Creative Online

CREATIVE Fashion April/May 1999


Joe Boxer Launches ‘Underwear To Go!’ Program

Joe Boxer is revolutionizing the way people buy underwear with the Joe Boxer Underwear Vending Machine, dubbed "Underwear To Go!" Once the shoppers’ credit card is activated, the voice of an outrageous character praises them for shopping at Joe Boxer. Customers hear one of four reward scenarios: the game show host and sounds of applause and music; the flight attendant thanking them for flying Joe Boxer; the "Jersey Girl" ohhh my gawd; and the patriot with marching music and fireworks.

To reach out to all prospective customers, the machine is outfitted with a motion sensor which, when triggered, speaks out to passers-by. The sensor plays out one of twelve messages (at 20 second intervals) when activated by passing consumers such as, "Psst, wanna buy some underwear?" to a pounding sound from inside the machine followed by a voice saying, "Help! Let me out!"

The products, which range in price from $14.00 to $18.00, are compressed and sealed in an aluminum can bearing the Joe Boxer black and yellow "Licky" logo.

Joe Boxer Underwear Vending Machines will be installed at universities, fitness centers, airports, tourist locations, comedy clubs and other places where people can benefit from a little humor and a second pair of underwear. Up to 500 underwear vending machines will be rolled out by the millennium and will even feature millennium specific Joe Boxer products. The vending technology allows Joe Boxer to collect demographic data as well as instantly track inventory and sales through a secure internet server. Joe Boxer vending systems are provided by Apparel Vending Co., Newark, DE, operator of a national network of credit card operated vending systems.

According to Nicholas Graham, Chairman of Joe Boxer, "It has always been important to put the Joe Boxer product in unexpected places whether it’s in a rocket or a vending machine. The Joe Boxer Underwear Vending Machine combines the incredible technology of the vending machine with the irreverent humor of the Joe Boxer brand making underwear accessible to everyone, everywhere."

Timex Display Alarm Watch This acrylic countertop display features 12 units of the Timex Indiglo Turn ‘N Pull Alarm watch. The header card is designed to relay the ease of setting Turn 'N Pull.

The alarm feature is considered Timex’s biggest innovation since the Indiglo introduction in 1992.


Caterpillar Introduces Prototype Store

Caterpillar Inc. recently introduced a prototype retail store featuring its new line of branded merchandise. The retail image, created by Retail Design Group of Columbus, OH, emphasizes the association between Caterpillar’s machinery and the store’s merchandise.

The branding statement begins at the exterior storefront facade, which incorporates a welcoming marquee entry and store identity signage. The facade is transformed at night through the use of dramatic neon lighting and internally illuminated signage. The store interior is designed to create interest when viewed from the sidewalk by using construction forms, themed merchandise fixtures, and graphics in various shapes and colors. There are nine separate merchandise departments within the 6,000 sq. ft. retail space. The departments are defined through use of floor patterns, suspended ceiling elements, graphics and signage.

The footwear fixtures represent the overscaled tips of a backhoe bucket. The footwear department and custom fixturing are designed to be self merchandised by customers if sales associates are not immediately available. The silhouette of the cashwrap is modeled after the profile of a Caterpillar heavy-duty truck. The Nascar department not only features racing sport merchandise, but also contains an actual Winston Cup racecar sponsored by Caterpillar and the background sounds of a pit crew.


The Duck Shop Attracts Collegians

The University of Oregon wanted an upscale, contemporary collegiate retail venue that would complement its high-profile Sports Center. The resulting 2,400 square-foot Duck Shop features collegiate merchandise while also offering a spirited showcase of the history and tradition of UO athletics.

Prominent graphics and a curvilinear floorplan draw traffic from inside the lobby of the Sports Center and from Autzen Stadium on game days. A serpentine history wall features great University athletes and coaches. Beneath the history wall are video monitors feeding live coverage of athletic events. The goal is to have the merchandise reflect the school’s colors (green and yellow) while the fixtures provide an attractive backdrop.

The Duck Shop was created by Mobius Inc., Eugene, OR.


Teen Study Reveals Brand Popularity

There were some major shifts in brand popularity last year in the teen market, according to the Zandl Group, a New York-based marketing consulting firm. Instead of aspiring to be a young adult, it’s now cool to be a teen, and they are eager to establish some generational exclusivity with their own brands. More marketers will have to follow the lead of the entertainment world (e.g. Teen People, the WB) and the fashion industry (e.g. MUDD, LEI), which have had great success with teen-oriented products.

Teens today are into style, which is why so many fashion-driven apparel brands (e.g. Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch) grew at the expense of traditional manufacturers. For value-conscious teens seeking stylish products at accessible prices, Old Navy, American Eagle and Adidas offered an alternative to the expensive status brands. Teens have little patience with static brands. Brands that brought fresh approaches to their product lines (e.g. Clairol Herbal Essences, Oreos) or advertising (e.g. Winterfresh, Pepsi) benefitted.


Ebel To Launch Madonna Watch Line

Ebel, maker of prestige precision watches, has formed an agreement with Sony Signatures to create a new line of watches with music superstar Madonna. The agreement represents the first co-branded prestige watches ever.

"Madonna will lend her creative input and sophisticated style to a new line of designs," said Sandro Arabian, President and CEO of Ebel.


Renfro Features Pallet Display

Renfro Corp., is using this corrugated pallet kiosk to display its socks in mass merchandise outlets. The display is unique for its category.

According to Joy Hatch, V.P. Category Management, Renfro Corporation, "No manufacturer had previously been able to develop a pallet with hanging single pair sock product. The pallet displayed three sides of single pair product and one side of bags of socks, at the retailer’s request".

This kiosk displayed two different brands, which is why the graphics had to be simple. This kiosk was designed to be turnkey at retail. Merchandisers removed the outer casing and placed the sign in slots and it was ready to go. Renfro developed a special system to keep the socks from coming off the hooks when the pallet traveled.


Seiko Kinetic and Pulsar Solar Banners. The objective of this banner system was to add excitement at the point of sale for the new watch collections. The banners were also used as part of a retailer incentive program and were free to retailer who bought more watches. The banner system was in high demand. Created by Abstrategy Design & Manufacturing Inc., 125 Main Street, Matawan, NJ 07747. BRONZE AWARD.


SKECHERS USA Inflatable Slatwall Shelf. This shelf is available in five neon colors and partnered with powder coated steel support wire. Bright neon inflatable draws attention and complements the "bubble shape" SKECHERS shoe designs. Repetitive silk screened logos reinforce brand awareness. The shelves are sturdy, easy to set-up and economical. Created by Small Wonder Inflatables, Inc. 1941-F Friendship Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020. BRONZE AWARD.


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