MusiKube Launches Music Discovery System
MusiKube, Inc., New York City, is launching a wireless Music Discovery System. MusiKube’s service allows music fans to browse any CD in a retail store, sample every track, read reviews and receive personalized recommendations for similar CD’s. Muze Inc., New York City, is providing the track samples for the system, through MuzeTunes, its streaming audio preview service. Muze music content provides detailed information for hundreds of thousands titles, including album information, discographies, review excerpts, album notes, cover art and more.
MusiKube’s Vista Service will help consumers with every aspect of music discovery including identification of music they come across, accessing related rich content, receiving personalized recommendations and fulfilling purchase demands with physical or digital music assets.
MusiKube’s system is currently used by Carbon Music in London and AltiTunes, a US music retailer.
GetAMovie Video Rental Machines Premiere
GETAMOVIE, Inc., Schaumburg, IL., is installing DVD rental machines at various Jewel-Osco locations.
GETAMOVIE rental machines are similar to ATMs, providing a fast, automated way to rent DVDs and video games. Each GETAMOVIE unit is built using robotic vending technology that allows movie and video game lovers to search and select their favorite games and movies by title, director, actor and category.
The machines have Internet connections, allowing consumers to browse machine inventories and reserve titles at www.getamovie.com before they trek to the store. It’s the first DVD rental location that allows consumers to ensure real-time movie and game availability in advance. The units can accept credit cards.
Mike DeLazzer, Chief Operating Officer of GETAMOVIE, said “GETAMOVIE saves time and fulfills the need for instant gratification.”
Best Buy NYC Store Features High-Tech Kiosks
Best Buy’s first store in Manhattan features numerous high-tech interactive kiosks providing information about the latest consumer electronics products, including cell phones, digital cameras and PDAs.
Chuck Lee, Senior Manager of Display Design for Best Buy, said the kiosks help the store quickly adapt to merchandise new electronics products and technologies. Lee said, “The kiosks support the Best Buy brand and appeal to a New York City urban customer.”
Blackstone Deploying Interactive Kiosks
Blackstone Inc., Miami, FL, is deploying the Blackstone Prepaid One Stop, an interactive kiosk, throughout the nation’s largest Hispanic discount retail chain, Navarro Discount Pharmacies.
According to Gabriel Navarro, Navarro’s V.P., Operations, “Category revenue has jumped 40%, and we no longer need to divert staff to help people pick out and activate cards.’
The Prepaid One Stop offers an entire category of prepaid products and services; prepaid cellular & long distance calling cards, gift certificates & gift cards, home phone service, loyalty programs, etc. The interactive kiosk eliminates the need for in-store staffing, inventory, shelf space. It also eliminates product theft.
The kiosk’s touch-screen display guides the customer through the entire process, including the selection of the best calling card with the maximum minutes.
Wherify Wireless Displays Introduce New Product
Wherify Wireless is supporting a new product launch with floorstand and countertop displays.
The objective was to develop a simple display that speaks to parents, introducing a breakthrough technology in children’s safety mechanisms.
The Wherify GPS Personal Locator for Kids lets parents locate, track, and communicate with their children via a wristwatch with integrated GPS and wireless radio.
The line is sold at leading consumer electronics retailers such as CompUSA and Good Guys.
The Wherify Wireless displays were designed, produced and distributed by Rapid Displays, a p.o.p. display firm located in Union City, CA.
Treo Display Elements Create Retail Presence
Handspring was in need of merchandising elements to launch its Treo Communicator, offering phone, email, SMS text messaging, wireless web and Palm OS in one compact device.
Each merchandising element needed to tell the Treo story. Display items were created to go into many different retail locations such as Cingular Wireless, Best Buy, Staples and Office Max. Freestanding, countertop, shelf talkers, posters and many other print and display items were needed to create a large retail presence.
The Treo Communicator display materials were created and produced by the Display Boys, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Irvine, CA.
Hermie Display Features 3-D Graphics
Max Lucado’s “Hermie, A Common Caterpillar” corrugated display features 3-D graphics and is fully die-cut to reflect the shape of Hermie and his friends.
The goal was to create a display for Hermie products, with high visual impact. The structure was developed to incorporate a large graphic area along with product placement and still emphasize the character.
Corrugated pockets are attached with powerwing clips for product placement.
The Hermie display was produced by LINPAC Displays, a p.o.p. display firm located in Tullahoma, TN.
WHV Unleashes “Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico”
Warner Home Video (WHV), Burbank, CA, has announced plans to release the all-new, feature-length movie “Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico” in VHS and DVD formats, in time to celebrate Halloween.
In addition to a multimillion-dollar national marketing and advertising campaign, WHV will launch a “muy supremo” promotional campaign to support the home video release. Major brands such as Subway, Keebler and Georgia Pacific will offer consumers a $3 rebate off the purchase of any “Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico” video on their respective packages. Airheads and Equity will also feature “Scooby-Doo and the Monster of Mexico” branding on various products.
Special point-of-purchase displays will support the promotion.
Gravity Feed Merchandiser Displays NASCAR DVDs
Biography Software required a display for its new line of NASCAR DVDs.
The DVD series captures the highlights of over 60 years of NASCAR racing, from the sands of the Daytona beach and road course, to the newest superspeedways. The series profiles NASCAR’s greatest drivers and provides a behind-the-scenes look at top racing crews.
This innovative gravity-feed DVD merchandiser calls attention to the new line. It features prominent NASCAR and auto racing graphics.
More than 4,000 of these displays were used for this promotion.
This display was designed and produced by Tempo Creative, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Grayslake, IL and Phoenix, AZ.
Terk Introduces HDTV Reception Center
Terk Technologies has introduced this Reception Center display, to inform consumers about free HDTV broadcasting as well as to assist them in selecting the proper on-air antenna.
Terk hopes that this countertop, slatwall or shelf-mount display will increase the attachment rate of antennas to HDTV sets.
Consumers are often confused about what HDTV is and how to select the right antenna. When potential HDTV customers visit a retail location outfitted with a Terk HDTV Reception Center and antennas, they can learn how to get HDTV reception by selecting an appropriate off-air antenna, as well get advice for its installation.
John Marco, Marketing Manager, Terk, said, “The Reception Center gives the retailer a tool so they can present the whole HDTV initiative to consumers. It also educates consumers about HDTV so they can purchase the right antenna.”
Nokia Offers Headrest Handsfree Display
Nokia is using this vacuum formed display to promote the Nokia Headrest Handsfree mobile enhancement.
The display can be attached to slotwall or pegboard, or it can sit on a counter or shelf. Simulating an automobile headrest, the design enables an actual unit to be attached to demonstrate the ease of installation.
A four color process laminated label applied to the display illustrates the product in use and provides a written explanation of how the unit is used. Units were shipped directly to stores across the United States with the product attached, ready to be displayed.
This display was designed and produced for Nokia by Creative Displayworks Corp., a p.o.p. display firm based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
Volkswagen’s New Beetle & Apple’s iPod Unite To Offer On-Road Music
Volkswagen of America and Apple Computers are joining forces to provide 2003 New Beetle sedan buyers with a complimentary Apple iPod digital music player.
The initiative, dubbed “Pods Unite,” will be featured prominently in media advertising. Sleek iPod displays will also adorn Volkswagen dealer showrooms.
Apple’s iPod digital music player possesses a 15-gigabyte hard drive with storage space for more than 3,700 songs. Volkswagen’s iPod connectivity kit completes the pairing, with the ability to create and remotely access a road-ready digital music library.
“The union of the iPod and the Beetle represents one of the most stylish ways to take your entire music collection with you on the road,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s V.P.of Hardware Product Marketing.
“Apple’s audience is a lot like our audience,” said Karen Marderosian, Volkswagen Marketing Director. “A group that embraces something different, simple and unconventional. We think this initiative represents a natural alliance of two like-minded brands.”
Ultimate Electronics Debuts Hard Rock Sound Asylum
Ultimate Electronics has launched the Hard Rock Sound Asylum theme room, which will allow customers to experience the home theater systems available from Klipsch Audio Technologies. As customers walk into the Hard Rock Sound Asylum room, a touch screen will engage the lighting and audio-visual systems for product demonstrations. The rooms feature signature memorabilia from Hard Rock Cafes around the world.
Dave Workman, COO, Ultimate Electronics, said, “The partnership with Hard Rock and Klipsch enables us to leverage our brands and combine entertainment and fun.” Workman. added, “The program differentiates Ultimate Electronics and more importantly, connects customers with music.”
Tower Records Launches Emerging Artist Program
Tower Records has launched an emerging artist marketing program geared to introducing less well known, but emerging artists at a price point of $9.99 or less per CD.
Each month Tower will give customers insight into up and coming artists by selecting four to be featured in the emerging artist marketing program. Each band’s CD will be showcased in a dedicated chain wide listening station featuring bio and buzz on the band, as well as in a dedicated front end rack. Tower wants to provide customers with the best selection of emerging artists in an easy to find rack and at a price point that is also easy on the pocket.
Tower Records V.P., Marketing, Russ Eisenman, said, “This is what the shopping experience is all about at Tower: expertise, selection and passion.”
Mall Of America Features The Dew Den, Powered by Xbox Live
Mall Of America Features The Dew Den, Powered by Xbox Live
The Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN, has set up a “Dew Den,” sponsored by Mountain Dew, and Xbox for hardcore gamers. The “Dew Den” lets mall visitors play Xbox Live games, try out the Xbox Music Mixer, compete in tournaments and get on G4TV!, a TV network devoted to the video gamers’ lifestyle.
The Dew Den features plasma displays running extreme sports videos, and gaming stations hooked up with players across the country. There are expert gamers to provide gaming tips, and guest appearances by local celebrities, athletes, and musicians.
Limited Too & Mattel Run Joint Marketing Program
Limited Too and Mattel have joined together in an apparel licensing deal to create a trend-setting collection of fall fashions and accessories for tweens and teens. The collection, called ‘My Scene by Limited Too,’ combines Limited Too’s fashion expertise with My Scene, Mattel’s new lifestyle brand for the tween girl.
“This partnership complements Mattel’s extension strategy to align with other ‘best in class’ companies to attract new audiences,” said Richard Dickson,Sr. V.P., Mattel Brands Consumer Products. “As we grow My Scene it makes perfect sense to partner with the industry’s number-one specialty apparel destination for tween girls.”
The collection appearing in all Limited Too stores includes T-shirts and coordinates including corduroy and denim skirts and tops, embroidered tops, velour fabrics, and cargo pants.
James Shimizu,V.P., Marketing Promotions & Events, Limited Too. said, “The synergy of two of the best girl brands in the world is a winning combination for ‘tweens everywhere.”
PricewaterhouseCoopers Reports On Entertainment & Media Industry
Global entertainment and media industry spending will surpass $1.1 trillion in 2003, rising by 3.7% from its 2002 level, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. The firm forecasts that global entertainment and media spending will reach $1.4 trillion in 2007, a 4.8% compound annual growth rate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts that, spurred by broadband, next-generation technologies will significantly strengthen growth opportunities for television distribution, video games, Internet access and home video (bolstered by the DVD format). The firm sees the broadband universe experiencing unprecedented expansion, nearing 30% compound annual growth, as penetration more than triples during the five-year period. Globally, more than 153 million households will be broadband-enabled by 2007.
The firm also forecasts double-digit growth increases for video games, Internet access and satellite radio. Video games will emerge as the fastest growing industry segment. Online video gaming growth will be stimulated by increased broadband access, and the wireless market will surge due to new game-capable cell phones. Next-generation console hardware, also will drive the category’s rapid expansion to $35.8 billion in 2007, an 11% compound annual rate.
In the U.S., Internet advertising will rebound from its 23% decline over the past two years and grow at an average annual rate of 8.1% through 2007. U.S. broadcast and cable television advertising will grow at a 5.7% average annual rate, reaching $37.4 billion by 2007.
Danziger Predicts That Next Consumer Passion Will Be Scrapbooking
“With sales of scrapbooking materials and supplies jumping 30% to $1.2 billion at retail in 2002, consumers’ passion for scrapbooking is set to explode in a way not seen since the Beanie Babies,” said Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing, a Stevens, PA-based marketing research firm.
Danziger said, “The ‘age of cocooning’ is passing as the ‘age of connecting’ takes hold. During the late 90s at the height of the cocooning trend, collecting was the consumer passion. Today the trend is ‘connecting.’ The age of connecting is about consumers emerging from their cocoons and reconnecting with the outside world. Through scrapbooking, consumers are connecting with their past, present and future. By creating a scrapbook, one is collecting and sharing memories and emotions.”
"The key to marketing success in the scrapbooking phenomenon will come as scrapbooking transitions out of the crafting ‘ghetto’ and into the mass market. This is beginning to happen as the Michaels craft chain spins off a chain of stores just for scrapbooking.” Danziger added, “Right now scrapbooking is completely unbranded and major opportunities will come to the first player that can establish a scrapbooking brand that connects with the regular consumer who isn't a crafting aficionado. Scrapbooking is a huge potential business opportunity that is virtually up for grabs today.”
InfoTrends Reports On Digital Cameras
InfoTrends Research Group’s latest forecast of consumer digital cameras in North America shows that unit sales of digital cameras will have nearly replaced sales of reloadable film cameras, not including single-use cameras, by 2008. Most consumers will purchase digital cameras rather than reloadable film cameras in 2008, because consumer photographic services will center on the digital camera customers. While single-use film cameras will remain popular, single-use digital cameras will be entering the market as well.
Michelle Slaughter, Director of InfoTrends’ Digital Photography Trends service, said, “The shift to digital photography will be nearly complete by 2008 due to advancing consumer adoption of a wide range of consumer digital imaging solutions, including home photo printing, retail digital photofinishing services, online photo services, TV-based imaging products and services, and wireless imaging.”
Digital camera unit sales are forecast to reach 14.3 million units in 2003. Three-megapixel models will capture nearly 50% of unit sales, as they become the new entry-level resolution for consumer digital cameras.
Aiwa Unveils Audio System With PC Connectivity
Aiwa is releasing a new concept in audio; the BMZ-K1 home audio system featuring MP3/ CD-R/RW playback and an interactive USB port. Consumers can now easily connect their personal computer to a home audio system and listen to MP3s in high-fidelity stereo sound.
“Easily connected to a PC by a USB port, the BMZ-K1 allows people to enjoy their favorite MP3’s in premium sound, said Hiro Takahashi, Aiwa President.
GameCube Game Boy Player Is Launched By Nintendo
Nintendo has introduced the Nintendo GameCube Game Boy Player, which makes it possible to play Game Boy games on a TV through the Nintendo GameCube.
“The video game industry has been pushing to new technical frontiers, while at the same time celebrating classic hit games of the past,” said Peter MacDougall, Exec. V.P., Marketing, Nintendo. “The Game Boy Player fulfills both desires by making Game Boy games playable on a TV.”
Hasbro Debuts VideoNow
Hasbro’s Tiger Electronics has introduced VideoNow, a kid friendly personal video player. The VideoNow proprietary discs offer the hottest names in family entertainment, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Fairly Odd Parents and American Idol.
Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s President, said, “VideoNow’s performance, content and cool design allows tweens and their siblings to enjoy their favorite shows in style.”
Transformit, a tension-fabric structure design firm, created this organic structure which served as the focal point of the Oki Exhibit at CeBIT 2003 in Hanover, Germany. Oki, a manufacturer of color printing solutions, said the sculpture was “the defining component” of the exhibit. The concept for the structure was conceived by German design firm Fricke Le Royer and Transformit was responsible for design and fabrication. The three-dimensional translucent fabric and aluminum form conveyed Oki’s position as the industry leader in color printing solutions. Enabling the translucent structure to stand and hold its form required precise engineering and development of new assembly techniques. For more information, contact Transformit, 33 Sanford Dr., Gorham, ME 04038; (Tel) 207-856-99ll; (Fax) 207-856-2353; (Web Site) www.transformitdesign.com.
Thousands of fans have been introduced to the stars of DreamWorks’ upcoming animated films at the 2003 Comic-Con International. The DreamWorks booth featured art from the animated films “Shrek 2” and “Sharkslayer.”Also represented was the new animated comedy series “Father of the Pride.” In addition to the art showcasing the cast of characters from each of the projects, attendees had the opportunity to view conceptual behind-the-scenes art of the sets.
Sour Patch Launches Movie Theater Promo.
Jaret International has launched the Sour Patch Sweet Cinema Sweepstakes. Selected movie theaters are displaying Sour Patch-branded archways that frame theater doors, handing out free Sour Patch samples and Sour Patch trading cards, and featuring Sour Patch Kids and Sour Patch Tongues on popcorn bags and pre-movie slides.
Pamela Brock, Jaret’s Sr. Brand Manager, said “This is the biggest promotion that Sour Patch Soft and Chewy Candy has ever created. Because Sour Patch first gained its popularity in movie theaters, we are building on Sour Patch’s movie theater heritage to generate excitement around the movie theater experience.”
The Sour Patch Sweet Cinema Sweepstakes is also flagged on packages and 2-ounce promotional shippers of Sour Patch Kids. A Grand Prize of a private movie screening party for the winner and 50 guests will be awarded during each of the six months that the promotion runs.
Red Baron Pizza Featuring 3D Mobile Theatre
The Red Baron3D Flying Adventure virtual reality theatre features 3-D visuals that literally pop off the screen and digitally-controlled fog and wind effects. The presentation features the Red Baron Pizza Squadron performing formation aerobatic maneuvers.
VirTra Systems, Dallas, TX was retained to develop the 3-D immersive experience by Red Baron’s promotion agency, Cameo Marketing, New Gloucester, ME.
Cloud Ten Pictures Left Behind II 1/2 Pallet Display for Wal-Mart
Cloud Ten Pictures wanted to develop a display for the much anticipated sequel, “Left Behind II: Tribulation Force.” It developed this l/2 pallet merchandiser which catches the consumer's eye and heightens awareness of the movie's release. The display holds l68 videos and l60 DVD's. The unit is sturdy anticipating restocking and is expected to look good over the 2-6 month period of its use. A curved die-cut riser and curved center graphic panel feature the impactful graphics. The riser was designed to include the Wal-Mart price call out. The modular design of the trays adjusts to accommodate a higher count of either VHS tapes or DVD's depending on demand. The unit can also function as a whole pallet display when set-up back to back. The Cloud Ten Pictures Left Behind II l/2 Pallet Display was created by Menasha Display Group, 60l E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA l9l34.
Mountain Dew Hulk Standee
This display, a three dimensional six foot standee was part of a large scale marketing campaign supporting the release of the film. The Hulk leg and hand with the Mountain Dew logo, jump out of the main piece and ties into the "Unleash Your Thirst" campaign to bring the consumer to purchase the soft drink. The display is screen printed and the image and construction of the standee reinforces the recognizable mean and green theme of the character. The standee was one of many Hulk promotional pieces shipped including shelf talkers, wobblers, display toppers and pole signs. The Mountain Dew Hulk Standee was created by Proprint Services Inc., 562l Finch Avenue East, Unit #5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1B 2T9.
Brass Button Bears Corrugated Display
This display was designed to meet the customer's need for a continuity program which would appear in a grocery store setting. The display needed to meet high end design standards, work for a 3 month window, give the appearance of a rigid permanent display and be easy to set up. The display met all the customer's requirements for graphic impact and store longevity and was shipped in a format that took less than five minutes to set up in store. The campaign had a successful launch and continues to be a viable product line. The Brass Button Bears Corrugated Display was created by Kell Specialty Products, 42l Palmer Street, PO Box 28, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
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