Stop & Shop Grocery Chain Enhances In-Store Features
Stop & Shop is roll ing out advanced technologies and in-store features that offer a peek into the grocery store of the future. Jim Dwyer, EVP Strategy & Business Development for Stop & Shop, said, “The new in-store features allow us to provide customers with better convenience as a prelude to more innovations.”
Customers will have an opportunity to test a family friendly lane, a checkout aisle that offers healthy snack alternatives. Beyond self-checkout aisles, customers will enjoy: ORDER IT! a Delivision digital kiosk that helps customers avoid lines at the deli counter by allowing them to place their order digitally and continue shopping. SCAN IT! An Easy Shop hand-held device allows customers to scan and bag groceries while they shop. WEIGH IT! A one-stop station in the produce department where customers can weigh, price and bag fresh fruits and produce.
Eclipse Bank Installs New Digital Signage
This four screen video-wall was created for Eclipse Bank in Louisville, KY. The bank wanted a digital signage system to add sophistication to its already posh flagship branch. The video-wall, located behind the teller counter would reduce the perceived wait time for its customers and also create a sales uplift by delivering the right message at the perfect time.
The digital signage had great impact and three additional screens were added to the branch. This video-wall digital signage was created by Captive Indoor Media, a Louisville, KY-based digital signage firm.
New Nokia Display Demos Latest Nokia Devices
Nokia is using this sleek, high-end retail display to showcase and demo the latest Nokia devices.
Incorporating a video monitor to further engage the consumer, the modular unit was produced with a Plug-N-Play feature and requires just two standard AC outlets, allowing for easy set up.
To accommodate the variants found within retail environments, the display can be placed on a countertop or attached to a custom pedestal. This display was created for Nokia by Midnight Oil Creative and LAgraphico, a Burbank, CA-based point-of-purchase display firm.
DVDPlay Rental Kiosk To Offer Blu-ray Discs
DVDPlay, a DVD rental kiosk operator and developer, has added the Blu-ray disc format to its standard DVD selection. “DVDPlay is thrilled to be the first in the kiosk space to offer Blu-ray discs,” said Chuck Berger, CEO of DVDPlay.
DVDPlay will continue to release movies in standard DVD format with select Blu-ray titles. “We are pleased to support DVDPlay in offering Blu-ray titles,” said Marshall Forster, Sr. V.P. Sales at Sony. “Rental kiosks are one of the fastest growing segments in the business, making Blu-ray movies available to an even broader consumer base,” Forster said.
Microsoft Launches New Windows Campaign
Microsoft has launched a new campaign, which will highlight how Windows has become an indispensable part of the lives of a billion people around the globe -- not only on PCs but also now online and via mobile devices.
Microsoft is working with retail partners and PC manufacturers to enhance the experience consumers have with Windows at every touch-point. Major retailers, such as Circuit City and Best Buy, will begin rolling out Windows-branded sales environments and store-within-a-store display concepts with some featuring trained Microsoft “Gurus” to assist PC buyers, similar to the Nordstrom model of “personal shoppers,” where the focus is more on informing and supporting the customer than on the actual sale.
Microsoft has also setup on its Redmond campus, the Retail Experience Center, which is part of a larger effort to better understand and address how consumers are experiencing the Windows brand at retail as they select PCs.
Walmart Debuts “Shopper-Intelligent In-Store Network”
Walmart has unveiled the new Walmart Smart Network that will provide shoppers with relevant and useful information via in-store TV. The first “shopper-intelligent network at retail” is the result of two years and $10 million in research and development used to identify the optimal locations, applications and programming for reaching the millions of consumers who visit the retailer’s stores each week.
The Network will deploy response measurement and message optimization technologies to enable delivery of the most relevant content to shoppers -- by store, by screen, by day and by time-of-day. “We’ve built a network tailored to the way consumers shop our stores --delivering helpful, custom, content closest to the point of decision,” said Stephen Quinn, CMO, Walmart.
Walmart Debuts “Shopper-Intelligent In-Store Network”
Walmart has unveiled the new Walmart Smart Network that will provide shoppers with relevant and useful information via in-store TV. The first “shopper-intelligent network at retail” is the result of two years and $10 million in research and development used to identify the optimal locations, applications and programming for reaching the millions of consumers who visit the retailer’s stores each week.
The Network will deploy response measurement and message optimization technologies to enable delivery of the most relevant content to shoppers -- by store, by screen, by day and by time-of-day. “We’ve built a network tailored to the way consumers shop our stores --delivering helpful, custom, content closest to the point of decision,” said Stephen Quinn, CMO, Walmart.
Showcraft
CBS Scene Opens In MA
CBS and The Kraft Group have opened the CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar, a three-story, 15,000 sq. ft. entertainment and dining destination in Patriot Place, adjacent to the New England Patriots’ Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The venue features upscale casual dining, and state-of-the-art technology -- including over 135 Plasma, LCD and graphic projector displays showcasing current and classic content from across the CBS Corporation.
“Watching TV and eating have been great partners for years, but never before like this,” said George Schweitzer, President, CBS Marketing Group. “From the moment they walk in, visitors are transported into a world of entertainment filled with high-tech displays.”
The CBS Scene includes a restaurant, a retail outlet selling CBS merchandise and an unprecedented arrangement of technology, content and graphic art. At the pinnacle of the CBS Scene is a 36-by-17-foot digital outdoor sign.
Giant Grocery Chain Unveils Fresh Look
Giant Food, Landover, MD, will roll out a fresh look and new store offerings chain-wide over the next 24-36 months. Customers will have an opportunity to sample a new range of fresh prepared foods and test a family friendly lane that offers healthy snack alternatives such as yogurt, animal crackers and bottled water.
In the future, customers will also be invited to sample new technology designed to make shopping easier. Beyond self-checkout aisles, customers will enjoy: ORDER IT! - Delivision digital kiosk helps customers avoid lines at the deli by allowing them to place their order digitally and continue shopping. The system alerts customers when their order is ready. SCAN IT! - Easy Shop hand-held device allows customers to scan and bag groceries while they shop.
In-Store Experience has introduced Flex-media, a new interactive display system. The unit’s modular design allows it to be used for floor, counter or wall display installations. It is available with different LCD screen sizes including 7”, 10”, 15”, 17” and 19”. The unit can feature a looping video presentation, or it can have a button activated or touch screen interface. The unit may be customized with custom graphics. For more information, contact In-Store Experience, 980 Post Road, Westport, CT 06880: (Tel) 203-221-4777; (Web) www.instorexperience.com.
Focus Display Group offers a 7" LCD Screen player with Lithium Battery. The Battery when charged, can operate the LCD player for 32.5 hours. It also operates with a motion sensor. The LCD Screen can work in remote places and achieves a high resolution image on the 7" screen. For more information, contact Focus Display Group, 10328 Highlands West Dr., Escondido, CA 92029; (Tel.) 858-695-3353; (Web) www.focuspackaging.com.
OEM Direct is launching a touchscreen LCD with an interactive touchscreen. The display can play movie files and slideshows with the optional feature of content automatically triggered by motion sensing, switching to a customized screensaver when necessary. Content can be updated or replaced via USB. The touchscreen LCD can be incorporated into customer designs. For more information contact,OEM Direct Inc., 608 Meyer Lane, Suite 204A, Redondo Beach, CA, 90278; (Tel) 310 937 7471, (Web Site) www.oemdirectinc.com.
VR-MAX provides the VR-MAX dome, a portable, curved-screen theater that brings the immersive impact of OMNITheater® to trade shows, consumer venues, and business events. VR-Max productions, created by Sinard, Inc., include computer-generated imagery, special effects, interactivity, and “live capture” of real people for maximum impact. For more information, contact Sinard Inc., 420 North Fifth St., Minneapolis, MN 55401; (Tel.) 866-518-3663; (Web) www.vr-max.com.
EA Promotes Launch Of Madden NFL 09 At 7-Eleven® Stores
Electronic Arts recently conducted a promotion of Madden NFL 09 at 7-Eleven stores. The promotion featured a wide variety of in-store and out-of-store elements, including collectible Slurpee® and Big Gulp® cups, Madden Meals featuring Frito Lay potato chips, a free online Madden Fantasy Roster Builder based on Madden NFL 09 player ratings, and Madden NFL 09 branded signage throughout the store.
EA partnered with several other big names as part of the promotion at 7-Eleven. Together with Warner Brothers Home Video, EA made a playable pre-release demo of Madden NFL 09 available on a retail DVD. Pepsi joined in support of the new Pepsi Lemon NFL Kick-off colas.
Assisting 7-Eleven in developing the promotions was FreshWorks, 7-Eleven’s marketing agency.
Target Features Interactive Storescape Displays
Target is using interactive Storescape displays from Inwindow Outdoor, New York City, to promote the Converse footwear at Target stores.
“Target’s worked with us in the past utilizing our vacant storefront advertising and their decision to now add the interactive component is yet another demonstration that major national brands see the Storescape concept as one that generates awarenesss,” said Steve Birnhak, CEO, Inwindow Outdoor.
As pedestrians walk past the display, photos pop up along the window following people as they pass.
Shell Convenience Stores Utilize P.O.P. Broadcasting Wireless Technology
Shell franchised convenience stores have recently used wireless technology that automatically targets (one-on-one) an interested shopper during the critical purchase decision, directly at the advertiser's Point-Of-Purchase anywhere in the world.
The proprietary wireless technology, provided by P.O.P. Broadcasting Company, helps lift sales exclusively for the participating brand advertiser, and /or retailer’s private label products.
For more information, contact P.O.P. Broadcasting, 410 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002; (Tel) 866-767-7170; (Web Site) www.popbroadcasting.com.
Rock N’ Roll Mobiles Promote Slurpees
7-Eleven customers are on the go and the convenience retailer has street teams driving around select U.S. cities in rock 'n' roll Slurpee-mobiles, i.e., vehicles with giant video screens to play larger-than-life Guitar Hero games. “Rock 'n' roll Never Sleeps” is emblazoned on the side.
7-Eleven recently partnered with Activision to promote Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. 7-Eleven, Inc. gave away Guitar Hero videogames, Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles, plus 711,000 Microsoft Points to purchase merchandise from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
7-Eleven is taking its new Slurpee Nation-mobile on the road at the Warped 2008 tour, serving samples of the new Monster Black Ice Slurpee drink, the first Monster Energy drink in frozen form, available in 7-Eleven stores.
Absolute Coatings Interactive Display
Absolute Coatings is using this interactive shelf extender display to help merchandise its floor care products. The compact unit houses a 7" LCD screen. There are five different informative videos the consumer can play by touching the corresponding button on the LCD screen. The buttons blink to attract attention. This Interactive Absolute Coatings Display was created by Flair Display, Inc., 3920 Merritt Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466.
Raymarine/Electronics Control Display
Harbor Industries created this Raymarine/Electronics Control Display, which demonstrates on-board electronic navigational devices. The unit accommodates several different models that are fully operational. This display was created for Sea Ray Boat dealer showrooms to allow the customer to preview various electronics prior to installation. For more information, contact Harbor Industries, Inc., 14130 172nd Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
WalMart and Hasbro collaborated on a pick system to tell consumers about Hasbro's new big boxed product for three new oversized pets: Biscuit the Dog, S'Mores the Pony and Kota the Dino. WalMart wanted to showcase the large interactive animals for Hasbro's FurReal and Playskool divisions. The pick ticket system allowed consumers to have the big boxed products delivered directly to their shopping cart upon store checkout. The Interactive video monitor plays messages pertaining to each of the three products. A motion sensored sound box delivers character sounds to consumers as they pass by. For more information, contact United Displaycraft, 333 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Showcraft, Inc. offers this ProPod kiosk, a sleek and innovative futuristic kiosk with a small footprint that allows for easy accommodation into any exhibit or event layout, and can be used independently as a stand alone kiosk. The ProPod kiosk utilizes holographic film technology which allows for true "touch screen" interactivity. For more information, contact Showcraft, Inc., 1357 Larc Industrial Blvd., Burnsville, MN 55337.
Hunter Fan recently participated in a test to launch a new product category, home lighting control. SMS designed a fully interactive display complete with thirty seconds of voice-over audio, synchronized to 5 independent light boxes, each illuminated with ultra-bright LED clusters. A vacuum-formed casing housed the electronics, duratrans and a single illuminated push button, to create a shelf-to product display which functioned as both a brand and product salesman. For more information, contact SMS, 760 Lakeside Suite D, Gurnee, IL 60030.
Harbor has been developing and producing custom interactive displays for over 15 years. An integrated display means combining various interactive elements, such as print graphics, video displays (display or touch-screen), lenticular, lights, audio and more into a single display. Integrated displays, while attention-getting and more impactive than traditional displays, also provide consumers the opportunity to select the information they wish to receive in the manner they wish to receive it at the time they want to receive it. For more information, contact Harbor Industries, Inc., 14130 172nd Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Focus Display Group offers a 7" LCD media player, which can be positioned anywhere on store shelves. The 7" LCD attaches to 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, even when it is viewed from side angles. The unit has a Flash memory drive, memory card and USB connector to download images. The LCD display can be wall mounted, mounted on-a shelf, or positioned on a counter. For more information, contact Focus Display Group, 10328 Highlands West Dr., Escondido CA 92029.
In-Store Experience offers Flex-media, a new interactive display system. The unit’s modular design allows it to be used for floor, counter or wall display installations. It is available with an array of different LCD screen sizes including 7”, 10”, 15”, 17” and 19”. There are no moving parts; the unit features all solid state electronics. The unit can feature a looping video presentation, or it can have a button activated or touch screen interface. The unit may be customized with custom panels and graphics. For more information contact In-Store Experience, 980 Post Road, Westport, CT 06880.
Orizon Ingenuity offers motion activated audio cards that carry the brand message to the “Point of Decision.” The audio cards can be designed to be motion-activated or activated with a push button. The cards play up to 1,000 times. For more information, contact Orizon Ingenuity, 500 N. Commercial Street, Neenah, WI 54956.
Bachman Digital Signage Enhances In-Store Experience
Bachman’s, a Minneapolis-based home and garden center chain, has implemented a RoninCast digital signage network provided by Wireless Ronin Technologies, Minneapolis. Bachman’s also launched an interactive touch screen featuring their online eClub program. Through an interactive touch screen, customers sign up to receive emails containing special membership benefits and exclusive offers.
The digital signs, which range in size from 32-40”, are located throughout the store, including the checkout counters and information counter. Angie Grande, Bachman’s Corporate Graphics Coordinator said, “With digital signage, we are enhancing the look of our stores, improving our advertising and collecting customer data.”
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