New Kiosks Let Consumers Download To SD Memory Cards
NCR and Mod Corp. are changing the way consumers purchase, rent and play entertainment titles on electronic devices with a digital download kiosk pilot program. The kiosks enable consumers to choose from over 1,000 movie titles and download the title to a secure digital (SD) memory card.
The pilots, being conducted in BLOCKBUSTER locations, are the first step in an ambitious initiative to leverage new portable digital storage technology. The NCR and MOD Systems enable consumers to download movies, TV shows, music, books, games and other digital content outside of the home, and then play them on home TVs computers, and other mobile devices.
The MOD Retail Digital Content Distribution System helps retailers bring an expansive library of digital content into their stores and sell it in convenient concierge and self-serve models via the NCR kiosk. Anthony Bay, CEO of MOD Systems, said, “We have been working with studios and retailers to make it easy for consumers to access and download digital content from kiosks in a wide variety of locations outside the home.
Cheez Doodles Integrates Displays With Viral Marketing
Wise Foods is working with Zemoga, a digital marketing firm, to unveil a fresh new look for CheezDoodles.com. The new campaign introduces the Cheez Dudes alternative rock/pop group with original music, and an augmented reality contest that gives teens and tweens a chance to win musical instruments. “Cheez Doodles appeals to moms, but we needed to get more engagement with teens and tweens,” said Kevin Foltz, Brand Manager at Wise Foods.
Two million Cheez Doodle grocery-sized bags are currently hitting the shelves at supermarkets on the East Coast with a 2x3-inch sticker featuring a call to action for the Cheez Dudes contest. Cheez Doodle 8-foot in-store displays feature header cards calling out the "ROCK THE CHEEZ!" promotion, along with shelf danglers. By signing up to be a fan of the Dudes, kids will be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win $1000.
American Eagle Outfitters To Open Flagship Store In NYC
American Eagle Outfitters is opening a 25,000 sq. ft. flagship store in NYC’s Times Square featuring four levels of shopping. The American Eagle Outfitters Times Square flagship store will feature exclusive AE product not available anywhere else in the world, including more fashion forward merchandise, such as outerwear in faux fur and leather, sequin-embellished tops, and graphic t-shirts designed by New York graffiti artists.
The store design features an eclectic combination of materials, from wood to brushed metal to polished concrete. The rooms are more delineated, creating an intimate experience that optimally showcases the product and brand. Elements such as 15-foot ceilings and a 13-foot video wall add dramatic impact.
The store will also feature a customer experience called “15 Seconds of Fame.” Customers will be invited to pose in a mini photo studio. Moments after, the customer's photo will be projected onto the 15,000 square feet of LED screens (25 stories high) outside the store, for all of Times Square to see.
Clinique Opens New Fragrance Counter At UK Flagship
Clinique plans to reveal a new global flagship counter at Selfridges London. This new shopping destination will offer multiple levels of service, providing consumers with a one-of-a-kind, custom-fit experience.
Breaking down all barriers, the counter invites consumers to interact with the brand in an open-sell environment. New features will include Clinique’s ‘diagnostic’ consultation areas which feature Clinique’s diagnostic two way mirrors, makeup “bars” that encourage consumers to test and select products on their own and stand-alone makeup and skin care browsing areas. Lynne Greene, Global President Clinique, said, “This multi-layered shopping environment empowers the consumer, enhances their overall shopping experience and visually communicates the brand’s identity and expertise.”
Sprint Stores Open Dedicated Sustainability Display Area
All Sprint-owned retail locations are now featuring a dedicated environmentally-responsible section that highlights eco-friendly products and accessories such as the SOLIO Solar Charger and carrying cases made from recycled materials. Sprint also will implement a new sustainable design blueprint for all future Sprint-owned retail stores .
New and refurbished stores will implement sustainable design elements consistent with LEED design standards, and will include energy-efficient lighting, low water usage plumbing fixtures and low VOC paint and carpet. These energy efficiency upgrades are expected to reduce the carbon footprint of each store by 19,000 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents.
Verizon Opens First LEED Certified Wireless Retail Store
Verizon Wireless’s first store to seek LEED certification for commercial interiors recently opened for business in Casper, WY. Gruskin Group, an integrated design firm, worked with Verizon Wireless’s internal corporate design team, as well as Paladino & Co., the team’s sustainability consultant, to design the 3,479 sq. ft. Casper store with the goal of achieving a LEED Gold rating.
“We evaluated every material that went into the prototype with the goal of developing a dynamic retail environment that reduces its impact on the environment,” said Kenneth Gruskin, Principal of Gruskin Group. “Our intent was to demonstrate that ‘green’ stores could be built without significantly increasing the cost of the project, or impacting the customer experience or look and feel of the Verizon Wireless brand.”
“Our new, green store provides plenty of space for both shopping and customer service, in keeping with our commitment to deliver innovative voice and data plans, and the best possible wireless experience,” said Melanie Braidich, Regional President of Verizon Wireless.
Nebraska Lottery Utilizes Digital Signage
The Nebraska Lottery and its on-line network provider, INTRALOT, are working with display provider Blast Panel on a new digital signage program for lottery retailers. INTRALOT service technicians have recently installed 32" high-definition, LCD screens (referred to as Blast Panels).
“This pilot was created to provide a new channel for marketing and promoting Lottery and retail products at the point of purchase,” said INTRALOT’s VP, Marketing, John Pittman. “The monitors will also display retailer specials, news, weather and public service announcements and provide retailers with the opportunity to generate additional monetary benefits outside of lottery sales.”
Yoshinoya America Installs Ecotek LED Menu Boards
Yoshinoya America, famous for the original Beef Bowl®, has installed energy efficient, high performance Menu Boards with LED illumination in its new store in Los Angeles, CA. The innovative Direct Backlit LED Array menu boards, manufactured by EcoTek Lighting in Lake Forest, CA, deliver extraordinary illumination levels and cutting-edge energy efficiency by incorporating powerful solid-state LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology.
The LED is a solid-state light engine that requires no filaments or glass. LED illuminated menu boards typically provide 55% greater energy efficiency than fluorescent menu boards. EcoTek’s Direct Backlit LED Array technology refers to the process of fully illuminating the graphics from the back using an evenly distributed array of LEDs. This delivers brighter, more evenly distributed illumination of the menu board graphics, while requiring a fraction of the energy required by fluorescent lighting.
Progressive Launches Behavior-Based Car Insurance
Progressive is introducing an optional car insurance program that offers lower rates on vehicles that are driven in less risky ways. The behavior-based insurance program, called MyRate, gives drivers a customized rate based on how, how much, and when their car is driven. Drivers who sign up for MyRate receive a device that plugs into a port in their car and measures how, how much and when the car is being driven. Cars driven less often, in less risky ways and at less risky times of day can receive a lower premium. Drivers can review their driving data by logging into their policy on progressive.com. They can see how their driving habits are affecting their rate, and, if they choose, make behavioral changes that could lead to savings.
SOLE’s Radio Frequency Identification System Helps Maximize Sales
SOLE, a manufacturer of premium footbeds, socks and sandals, has launched an innovative new technology to help its retail partners efficiently maintain product inventory and maximize sales. SOLE’s new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system will track inventory in real-time with an integrated point-of-purchase display, product tags and a retailer website.
Each pair of SOLE socks, footbeds and sandals is labeled with a microchip that is encoded with product and order details. A small hardware box installed on the base of a POP display reads the tags and transmits the data back to the SOLE retailer website. The password-protected website has a simple interface that allows retailers to view on-hand inventory, place orders and track shipments, all in real-time. “Optimizing inventory is a universal challenge for manufacturers and their retailer partners. As such, we targeted inventory management as an area ripe for system innovation,” said SOLE president, Mike Baker.
AT&T Opens Its Largest High Tech Store
AT&T has unveiled a redesigned two-story high tech wireless store in New York City’s Times Square. The new 6,000 sq. ft. store is five times bigger, and has an innovative design including AT&T’s first ever “Customer Education Center.”
The first floor has large video screens of today’s most sought after wireless devices and applications. The second floor concourse features information stations; tables with touch screens for a hands-on experience, and a large education center that will provide training for today’s advanced wireless data products and services. Other special features of the store include: Five interactive, bilingual information centers, three Experience tables with large touch screens, and three kiosks with quick and easy self service options for billing and customer support.
Best Buy Stores To Offer Fitness Products
Select Best Buy locations have introduced new health and fitness selections with more than 30 feet of technology devices organized by popular activities such as running, walking, swimming, and yoga, as well as fitness equipment in some locations. “We’re constantly looking for the most innovative solutions to address our customer’s lifestyle needs,” said Steve Trier, Sr. Director at Best Buy. “With health and fitness, we’re matching the right combination of gear with experienced BlueShirts and Geek Squad to help them manage and stay motivated by their fitness routines.”
From creating a home gym complete with a TV and surround sound to downloading workout data to the home computer, Best Buy’s health and fitness products connect technology and workouts. Health and fitness shelves at these stores are stocked with heart rate and workout monitoring watches, pedometers, and conditioning accessories; customers can also try out elliptical machines, stationary bikes and treadmills.
American Greetings Launches First Digital Slideshow Greeting Card
American Greetings and Target Corp. have partnered to introduce the first digital slideshow greeting card, available in the Target card aisle. The digital slideshow greeting card holds up to 50 digital images, includes an original holiday soundtrack and even allows the sender to record their own vocal message to give the greeting a personalized touch. Each presentation will play for three hours before needing to be re-charged.
Becker Communications has launched a new line of kiosks. It offers more than 100 base model kiosk enclosures starting at $2,500. Offering a catalog of standard designs allows Becker to turnaround kiosk orders in a shorter timeframe. While the enclosures may be standard, endless options make them customizable to fit unique applications. For more information, contact Becker Communications, 5303 Jelenick Ave., Schofield, WI 54476; (Web site) www.BeckerKiosks.com
EuroTouch offers Gen III Digital Signage Platforms. The new FlexiMega series features aluminum construction, contemporary, curved front and back fascia and with the entire front door opening for complete access and serviceability. It is available in a variety of sizes and colors, with or without touch screens. The standard sizes are 40", 46" or 52". For more information, visit EuroTouch at (Web site) www.eurotouchkiosks.com
VGS’ RaceTrak™ consolidates promotional offers, products and programs into a durable, reusable, space-saving counter display system. It is designed with mix and match components, such as literature and gift card holders, ID panels, promo pieces, and changeable message panels. For more information, contact VGS, 330 Washington Ave., Carlstadt, NJ 07072; (Tel) 800-203
360Brandvision introduces a unique display unit that provides a dazzling combination of 3D holographic-like free floating images, with a display of the physical product. The video can be fully customized. The display also has remote content upload capabilities. For more information, contact 360Brandvision, 4132 S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89103; (Tel) 702-467-4917; (Web site) www.360brandvision.com
The USB Group has introduced this unique, patented bar/patio table, the latest innovation in electroluminescence (EL) technology. The tables provide a dramatic way to deliver a brand message with EL illumination and animation. For more information, contact The USB Group, P.O. Box 540957, Lake Worth, FL 33454; (Tel) 561-966-8070; (Web site) www.theusbgroup.com.
Digital View has added an interactive, anti-theft cradle to its range of ViewStream media player accessories. The Anti-Theft Cradle offers an effective mechanism for demonstrating high value items in open display. The items are attached to a flexible recoiling security lead using high-power magnets. The display item rests neatly into a holster cradle. The cradle is programmed so that when the display item is picked up, it outputs an interactive command that changes the content on a Digital View ViewStream™ or VideoFlyer™ digital media system. If the coil is cut or the magnet broken, a high volume alarm sounds. For more information, contact Digital View, 18440 Technology Dr., Morgan Hill CA 95037; (Tel) 408-782-7773 (Web site) www.digitalview.com
spinTOUCH places retailers at the forefront of technology with surprising interactive surfaces that create indelible brand impressions at the point of purchase. From simple brand impressions via strategic logo placements to dramatic, fully immersive experiences, and from menu selections and instant payments to games and media exchanges, opportunities are virtually limitless. For more information, contact spinTOUCH,™, 2201 S. Standard Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707. (Tel) 714.662.2881; (Web site) www.spinTOUCH.com
YCD Multimedia has released the YCD|RAMP (Real-Time Ad Management Platform), an in-store digital media campaign management platform for the production and distribution and of in-store digital media campaigns. A new campaign can be uploaded and distributed to screens at all or any subset of a retailer’s locations. An individual store can customize their own promotions from pre-approved templates. For more information, visit YCD Multimedia at (Web site) www.ycdmultimedia.com
Screen Solutions, Int., has introduced the Intrigue Projection Film Screen. “It’s a film that looks practically invisible when it’s not lit. With the use of a projector, any piece of glass or acrylic can become a screen,” said William Krause, Partner, Screen Solutions Int. These adhesive projection films are easy to apply to glass or acrylic. For more information, contact Screen Solutions Int., 915 Highland Pointe Dr., Roseville, CA, 95678; (Tel) 916-724-5323; (Web site) www.ssidisplays.com
Metropark Launches In-Store Interactive Twitter
Metropark, a Los Angeles based specialty store that combines the core lifestyle elements of fashion, music and art, has launched a custom interactive Twitter interface. The interface, Metropark REVERB, directly feeds Twitter comments mentioning Metropark into the numerous plasma television screens located in each store as well as across the entire sixty-eight store Metropark network.
“ We have already seen a great deal of feedback from our fashion and tech savvy customers who have readily embraced this new interactive customer experience,” said Metropark CEO, Renee Bell.
Liberty School Wines Launches First iPhone App For A Winery
Hope Family Wines, Paso Robles, CA, has launched a new retail marketing effort for its Hope’s Liberty School label. The program includes in-store signage and bottle-neckers that direct consumers to the “Wine DJ,” (www.winedj.com), the first iPhone application in the retail wine category. The app builds a playlist of “Music to Match Your Spirits,” based on the mood and setting in which Liberty School will be consumed, and is available for download free on Apple’s iTunes. The app comes bundled with extensive information on Liberty School, including technical information and tasting notes, and a map showing the nearest retailers that carry the wines.
Hope was eager to embrace new technology to get its wines in front of Millennial audiences. Matt Jarvis, Partner at 72andSunny, the agency that created the promotion for Liberty School Wines, said, “As the only brand promoting an iPhone application in the wine aisle, we hope to generate more retail impact, awareness, and transactions for our client.”
7-Eleven Launches In-Store TV Network
7-Eleven has contracted with Digital Display Networks to create one of the nation’s largest out-of-home digital networks in more than 6,200 7-Eleven stores throughout North America.
7-Eleven TV is expected to reach an estimated 190 million monthly viewers. Features of the in-store network will include around-the-clock programming with national and local entertainment news and weather, as well as exclusive content fit for convenience shoppers. Other original content will consist of commercials advertising 7-Eleven’s proprietary brands, in-store and out-of-store brands and special 7-Eleven promotions. Network programming will be divided into multiple day-parts to promote specific items at the time when they are most relevant to customers.
Two LCD high-definition TV monitors with directional audio, which reaches only consumers positioned in front of monitors, are being installed in each store. Digital Display Networks (www.ddninc.tv) is providing turn-key services, supervising installation, content production and advertising sales.
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