Intellifit Launches Kiosk Program In Malls
Intellifit Corp. has installed its Intellifit System in six select malls owned and operated by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), General Growth Properties and Westfield Corporation.
“By using Intellifit kiosks in malls, more shoppers will be able to quickly and conveniently find the brands, styles and sizes of clothes that fit them best across all participating apparel retailers,” said Ed Gribbin, President of Intellifit.
When shoppers step fully clothed into Intellifit’s cylindrical glass booth, the system quickly and accurately captures their body measurements in about 10 seconds. The Intellifit System analyzes the measurements and compares them to the garment sizing data provided by participating retailers.
Consumers can then use Intellifit’s intuitive Find What Fits touchscreen apparel search engine to choose the types of garments for which they wish to shop. And the Intellifit System prints out the brands, sizes and styles of clothing that would fit them best.
Current retail partners for the Intellifit kiosks include: Macy’s, Levi’s, Dockers, American Eagle Outfitters, David’s Bridal, Lane Bryant, Limited Too and Land”s End.
“Installing Intellifit Systems in malls is a four-way win for consumers, apparel brands, our retailers and mall owners,” said Edward Glickman, President, and Chief Operating Officer, PREIT. “Having an Intellifit System in our mall gives us a competitive advantage over other malls in terms of value-added services that attract and appeal to customers.”
Download & Go Stations Open At f.y.e. Stores
Trans World Entertainment Corp. has partnered with WideRay to launch “Download & Go” mobile entertainment stations at TWEC’s f.y.e. retail locations in New York, Los Angeles and Boston.
The mobile entertainment content available from WideRay includes music, video games, ringtones and wallpapers. Games will be offered and can be paid for in-store through f.y.e.’s point-of-sale system. To receive the mobile content from the “Download & Go” stations, customers need a Bluetooth- or infrared-enabled mobile device. Once inside the store, customers with mobile phones will be automatically sent a wireless message with the content offer.
Fred Fox, Exec. V.P., Marketing, TWEC said, “Our partnership with WideRay will enable f.y.e. to reach customers with exciting entertainment choices.”
Ritz Camera Centers To Offer Digital Photo Kiosks
Ritz Camera Centers is equipping the “Print Bars” in Ritz Camera locations with digital photo kiosks powered by Lucidiom. Ritz Camera Center’s Print Bars, which the Company introduced earlier this year, allow customers to sit comfortably at photo kiosks to select, edit and print their digital images from their media cards.
Lucidiom Automated Photo Machine (APM) systems in Ritz Print Bars will be connected via the APM Network to allow Ritz to remotely manage order volume, order status and kiosk performance.
“Customers love the convenience of being able to grab a seat and not feel rushed as they select what photos to print, how many to print and which to order as enlargements,” said Rich Tranchida, EVP of Ritz Camera Centers. “With Lucidiom’s APM technology, we have a system that is quick and easy to use and that provides business insight into how our kiosks are performing.”
Lenticular Movie Posters Promote Sharkboy & Lavagirl
Virtual Images Unlimited recently created this large format lenticular movie poster for the release of “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D.”
These large format photographic movie posters are sized at 27" x 40." With intensive 3D depth effects and color clarity, only achievable with the use of photographic lenticular, the image features both Sharkboy and Lavagirl, utilizing 3D effects to illustrate the capabilities of their powers. The photographic lenticular movie posters added unimaginable depth to the film’s 3D-themed marketing campaign, according to David Corey, President of Virtual Images Unlimited, San Bernardino, CA.
Innovative Mercedes & Porsche Dealership Opens In Dallas
Park Place Dealership in Dallas, TX, opens a new chapter in automotive retailing by integrating technological innovations with the style of an upscale showroom for Mercedes-Benz and Porsche brands.
With its own café, wi-fi connections, and kids playroom, clients can spend hours in comfort.
Clients will find Mercedes-Benz model highlights, on LCD screens and kiosks. Park Place Porches will present information via four LCD monitors on the showroom wall, creating a gallery of vibrant images. The dealership will even broadcast original programming, which will debut on three-dozen LCD monitors and a 50-inch plasma TV, located throughout the dealership. The 135,000-sq. ft. shop looks more like a high-tech operating room with pristine tile and an array of computerized equipment and highly specialized technicians. The second floor features two climate controlled showrooms.
Kodak In-Store Campaign Honors Rusty Wallace
Eastman Kodak and NASCAR have teamed up to offer 12 collectible NASCAR prints, including four of the retiring #2 driver Rusty Wallace, at more than 22,000 KODAK Picture Maker kiosks nationwide.
The campaign is part of Eastman Kodak’s larger company-wide focus on its digital capabilities.
When the Kodak Picture Maker is idle in stores, a looping video will encourage consumers to purchase the collectible photos. Additionally, point-of-sale materials support the promotion.
Kodak has been an official sponsor of NASCAR since 1987.
Marketing communications agency Eric Mower & Associates, based in Atlanta, GA, developed the in-store promotion for Eastman Kodak.
Epicenter To Create First-Of-Its-Kind Shopping Destination
Epicenter Holdings, plans to create a first-of-its-kind shopping destination that brings together online, catalog and in-store retailing. Epicenter and WalkerGroup, a retail design firm, are working to create a state-of-the-art consumer experience that will open in 2006 at the Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus, Ohio.
At the Epicenter, each Collection will span 150,000 -200,000 sq. ft. of open shopping space and be comprised of branded retail showcases with demonstrations of new products, and fashion shows. Epicenter’s open layout encourages shoppers to move easily from one showcase to another. Throughout the common space, consumers will find an array of personal shopping technology-self-service kiosks and and-held shopping devices. Inside merchant spaces, they will be able to interact with dynamic information displays and media walls.
Jay Valgora, Design Principal of WalkerGroup, said, “By creating constantly changing virtual storefronts, Epicenter will offer all the advantages of Internet shopping, but with a distinctly human, hands-on feel.”
Showcraft
Zoom Deploys Automated Retail Stores In Airports, Hotels, Malls & Grocery Stores
Zoom Systems is implementing networks of 40 sq. ft. robotic stores placed in heavily trafficked locations such as airports, hotels, and malls. Zoom Shops have a touch screen consumer interface and deliver product via a robotic arm. Leading brands can place products like digital music players, headphones, computer accessories and cosmetics directly in the path of consumers generating revenue opportunities where none existed before.
“We have developed the technology to offer consumers the hottest products from $10 to $200,” said Gower Smith, CEO of Zoom Systems. “It’s like shopping online, but consumers have the instant gratification of getting their product immediately.”
Zoom plans to build a network of 3,000 robotic stores over the next 24 months and to grow to 10,000 stores in the next five years.
Opus Opens New Entertainment Concept
Opus, a new breed of destination for enjoying a musical concert in a more comfortable and affordable setting, has opened its first 16,000-sq. ft. venue at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack, NY. The music themed entertainment and dining facility will allow patrons to enjoy taped and simulcast performances by leading artists in an immersive musical atmosphere, while incorporating the best elements of a high-end movie theater and restaurant. “This concept has gained relevance in recent years, given the high cost of tickets for live shows and the challenge of enjoying them,” said Ken Croney, Opus founder.
Patrons will first enter the Opus Lounge, dedicated to music where visitors can surf the Internet and create custom CDs. The 260-seat Opus Theater offers state-of-the-art technology, anchored by an oversized screen.
Opus plans to open in other major suburban malls across the U.S.
POP AdVisions Inc., offers the Brightboard P27 digital signage system. The 27-inch LCD screen provides wide viewing angles and the pedestal unit provides maximum placement versatility. The system displays dynamic JPEG images and MPEG Video, and requires no connection to a PC or computer network. For more information, contact POP AdVisions, Inc., 1043 SW Willow Lane, Palm City, FL 34990; (Tel) 866-2176723; (Fax) 772-221-1792, (Web) www.popadvisions.com.
G Design Group offers the MID-2 multi-image counter display. With traditional lenticular graphics , the viewer has to move from side to side to see the changing messages. With this new patented, battery-operated, rotating MID-2 display, instead of the viewer moving, the images move themselves. Visual inserts can be easily changed without tools. The unit is back-lit to attract attention even in dimly lit environments such as bars and restaurants. For more information, contact The G Design Group, P.O. Box 26, Oakland, NJ 07436; (Tel) 201-3373430; (Fax) 201-337-3332; (e-mail) gdes@optonline.net.
IO2 Technology has introduced its Heliodisplay™ projector, which projects video onto thin air. This revolutionary technology displays any video source in full, high-resolution color in free space, without need for a screen. Heliodisplays are available in projecting image sizes from 22 to 42 inches (diagonal) and is available with interactive features. The Heliodisplay can be used for p.o.s. advertising, trade show displays and consumer-market applications such as movies and videogames. For more information, contact IO2 Technology, 310 Shaw Road, S. San Francisco, CA 94080; (Tel) 650-583-5230, (Web Site) www.io2technology.com.
Eletech Electronics has introduced the QuikWave EM3028B-X digital audio animator for point-of-purchase display, trade show exhibit and other promotional applications. The EM3028B-X is the first QuikWave model capable of doing complex, audio synchronized animations. In addition to the WAV file playback capability, the unit comes with eight relays that can be programmed to turn on and off at any time during the playback. These relays can then be used to control external devices such as lights and motors. Relay control programming is made easy by a utility program called QWAplay. These QWA files are then copied to a flash card that is inserted into the EM3028B-X for totally stand alone operation. The EM3028B-X can be powered by a single voltage DC supply. There is a built-in 40-watt power amplifier. For more information, contact Eletech Electronics, Inc., 16025 Kaplan Ave., City of Industry, CA 91744; (Tel) 626-333-6394 (Fax) 626-333-6494; (Web Site) www.eletech.com.
Hand Held Products has introduced the Image Kiosk 8560 Interactive mini-kiosk. Powered by Adaptus Imaging Technology and the Windows CE 5.0 operating system, the Image Kiosk 8560 is well suited for price checking, store map display, and up selling. Its standard true touch screen allows for real time interactivity with the customer, giving them the ability to find information they need within seconds. For more information, call Hand Held Products at 1-800-582-4263 or visit www.handheld.com.
Formetco offers Hexa Vision, an advertising medium consisting of six triangular prisms in a cylinder-shape body. The six triangular prisms rhythmically rotate and portray six different ad images altogether. Hexa Vision also allows the display of actual goods within the hollow interior of the prisms to double the advertising effect. For more information contact Formetco, 2963 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA 30096; (Tel) 770-476-7000 (Web) www.formetco.com.
Silver Beacon Media creates innovative, high-impact digital messages using flat-screen technology. The Company adds the ability to control each sign from a central location to create each client’s unique Digital Display Network. For more information, contact Silver Beacon Media, 400 N. Main Street, Ste. 300, Davenport, IA 52801; (Tel) 563-323-7800, (Fax) 563-323-7805; (Web) www.silverbeacon.com.
“The Designer’s Sketchbook,” a new brochure from Hankscraft, offers ideas for working with it’s line of motion and animation products for p.o.p. displays. For a copy of “The Designer’s Sketchbook” contact Hankscraft, 399 Webel Drive, Reedsburg, WI 53959; (Tel) 608-524-434; (Web Site) www.hankscraft-motors.com.
SignFlash# Dynamic Digital Signage informed attendees at a recent builders show. Noventri, a Specialized Communications Co., installed large screen LCD displays throughout the show and used SignFlash# digital signage solutions to power the displays. The SignFlash# Dynamic Digital Signage system, offers “zones” of MPEG video, animations and live video. For more information, contact Noventri, 20940 Twin Springs Dr., Smithsburg, MD 21783-1510; (Tel) 800-359-1858, (Web) www.noventri.com.
Intellix Media offers the Intellix Media Card, a molded CD-ROM for distribution at trade shows and promotional events. Intellix can author CDs and has the technology to update and track optical media after distribution using its exclusive software. This enables marketers to collect real time data on their marketing campaign. Intellix Media offers fast turnaround times and reliable disk replication services. For more information, contact Intellix Media, 209 East Alameda Ave. #202, Burbank, CA 91502; (Tel) 866-715-5691 ext. 103; (Fax) 818-566-7736 (Web Site) www.intellixmedia.com.
HolograFX Inc., has introduced a patented holographic technology, which projects free-floating moving 3D images into mid-air with no special 3D glasses required. HolograFX envisions entertainment promotions, trade shows, corporate events, shopping malls, kiosks, sporting events and p.o.p. displays utilizing this technology. For more information, contact HolograFX Inc., 27 Bland St., Emerson, NJ 07630; (Tel) 800-599-0370, (Web) www.holografxinc.com.
Pangolin has introduced Interactive Messaging Unlimited (IMU), using SMS text to facilitate audience participation at trade shows. The software allows text or picture messages from cell phones, Blackberrys and other wireless devices to be displayed immediately on video screens, allowing trade show guests to interact with a featured speaker or the entire group. Built-in voting capability makes it easy to involve audiences. For more information, contact Pangolin at (Tel) 407-299-2088, (Fax) 407-299-6066, (E-mail) info@pangolinSMS.com.
CoasterRom Promotes Canadian Club
Canadian Club is sponsoring the “Smooth Challenge” poker tournament in Las Vegas. CoasterRoms™, were distributed at weekly poker tournaments leading up to the Smooth Challenge. The CoasterRoms feature mini CDs with drink recipes, poker tips and an online poker experience.
Publicis-USA, agency of record for Canadian Club, developed the “Smooth Challenge” promotion. Said Alison Carabetta, Publicis USA Program Manager, “Coaster Rom provides consumers with a fun and interactive way to learn about Canadian Club and how to play poker like a pro. The CoasterRom will help drive traffic to the ccsmooth.com web site, where users can enter the Canadian Club Smooth Road to Vegas 2 Sweepstakes.”
For more information about CoasterRoms, contact Limerick Studios, Charlotte, NC (Tel) 704-371-4991, (Web Site) www.limerickstudios.com.
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