Sony Electronics & Comcast Unveil Sony Style Comcast Lab
Sony Electronics and Comcast Corp. are partnering to open a unique retail experience in the Comcast Center: Sony Style Comcast Labs in Philadelphia, PA. The co-branded retail store and technology lab showcases the latest innovative products and services from both companies and previews future Comcast technology, products and services.
“Consumer electronics are becoming increasingly advanced, and the strategy behind the Sony Style stores has always been to create a comfortable environment where consumers interact with and educate themselves about the latest technology,” said Stan Glasgow, President & COO of Sony Electronics in the U.S. “At Sony Style Comcast Labs, trained staff show consumers how to unlock the full potential of their devices by demonstrating how Comcast's advanced delivery services integrate beautifully with Sony’s hardware products and entertainment content.”
“Innovation has been the cornerstone of all that we do at Comcast and this new interactive space is the perfect showcase for our current and future technology,” said Tony Werner, Comcast’s Chief Technology Officer. “We’re thrilled to have this unique space anchor our corporate headquarters as a clear demonstration of innovation. It’s also a terrific, hands-on way for consumers to experience how all our products work together.”
Sony Style Comcast Labs feature the best of Sony’s electronics and the most innovative service offerings from Comcast. Sony Electronics offerings include BRAVIA® high definition LCD televisions, VAIO® PCs, Cyber-shot® digital cameras, Handycam® camcorders, PSP® and PlayStation® 3 game consoles and emerging technologies like OLED TVs. Comcast will showcase all of its products and services from voice to video and Internet and demonstrate how they each work together seamlessly for the consumer.
New Balance Showcases Total Fit Line
New Balance has debuted a brand campaign that reinforces the brand’s heritage and introduces its Total Fit philosophy; the complete dedication to achieving the perfect fit.
The brand will make an increased investment at the store level with distinctive in-store displays and a “Find Your Total Fit™” instant win sweepstakes. Displays at New Balance stores and key retailers nationwide will communicate the brand’s Total Fit™ story. Multiple variations include shoe shelf wraps, counter cards, product glorifiers and premium fixtures with LCD screen players that showcase the Total Fit™ animation from the television ads.
“Many athletic shoe decisions are made at the time of purchase,” said Christine Madigan, Global Marketing Director, New Balance. “We will tell our brand story at retail by providing compelling brand information to deliver a differentiating in-store consumer experience that drives try-on and sales.”
American Greetings Launches ‘Fun Buttons’
American Greetings has introduced a collection of new cards with fun interactive features, music, and motion. The new cards are sold in special displays marked ‘Lights, Sound, Action’ and have an array of features, some of which are turned on with special “fun buttons” on the cards. Offerings include everything from choose-your-own-punch-line sound cards, to cards that let the recipient remix the audio, to options that incorporate motion with sound and music.
“Sending and receiving a greeting card is already fun. Our goal was to add to the fun, and give both the sender and the recipient something to smile about,” said Carol Miller, Executive Director of New Product Concepts at American Greetings.
“We know that shoppers will get as much of a kick out of playing with them as sending them,” Miller said.
Leveractive Debuts Video In-Store Display
Leveractive has made new video-based point-of-purchase display systems available to retailers of its Giggles Computer Funtime For Baby Software Series for babies.
The new video displays provide shoppers with a quick overview of how the product works, features, benefits for the baby and parent, and information on awards and customer testimonials. Leveractive is providing these displays in both a counter model with a built-in 7-inch video screen as well as a floor stand with a built-in 10-inch screen.
“The video display jumps off the shelf and brings shoppers in,” said Tim Leverett, CEO at Leveractive, LLC.
Coca-Cola Testing Interactive Vending Machine
The Coca-Cola Company is testing new high-tech interactive vending machines in select Simon malls, enabling consumers to purchase ice cold beverages while enjoying a refreshing new brand experience. The sleek, stylish units feature a large format touch screen display, allowing consumers to interact with their favorite Coca-Cola brands while learning more about Simon promotions.
“The new machines incorporate sight, sound and motion video to take the vending experience from transaction to true interaction,” said Anthony Phillips, Global Brand Manager, Coca-Cola Co.
Sears ShopYourWay Combines Multi-Channel Capabilities
Sears has unified its multi-channel services under ‘ShopYourWay.’ Both Sears and Kmart customers can now conveniently experience innovative multi-channel purchase opportunities in stores and online.
ShopYourWay provides the best of what Sears and Kmart offer online or offline through Sears.com and Kmart.com, Sears2go, Web to Store, Store to Web, 1-800-4-MY-HOME and in-store visits. If a customer is in-store and unable to find an item they are seeking, they can go on to convenient Web kiosks to find an expanded assortment on Sears.com with more than three million products. Sears2Go is a mobile commerce Web site that enables customers to find and buy select Sears.com merchandise from their mobile phone 24/7.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Opens First Health Insurance Retail Store
As individuals and seniors are increasingly faced with purchasing health insurance on their own and small business owners look for health plan options, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania wants to be the first health insurer in the state to open a health insurance retail store. Called Highmark Direct, the new store in Pittsburgh will sell health insurance plans to individuals, seniors and small businesses. The store will also provide informational seminars and educational information about the value-added benefits that Highmark members have access to such as smoking cessation programs, new mother seminars, consultations with nutritionists and more. When a consumer visits the Highmark Direct store, they can meet one-on-one with a Highmark sales associate. The store will also feature self-service kiosks.
“Health insurers are positioning themselves to meet growing demands for health insurance products and information through retail marketing channels,” said Steven Nelson, V.P. of consumerism and retail marketing at Highmark.
Showcraft
Harbor Industries, Inc. has introduced the in-TRAC™ system (patent pending), a sliding interactive LCD monitor that changes information as it is moved in front of different products. If additional information is needed, the consumer can access it using the touch screen. Content can be delivered using either a compact flash card or web based option. For more information, contact Harbor Industries, 14130 172nd Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417; (Tel.) 616-842-5330; (Web Site) www.harbor-ind.com.
Globotech Displays has introduced the dBs - a portable digital Banner stand featuring a 32" Hi-Definition LCD panel mounted on a collapsible structure. dBs is an out-of the-box plug-and-play solution. The structure can be assembled in minutes. There is no need to add a computer or external media player. Image, video, and sound files can play from its internal 256 MB memory or using a memory card. For more information, visit (Web Site) www.globotechdisplays.com.
SuperImaging’s MediaGlass system projects advertising onto windows and other clear surfaces. MediaGlass consists of a projector and a special transparent film that is applied to any window. The film converts blu-ray light into visible light. The lightweight projector is ceiling-installed and makes images over 72" wide on the window, like bright moving neon, so they are clearly visible from both outside the store and inside. Like neon, they are clearly visible in the day, while at night they jump out. For more information, contact SuperImaging, 44160 Old Warm Springs Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538; (Tel) 831- 334-1840, (Web) www.SuperImaging.com.
Oticon featured exploding planets, a virtual spokesperson and giant hearing instruments at the recent Audiology NOW show. The holographic digital graphics were produced by Digital Illusions LLC, which specializes in large format holographic projection, and Graphic Presentation Systems, which designed the exhibit. For more information, contact Digital Illusions, 812 Huron Rd., Cleveland, OH 44115; (Tel) 866-660-3444, (Web Site) www.digitalillusionsllc.com.
LEGO Group Uses Interactive Kiosk To Boost Retail Sales
The LEGO Group is launching its “DIGITAL BOX” terminal in selected toyshops and LEGO stores worldwide. The DIGITAL BOX terminal from the LEGO Group shows children exactly how the product will look when it has been fully assembled, even before they open the box.
This interactive terminal will utilize innovative technology supplied by metaio (www.metaio.com), in the form of a software program specially-developed by the Munich, Germany-based experts in augmented reality solutions. Together with a camera and display screen, the software lets LEGO packaging reveal its contents fully-assembled within live 3D animated scenes.
Children can hold special LEGO boxes up to an interactive kiosk and watch a 3D animation of the product inside the box superimposed on the box.
Cricket Features World’s Largest Working Cell Phone
Cricket and Samsung Telecommunications, unveiled the world's largest working cell phone recently in Chicago. The phone is a working replica of a Samsung Messager phone and is 15’ long, 13’ high and 3’ deep.
Cricket invited Chicagoans to make unlimited, free phone calls and texts on the life-size Samsung Messager.
To celebrate the event, Cricket and Samsung Mobile also offered interactive activities onsite including a texting challenge, video booth and a display area featuring Cricket and Samsung Mobile products.
Diageo Debuts Virtual Bartender
Diageo has developed the Virtual Bartender, an interactive touch screen kiosk placed at the point of purchase to enhance the shopping experience.
The Virtual Bartender features brand education, cocktail preparation and party planning tools, as well as the capability for consumers to email drink recipes and print shopping lists in store. This state-of-the-art merchandising vehicle helps drive up-sell through brand education and generate multiple purchases through party planning tools.
“The Virtual Bartender” provides a variety of information in an entertaining and user-friendly way and is a great resource to educate store staff and consumers,” said Paul Warren, Trade Marketing Off-Premise Manager. “With DIAGEO brands prominently displayed, consumers get everything they need to stock their bar, plan a party and serve the best cocktails.”
In-Store Experience Introduces Flex-Media
In-Store Experience has introduced Flex-Media,™ which combines modular merchandise displays with integrated eye-level digital signage and in-store multimedia. “Typical in-store digital signage programs consist of a wall-mounted TV screen,” said Scott Carter, SVP Sales & Marketing. “Flex-media™ allows the message to be brought down to the consumer level.”
The system allows clients to substitute components, refresh the video content and outer graphics, and service the unit in just moments. “With a heightened focus on sustainable resources, we built a system that allows retailers to maintain the core unit, and simply change the ‘skin,’ said Chris Anderson. President. “That way they are not sending an old display to the landfill, and we only need to send new graphic panels to the store, saving gas and carbon emissions.”
For more information, contact In-Store Experience, (Tel) 203-221-4777; (Web) www.instorexperience.com.
Industrial Images Introduces FlashView LCD Media Player
Industrial Image Inc. has introduced FlashView, a combination of traditional print signage and an All-in-One LCD digital media player.
The size and shape of the housing for the FlashView can be customized to specfications.
FlashView was designed specifically for the POP market with standard features such as an internal on/off timer, security door, and rugged all metal housing.
For more information, contact Industrial Image Inc., 2665 Pine Grove Rd., Cumming, GA 30041, (Tel.) 770-205-6636; (Web Site) www.industrialimage.net.
Focus Display Group Offers Custom Shelf Media Players
Focus Display Group offers the AeroDynamic 7" shelf media player. The front panel can be custom designed to match the brand image on the shelf. This high resolution LCD media player attaches to the shelf with a channel mounting bracket. The screen front panel is removable making it easy to update the unit.
For more information, contact Focus Display Group, 10328 Highland West Drive, Encondido CA 92029; (Tel.) 858-695-3353; (Web) www.focuspackaging.com.
Magink Introduces 3GV Digital Tile Display
Magink, a provider of full color reflective digital ink technology, has partnered with Barbizon Lighting to introduce its revolutionary 3GV digital tile modular design display. The combined effect of Magink's scalable digital tiles with Barbizon’s lighting solutions creates an environment immersed in the ambience of the user's choice, in a gentle, non-intrusive way, either with still images, photos, video or any other visual effect.
Noah Meiri, VP Sales & Marketing, Magink, said “Combining Magink’s digital tiles with Barbizon's lighting magic brings the boards to life to create for a virtually ‘theatrical’ experience.”
For more information, visit www.magink.com.
Best Buy-Mall of America Living Standee
This life-sized living standee used rear-projection and the latest digital signage technology to generate interest and drive traffic to Best Buy’s newest location in the Mall of America. This display featured traditional printing with plastic fabrication to form a 3D shape. This display won a Gold OMA in the Digital Signage Category as well as the Display-of-the-Year Award, and was created by Modernistic, Inc., 1987 Industrial Blvd. Stillwater, MN 55082.
Space Chimps Display
This in-theater standee for the film, "Space Chimps," was engineered to support the weight of a large spaceship structure in motion. The motion of the rocking ship as well as the bobbling heads of the chimp characters attracts attention, while the ship's interior is illuminated by a hidden light.·The rocking spaceship looks as if it is floating "in space" above the base This display won a Gold Award in the Entertainment Category and a Display of the Year Award in the Temporary Category, and was created by Drissi Creative Services, 6721 Romaine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
Rockband Interactive Kiosk
This display for the ROCKBAND Music Video Game, was created to enhance the realistic performance aspect of the Rockband game while providing solutions for in-store contests. The unit is designed to be flexible with dimensions customized for each account.The Kiosk draws consumers through design, sound, monitor of live performances and the option for interactive play individually or with a group. This display won a Gold OMA in the Electronic Interactive and Technology Category and was created by Design Phase, 1771 S. Lakeside Drive, Waukegan, IL 60085.
TomTom - Staples End Cap Display
This End Cap was designed to increase sell thru of TomTom portable GPS devices and accessories at Staples. The TomTom End Cap "kit" needed to fit onto a standard 36" or 48" End Cap fixture. The end cap needed to be modular. Security of the dummy devices needed to meet Staples' theft prevention standards. This display won a Gold OMA in the Electronic Interactive And Technology Category and was created by Rapid Displays, 4300 W. 47th St., Chicago, IL 60632.
Fisher-Price Spike the ULTRA DINOSAUR Shelf Display
This display was designed to showcase Spike and allow him enough room (27" vertically and up to 30" horizontally) to stretch out, stand up and walk while still fitting within all targeted retail channels. The display also protects Spike from the environment with a large clear cover that allows complete visual access from all angles. The giant blinking "Try Me" button calls attention to the shopper of any age. The internal power source consists of 96 ("D") cell batteries. The display base incorporates a battery life indicator. The display is easy to install for the retailer. The interactive display ships fully assembled. This display won a Gold OMA in the Toys and Accessories Category and was created by Darko, Inc., 2026 Summit Commerce Park, Twinsburg, OH 44087.
Molson Heineken Experiential Bar Content
Molson was seeking to increase Heineken's brand awareness in bars and restaurants owned by Sir Corp, which operates 35 locations in Canada under the Jack Astor's, Alice Fazooli's and Four Restaurant banners, all of which have high-visibility digital screens. A 3 minute long branded motion graphics spot was created to heighten the awareness of this brand with the after-work crowd by showcasing a 3 minute long branded motion graphics spot.The experiential approach provided visibility for the brand, but not to the point of overselling - the emphasis was on fun within the bar context, with Heineken an integral part of that experience. This display won a Gold OMA in the Experiential Category, and was created by Artisan Complete, 100 Bentley Street, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 3L2.
Magellan Triton GPS Counter Display
This display was created to showcase Magellan’s new Triton Series GPS devices in sporting goods stores. The display conveys Triton’s rugged outdoor usage. It’s urethane molded base provides authentic "rock-like" features. A metal caribeener is used to hold product fact cards. This display won a GOLD OMA in the Personal Products and Accessories Category, and was created by Frank Mayer & Associates, 1975 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton, WI 53024.
Sony Smile Shutter End Cap Display for Best Buy
Sony featured this endcap display to introduce and demonstrate its new Smile Shutter Technology to Best Buy Shoppers. The display features two Sony CyberShot cameras with the Smile Shutter feature, accessories and a TV Monitor with looping video highlighting the features. There is also a Cybershot Camera embedded in the display which takes the photos of the customer and displays it on a smaller TV monitor. The flash of the camera draws consumers to the display and invites them to participate by smiling. This display was created by AMD Industries, 4620 West l9th Street, Cicero, IL 60804. SILVER OMA.
Pioneer Pro DJ Retail Experience Display
This display was designed to enable shoppers to "Hear, See and Feel the Pioneer Difference!" It allows the consumer to have a better tactile experience with the products. The consumer can also see what combination of products is available with the simple touch of a selector button. This display was created by Kosakura Co., 2215 S. Standard Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707. SILVER OMA.
Heaven Hills "It's Hpnotiq" Sign
This "It's Hpnotiq" sign was created for Heaven Hills Distributors. The sign accentuates the exotically mysterious nature of the drink and stimulates consumer interest. The sign uses paper-thin electro-luminescent material with segment animation to create the illusion of a swirling pinwheel. The product name and brand slogans fade up and flash to complete the illusion. A built in timer allows control of operating hours. The sign is elegantly mounted in a brushed aluminum frame. The Heaven Hills "It's Hpnotiq" Sign was created by Synergetic Media, Inc., 711 South Carson St., Carson City, NV 89701.
Shelf LCD Media Player
Focus Display Group offers a 7" LCD media player, which can be positioned anywhere on store shelves. The unit attaches to a shelf channel with a simple clip attachment. The front plate of the LCD screen can be personalized with brand identity. The LCD screen offers high resolution and has a Flash memory drive, memory card and USB connector to download images. For more information, contact Focus Display Group, 10328 Highlands West Dr., Escondido, CA 92029.
The FocusPro has voice activation with motion sensor to combine the attraction of an illuminated display with audio promotion. The voice activation is downloaded from a flash memory card. The FocusPro can be used in a wall mount application or with a tripod stand. Graphics can easily be changed out for different brand promotions. For more information, contact Focus Display Group, 10328 Highlands West Dr., Escondido, CA 92029; www.focuspackaging.com.
Synergetic Media recently created this "Pizza Ready - No Wait" sign for Domino's Pizza. The clear transparent disc uses super-bright diffused LEDs with segmented animation, and is designed to hang in store windows facing passing traffic. The animation attracts attention to the message. The sign can be switched to a steady ON mode for environments where flashing signage is not allowed. The "crystal" acrylic sign is completely transparent except for the areas containing letters and the lighted accent ring around the outside. For more information, contact Synergetic Media, Inc., 711 South Carson Street, Suite #4, Carson City, NV 89701; www.synergeticmedia.com.
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