Creative Online

CREATIVE Hardware/Housewares Merchandising
October/November, 2007



Rustic Floor Unit Displays Candle-Lite

This Candle-Lite Willow Lane Floor Display is constructed of Melamine Clad MDF, which provides durability and a rustic look.

The shelf sides are actual pine with heat branded logos. The display is shipped KD and is field assembled utilizing a series of cam locks and plastic fasteners.

The display holds over 250 pounds of product and is easy to shop from all four sides. The corporate identity and product name is prominently featured on the display header and each shelf of the display. This display was created by Great Northern Corp., a Racine, WI-headquartered point-of-purchase display firm.



Febreze Displays Odor-Eliminating Candles

Procter & Gamble is returning to its roots by introducing the Febreze Candle -- the first scented candle on the market with a unique odor-eliminating core. As the Febreze Candle burns, it uses a patented technology to remove unpleasant odors from the air while simultaneously filling a room with an inviting, fresh scent. Said Jorge Mesquita, President, P&G Professional, “The Febreze Candle goes a step beyond a traditional scented candle because it does more than just scent a room; it removes unpleasant odors, helping to create a pleasing, relaxing environment.”

Febreze Candles will be available in five scents, including: Meadows & Rain, Spring & Renewal, Linen &Sky, Vanilla & Refresh and Apple Spice & Delight. Special displays support the product launch.



Duracell Displays New Rechargeable Batteries

Duracell is introducing Pre-Charged Rechargeable batteries that come charged and ready to use straight out of the pack. This new rechargeable technology, which retains power for up to 365 days while not in use, helps raise the bar on convenience and satisfaction.

Duracell Pre-Charged Rechargeable batteries can be recharged hundreds of times in any NiMH battery charger. Designed for use in high-drain gadgets including digital cameras,portable gaming devices and MP3 players, Duracell Pre-Charged Rechargeable batteries eliminate the need to charge cells before using them for the first time.

“In today’s constantly connected world, consumers want batteries that are ready when needed and that last longer in power-hungry devices,” said Tim Makris, Marketing Director, Duracell.”

Colorful floor and counter displays will support the product launch.



Rayovac Signs Don Cherry To Relaunch In Canada

Hockey announcer Don Cherry, has become the personality behind the Canadian relaunch for Rayovac batteries.

Cherry will be featured in all aspects of the Rayovac relaunch, including packaging, displays, promotions, advertising and other communications geared towards educating consumers on the value and endurance of the brand.

“Don Cherry is arguably the most likable public figure in Canada, both for his dedication to others and his enduring positive energy both on and off the air,” said Rob Cayer, director, Rayovac Batteries Canada. “His core qualities parallel the message we want to convey to our consumers, that Rayovac is going to be a better value and endure.”



American Map Develops Merchandiser For Staples

Staples Office Supply Stores is using this display to merchandise pocket maps and road atlases published by American Map, a division of Langenscheidt Publishing Group.

The display measures 58” h x 17” d x 38” w and is constructed of steel tubing, wire, sheet metal and plastic with a powder coated finish. Fabrication includes welding, (spot and mig), formed tubing, powder coated finish and silk screened graphics. The display features an interchangeable rolled map attachment with graphics.

This display was created by New Business Solutions, Inc., (www.nbsdisplays.com), a Hicksville, NY-based p.o.p. display firm.


Sterling Promotions


Leggett & Platt Features Wire/Metal Rack

This display features epoxy coated wire and round tubing. The KD display contains adjustable shelving and an account or product specific graphics kit.

The display is being used by Leggett & Platt’s Top of Bed Group as a merchandising vehicle for its Southern Textiles line of pillow and mattress covers/protectors and linen sets. The permanent display has been distributed to furniture and bedding products retailers around the nation.

This display was created by Leggett & Platt’s - Talbot Division, a division based in Neosho, MO, that designs and produces permanent point-of-purchase displays.



KB Home & Disney Announce Collaboration

KB Home, a leading homebuilder, and Disney Consumer Products announced a unique collaboration to offer Disney Home product options to KB Home homebuyers. Disney Home products will be offered at KB Home Studios, the retail-like design centers in which KB Home homebuyers select options to personalize their new homes. Jeffrey Mezger, CEO of KB Home, said, “Our Built to Order business model is all about choice, and together with Disney we are offering even more options for the whole family.”

KB Home homebuyers will be able to create custom Disney rooms in their own new homes by selecting among the many Disney options to be offered at KB Home Studios. Disney Home product options may include flooring, window coverings, lighting and more.

“This collaboration reinforces Disney’s place in the hearts and homes of our customers, while positioning Disney Home as a leading lifestyle brand,” said Pamela Lifford, V.P., Global Home for Disney Consumer Products.



Mattress Works To Establish Store-Within-A-Store At Wal-Marts

Mattress Works, an independent bedding company, has signed a lease agreement with Wal-Mart to establish bedding shops in the vestibule space of Wal-Mart Super Centers.

“Each Mattress Works location will be located in a Wal-Mart Super Center, and each will be managed by a local Operating Partner - an established bedding retailer who knows the local market and operates the store as an independent retailer,” said David Karr, CEO of Mattress Works “Our goal is to provide Wal-Mart shoppers with the ‘value experience’ they have come to expect,” Karr said.



Residential Generator Market Is Growing Rapidly

The number of portable and standby generators in household use grew more than 30% from 2002 to 2006. Generators are expected to continue their charge through 2011, growing from 3.0 million unit sales in 2006 to more than 7.1 million by 2011, according to market research publisher SBI.

The threat of power outages raises anxiety levels for consumers dependent on continuous electrical service for basic household resources such as the phone, refrigerator, and security systems, but also for home office equipment and in-home healthcare equipment.

SBI forecasts that standby generators and more sophisticated portable generators will lead growth with improved product features, expected to contribute toward the standby generator market’s rise from 200,000 unit sales in 2006 to 710,000 units in 2011. Advances in design, marketing, and availability, will drive sales of portable generators from 2.8 million units to 6.4 million over the same period.



Home Is Still Hot for Luxury Consumers

The luxury end of the home market will be far less affected by the housing downturn than sectors that target less affluent Americans, said market researcher Pam Danziger of Unity Marketing.

Luxury consumers spent nearly 9% more on luxuries for their home in 2006. Last year the typical luxury consumer spent $21,700 on luxuries for their home, which was 8.6% more than they averaged in 2005. Danziger said, “In our most recent survey we found that roughly one-third of luxury consumers have plans to redecorate their homes and about 15% plan on doing a major home remodel in the coming year.”

Danziger said that home furnishings companies and retailers that want to successfully target the affluent need to understand the mind set and desires of the luxury consumer. She points to the Kohler Co. as a company that has successfully expanded its business from basic bathroom fixtures into the luxury realm. The secret of Kohler’s success is designing products in order to enhance the experience of the customer with the company’s products. They have been at the forefront of bringing the spa experience into the home.



Candle-Lite Display

This display was designed to provide a permanent environment for Candle-Lite's new fragrance collection. It was imperative that the product stand out and not be visually overwhelmed by the display vehicle. It was also important to create an open, inviting environment conducive to shopping. The primary construction of the unit is Melamine clad MDF. Shelf sides are actual pine that are heat "branded". The display assembles in minutes, due to shelf clips. Fabricated Styrene header panels attach with "Christmas Tree" push fasteners. This versatile, permanent display supports 260 lbs. of product while maintaining a small footprint. It is shipped knocked down and assembles in minutes. The Candle-Lite Display was created by Great Northern Corp., Consumer Packaging and Display, l800 South Street, Racine, WI 53404.



MTD Island Display

The objective for this display was to create a versatile merchandiser to cross sell a variety of accessory products with power tools. This modular, Cub Cadet Power Tools and Accessories Island fixture is constructed from metal, wire and tubing and has a durable powder finish. The screened on logos on the base sections provide strong brand identity. The cub cadet logo is screened on natural Coroplast panels behind the wire grids. Power tools can be hung on the wire grid panels with special brackets and the flexible modular system allows for accessory items to be pegged or displayed on metal shelves. The slotted tubular uprights provide adjustability of the shelves. The fixture was successful in creating multiple product purchases. The MTD Island Fixture was created by Nashville Display, 306 Hartmann Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087.



Midway Displays offers in-stock components to achieve a customized display such as the POWER TOWER shown. Each tier may be loaded with product. It is large enough to support an entire line, yet is not a bulky display. The Power Tower line offers versatility, visibility and strength. Available for choice is the height and number of stock hooks, baskets, trays and accessories that best suit display needs. Double sided Power Towers are also available, as well as Power Towers with caster and wheel bases. For more information, contact Midway Displays, Inc., 6554 South Austin Avenue, Bedford Park, IL 60638.



The Walnut Valley Garden Center in Andover, KS, is using a unique hybrid, interactive digital signage system based on Keywest Technology's MediaXtreme. With interactive content developed by DSX Media of Wichita, the system lets customers access a map of their property via Google Earth. That plus an interactive software component from Keywest Technology allows shoppers to specify the size of their projects through a touchscreen interface and learn the exact products they'll need and how much to use. For shoppers who don't know anything about gardening and landscaping, the interactive digital signage system offers a page with 12 different examples of gardens. Simply touching a thumbnail of one opens up a page that tells shoppers everything they'll need and what it will cost. For more information, contact Keywest Technology, 14563 West 96th Terrace, Lenexa, KS 66215.




















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