ELO Media Brings DVMatic To Colleges
ELO Media LLC has launched DVMatic, an Automated DVD Rental Machine, on student campuses on the East Coast. DVMatic enables students to rent and purchase DVD movies and video games.
DVMatic holds over 700 DVD slots and 180 different titles in one machine. Its simple user interface and movie display panels make finding a movie simple and offers an instant rental or purchase with the swipe of a credit card.
Also located in supermarkets and restaurants, the DVMatic rental machines provide customers with the convenience of renting a movie while grabbing dinner or shopping for groceries.
Tickets.com Deploys Kiosks For Major League Teams
Tickets.com has deployed its advanced ProVenue Automated Kiosk system for the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. The baseball stadium kiosks are the latest advancement for the integrated ticketing system, and will be located through Fenway Park, PNC Park, and SBC Park.
Said Mike Dee, Red Sox Chief Operating Officer, “The ticketing kiosks will improve traffic flow and create conveniences for all our fans. Our initial plan is to provide fans with the ability to print will call tickets from any of the ticketing kiosks located at Fenway Park.”
“The successful deployment of our automated ticketing kiosks underscores Tickets.com’s commitment to using advanced technology to develop and deploy the most convenient and scalable ticketing distribution platforms for the industry,” said Carl Thomas, Tickets.com EVP Marketing & Sales.
The ProVenue Automated Kiosks can also be configured to operate in one of four different modes: Ticket Pick-Up Day-of-Game only, Ticket Pick-Up only, Ticket Sales only and Ticket Sales and Pick-Up.
KaBloom Features Scented Floral Displays
KaBloom, the Boston, MA-based floral retail chain has teamed up with ScentAir Technologies, Santa Barbara, CA, to add scent to its flower displays.
“ScentAir adds a new, compelling dimension to floral displays at point-of-sale,” said Forrest Fleming, CEO, ScentAir Technologies. As consumers walk by the KaBloom display there is a motion sensor that emits a brief controllable floral scent zone. ScentAir adds back floral aroma at point-of-sale since refrigeration suppresses the natural aroma of flowers. “ScentAir promises to be a consistent and inexpensive way of sampling fresh flowers, where scent is a primary attribute of the product,” adds Fleming.
ScentAir studies show double-digit sales increase when adding floral aroma at point-of-sale.
Sony Style Concept Store Opens In Palo Alto, CA
Sony Electronics recently opened the Sony Style concept store in Palo Alto, CA. The new concept stores invite consumers to “test drive” a variety of Sony devices.
“Consumers will experience our products, technology and entertainment first hand in a high-class, consumer-centric environment,” said Mike Fasulo, President of Sony Electronics’ eSolutions Co. “To continue to enhance our brand, we will open additional concept stores across the country over the next year.”
At 6,000 sq. ft., the Palo Alto Sony Style store features multiple demonstration areas, including a digital imaging gallery with digital still cameras, camcorders and photo printers. The store showcases all of Sony’s entertainment properties, including the latest PlayStation 2 hardware and games, DVDs from Sony Pictures and CDs from Sony Music. The Palo Alto store is the first to feature an entertainment zone with different themes throughout the year.
Motorola Displays Cellular Phone Desktop Charger
Motorola has placed this permanent cell phone accessories display in cellular phone service provider retail locations nationwide. The display is designed to merchandise three new additions to Motorola’s suite of cellular phone accessories including a Desktop Charger.
The display is flexible for on-the-floor sales person demonstrations and interchangeable for simple product change out.
These displays were shipped fully assembled and were designed as modular pieces to be used as either a counter or wall unit.
The Motorola Accessories Display was designed and produced by Rapid Displays of Chicago, IL and Union City, CA.
Lincoln & Time Warner Center Announce Alliance
Lincoln, the North American luxury brand of Ford Motor Company, has formed an alliance with Time Warner Center in New York City that represents a breakthrough way to “shop” for a new vehicle. This innovative alliance is a unique marriage of real estate, retail and automotive marketing that offers consumers a total luxury lifestyle experience.
Beginning in October 2004, Lincoln vehicles will be on continual display in the retail public spaces of Time Warner Center, the new 2.8 million square foot complex at Columbus Circle.
Featured in an elegant setting consistent with the glass, stone and wood design throughout Time Warner Center, Lincoln vehicles will be illuminated under floating canopies near the main entrance, where an estimated 16 million people will pass by each year.
The multi-year alliance will bring the concept of a concierge to the automotive experience. Operating in a complete Wi-Fi environment, the concierges will provide consumers with a premium, high-tech shopping experience including arranging vehicle test drives at any one of the more than 1,300 Lincoln dealerships across the U.S. High-resolution plasma screens will be positioned nearby, artfully conveying the Lincoln “Travel Well” brand theme with images, text and interactives.
IntelliMat Tapped For Promotion In Sony Style Store
IntelliMat, a new multi-media digital display designed for the floor, is being used in a promotion at the Sony Style Store in New York City.
Introduced by The Egg Factory (TEF), located in Roanoke, VA, IntelliMat is a portable ½" thick display that combines the best of TV and computer technology. Placed on the floor, IntelliMat delivers multi-media, TV-quality advertisements and can be interactive with customers. More importantly, it delivers these messages to consumers in environments where wall space is limited or in front of products where consumers are in a position to buy.
As consumers visit the Sony Style Store, IntelliMat uses colorful video clips and sound for its promotions.
“IntelliMat has been a huge customer draw with its crisp images, color and sound in our store,” said Christine Belich, Sony Style Executive Creative Director.
mark, Avon’s New Beauty Brand Forms New Lifestyle Alliances
mark, the new beauty business from Avon Products, has formed four new strategic marketing alliances aimed at increasing the scope of the business as a multi-faceted, lifestyle brand. The partnerships with Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Nextel Communications, New Line Cinema and MTV, represent the leading areas in telecommunications, theater/entertainment and broadcast.
mark was named in celebration of young women making their ‘mark’ in the world today, and comprises over 300 products including cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, accessories, jewelry and handbags.
As part of its relationship with Loews, mark is distributing over 200,000 magalogs in 10 regional cities by placing free-standing newsstands in theater lobbies in each market. There will also be giveaways of year-long movie passes and valuable movie ticket offers.
Nextel is offering free Nextel phones with 3 months of free service. New Line Cinema is offering invitations to movie screenings.
mark will also be the exclusive retailer of the MTV Fitness 2-pack DVD, MTV Yoga and MTV Power Yoga through the meet mark magalog and sold solely through a mark representative or at meetmark.com.
Toys ‘R’ Us Camp Geoffrey Offers Creative Summer Activities
Toys ‘R’ Us recently invited kids and their parents to Camp Geoffrey this summer.
The Camp was the perfect place for parents to spend time with their kids as they explore the power of play by participating in fun and creative summer activities, from creating their own book to building their own birdhouse. All activities at Toys ‘R’ Us were free and several included a gift for kids.
America Online Partners With Wal-Mart For Broadband Rocks Concert Series
America Online is sponsoring the Broadband Rocks Concert Series at Wal-Mart stores across the country.
Customers in more than 2,600 Wal-Mart stores will have the chance to view a series of televised concerts featuring some of the biggest names in music on the Wal-Mart Television Network, operated by Premiere Retail Networks (PRN).
The regularly scheduled AOL Music broadcasts will be shown on select Friday nights throughout the year, reaching an estimated 105,000 Wal-Mart television screens around the nation. Past Live Broadband Rocks events have included performances by Avril Lavigne, Usher, Alicia Keys and Hilary Duff.
“We are excited to give our customers front row seats to experience some of today’s hottest music stars,” said Troy Steiner, Marketing Director for Wal-Mart stores. “This is one of many ways we utilize the Wal-Mart Television Network to deliver nonstop entertainment to our customers during their shopping trip.”
Enesco Campaign Targets 'Tween Market
Enesco Group recently launched a ‘tween-focused marketing initiative, to raise interest in its Precious Moments collection. “PM Rocks!” is the theme that connects a group of figurine “rock stars” with a music-oriented mobile marketing campaign. The PM Rocks! Tour is a 15-week, grassroots tour that offers 'tween girls a chance to interact with the PM Rocks! band, dress up and pretend to be a diva for a day, as well as purchase Tour-exclusive merchandise.
“This strategic initiative is positioned to introduce the Precious Moments brand to a new generation of consumers,” said Tom Bradley, CEO. “Most Precious Moments enthusiasts started their collections at an early age, which led us to focusing on a younger pool of potential customers. This campaign is the first of many strategic initiatives aimed at the 'tween demographic.”
Papa John’s & Coca-Cola Offer Free Music
Papa John’s Intl. announced a new addition to its “Pizza and Entertainment” campaign, “4 & More,” featuring a Coca-Cola “4 To Go!” Music Edition Carrier with four free digital music track downloads from Musicmatch.
“Research tells us pizza is the number one food choice of teens, and hanging out with friends and listening to music are top teen activities,” said Gary Langstaff, Chief Marketing Officer, Papa John’s. “The combination of Papa John’s pizza, Coca-Cola 20 oz. beverages and free Musicmatch Downloads is a great way to provide a better experience to our customers. Utilizing the ‘4 & More’ makes it easier for the whole family to share the experience.”
CVS Offers Camera-Phone Photo Printing
CVS/pharmacy has become the first national retailer to give consumers the ability to print photos in-store directly from mobile phones equipped with cameras. “The use of camera phones by consumers represents a revolution in digital photography and CVS is first with an easy, simple, customer-focused solution for printing images directly from your mobile phone,” said Grant Pill, Category Manager of Photo Processing. “
Last year, camera phones outsold conventional digital cameras 2-to-1 and in 2004, camera phone sales are expected to grow from 7.5 million to 21.3 million. Following instructions on the touch screen, the customer beams the image to the store’s Kodak Picture Maker. Prints are ready in minutes and cost 29 cents; the same price as prints from traditional or digital cameras.
Guitar Center Partners With Elite Brands Of Sports & Entertainment
Guitar Center is targeting the youth audience through its DJ/Turntable “Spin Off” Competition developed in partnership with Scion, Nike, Warner Music Group, XXL Magazine, SCRATCH Magazine and XM Satellite Radio. “We created the ‘Guitar Center Spin Off’ to reach some of our most influential customers that cannot be communicated to through traditional events or media outlets,” said Jack Sonni, V.P., Marketing Communications.
Guitar Center Spin Off provides DJs with the opportunity to compete for prizes. Along with taking home thousands of dollars in gear, the winner will earn the chance to record with Warner Music Group, receive a new 2005 Scion xB and design their own shoe with Nike.
‘The Scene’ Targets Teens At GGP Malls
General Growth Properties is partnering with Pepsi for “The Scene,” a teen event at 128 GGP malls in 12 major markets. Cotton Inc., Fuji Film, the DK BMX Bike Team, Joico, CosmoGIRL! and The N, the nighttime network for teens, join Pepsi as GGP event partners.
At The Scene, teenagers will visit the Pepsi Smash screening party, meet stars from The N’s teen TV drama “Degrassi” and enter to win a walk-on part on the show. Teens will also be able to step inside the CosmoGIRL! Cool Room!, watch DK BMX bike stunt shows, and create their own “scenes” at the Fuji-Film digital green screen.
“GGP’s interactive mall experiences continue to build and enhance one-on-one relationships with the important teen consumer,” said Melinda Holland, Sr. V.P., Bus. Dev., GGP.
Vertis Identifies Purchasing Trends Among Home Electronics Shoppers
Women are more involved in home electronics purchases, according to the results of the Vertis Customer Focus 2004 Home Electronics Study, which reveals that 90% of women said they shared equally or made the decision for home electronics purchases in 2004 compared to 79% in 1998.
“Age is a significant factor that influences women’s involvement in the purchase of home electronic products,” said Theresa Mulvey, V.P. Marketing Research at Vertis. “35% of women 18-24 plan to purchase wireless devices in the next 12 months, compared to 21% of women ages 25-34.” When it comes to digital cameras, both women 18-24 and women 25-34 are more likely to purchase at 23% and 24% respectively, compared to 18% of total women. In the next 12 months, 29% of female home electronics chief shoppers plan to purchase software, 21% plan to purchase office technology such as a printer or scanner and 20% plan to purchase wireless devices such as a cell phone or PDA.
41% of male home electronics chief shoppers said they plan to purchase software in the next 12 months, 28% plan to purchase electronic accessories, and 23% plan to purchase a computer. 40% of home electronics chief shoppers indicated that, besides price, brand name was the most important factor when purchasing home electronics such as home theatre, large screen, HDTV or digital video camera. Although brand name was most important to chief shoppers, 10% fewer made this claim in 2004 as they did in 1998.
Spending On Toys Knows Few Limits
The average American child receives $276 worth of toys and games each year, according to survey findings from Decision Analyst, a marketing research and consulting firm.
The most common spending range (23% of respondents) was between $200 and $299 per year.Yet the next most popular range was $500 or more, selected by 21% of those surveyed. The ranges between these two groups ($300 to $399, and $400 to $499) were less common, with just 15 and 17% respectively.
“The market for children’s toys and games is really several separate markets,” said Bonnie Kenoly, Sr. V.P., Decision Analyst. “Almost half of households are spending less than $300 a year, yet on the other side, over one-fifth of families are willing (or able) to spend more than $500. Catering to those two quite separate groups is a significant challenge for manufacturers targeting the children and teen markets.”
The study also discovered that the presence of multiple children in a household does not necessarily mean fewer toys for the kids. Even in households with four or more children, spending per child is only six percent lower (at $258 per child) than in single-child families. Moreover, households with two children actually spend more per child on toys and games than single-child families, at $296 per child, compared to $274. “Sibling rivalry may well place extra pressure on parents to indulge their children.”
Report On Game Consoles & Accessories
U.S. retail sales for console and portable video game accessories in 2003 remained flat over the previous year with $1.2 billion in sales, while first quarter 2004 saw a 10% increase over the same period last year with revenues over $278 million, according to Port Washington, NY-based marketing information provider, The NPD Group.
Increases in U.S. retail sales for 2003 and Q1 2004 were seen within the video games controller categories, bringing in totals of over $408 million and $92 million, respectively. In Q1 2004 alone, controller categories such as Gamepads, Steering Wheels, Stick Controllers and Specialty Controllers, saw dollar sales increases of 22%, 30%, 27% and 170%, respectively. Internet Components saw the highest percentage increases in dollar sales of 155% and 107%, respectively.
Harman Debuts Portable Audio System
Harman Multimedia has introduced the JBL On Tour portable audio system for digital music players, personal CD players, or laptop computers.
“The popularity of digital music players has exploded and what has been missing is a portable, attractive, and great-sounding set of speakers to complement any digital music player” said Joe Milano, Harman’s Director, Strategic Accounts.
Microsoft Launches Portable Media Centers
Microsoft has introduced Portable Media Centers, a new category of multimedia players that allow people to enjoy all the digital entertainment they store on their PC, (recorded television, music, movies and pictures), on one device.
Using any personal computer running Microsoft Windows XP and the new Windows Media Player 10, people can quickly transfer music, photos and video to their Portable Media Center.
Virgin Electronics Unveils Wearable MP3 Player
Virgin Electronics has unveiled a MP3 player that weighs just half an ounce. The Wearable 128MB MP3 Player holds roughly 40 songs and delivers one of the best MP3 player values on the market today at $99.
Said Joe Sipher, Sr. V.P. of Marketing, Virgin Electronics, “The Virgin brand stands for value, quality, innovation and fun. The Wearable MP3 Player is exactly the type of product that you’d expect from a brand like Virgin.”
Alpine Introduces Interface Adapter For iPods
Alpine Electronics of America has introduced an interface adapter that enables consumers to control their iPod music library from their in-vehicle sound system.
“There is clearly an eager market of users who want a better sounding and easier to use solution for enjoying their iPod music in the car,” said Stephen Witt, Alpine’s V.P. of Brand Marketing.
AOL For Broadband Conducts Event Promos.
AOL for Broadband recently launched a week-long series of activities in Cleveland, OH, to give residents a first-hand look at the AOL for Broadband high-speed Internet experience.
Events included a glimpse at a digital home of tomorrow, brought to life through a kitchen, entertainment and kid’s rooms.
These rooms traveled to the Metroparks Zoo, Jacobs Field and numerous shopping and entertainment venues around the city.
Hard Rock Café Runs ‘50 Years Of Rock’ Tour
Hard Rock Café International is launching a year-long program that celebrates the past five decades of rock music. A multi-city mobile tour to more than 15 top markets will showcase Hard Rock's prized memorabilia from music's most influential artists including Elvis Presley.
“Rock 'n' roll is one of the most important cultural contributions America has made to the world and we are thrilled to be part of the celebration,” said David Catalano, COO, Hard Rock Café International. "Hard Rock Café is one of the few brands that can embrace the 50th anniversary of rock by giving our café guests a place-anywhere in the world, to stop for a moment to celebrate the spirit, anarchy and rebellion of rock 'n' roll."
Additionally, Hard Rock will conduct a consumer promotion to name the “Top 50 Moments in Rock History.” One grand prize winner will receive travel accommodations for a once-in-a-lifetime concert event.
CCM, a manufacturer of cellular telephone accessories, wanted its 20' x 30' exhibit to show its product in a futuristic store like environment. It also wanted to use the exhibit’s upper level for brand exposure so the façade was covered in lightweight semi-transparent printed graphics. The orange backlit Plexiglas along the edges of the monoliths made the exhibit stand out. The exhibit was produced for CCM by Olea Exhibits/Displays, based in Artesia, CA.
Next Marketing, an Atlanta-based event and mobile marketing firm, has launched a mobile marketing tour for Panasonic Consumer Electronics. The program is designed to bring the excitement of the Panasonic Indy Racing League (IRL) Super Aguri Fernandez Racing team sponsorship, along with the company’s high tech products, to major electronics retailers and their customers. “Based on early retailer and consumer response, this tour will generate a lot of excitement,” said Gene Kelsey, V.P. Brand Strategy, Panasonic. The tour features a 40’ trailer transformed into a rolling showcase of Panasonic’s products.
Kodak Multi-Product Counter Unit
This display was designed to stimulate impulse sales for Kodak film and one-time use cameras. The unit is produced from injection molded styrene for cost efficiency, and acts as a strong brand statement from Kodak. It creates an on-counter billboard for the Kodak brand. It also functions to organize multiple sizes of film packs as well as one-time use cameras in a small footprint. The display's shelves have a multi-depth well, allowing retailers to accommodate four different size products in the same unit as well as to determine the product mix best for their stores. The display has met with great retailer demand with all l,000 units manufactured placed at retail. The Kodak Multi-Product Counter Unit was created by Mechtronics, l New King Street, White Plains, NY l0604.
Wal-Mart CD Island Fixture
The objective was to create a custom island fixture to promote the sale of new release CDs and special value CDs. The 48" x 48" island fixture is constructed of a powder coated tubing frame and wire shelves sitting on a black plastic pallet. The signing is standard Wal-Mart white extruded plastic with slide-in graphics and pricing. A special feature on this fixture is the music sampler outpost with electronics, speakers and key pad all built into one durable metal case. By mounting the fixture on a plastic pallet, it can be easily repositioned to capitalize on various promotional opportunities. Store level feedback on this display has been positive. The Wal-Mart CD Island Fixture was created by Thorco Industries, Inc. l300 E l2th Street, Lamar, MO 64759.
Duracell Toys R Us In-Line System
This display was designed with major input from Toys R Us merchandising and store fixture managers. The display design included Geoffrey the Giraffe (the retailer's brand icon), wallpaper patterns and retail specific colors. The system was joined in three sections to create a dynamic environment of 12' of battery product. Each gondola held six four foot wide gravity fed shelves accommodating ten facings of three PackOne modules each, a tremendous amount of inventory. The display retrofits onto existing gondolas for cost savings. The Duracell Toys R Us In-Line System was created by New Dimensions Research Corp., 260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY ll747.
Pepsi’s Billion Dollar Giveaway Promotion
This Pepsi Billionaire Lobby and End Cap Display was distributed to the Grocery Channel Nationwide. The lobby display is 88" x 30" x 40" and the end cap is 48" x l0" x 40". It is produced of 80# litho mounted to 200#B-flute corrugated. The lobby unit also contains 8 superbright white LED lights to attract the consumers' attention. 2,200 lobby units and 7,000 end cap displays were produced. Pepsi's Summer Billion Dollar Displays were created by Rapid Displays, 4300 W. 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60632-4476.
Stock Corrugated Displays With Pre-Printed Generic Sales Messages
"Speed Table" Displays with pre-printed sales messages on the Tray Panels are now offered. For the publishilng industry, "Bargain Books" has been pre-printed on the tray panels. For the Computer software industry, "Computer Software Savings" has been pre-printed. The Speed Tables (2' x2' and 2' x 3') are heavy-duty in construction and will hold up to 75 pounds of product. A complete line of stock displays is available covering a wide range of industries at low-cost because of no tooling costs. The Stock Corrugated Displays With Pre-Printed Generic Sales Messages were created by Alpak Manufacturing Corporation, l8l Boyd Street, P.O. Box 339, Montgomery, NY l2549.
Fastsigns offers a network of more than 440 Fastsigns sign and graphic centers worldwide which provide sign and graphic solutions along with quick project turn-around. Fastsigns uses leading edge technology to provide full color trade show booth graphics as well as point of purchase displays. For more information, contact Fastsigns, 2550 Midway Rd .#l50, Carrollton, TX 75006.
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