New Nokia Flagship Store Offers Unique Experience
The first Nokia Flagship Store in the United States has opened on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, and is designed to elevate the often confusing task of buying a wireless device into the kind of pleasurable shopping experience normally associated with exclusive upscale boutiques.
The Nokia Flagship Store features a carefully crafted retail environment surrounded by state-of-the-art multimedia displays. These displays interactively walk guests through the features and benefits of a wide range of Nokia products and even allows them to send text messages that can then be seen on not only the local store displays, but in other Nokia Flagship Store locations around the world.
As interactive displays allow customers to learn about the latest in wireless technology on their own, the Nokia Flagship Store team is close at hand to walk guests through any questions or concerns that they may have regarding wireless technology and Nokia products.
Along with a wide selection of Nokia handsets, the Chicago store will also be home to the first Vertu Lounge “store-in-a-store” in the United States. Marked by the highest possible level of craftsmanship and materials, the Vertu line includes the Signature and Ascent series of handsets.
“The Nokia Flagship Store concept was developed to offer consumers unparalleled selection and guidance in this complex environment, and to do it in a way that transforms the process of acquiring a new wireless device from a task into a pleasure,” said Cliff Crosbie, Director of Global Retail and Trade Marketing for Nokia.
Nokia plans to open another Flagship Store on New York’s Fifth Avenue in fall 2006.
Fisher-Price Billboard Display Showcased At Toys 'R Us
This billboard spectacular created for Fisher-Price has received front-of-store display placement at Toys 'R Us. The graphics were designed to reflect both Fisher-Price’s and Toys 'R Us’ “joy of play” philosophy and capture the imagination of both kids and parents.
Eric Mower & Associates, a Buffalo, NY-based display firm, worked with Pittsburgh-based IDL Merchandising Solutions to develop a stationary, 81 x 60.5” center-stage piece and two interchangeable wings-each 72 x 57.5”or 96 x 57.5” depending on store size. The efficient design enabled Fisher-Price to showcase its line of toys in two eye-catching ways over an 11-week period. The four panels (two on each wing) are adjustable so a retailer can resize any of the panels to better fit store space.
Duracell Power Center Endcap Placed In HEB Store
This new endcap display dramatically changes the way Duracell batteries are presented at HEB stores. Color coding helps guide shoppers through various battery type s and uses.
The display is designed to accommodate both peghook packaging as well as Duracell’s exclusive PackOne modules, a gravity feed system that allows easy restocking of multiple, high volume units in minutes. The motif uses steel bars as an accent piece that’s unique to the HEB account, and applied to all Duracell displays in HEB. This stylization throughout various Duracell displays in the store created a visual brand consistency. The Duracell HEB 3' and 4' display is configured in two versions based on available space in-store across the chain. Four-color litho lifestyle graphics on the header help guide consumers through the buying process.
The Duracell 3'-4' Endcap was designed and produced by New Dimensions Research, a point-of-purchase display company located in Melville, NY.
Timex Revamps P.O.P. Displays With Acrylic Shelf Talkers
New retail shelves launched by Time Factory Watch Outlets, Timex’s discount arm, have been designed with durability in mind.
To make the best use of its display case space, the watch retailer envisioned clear slot wall shelves with shelf talkers or lips that hang from the shelves in which graphic signs with information about the watches can be inserted. The company turned to P.O.P. designer APEC Display, Clifton, NJ, which specified CYRO Industries’ ACRYLITE FF acrylic sheet for the job.
ACRYLITE FF sheet was selected due to its rigidity, and its high quality look. The displays are easily cleaned, the shelves emit no visible marks and scratching is not an issue.
Fast Flick DVD Rentals Installs DVmatic Kiosk
FastFlick DVD Rentals, Tucson, AZ, has placed the DVmatic kiosk from ELO Media inside its convenience store. “We are thrilled to be the first Tucson business to install an automated DVD kiosk and to provide our customers with this convenient entertainment option,”said Lee Jestings, an owner of FastFlick.
ELO Media’s DVmatic machines offer low operating costs, are easy to use and occupy only a minimal footprint. According to Oren Hon, CEO of ELO Media, “Placed at grocery stores and convenience stores, you are no longer forcing renters to make a special trip to the video store, thus making the rental experience even more convenient.”
DVDPlay Rolls Out DVD Rental Kiosks Nationwide
DVDPlay is rolling out DVD rental kiosks to offer unparalleled convenience, low rental prices and current titles with new releases available every Tuesday.
DVDPlay kiosks, situated in heavily trafficked locations such as grocery stores, restaurants and convenience stores, offer a broad selection of new release DVDs in a compact footprint. DVDPlay’s patent pending software enables dynamic pricing promotions, inventory management, advertising and movie trailer insertions.
DVDPlay’s Automated Entertainment Machine is an intelligent, automated, Internet-connected DVD rental store. It captures e-mail addresses, can be managed remotely and runs movie trailers through two available screens: the flat panel topper unit or the DVDPlay User Interface.
Tequila Rose Displays Custom Choppers Sweepstakes
Tequila Rose is celebrating the successful introduction of new packaging and two new flavors, Java and Cocoa, by offering a custom chopper in a national sweepstakes called the Wicked Women of Tequila Rose Custom Chopper Sweepstakes.
Tequila Rose has commissioned Christine Vaughn of Wicked Women Choppers to build two custom choppers for today’s women rider’s with attitude.
Marketing support includes point-of-sale materials featuring a large case card that will fit a case stacker of cut cases with a tear-off poster of the bike, model and the entry form for the sweepstakes. On-premise promotions include sampling efforts.
Cingular Converts Eight Stores In Las Vegas To Serve Growing Hispanic Market
Cingular Wireless is creating a new shopping experience in Las Vegas by converting signage and collateral in eight local stores to both English and Spanish. Bilingual sales people will be prepared to serve customers in both languages and will be trained to handle the needs of Latino consumers using a culturally-appropriate approach.
“Understanding and continuing to deliver on the needs of Spanish speaking customers will allow us to strengthen our leadership position within this important market,” said Tammi Terrell, Vice President & GM, Cingular.
The new bilingual store concept is part of Cingular's comprehensive strategy to meet the needs of Hispanic consumers and includes products and services, marketing and infrastructure, such as ringtones from top Latin artists, as well as wallpapers, graphics, games, news, sports scores, weather and horoscopes, all in Spanish. There are four bilingual call centers for customers who prefer to do business in Spanish; a Spanish-language Web site; ad campaigns in Spanish; sponsorships of top Hispanic celebrities; and special calling rates to Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Smirnoff Vodka Featured In Newest Bond Film, ‘Casino Royale’
James Bond will return to the screen in the upcoming EON productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment production of "Casino Royale," set to release November 17. The return of Bond will also mark the return of another icon-Smirnoff Vodka, as James Bond's vodka of choice.
The renewed alliance between Smirnoff and Bond will involve a fully integrated multi-million dollar media campaign, including broadcast advertising; on- and off-premise promotions and sweepstakes; public relations and a fully interactive Casino Royale microsite.
The close partnership between Smirnoff Vodka and Bond began in 1962’s “Dr. No,”when the villain hands Sean Connery a "Martini, shaken not stirred" made with Smirnoff Vodka. “Today, Bond is as much a part of Smirnoff's history as Smirnoff is of Bond’s-and we’re delighted to be part of this latest chapter,” said James Thompson, President, Smirnoff Global Marketing, a Diageo brand.
CVS Photo Center Facilitates Internet-To-Retail Picture Processing
Consumers who use online photo services to order their pictures no longer have to wait for prints to arrive in the mail thanks to the new CVS Photo Center. CVS/pharmacy's online photo center offers image sharing, storage, gifts and internet-to-retail picture processing. Unlike most other online photo sites, www.cvsphotocenter.com makes it possible for customers to upload photos, order prints and drive to a local CVS/pharmacy store to pick them up-in many instances in as little as one hour.
In Internet to-retail processing, consumers upload pictures to the CVS online photo center then go to local stores to pick up their pictures, days faster than a Web-only service can deliver.
Garmin Showcase To Open In Chicago
Garmin International plans to open a retail product showcase on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue in time for the 2006 holiday shopping season. Garmin is the only GPS manufacturer to unveil a location devoted to giving customers the world’s most comprehensive GPS experience through hands-on product demonstrations and interactive kiosks, and special seminars.
“This new Garmin presence on Michigan Avenue will allow us to promote our brand and our products in a new way,” said Dr. Min Kao, Garmin’s CEO. “We want to use this location as a destination to excite our customers, and further propel sales among all our retailers.”
Tweeter Opens ‘Playground’ Concept Store
Tweeter Home Entertainment has opened a “Consumer Electronics Playground” concept store in Burlington, MA. The store’s unique selling spaces create a “custom journey” that makes shopping for home and mobile entertainment more enjoyable.
The new CE Playground store showcases whole-home control and automation through sophisticated spaces designed to replicate the rooms throughout a customer’s home. A fully-integrated family room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen sports bar and patio space are all decked out with the most cutting-edge video/audio gear. The store’s gigantic wall of flat-panel TVs allows customers to compare TVs with little effort. The Big Screen Adventure, is a home theater experience that offers people the opportunity to sit in D-BOX Quest motion simulator seating, while viewing their favorite movies on a Sony projector with a 120" Stewart screen.
Judy Quye, Tweeter’s Sr. V.P., Sales, said “Our concept stores are consumer electronics playgrounds that excite and educate consumers about what is now possible in their homes.”
'Disney Magic Selections’ Healthy Product Line Debuts At Kroger Stores
Kroger Co. and Disney Consumer Products are partnering for an exclusive line of Disney Magic Selections-branded products featuring Disney characters on food, health and beauty items.
Approximately 100 food items will launch throughout 2006, with the majority of products giving families fun and healthier alternatives. The line will include items that are inherently healthy such as fresh fruits in kid-size packages, while other product categories such as snacks, meals and popular staple foods will feature items with significantly improved formulations offering controlled levels of calories, fat and sugar.
Signage and aisle displays in Kroger stores will feature Mickey Mouse as “Chef Mickey” and “Farmer Mickey.”
Appeal Of Discounts Increases Among Home Electronics Consumers
Brand names are becoming less influential when consumers are deciding where to shop for home electronic product, according to the results of a Vertis Customer Focus 2006 Home Electronics study. According to the study, 29% of adults consider brand name the most important factor, after price, when deciding where to make a purchase compared to 40% in 2004.
“The widespread accessibility of major name brands at home electronics stores has lessened its impact among consumers when deciding where to shop,” said Scott Marden, Director of Marketing Research at Vertis. “The study shows that offering consumers a discount or rebate can influence their shopping decisions.”
While men are most likely to be the chief shoppers of home electronic products, the study found women are taking a more active role in deciding which electronics to purchase. Some 91% of women 35-49 claim they are the chief shoppers or equally share the home electronic purchasing decisions, compared to 86% of women 18-34 and 86%of women 50 and older. On the other hand, 94% of men 18-34 and 94% of men 35-49 claim to be chief shoppers or equally share in the decision making process.
Study On Consumer Technology Adoption
Eighteen-to 26-year-old Gen Yers are integrating technology into their daily lives at a faster rate than any other generation, according to Forrester Research Inc.’s Consumer Technology Adoption Study 2006.
According to the study, Gen Yers spend 12.2 hours online every week-28% longer than 27- to 40-year-old Gen Xers and almost twice as long as 51-to 61-year-old Older Boomers. Gen Yers are also much more likely to engage in Social Computing activities while online. For example, they are 50% more likely than Gen Xers to send instant messages, twice as likely to read blogs, and three times as likely to use social networking sites like MySpace.
“All generations adopt devices and Internet technologies, but younger consumers are Net natives who spend more time online than watching television,” said Ted Schadler, Forrester Research V.P. and co-author of the report.
Forrester Research Principal Analyst and co-author, Charles Golvin said, “Marketers can reach this mobile audience by adopting new channels like blogs, podcasts and the mobile Web. Among the best news for marketers is that young consumers are much more receptive to advertising than the older generations.”
Consumer Electronics Devices Are Entrenched In Kids Lives, Reveals NPD
Kids ages 4 to 14 are using consumer electronics devices six months earlier than they were in the 2005 study, according to the NPD Group’s recently released report, “Kids and Consumer Electronics II.” According to the report, both CE devices and video game systems are becoming more entrenched in the lives of kids today, with nine of the 11 CE devices measured in the study being used more today than in the past.
Portable CE products are showing strong growth in usage and purchase intent. Purchase intent for kids is highest for digital cameras, cell phones and portable video game systems. More than twice the amount of kids personally own portable digital music players and digital cameras this year versus 2005, while cell phone ownership is up by 50%.
Anita Frazier, Industry Analyst, The NPD Group, said “Today’s kids are digital natives whose activities are fundamentally different than previous generations.”
Blu-Ray HD DVD Markets To Exceed $28 Billion By 2010
With anticipated sales of blue laser players, game consoles, PC drives and related media, the blue laser disc technology market is expected to exceed $28 billion in sales by 2010, according to a report released by Santa Clara Consulting Group (SCCG).
SCCG estimates that the game console segment, supported by sales of the PlayStation 3, will have the most important influence on the blue laser disc technology market, with more than half of the $2 billion in revenue for 2006.
Other important markets are blue laser technology players, with projected $4 billion in sales in 2010; blue laser technology movies, with $3 billion in sales; blue laser technology game consoles, with $6 billion in sales; blue laser technology games with $10 billion in sales; and blue laser technology PC drives, with $4 billion in sales.
Portable Entertainment Devices Are On The Rise, Shows CEA Study
More than half (54%) of online adults plan to buy a portable entertainment device over the next year, according to a research study from the Consumer Electronics Association.
The study, “The Future Of Portable Entertainment Devices,” predicts a bright future for this category, as consumer interest in anytime, anywhere access to their digital information and entertainment grows. Currently, one in three million (54.1 million) online adults own a portable digital media device and CEA shipment forecasts predict nearly 28 million of these devices will ship in 2006.
The most common activity for portable entertainment devices is listening to music (94%); however, this may be due to the lack of video capability. CEA estimates that only 15% of digital media players shipping in 2005 were video capable, but that tide is quickly turning. This year, the percentage is expected to double. Owners of devices that do include video capability are twice as likely to engage in watching activities.
Some 71% of online portable digital media device owners plan to purchase entertainment content that can be played back on their device, spending close to $68 on content in the coming year.
There Will Be One Hundred Million Mobile VOIP Users In 2011
As more consumers carry their iPods with them everywhere, they are hoping Apple will add WiFi and VOIP for the killer converged mobile entertainment device, according to a new study from ON WORLD, an emerging wireless research firm.
“The PC industry has found an ideal services model and this is the ‘real time Internet’,”said Mareca Hatler, ON WORLD’s Director of Research. “Services such as VOIP, video, music, radio, news and instant messaging coupled with mobile devices such as a WiFi enabled iPod, and the ubiquity of broadband will result in 100 million consumer mobile VOIP users in 2011.”
Over the next five years, the PC industry will drive the consumer Mobile VOIP market with its growing “real-time Internet” telecommunications network.
The Pod Safe Portable Security Case Debuts
Secure-it has introduced The Pod Safe, a portable locking security case for iPods.
The Pod Safe provides a convenient and stylish solution to help prevent loss or theft of iPod music, photos or videos. The Pod Safe protects the iPod while allowing the user easy access to controls and playing features when locked.
Sony Launches mylo Communication Device
Sony is launching its first WiFi broadband communication device to capitalize on the growth of wireless Internet access. The new mylo personal communicator operates in any open wireless network.
The name mylo stands for “my life online” and the communicator lets you use instant messaging, browse the Internet, listen to music, send emails and view photos.
The device features a 2.4 inch color LCD with a slide out keyboard. It comes embedded with popular instant messaging services which are free. The product does not require initial computer setup or a monthly service contract.
Energizer e2 Easy Charger Targets Moms
The new Energizer e2 Rechargeable Easy Charger delivers form and function for the household “battery manager” mom.
“We considered lifestyle when designing this new charger targeted at the battery manager-mom,” said Joe Fisher, V.P., Global Rechargeable. “She values this device that is easy-to-use and visually-appealing.”
ZAPiT Games recently exhibited its new Game Wave game console. Game Wave is a DVD-based game console that hosts up to six players or teams. Unlike other game consoles, Game Wave’s emphasis is on player interaction similar to traditional board games. This system uses up to six wireless remote controls for fast, wait-free interactive play of family-oriented content including trivia, word, casino and “parlor” games. The exhibit gave attendees the chance to try the new console.
Cyclonix, a Morgan Hill, CA-based exhibit firm recently created this 30' x 40' custom rental exhibit for Sonic at the recent NAB show. The exhibit provided strong brand identification and ample room for product demonstrations. For more information, visit www.cyclonixinc.com or call 800-470-0062.
Checkers/Rally’s Runs Talladega Nights Sweeps
Checkers Restaurants recently joined forces with Columbia Pictures to conduct the “Talladega Nights Fully Loaded Sweepstakes” offering consumers the chance to win a Fully Loaded Ford F-150 customized by Mark III, a Winnebago Weekend at a NASCAR race at Talladega Superspeedway, food giveaways and more. When customers ordered Checkers/Rally’s Fully Loaded Fries or a large drink, they could peel game pieces to reveal instant-win prizes of food offers, as well as receive one of the letters needed to spell “Fully Loaded” for a chance to participate in the Sweepstakes Drawing.
“By combining our brand with powerhouses like NASCAR and Columbia Pictures for the 'Fully Loaded Sweepstakes,' Checkers/Rally's exposed a wide audience of brand loyal fans to our new Fully Loaded menu items,” said Richard Turer, V.P., Marketing for Checkers Drive-In Restaurants. “More importantly, these partnerships provide a strategic fit to our brand, emphasizing our dedication to speed, accuracy and fun.”
Jamba Juice Teams Up With Chronicle Books For Joint Promotion
Jamba Juice has teamed up with Chronicle Books for a cross-merchandising promotion that aligns the release of the new book, “Secrets of Longevity” with the launch of Jamba Juice’s All Fruit Smoothies.
The promotion consists of an online sweepstakes inviting consumers to enter to win a “Live to be 100” prize pack including 100 days of Jamba Juice.
Nancy Deane, Marketing Manager, Chronicle Books, said “Our mission to offer books that improve readers’ lives dovetails perfectly with Jamba Juice’s healthy and delicious drink options.”
VH1 Promotes ‘Rock Honors’
VH1 recently offered fans the opportunity to confess their wildest rock n' roll stories for a chance to win great prizes.
Special confession booths appeared in and around popular Los Angeles and Las Vegas venues where rock fans got their chance to share their outrageous stories or confess their secrets.
“We hope that these events will build awareness of the VH1 Rock Honors tribute and reignite the passion we all feel for rock n' roll,” said Jeff Frumin, CEO of Universal Consulting Group, a New York City-based experiential marketing firm, which developed the campaign for VH1.
Panasonic Runs ‘Try Before You Buy’
Panasonic is putting its Lumix Digital cameras into the hands of consumers with an unprecedented Product Loaner Program. Panasonic is implementing the camera demo program at key sporting events including the Dew Action Sports Tour and Major League Soccer.
This program allows consumers to borrow cameras for an extended period of time, in a true setting, not a demo tent. The handout is customized based on sport and event location and provides info on how to capture the best action shot. When participants return the cameras, they can print their favorite shots from an onsite photo printer and are given a keepsake SD Memory card.
According to Panasonic, the key to a great product demonstration is getting the product into consumers' hands in a true-to-life environment.
The “Try Before You Buy” Program was created for Panasonic by Renegade Marketing Group, New York City.
DaySpring, Inc. Island Merchandiser
This display was developed specially for Family Christian Bookstores and it creates a permanent merchandiser for DaySpring's seasonal products. The island merchandiser has a center panel constructed of a l" square tubing frame surrounding a wire grid and frosted acrylic panel with height adjustable wire shelves, all finished in white powder coat. The wood end panels are finished in light maple with white shelves hanging on an inlaid white wire grid. Locking casters allow the fixture to be strategically placed for seasonal traffic. A clear acrylic sign header tops off the unit. From greeting cards to calendars, day planners to daily devotionals, the merchandise mix and graphics can be easily changed for a fresh new look without the production expense of a new temporary displayer for every merchandise cycle. The DaySpring Inc., Island Merchandiser was created by Thorco Industries, Inc., l300 E. l2th Street, Lamar, MO 64759.
Office Max Book Display
This 4-sided display is constructed from wood and has adjustable wire shelves. The wire and metal parts have a durable powder finish. The display features four interchangeable headers and four vertical signs. The display provided better product visibility and made it easier for the customer to locate and select the book or books of their choice. The Office Max Book Display was created by Nashville Display, 306 Hartman Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Custom Pallet Display
Ingram Entertainment uses this corrugated custom pallet display for bulk sales to Costco Wholesale. Each unit holds roughly two hundred pounds of product and is usable as a free-standing floor display. It also features trays that can be pulled out for use on a shelf or countertop. The display stands 5l inches tall in the back and 34 inches in the front. The graphics are applied using large litho labels on three sides and two smaller labels on the graphic panels. The graphics are modified for each product release and the displays ship within days of receiving artwork. This pallet display was created by Meridian Display, 800-786-250l, www.meridian-display.com.
LarryBoy and the Bad Apple Corrugated Floor Display
This corrugated display provides motion and vibrant colors for the "Veggie Tales LarryBoy and the Bad Apple" unit. Big Idea wanted a display to promote the LarryBoy brand and reintroduce a character that hasn't had a DVD release in several years. The colorful animated graphics attract the consumer to the multi-product display. The temporary display is constructed of 200#B Bleach White corrugated materials with a mixture of direct print and litho laminated components. The motion of the plunger is generated from a small motorized unit placed in the back of the display. The display resulted in increased sales and increased retailer confidence in Big Idea's Veggie Tales brand. The LarryBoy and the Bad Apple floor display was created by Linpac Displays Inc., 8l0 S. Tullahoma, TN 37388.
Fiberoptic Lighting, Inc. created this colorful sign for Mattel to promote its Disney line of infant and preschool toys. The eye-catching Mattel train featured fiber optic lighting and was an entrance sign for Mattel's Disney branded preschool products. The train has a photo image background and the wheels appear to turn. The train puffs rainbow color steam. Each logo is animated individually. The sign was very effective in combining the brand identities of the two companies. The Mattel train sign measures 37" high x 96" long. For more information, contact Fiberoptic Lighting, Inc., 950 S.E. "M" Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526.
Palmer Promotional Products has introduced Smart LED animated sign technology which uses a smart chip to control the color and intensity of each LED bulb. There are a total of 90 LED lights mounted to a PCB board in three rows of 30. The LED strip is mounted into an aluminum extrusion. There are three 3/8" thick Acrylic panels that get silk screened with different portions of the logo to be illuminated and animated. The signs can be programmed to go from dim to super bright flash and change colors. For more information, contact Palmer Promotional Products, 2300l W. Industrial Drive, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.
New Dimensions Research Inc. created Blockbuster Poster Frames to promote various films and video games. The sign creates an in-store controlled opportunity to focus and cycle promotions of new movie and game titles available. It provides a clean and consistent look at Blockbuster stores nationwide. It generates awareness of new releases and pre-sells while providing an In-store system that is easily managed by store personnel. The design of the piece makes the frame blend into the background showcasing the product. Side rails with a top slot allows easy placement of additional graphics with changeouts taking seconds. For more information. contact New Dimensions Research Corp., 260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY 11747.
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