Clearasil Debuts StayClear Acne Prevention Products
"This prevention strategy will not only grow Clearasil but also the whole category as people move from treating a pimple to daily care," said Brad Frank, Clearasil Brand Manager.
In-store displays supporting the StayClear line are focused around the back-to-school period. Colorful displays are headlined, "Stay Clear or Don’t. It’s Up To You."
Promotional support also includes teen targeted sampling.
Oral B Pallett Display Designed For Club Stores
Oral B Laboratories is using this pallet display to introduce its Oral-B Cross Action toothbrush in club stores. The displays were recently distributed in club stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco.
Response to the product and displays has been exceptionally strong, according to the Company.
The Oral B Pallet Display was designed and manufactured by CCB Packaging, a p.o.p. display firm based in Hiawatha, IA.
Yoo-Hoo Introduces 'Lite' Version
Yoo-hoo Chocolate Beverage Co. has introduced Yoo-hoo Lite, with 50% fewer calories than regular Yoo-hoo. "Yoo-hoo Lite offers health conscious consumers a drink that can satisfy their chocolate cravings," said Kristin Krumpe, Director of Marketing for Yoo-hoo.
Yoo-hoo Lite contains a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, and is 99% fat free and caffeine free.
Harmony Foods Introduces ‘Harmony Hits’ Display
Harmony Foods, Santa Cruz, CA, is featuring a new six pack display merchandising "Harmony Hits" candy and a jukebox header to play off the "hits" theme of the display.
Available with targeted graphics for Halloween, Christmas and Easter, the module is ideal for seasonal and in/out fast moving promotions. The candy is merchandised in crystal clear, disposable containers. Shrink wrapped half pallets also allow the displays and product to be shipped as one module.
Miller Runs ‘Hungry For Football’ Promotion
Miller Brewing’s "Hungry For Football, Thirsty For Beer," off-premise promotion, provides retailers with multiple opportunities.
This year’s football promotion includes cross-merchandising and couponing with Bugles, Chex Mix and Gardetto’s snack foods. Specific NFL team-identified point-of-sale for all 31 NFL teams will be available.
Display materials include large display spectaculars, inflatables, cross-merchandising/snack food p.o.s. banners, and case cards.
Budweiser 100% Football Promotion Launched
To promote Budweiser’s official sponsorship of the NFL, the brand is introducing the "Budweiser 100% Football" promotion this fall. The integrated program includes a consumer sweepstakes; coupons for cross merchandising opportunities; on-premise "Score Pour" promotions; and team-specific p.o.s.
"The ‘Budweiser 100% Football’ promotion is an outstanding way to celebrate the brand’s official sponsorship of the NFL," said Dan Hoffman, Director, Budweiser Marketing. The consumer sweepstakes will award a "Budweiser All-Access Pass" to a 1999 game. The new "category coupon" gives consumers rebates of up to five dollars when they buy products from five grocery categories: soft drinks, salty snacks, charcoal, ice and pizza/deli.
On- and off-premise POS includes stringer pennants, schedule banners, imprintable banners, schedule posters and table tents.
Heinz Pet Products Offers Motorized Floor Display
Heinz Pet Products featured this motorized floor display for the introduction of its WagWells Tender Lovin’ Chews. The motorized header conformed to the company’s existing display system.
The header shows three different actions: a moving food item, wagging tail and moving tongue.
Along with the physical depiction of the dog’s pleasure, the medical benefits of the products is also emphasized by the header artwork.
This display was created by Display Group Longview Fibre Company of Milwaukee, WI.
Nabisco Features Italian Food Merchandiser
Nabisco Ltd.is using this Primo: Love Of Italian Food Merchandiser,’ to display Primo’s meal solutions. The unit merchandises the equivalent amount of product as its previous two 4’ sections and provide a turn-key opportunity to display all key Primo ingredients and recipes for easy-to-prepare Italian meals.
The merchandiser is constructed from 18 ga. 1' square tube, 18 ga. C.R.S. plate, 1/4' and 3/16' wire shelves, 3/4' plywood, 1 1/4' sheet metal ticket channels, and powder coating. The merchandiser was created for Nabisco by CDA Industries, Scarborough, Ont. Canada.
7-Eleven Offering Big Savings On Movie Candy
7-Eleven, Inc., is hoping movie fans will first head to one of its participating 5,600 stores to pick up their favorite candy prior to flocking to movie theaters. The nation’s leading convenience retailer is targeting movie-goers with a new line-up of boxed theater candies, typically found only in concession stands. John Moser, Confectionery Category Manager, 7-Eleven, said stores are adding special displays featuring top-selling theater brands and other large bags of candy, at significant savings over theater prices.
Moser said, Sales of theater candies have increased 8% from 1996 to 1998. Some of our franchisees and stores have been selling theater box candy for some time with great success. Now we’re making a concerted effort to devote space to it in all stores."
Grocery Manufacturing Industry Faces Challenge Of Long-Term Growth
Despite low inflation, top performers in the grocery manufacturing industry made headway in 1998 by seeking strategic acquisitions, capitalizing on booming health and convenience trends, and building strong brand equity, according to the '1999 Financial Performance of the Grocery Manufacturing Industry' report, by the Grocery Manufacturers of America and Swander Pace & Co.
The report showed sales growth among the top quartile of grocery manufacturers reached a five-year annual growth rate of 15.7%. While overall sales growth for the industry declined in 1998, top-quartile performers were able to grow their business at two-and-a-half to four times the rate of the median.
Top performers based on return on sales were the large, branded manufacturers that are category leaders. Beverage manufacturers dominated this top tier. Manufacturers continued to shed underperforming assets, focusing on cost reductions and redirecting marketing support to introduce higher-value-added products and protect premium price positions.
Four strategies are outlined in the report for creating long-term sustainable growth: following core consumers to rapidly growing channels of distribution such as warehouse clubs, convenience and drug stores; developing products that provide health and wellness benefits; using acquisitions to expand into high-growth channels, product categories or geographies; and developing a strong international presence.
American Greetings Studies How To Build Customer-Driven Supermarkets
The fourth American Greetings Research Council (AGRC), supported by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), presented a report of the key findings of its two year research study focused on building customer-driven supermarkets.
Key findings include: Grocery stores are still the primary grocery providers; Grocery shopping is viewed as a chore or an obligation; Even loyal shoppers will go out of their way to get better prices, quality, freshness, variety, and/or more fun; Retailers need to communicate the basics of the business: cleanliness, consistency, value and customer service; Consumers value convenience in the shopping experience. Key findings for Frequent Shopper Programs (FSPs) include: There was no perceived difference between FSPs of different retailers in the marketplace, and the program did not generate loyalty to any specific retailer; Customers questioned the value of FSPs. The value was rarely communicated to them clearly and many suspected that any savings were shifted to the price of other items in the store.
Rapid Growth For Organic Foods
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has released a study showing impressive double-digit growth in nearly every organic product category. Average annual growth rates over the past five years is estimated at 42% overall.
The Survey shows respondents project an average annual growth at 30%, with the grain snacks and candy category leading the pack with an 89% estimated growth rate, followed by frozen foods with an estimated 69% growth.
The survey also tracked retail outlet penetration. For most manufacturers, two-thirds of their product distribution is still through health and natural food stores with 62% of sales coming from this channel. Mass-market grocery stores provide 31% of sales with the remaining 7% divided between club/discount and food service outlets.
The OTA estimates that the organic industry is a $4.2 billion industry growing at over 24% annually.
Report On Americans Snacking Habits
Two in five Americans admit to having a sweet tooth, according to a recent national survey for Sweet ‘N Low confectionery conducted by Opinion Research Corporation. The survey indicated that most Americans (96%) are sweet "snack-o-holics," with 60% turning to chocolate and hard candy to satisfy their "sweet tooth" cravings. The survey provides an intriguing look into Americans’ snacking habits, probing their urge to snack vs. desire to eat healthy.
The Sweet ‘N Low survey found that 59% watch the amount of fat in their diet and 37% watch their calories. But Americans still love snacks, especially candy and chocolate. Survey findings reveal that 96% of adults have the urge to snack; nearly half describe themselves as "anytime snackers," with 62% feeling the need to nibble most when home. Women in particular (75%) grab a snack when feeling stressed, with 42% choosing candy and chocolate. Forty-nine percent of Americans and 61% of women surveyed confess to cheating on their diets. When asked what keeps them from achieving their weight or healthy eating goals, candy and chocolate (35%) are the leading culprits, compared to ice cream (24%), salty snacks and cookies (each 23%) and cheese (21%). When asked what would help them stay on track with their dieting goals, nearly two in five Americans believe a great tasting sugar free candy or chocolate would do the trick. Women are even more likely to choose a sugar-free candy; 72% of women vs. 64% of men.
Quaker & U.S. Soccer Launch New Cereal
Quaker Oats has joined forces with the U.S. Soccer Federation to launch U.S. Soccer Golden Goals cereal. The cereal, shaped like mini soccer balls, will feature the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team celebrating their World Cup championship on the box. A percentage of sales will be donated to the U.S. Soccer Foundation.
"We are proud to join forces with the U.S. Soccer Federation in a long-term relationship that benefits the growth of soccer," said Todd Magazine, V.P. Marketing, Ready To Eat Cereals, Quaker Oats.
Universal Studios Runs 'Mummy' Promotion
Universal Studios is releasing "The Mummy" on home video and DVD backed by a multi-million dollar campaign, taking advantage of Halloween retail traffic. Hershey Foods and Polaroid have joined forces for a cross-promotional tie-in that includes a sweepstakes; rebate offer on Polaroid cameras; and an FSI from Hershey.
The Mummy’s Gold Sweepstakes offers consumers a chance to win a grand prize of $100,000 in gold. The entry form will be found on more than 100,000 Hershey’s displays.
Universal’s P.O.S. includes merchandisers, standees, posters, mobiles, and counter cards.
CDNOW & Miller Run Custom CD Promotion
CDNOW, Interscope Geffen A&M Records and Miller Genuine Draft’s MGD Music Productions, recently launched a custom CD promotion that offers consumers the ability to create a custom CD. Consumers can create the CD for $6.99 by locating codes inside Miller packages. The code directs them to CDNOW. Consumers can enter the site and choose up to 10 songs from 12 different Interscope Geffen A&M artists. CDNOW then creates the custom CD and ships it to the consumer.
"Teaming up with CDNOW offered a great opportunity for MGD to demonstrate its association with music," said Ann Stickler, Miller Genuine Draft Senior Brand Manager.
Chupa Chups Partner With ‘Buffy’ For Fall
This Halloween, Chupa Chups lollipops’ new Tongue Painters will feature images of cast members from Fox’s "Buffy The Vampire Slayer."
Greg Heanue, Brand Manager, Chupa Chups, said "This affiliation makes us even more relevant to the show’s audience."
Nantucket Nectars Promotes New Squeezed Nectars
Nantucket Nectars is supporting the launch of its new line of lemonades called Squeezed Nectars, in a promotion with Trans World Entertainment, the nation’s largest music retailer.
Through the promotion, consumers will be able to redeem five Squeezed Nectars bottlecaps to receive $2.50 off their next compact disc purchase at participating Trans World stores. P.O.P. materials will support the promotion.
Hansen’s Runs WWF Sweepstakes
Hansen’s Energy Drink is the first in-program sponsor on the World Wrestling Federation’s cable program, "RAW is WAR." The WWF’s Superstar, X-Pac will chug Hansen’s Energy during his entrance.
"The WWF is the perfect venue for Hansen’s to attract the male teen market that shops at convenience stores," said Mark Hall, Sr. V.P., Hansens Natural Corp., Corona, CA.
The promotion includes the WWF High Energy Sweepstakes, offering a trip to the WWF’s Pay-Per-View Spectacular, "The Royal Rumble".
X-Pac’s likeness will be a part of p.o.p. displays with sweepstakes entry forms.
Proprint offers a stock line of base wraps for every type of product sold in the store. The base wrap is created on 10pt card stock with a film lamination on the front face for protection. The base wrap is used for mass displays of product and to attract attention to specific product areas in a store. For more information, contact Proprint Services Inc., 5621 Finch Avenue East, Unit #5, Toronto, Ontario M1B 2T9 Canada.
Paul Flum Ideas offers the Modular Event Display made of rugged metal which provides for a variety of configurations from baskets to shelves. The display shown is a co-marketing merchandising unit for Coca Cola/Nabisco to increase impulse purchases of both products. The unit shown is 22" wide, 80" high and 26" deep, but can be configured to almost any dimension. Wheels on the base permit it to be moved from location to location. The complete rack is equipped with 3D Header, center panel and 2 basket shelves. For more information, contact Paul Flum Ideas, 11100 Linpage Place, St. Louis, MO 63132.
Nashville Display offers a large collection of stock displays including this sturdy Five-Shelf Floor unit; the E-900. This tubular frame display is available with or without casters and features a Powder Chrome® finish. Each unit stands 65" high, 19" deep and is available in four widths ranging from 24" to 48". Adjustable shelves on 2 ½" spacing provides for varied product presentation and flexibility. The display can be customized by adding signage produced in-house with 4-color process screening and/or by choosing from a pallet of powder coat finishes. For more information, contact Nashville Display, 1415 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210.
Display Technologies offers the Surge Optimizer Display Rack. This 4 Tray 12D Optimizer modular floor stand is made of high impact polystyrene. It has tool-free assembly and has a brand identified wrap around header for product recognition from any angle. The pack out is 64 2ltr. bottles. The tray dimensions are 18" wide by 18" deep. For more information, contact Display Technologies, 111-04 14th Avenue, College Point, NY 11356.
RTC Industries, Inc. offers a line of stock displays, and Powerglide is the latest of over 50 different molds in its Mod-U-Shelf range. Powerglide is a gravity feed system featured in the display shown. A unique, clear, acrylic front allows 2 liter PET bottles to be safely merchandised with maximum packaging and brand visibility. Powderglide’s modular design allows brands and retailers to stock increased inventory in-store, a full 100 bottles. Powerglide is part of RTC’s Store Ready Solutions. For more information, contact RTC Industries, Inc., 2800 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.
Pepsi’s summer promotion tied into the blockbuster Star Wars film, "The Phantom Menace" and featured this 3-D sign. The sign brought the appeal and glamour of the Star Wars characters into the retail store. The sign is pre-printed vacuum formed styrene with the characters in dimension with real textures. Two signs were mounted back to back with a hole on the top for ease of hanging from the ceiling. The texture and dimension was achieved through careful sculpting and precise vacuum forming of the pre-printed styrene sheets. The signs were featured in C & G stores. For more information, contact Art Merchandising, 601 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001.
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