Blockbuster Kicks Off DIRECTV Sales
Taking a significant step toward transforming its neighborhood stores into full-service entertainment destinations, Blockbuster Inc. is enabling its customers to purchase an exclusive DIRECTV System equipment package in 3,800 Blockbuster stores.
DIRECTV is the nation’s leading digital television entertainment service offering customers access to more than 225 channels of programming, including local channels in select markets.
Blockbuster is offering two system packages that are designed to be simple to understand and contain exclusive offers available only at participating Blockbuster stores, including one-year of free rentals; an approximate $200 value, good towards any videos, DVDs or video games; plus a two-year Extended Service Plan on the DIRECTV System hardware.
To allow customers to experience DIRECTV quality and programming, Blockbuster has developed interactive kiosks, one for each participating store, to demonstrate DIRECTV via live satellite letting customers see and experience the DIRECTV System and comprehensive DIRECTV programming.
“We’re taking the mystery out of buying a satellite system by offering simple, high value packages no other retailer can deliver,” said Jim Notarnicola, Chief Marketing Officer for Blockbuster.
SanDisk And PMI Bring Digital Photography To Stores
SanDisk Corporation and Photo-Me International (PMI) have formed a joint venture which will allow digital camera owners to obtain digital prints without the need for a personal computer.
The new joint venture, called Digital Portal Inc. (DPI), will manufacture kiosks and place them in retail outlets. The kiosks will give consumers low cost, high quality photo prints of digitally captured images and thereby enhance significantly the instant gratification that digital photography offers. It also will simplify the digital camera experience for users by expanding the options available for printing digital images.
The kiosks will enable digital camera owners to obtain prints by inserting their digital film flash memory cards, floppy disks or CD ROMs into the kiosks. Consumers also will be able to upload their files from the kiosk to the DPI Internet site.
Arizona Republic Features Immedia Displays
The Arizona Republic will be the first newspaper to use electronic ink displays to transmit news to locations around Phoenix. The signs will incorporate Immedia displays from E Ink Corp., of Cambridge, MA.
The electronic ink based signs at all locations will be networked together, allowing messages to be updated instantly from one location. Safeway, Inc. will be the first retailer to feature the displays.
“By using Immedia, The Arizona Republic recognizes the importance of reaching out to readers at the point of purchase,” said Cyndi Reitmeyer, Retail Marketing Manager at E Ink Corp. “This kind of delivery is impossible with traditional in-store signage.”
Luxury Bath Systems Features Interactive Kiosk
Luxury Bath Systems, a network of one-day bathroom remodeling franchisees, is rolling out an interactive home remodeling kiosk. The kiosk, which utilizes the latest DVD technology, offers consumers high-resolution video presentations that educate consumers about Luxury Bath Systems’ One Day Bathroom Remodeling.
Davis Glassberg, President of the Bensenville, IL-based company, said, “We feel this unique marketing vehicle will not only provide consumers nationwide with information on the installation process but also give them a chance to see what real-life Luxury customers have to say about their experience with us.”
The interactive kiosks will be installed across the country in shopping malls, showrooms, home improvement shows and high traffic retail locations such as banks and grocery stores.
Tower Records Selects Liquid Audio Kiosks For Creating Custom CDs
Tower Records has selected Liquid Audio, Inc., Redwood City, CA, to supply kiosk solutions for its retail stores. Through the Liquid Kiosk Network, Tower Records customers can now preview and purchase music and create custom CDs from digital music kiosks right in the store.
“Tower chose Liquid Audio as their digital music technology provider for this launch because they have confidence in our ability to deliver a true click ‘n’ mortar approach to music retail technology and distribution,” said Paul Melnychuck, V.P., Business Development at Liquid Audio.
The Liquid Kiosk Network solution includes consumer Kiosk Stations, a Cashier Station, a CD Factory and Liquid Server. The consumer Kiosk Stations include a user-friendly touch screen interface that allows music fans to browse virtual music inventory, listen to previews and make music selections.
Staples Unveils Online Business Solutions Centers In Its Stores
Staples is installing in-store Business Solutions Centers that merge the online “clicks” of Staples.com with the “bricks and mortar” world of its stores. The Centers give a store the ability to offer more than 100,000 products not found on the shelves, to sell business services to customers, to give store associates an online sales tool and to give the company an easy way to manage the in-store special order process.
“Our Business Solutions Centers are the ultimate in bricks-and-clicks retailing,” said Thomas Stemberg, Staples CEO. “We are transforming our business by bringing the online world to our store shoppers.”
The Business Solutions Centers are red-and-blue kiosk computer stations with Staples.com and other interactive features that are installed in pilot stores across the U.S. Each pilot store includes five or more access points to the Centers, some facing the customer and some facing sales associates.
General Growth Properties &IBM To Deploy Interactive Kiosks At Malls
General Growth Properties has joined forces with IBM to create interactive media stations called MallibuDirect at GGP malls.
The launch of MallibuDirect allows GGP to feature service businesses and dot-com companies whose products are not typically found in the current retail tenant mix at the mall. MallibuDirect comprises six computer workstations with high-resolution touch-tone screens located throughout the malls. Each workstation will host 12 online companies and include access to GGP’s Mallibu.com site. Plasma screens and back-lit displays for brand messaging and product features are also included on the kiosks. Art.com, AutoMallRewards.com, Kozyhome.com, Hirelink.com and ehobbies.com are among the dot-com companies that will be featured at GGP’s interactive kiosks.
Palisades Center Mall Signs GeePS To Provide Wireless Technologies
GeePS.com Inc. has been selected by Palisades Center shopping mall to test new mobile commerce technologies through the wireless delivery of targeted, local shopping information and news to shoppers. Retailers’ messages and special offers will be delivered to consumers’ cell phones and PDAs on an opt-in basis only.
“We’re happy to have our customers be among the first to use their cell phones to receive specially targeted messages from merchants of their choice,” said John Mott, Palisades Center General Manager. Andy Goren, GeePS, CEO, said, “Palisades Center is leading retailers into the future by offering location-sensitive wireless technologies.”
Unique Wildlife Artistry Displays Set Cabela’s New Store Apart
Cabela’s new 225,000-sq. ft. store, which recently opened in Dundee, MI, features museum-like dioramas, sculptures and wild game trophies. “Our stores are an educational center and a monument to wildlife,” said Tim Holland, Cabela’s Director of Retail and Development.
Visitors are first greeted by the world’s largest bronze wildlife sculpture created by artist and former Buffalo Bill’’s defensive lineman, Mike Hamby. The store also displays two museum-quality dioramas of animals in action in their native habitat. The store’s centerpiece is a 40-foot-tall, two-story mountain with running waterfalls, 60-foot streams, and a trout pond. A 65,000-gallon, walk-through aquarium stocked with freshwater fish contains interactive kiosks that identify each species and explain its characteristics.
InControl Systems offers a wide array of interactive POP solutions. Its kiosks provide a cost effective way to put expert help at customers’ fingertips. For more information, contact InControl Systems, 826 Office Park Circle, Lewisville, TX 75057; (Tel) 972-219-1332, (Fax) 972-219-6906, (Web site) www.incontrol-usa.com.
The French Company Virtual Imagination presents its new three-dimensional virtual imaging technology, which creates the appearance of virtual individuals or objects floating in space. Applications for the technology include trade show exhibitions and product launches. Thanks to Virtual Imagination’s technology, virtual vision is entirely natural, and does not require accessories such as special glasses. A simple device enables the virtual appearance of people or objects originating from any video source. Images generated by the video source, preferably a video projector, hit a thin reflective disk and then stabilize in space above the disk. The images can be viewed by multiple observers, at 360 degrees, or on a horizontal plane supporting the disk, such as a table. For more information on Virtual Imagination, contact The French Technology Press Office, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, (Tel) 312-222-1235, (Fax) 312-222-1237.
SI Diamond Technology, Inc. through its subsidiary, Electronic Billboard Technology (EBT), has installed the first sun-visible, digital billboard at a Cinemark Theatre in Austin, Texas. EBT has also introduced three new indoor products: The Marquee-Touch is a 15” diagonal display with touchscreen input and resolution of 768x1024 pixels. The E-Window, a 6-foot diagonal projection display with a resolution of 768x1024 pixels. The E-Window mounts on an existing glass window and can change electronically between translucent and clear states. The E-Window can show text, graphics, animation and video. The Digital Poster, a 42” x 60” diagonal display can be mounted in a dedicated bay or directly in a wall. The resolution is 768x1280 pixels. The Digital Poster can show text, graphics, animation and video. For more information, contact SI Diamond Technology, Inc., 3006 Longhorn Blvd., Austin, TX 78758; (Tel) 512-339-5020, (Fax) 512-339-5021, (Web) www.carbontech.net.
Technovision offers the Interactive Viceo Sampler for space conscious retail applications. The TIVS64WM displays full-motion video messages on a compact, 6.4 inch LCD screen. This rugged, self-contained system allows the user to navigate with the push of a button. The small size and low profile make this 1-piece Video Sampler easy to mount in its secure enclosure. Video CD, CD and MP-3 formats are supported. Choose stereo headphone or speaker audio. For more information, contact Technovision, 5155 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 5A1; (Tel) 905-625-3472, (Fax) 905-625-4784, (Web Site) www.technovision.com.
Mark Philip Display Systems has taken interactive touch screen technology to the next level with a system that brings text, graphics, video, audio, e-commerce, and virtual reality to one screen at the point of purchase. Utilizing Internet and Intranet technologies, updates and new information can be accomplished through existing phone lines so that the store never has to touch the unit to update information. The data is stored on the unit’s hard drive so the information appears instantaneously and the video is faster than what is currently available through the Internet. For more information, contact Mark Philip Display Systems, 55 Old Turnpike Road, Nanuet, NY 10954; (Tel) 914-627-3100, (Fax) 914-627-3180, (Web) www.mpds.com.
R.E.D. & Associates offers its Plug-N-Play system for adding sound effects to store displays and P.O.P. displays. The unique sound player system comes delivered installation ready; simply plug the unit in. The system offers a total of 60 seconds of digital quality sound or effects and up to 4 different messages. Messages are activated by a built in timer, button or motion detector. For different messages, simply change the ISD sound chip. For more information, contact R.E.D. & Associates, (P.O. Box 720071, Orlando, FL 328723; (Tel) 407-384-8913.
VDO Road Digital has introduced a patented, e-catalog and interactive touch screen kiosk, called Roadagent. “Because the Roadagent incorporates audio, video and Internet capabilities, we feel it is a tool that retailers and e-tailers can use to great advantage,” said Albert Alloul, Chief Executive Officer of VDO Road Digital. “When used as an in-store tool, it drives traffic both in-store and on-line, and when it is used at remote locations, it provides the retailer with consumers it might not otherwise have been exposed to.” Secure credit card transactions, free e-mail, and express on-line shopping are some of the features that the Roadagent offers marketers, retailers and consumers. For more information about the Roadagent, contact VDO Road Digital, 800 West El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040; (Tel) 514-989-8585, 888-VDO-ROAD, (Fax) 514-989-8355, (Web) www.vdoroad.com.
Olay Mall Tour Travels Across The Country
Oil of Olay is conducting the Innovation Mall Tour, featuring a skin imaging system, which will be traveling to 21 cities across the country.
The Beauty Imaging System provides the user with a unique insight into her current skin condition. “Morphing technology” allows her to see an image of how her skin would look if it were to improve.
A second new technology is the Interactive Scent Kiosk, which emits four different Olay Daily Renewal Beauty Wash Scents; Calm, Inspire, Revitalize and Uplift.
Snapple Wrap Program Is Launched
Snapple has aligned with Diebold, Inc. to create the Snapple Wrap Program, which consists of covering automated teller machines (ATMs) with a vinyl wrap that bears the familiar Snapple logo.
Diebold, headquartered in Canton, OH, is a leader in providing advertising solutions for its ATMs.
ProductPOP Launched
ProductPOP, Inc., allows manufacturers to deliver an enhanced, product-specific experience to online consumers through its interactive p.o.p. displays and a proprietary network of e-commerce sites. The Company’s system gives manufacturers channel performance data, allowing them to better understand and manage their e-commerce channels.
Bill Brown, CEO and President, ProductPOP, said, “As Internet-based commerce grows, new tools are needed to help them optimize channel performance in collaboration with their e-commerce trading partners.”
For more information, contact ProductPOP, 1095 Folsom Ave., San Francisco, CA 94103; (Tel) 415-593-3858, (Web) www.productpop.com.
Video-At-Pump Debuts
Mercury Media, has introduced Video-At-The-Pump, which displays daylight readable videos and animated commercial messages on a 10.25” LCD to customers at the fuel pump.
For more information, contact Mercury Media, Inc., 8835 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74133; (Tel) 918-294-0909.
PharMor To Use Eyecatcher Display
Illumisign-Eyecatcher Display System, distributed by New Millennium Media International, is being introduced by the PharMor drugstore chain.
The Illumisign displays a still image printed on paper and is able to rotate up to 24 ads, switching every few seconds or minutes. The mini-billboards range in size from 11 by 17 inches to 4 by 6 feet. John Thatch, President, NMMI, said, “Instead of having 15 posters on a wall, you can put up one that’s clean looking, front-lit and rotates the ads.”
For more information, contact New Millennium Media International, 101 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, FL 34695; (Tel) 727-797-6664.
Kart Saver Debuts
Kart Saver, Inc., has introduced The Audio Marketing System, which utilizes an infrared transmitter mounted on the front of a shopping cart, to transmit a signal to speakers located on the retailers’ shelves. The electronic system automatically recognizes where the shopping cart is and activates the speaker located at the head of each aisle, as the cart passes by, giving the customer a 3-5 second promotional message. Several different digital messages can be downloaded, via the Internet, and programmed into the same speaker.
For more information, contact Kart Saver, Inc., (Tel) 916-922-5278.
StrayLight Corp. developed an interactive trade show promotion for Nabisco’s booth at the recent FMI 2000 show. StrayLight’s Virtual Reality game, entitled “Snack Attack,” whisked visitors down a futuristic supermarket journey, where their Nabisco product cravings could be filled. The game development was economical because Nabisco was able to work off of an existing StrayLight game template, allowing Nabisco to create a customized game by changing only certain graphic elements and sound effects. Two of StrayLight’s Virtual Reality systems, were rented as the centerpiece of the booth. Each system was placed on a raised platform where an emcee organized head-to-head competitions. Video monitors were mounted above each station so bystanders could follow the competition. For more information, contact StrayLight., 150 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, NJ 07059; (Tel) 908-580-0086; www.strayvr.com.
Cover Girl's Brave New World Merchandising System
This display was designed to help maintain Cover Girl's dominant position in the crowded and highly competitive cosmetics marketplace and to invigorate the brands in-store presence. The new merchandising system distinguishes the brand from its competitors. A central Element, called Shade Central was designed to be the focal point of the merchandising system. The design architecture, color, illumination and changeable graphic images were crafted to reflect an image of "easy, breezy, beautiful". It was important that the Shade Central area be completely updateable and all modules are changeable and replaceable. The in-store graphic images are consistent with Cover Girl media campaigns. The merchandising system is adaptable to retailer needs and may be used in-line, as an endcap or freestanding. It has gained wide retailer acceptance - over 30,000 mass merchants, drug stores and grocery chains. The Cover Girl's Brave New World Merchandising System was created by RTC Industries Inc., 2800 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.
InControl Systems Inc. offers its new Touchscreen MidiGuide. Customers simply touch their selections on the screen and the MidiGuide carries out the appropriate action. The MidiGuide utilizes a resistive touch screen interface, and customers quickly get the information they need to support the sales of products. The MidiGuide has a full graphic, back lit, 5.4" by 5.0P high resolution LCD screen. Basic graphics such as line art, company logos, can be displayed. The MidiGuide was designed to be highly expandable and comes standard with 1Megabyte of memory, with modules available up to 8 Megabytes. It has communication capabilities and sound as available options. It was designed with flexibility in mind and can be custom configured for a variety of application. For more information, contact InControl Systems, Inc., 826 Office Park Circle, Lewisville, TX 75057.
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