was printed with bar coded SKU number and unit price. The display caught the consumers’ eye with its vibrant, red background color. Product could easily be examined and placed back on the shelves of the display. As a result of this display, Nintendo’s sales doubled in the first two weeks of the display set-up in the store.
The half pallet display was produced by Smurfit-Stone Display Group, Sandston,VA.
Build-A-Bear Workshop To Open In Dow Disney District In Anaheim, CA
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Where Best Friends Are Made, is opening a flagship store this November in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA.
At Build-A-Bear Workshop, visitors, or Guest Bear Builders, create their own stuffed animals as they “choose, stuff, stitch, fluff, name and dress” their way through a series of bear-making decisions. A variety of inventive bear merchandise is also available to suit all “bear occasions.”
Build-A-Bear Workshop’s store concept takes children's entertainment retailing to a new level, combining the process of making your own bear with the atmosphere and fun of shopping the way it used to be. The Company plans to have at least 70 Workshops coast-to-coast by the end of 2001.
Virgin Celebrates 30th Anniversary With ‘Best Of British’ Promotion
Virgin Megastores is marking its 30th anniversary by celebrating the influence of U.K. entertainment with a promotion in all 20 North American Virgin Megastores, supported by in-store appearances by British artists, an MTV2 “Revenge of the Brits” special, and a Virgin Atlantic Airways co-sponsored sweepstakes to win the ultimate U.K. vacation package.
The campaign is being promoted via national television, print and radio advertising, in-store promotions and window displays. As an expression of Virgin’s commitment to British artists, Virgin is selling merchandise that reflects the diversity of British music over the last 30 years. Artists are being merchandised on branded 30-year anniversary endcaps and listening posts. Displays include editor
ial content covering three decades of British music history.
Jaguar’s X-Type Sponsors Jackson Tour
Jaguar North America is sponsoring Janet Jackson’s “All For Your World Tour 2001,” which will highlight the new Jaguar X-Type.
“The X-Type represents more to Jaguar than just a new car," said Michelle Cervantez, V.P., Marketing for Jaguar North America. “X-Type will bring a new, more diverse consumer into our showrooms. Jaguar’s relationship with Janet Jackson is a powerful statement of our intentions to become more accessible to a new generation of Jaguar owners.”
Jaguar’s partnership with Jackson’s “All For You World Tour” provides billing in the tour title, and inclusion in all tour advertising and promotion. At each venue, Jaguar will exhibit the new X-Type and display logos on screens, banners and signs.
Verizon & Wherehouse Run Joint Promo.
Verizon Wireless has joined with Wherehouse Music Stores to offer customers the opportunity to receive three free phone wraps as part of Wherehouse Music’s “Mr. W's All Access V.I.P. Pass” promotion.
Customers of Wherehouse Music may pick up a “Mr. W's All Access V.I.P. Pass” stamp card at the music company’s participating stores. The card contains 12 blank stamp spaces with corresponding offers for youth-oriented products. Each time a customer makes a Wherehouse Music purchase of $9.99 or more, they receive a stamp on their card. Customers who collect three stamps will receive a coupon that can be exchanged for three free phone wraps at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and Kiosks when they activate a new line of service and purchase a Motorola wireless phone. Phone wrap colors include Bottle Blue, Safety Orange and Lime Green.
Schick Shave Shack Promotion Searches For Silk Effects Singing Sensations
The Schick Shave Shack, a 32-foot trailer that converts into a stage complete with showerhead microphones, is holding contests in U.S. cities in search of “Silk Effects,” female singing groups with a smooth karaoke sound. Each group will choose one of hundreds of songs available and perform it karaoke-style in front of festival and concert-goers.
“The Schick Shave Shack is a tremendous vehicle for providing female shavers with tips and techniques for getting a smooth, safe shave with the Silk Effects Plus razor,” said Linda Gilmore, Brand Manager for Schick. The Grand Prize “Silk Effects” group will win a fun-filled glam weekend in Hollywood, CA, courtesy of Schick Shaving Products, Milford, CT.
Kiosks To Fuel Photography Revolution
The proliferation of digital solutions will provide a retail infrastructure to fuel the digital photography revolution, according to a report by InfoTrends Research Group, Boston, MA. Photo kiosks are public consumer-operated stations that allow users to work with their own photos, while digital minilabs, located behind the retail counter, process film and print from a digital file.
“Our research shows that photo kiosk usage is growing,” said Kerry Flatley, Research Analyst for InfoTrends Research Group. “Awareness and usage are still low, with less than 20% of U.S. households having used a photo kiosk, but satisfaction among users is relatively high, providing opportunity for much growth. The installed base of photo kiosks in North America is projected to grow from around 26,000 in 2000 to almost 150,000 by 2006.”
Most consumers today use photo kiosks for making reprints (72%) or enlargements (64%) from their snapshots. They are attracted to the convenience and customization offered by the kiosks, compared to the traditional approach of handling negatives and waiting days for the results. New features being introduced include photo kiosks aimed specifically at digital camera users who want immediate prints; kiosks that accept credit cards and thus can be located virtually anywhere; kiosks that use alternative types of print engines such as inkjet; and kiosks that have no print engines but send photos directly to the Web or to a remote high speed print engine, such as a digital minilab.
The report outlines the impact of these digital photofinishing solutions in retail environments. Today, they primarily serve film users, but digital camera users seeking simple one-hour processing will make up an increasingly significant part of their base.
Timex And Yahoo! Launch
Internet Messenger Watch
Timex’s new Internet Messenger watch is arriving in stores, in conjunction with an agreement with Yahoo!, making web-to-wrist connectivity a reality. Timex is the first to market a watch that allows the user to receive Internet e-mail, news, weather, sports scores, and stock quotes.
“The Timex Internet Messenger delivers useful innovations and features that makes everyday life a little easier,” said Jan Mladek, V.P., Marketing for the product.
HP Digital Entertainment Center Debuts
Hewlett-Packard is expanding its digital entertainment initiative into the living room, offering consumers new ways to enjoy digital music, video and Internet information. The initiative’s first living room component, the HP Digital Entertainment Center, is a stand-alone product that allows enthusiasts to discover new music on the Internet and enjoy their complete music collections without the need of a PC.
Jordan Edition Palm Handheld Debuts
The Michael Jordan editions of the Palm m100 and m500 handheld computers have been introduced. Michael Jordan’s global appeal makes the Jordan handhelds attractive to a wide target market and will include his favorite software programs and feature his signature on the product. “Michael Jordan is an achiever and a global phenomenon who continually redefines his playing field,” said Satjiv Chahil, Chief Marketing Officer for Palm, Inc.
Sprint PCS Launches Broad Accessories Line
Sprint PCS has introduced an extensive line of colorful translucent faceplates, cases, swivel belt clips and a holographic multi-colored case for trendsetters who want their wireless phones to match their outfits, moods or lifestyles. All easily clip onto a pant pocket or the handle of a purse or beach bag.
For outdoor/sports enthusiasts, Body Glove cases and a black armband case are available, perfect for jogging, walking, bicycling, and camping.
LEGO Conducts Tour To Launch BIONICLE
LEGO Co. has launched the BIONICLE “Find The Power Tour,” in support of its new line of collectible action heroes. The tour is making more than 1,500 appearances in more than 50 cities throughout North America with six high-tech, BIONICLE vehicles, each themed after one of the BIONICLE To a heroes.
Each of the six transport vehicles feature state-of-the-art gadgetry including: an exclusive first look at the new LEGO Game Boy Advance title on two Game Boy Advance gaming stations and Wheel of Power-a giant prize wheel where kids can win BIONICLE-themed gear.
The Tour is being conducted by The Marketing Werks, of Chicago, IL.
Hawaiian Punch Offers Musical Getaway
Hawaiian Punch is offering one consumer and five of their closest friends the opportunity to take a private jet to any two cities in the U.S. and attend two concert events of their choice as part of its “5 Friends, 2 Concerts, 1 Wild Weekend” promotion. The promotion gives consumers the chance to instantly win by looking under the caps of specially marked 20-ounce bottles of Hawaiian Punch or inside Hawaiian Punch 12-packs.
P.O.S. materials, include pole signs, shelf talkers and static clings.
DSI Toys Unveils e*BRAIN At FAO Schwarz Launch
DSI Toys Inc. recently used a huge inflatable e*BRAIN to introduce its new e*BRAIN Talking Electronic Personal Companion at an exclusive product launch at the FAO Schwarz flagship store in New York City.
During the fourth quarter, e*BRAIN will be supported by an extensive marketing, advertising and public relations program. The sleek, hand-held e*BRAIN uses Timex Data Link system and patented technology for totally wireless PC connections, but in a cool new way for kids.
SoBe & Xbox Partner
South Beach Beverage Co. has signed on with Microsoft as a marketing partner for the launch of the Microsoft Xbox video game system. SoBe is providing substantial grassroots marketing support, featuring the SoBe Love Bus tour, including 8 love buses traveling around the country to support the Xbox launch.
Renee Kasbar Coughlin, Sr. V.P., Marketing, said “Xbox and SoBe are about innovation and tapping into a youthful, edgy market in a very personalized way. We look forward to spreading the Xbox excitement using the SoBe grassroots network.”
Fujifilm Launches Mobile Tour
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., has launched the FinePix “Picture of America” Tour, to dispel misconceptions of digital photography among consumers. A 75-foot long, 18-wheel FinePix Truck serves as a touring interactive information center for Fujifilm's FinePix digital cameras, photographic services and other digital products.
Visitors will enjoy a hands-on experience using FinePix digital cameras and the Truck also features a digital "Living Wall" of images taken with the complete line of FinePix digital cameras.
“The FinePix ‘Picture of America’ Tour make s digital photography more accessible by providing the education consumers need to make informed purchasing decisions,” said Stanley Freimuth, COO, Fuji Photo U.S.A.
Best Buy Debuts Mobile Fun Zone
Best Buy Co. has launched the Best Buy Fun Zone Mobile Technology Truck, a mobile marketing tour to bring technology to consumers.
The traveling Fun Zone features kiosks with interactive gaming and digital music zones; the latest technology offered at Best Buy stores, including products featured in integrated home office, high-definition home theater and high-tech kitchen settings; and an expandable stage. The Fun Zone also includes a home environment with home integration and satellite connectivity within the 53-foot trailer. The trailer also features a cutting-edge satellite two-way high-speed Internet connection that provides high-performance broadband delivery.
Russell Stover Supports Gump DVD Release
Russell Stover Candies and Paramount Home Entertainment have partnered for the release of Forrest Gump on DVD. The DVD will include a coupon for $1.00 off the Russell Stover ‘Gift Box’ featured in the movie.
The release will be supported with shelf-talkers on 35,000 Russell Stover fixtures. The Russell Stover coupon will be in-packed into 1.3 million Forrest Gump Collectors Edition DVDs and promoted on-pack. Coupons for the DVD will be found on ‘The Gift Box.’
A&W Runs 'Munster Home Theater' Promo
A&W Root Beer’s Halloween promotion this year features Universal Studios’ ‘The Munsters.’ The “Munster of a Home Theater”promotion will give consumers the chance to instantly win a 53-inch projection TV home theater system by looking under specially marked closures of 2-liter regular or diet A&W Root Beer bottles, or on game cards found in specially marked 12-packs.
The promotion will be supported with Halloween-themed point-of-sale materials, including pole signs, shelf talkers and static clings.
Retail Promos Support BMX 2 Video Game
Acclaim Entertainment is launching an integrated marketing campaign for its Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX2. “Our Dave Mirra franchise is one of the strongest brands in the extreme sports category and we are thrilled to debut the BMX offering for the PlayStation 2,” said Steve Felsen, Dir., Brand Management. “Our campaign will exploit all forms of media to enhance consumer awareness for the product, which will take advantage of the next generation platform.”
Planet Of The Apes’ Collectibles Display
One of the hottest new categories appearing in grocery stores nationally is licensed collectibles and items from current motion pictures, such as Planet of the Apes, according to Collectible Concepts Group, Inc. (CCGR), Doylestown, PA. Acme Supermarkets is featuring this Planet of the Apes wall scrolls on display.
This display program is part of CCGR's Timed Stock Rotation Plan, whereby the Company continues to display licensed products in retail stores during the hot market window.
Kmart Corp. and Don Coleman Advertising selected Mobile Resource Associates, a mobile tour management company headquartered in St. Clair Shores, MI, to create a mobile gospel museum. The museum features “Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions, 1871-2001,” an exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). Kmart, as part of its program celebrating diversity, Share the Word, has made this mobile museum possible. The exhibition is featured in a 48’ expandable trailer, built by Trailer Technologies, of Walled Lake, MI.
Alpak Manufacturing Corporation offers its CD 138 Browser Bin CD/Cassette display comprised of two trays “waterfall” style on a two-tiered base and includes a Header Card and Front Pleat Panel for graphics. The display stands less than two feet tall and just 20" wide. It can hold up to 138 CD's or up to 168 audiocassettes. This unit offers "browsability" allowing consumers easy access to all CD's in the display. It can be packed flat in mailers to be set up at retail (instruction sheets are included) or can be pre-assembled and fulfilled by Alpak to be sent to distribution centers or drop-shipped direct to individual retail establishments. For more information, contact Alpak Manufacturing Corporation, 181 Boyd Street, P.O. Box 339, Montgomery, NY 12549.
Nashville Display offers its stock 24 pocket book/video easel display. The wire unit is very economical and its available at very short notice. A colorful header a top the display provides selling formation and attracts attention to the unit. For more information on stock displays, contact Nashville Display, P.O. Box 491, Nashville, TN 37202.
Toys "R" Us "Camp Geoffrey" Program
This display program promoted a 2-month in-store summer activities program for children and their parents. Shoppers were invited to participate in daily activities such as Teddy Bear Tea Party, put on a Magic Show and Puzzle Day.The lively large-scale depiction of Toys "R" Us mascot attracted shoppers' attention and provided a vehicle for the Distribution of Activity Calendars. The display is constructed of e-flute corrugated and features vibrant graphics silk-screened directly onto the corrugate. UV coating adds durability and a glossy finish that enhances the impact of the graphics. The display consists of 3 sections that assemble quickly to a height of 7 feet. All sections fold flat for economical shipment. The Toys "R" Us "Camp" Geoffrey" Program was created by ExpoBox America, 10 Pearl Street, Kingston, NY 12401.
Harry Potter Resizable™ Power Wing/Optional Floorstand
This display is a 3-cell Power Wing (Sidekick) with Optional Floorstand that has been "re-sized" to accommodate the newest Harry Potter Book. The display is designed to hold excessive amounts of weight. The base, tray and dividers were printed solid green with a coat of gloss varnish. The Header was printed 4-color with an aqueous varnish, then labeled and die-cut using a more accurate flatbed die cutter. This display was quite successful allowing the wildly popular book to be merchandised in non-traditional categories and sections throughout retail establishments which would not normally have carried a publishing title. The Harry Potter Resizable Display was created by Alpak Manufacturing Corporation, 181 Boyd Street, P.O. Box 339, Montgomery, NY 12549.
A & W Inflatable Munster
A & W is using this inflatable Munster for its Halloween promotion. The figure is 84 inches high and easily blown up in the retail store. The standing figure is surrounded by A & W products to stimulate sales of the soft drink for Halloween. Inflatables of all shapes and sizes are available from Alvimar Manufacturing Co., Inc., 51-02 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101-5875.
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