Ethan Allen Installs Interactive Multi-Use Touch Screens
Ethan Allen Interiors has rolled out new, interactive touch screens to Ethan Allen Design Centers nationwide. The touch screens have been designed to further enhance the client experience at Ethan Allen retail locations.
“Most of our furniture is made to order. We continually look for ways to enhance the client experience and now we’re putting the world of Ethan Allen at their fingertips on touch screens in our Design Centers,” said Ethan Allen’s CEO, Farooq Kathwari.
In addition to their use as a full-catalog, the screens provide a fun, accessible, intuitive means to see products and information differently - changing out fabrics and finishes on upholstery, for example. The touch screens are also useful for the feedback they provide.
Intava, Bellevue, WA, (www.intava.com), a leader in touch screen solutions for retailers, was selected by Ethan Allen to power the company’s new touch screens.
SANYO Displays New 'eneloop' Rechargeable Batteries
SANYO has released its new AA- and AAA-size "eneloop" rechargeable batteries with approximately 500 more charges than previous eneloop batteries. The batteries are charged and ready to use and will maintain approximately 75% of their charge up to three years, a first in the industry. The new eneloop 1500-cycle batteries are available immediately at Costco Stores nationwide.
Tom Van Voy, VP and General Manager of SANYO Digital Solutions Division, said, “eneloop batteries are pre-charged which means they can be used right out of the package with new toys, gadgets, and other devices. The new eneloop batteries last even longer than before and can be recharged up to 1500 times which can save consumers hundreds of dollars on batteries over their lifetime.”
Olfa Retail Program Encourages Contractors To Trade-Up
OLFA, a leading maker of premium-quality cutting tools, is launching its largest retail program targeting professional contractors- the OLFA challenge.
An exclusive promotional program running in 1,500 Lowe's stores nationwide, the OLFA Challenge encourages contractors to view the cutting performance of the OLFA utility knives. Tool enthusiasts can compare their current tools with the new OLFA products on display, and have the opportunity to trade-up their existing utility knives for the latest OLFA cutters and snap-off blades. Additionally, during this limited trial period, OLFA is offering at Lowe's stores special introductory pricing so contractors can easily test the latest line at a special price. Products include the OLFA professional utility knives that are engineered with the OLFA quick-and-easy snap-off blade replacement system.
Home Depot Fuel Centers Partner With Chester’s Chicken On The Fly
Chester's, a leader in fried chicken foodservice programs among convenience stores, has opened new Chicken On The Fly locations in cooperation with The Home Depot Fuel Centers. Chester’s grab-n-go concept, Chester's Chicken On The Fly, offers customers a convenient meal solution while providing the store with minimal investment and virtually no additional labor. Chester's Chicken On The Fly offers prepackaged menu items such as fried or baked chicken tenders, potato wedges and biscuits. Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, these locations will offer customers a quick and convenient meal on-the-go.
Lowe’s Launches Recycling Centers
Lowe’s has installed recycling centers in nearly 1,700 stores throughout the U.S. to provide a one-stop recycling destination for customers. The permanent recycling centers offer a free, convenient and easy way for customers to recycle rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CFLs and plastic shopping bags.
The newly launched recycling centers will allow for the safe and proper disposal of these items in an easy-to-use bin near the store entrance. At each Lowe’s store, customers can drop off any expired, unbroken CFL, any rechargeable battery up to 11 pounds and all used cell phones and plastic shopping bags.
Levolor Accordia Cellular Shades Help Homeowners Save On Heating Costs
Levolor has introduced Accordia Cellular Shades to help homeowners reduce utility bills. Accordia shades are the most energy efficient shade available, saving homeowners up to $180 on their annual energy bills. Levolor is the first to offer Energy Shield, a clear, additional layer of insulation hidden inside of the cellular structure, making Accordia the only cellular shade to increase energy efficiency on sheer and light filtering fabrics.
Daltile Launches New Tile With Cliks Locking System
Daltile’s new Campisi floor tiles with Cliks feature patented Uniclic tongue-and-groove interlocking joints and built-in grout.
Cliks is an easy-to-install locking floor tile that simply clicks together. No mortar or grout is needed, simplifying a DIY installation and making it possible to transform a room in just one afternoon with no mess. Homeowners can view a DIY installation video in-store.
Walls + Forms offers its new multi-use H-Frame Grid Display, a free standing Grid Wall that is strong enough to handle heavy tools. The display stands 72" tall and has a 24" x 48" footprint. The header allows for an easy exchange of graphics. The units are shipped flat. For more information contact Walls + Forms Inc. P.O. Box 74lll2, Dallas, TX 75374; (Web site) www.wallsforms.com
FLEXcon, a Spencer, MA-based manufacturer of pressure-sensitive film solutions, has introduced ‘greener’ alternatives for at-retail applications for windows and counter mats; WINDOWdeco™ and FLEXmark® floor art™. Both WINDOWdeco and FLEXmark floor art non-vinyl ‘greener’ products are phthalate free and are produced with less solvent providing a smaller carbon footprint. For more information, contact FLEXcon at 508-885-8370 or (Web site) www.flexcon.com
Pompei A.D., (www.pompeiad.com), a New York City-based design firm, has designed an exhibit booth for Illume, a leading designer of premium candles and home fragrance. The pop-up booth was conceived as a vignette of a home, with different themes displayed as “rooms” within the space. Illume candles and other items are presented within this setting. The booth was designed to travel and adapt to different locations and sizes. (Web site) www.pompeiad.com
Hill & Partners, Inc., (www.hillpartners.com), a Quincy, MA-based exhibit firm, recently produced the branded environment for the Stanley Black & Decker booth, displayed during a recent annual shareholders meeting of Wal-Mart Stores. Hill & Partners designed the booth based on the shareholders event theme - the popular NBC game show “Minute to Win It." The design integrated the Stanley Black & Decker trade name with three games that could be played in the booth. “Our goal was to create an interactive setting that highlighted the Stanley Black & Decker brand and also conveyed the sense of fun and excitement desired by Wal-Mart executives,” said Mark Holme, Creative Director, Hill & Partners. (Web site) www.hillpartners.com
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