Hallmark Debuts Music Preview Station
Hallmark Cards, Inc. has introduced the Hallmark Music Preview Station in Hallmark Gold Crown Stores nationwide. Hallmark Music is the personal expression company’s entry into the adult contemporary instrumental music category, a burgeoning segment of the music market.
The program features 49 full-length albums of instrumental music with superior sound quality, organized to fulfill life needs identified in Hallmark research, said David LeMoine, Product Manager. Each album also specifies a consumer benefit and use. Broad categories include: Rest and Relaxation, Love, Nature, Special Occasions, and Inspirational. "We want people to think of Hallmark first when they need music for a particular situation or occasion," LeMoine said.
The line is merchandised in a wood hutch with an innovative preview system. With the Hallmark Music Scanning Station, shoppers can sample any title by placing a CD on the station to hear selections through headphones.
FastTake Kiosk Offers In-Store Video Sampling
The FastTake video kiosk is designed to increase video sales and rentals by quickly providing consumers with the most up-to-date information necessary to make a purchasing or rental decision. Developed by ObjectSoft Corporation, Hackensack, NJ and marketed by Plaza Entertainment of California, the FastTake kiosk will also offer electronic commerce capabilities.
In addition to previewing up to 500 movie trailer reviews and searching up to 160,000 titles, consumers will be able to order their favorite titles for drop shipment to their home or workplace. The software also allows for updates to the database, cross promotion between studio and retailer, advertising opportunities, multiple rental promotion and demographic targeting.
Metacom Features Interactive Music Display
Metacom, a marketer of pre-recorded music products, Plymouth, MN, created this interactive music display with Brookdale Plastics, Inc., also based in Plymouth, MN.
The Metacom music station resembles a jukebox and displays the Company’s line of CD’s and cassettes. It employs an interactive touch screen so customers can sample the music titles stocked in the display. The display also contains a motion sensor which, when tripped by a passing customer, activates the jukebox to play short music samples to attract attention.
Brookdale Plastics vacuum-formed 22 separate parts from glycol-modified PET and high-impact polystyrene. Then the company final-assembled the 22 components, along with wood assemblies, to produce the finished displays. Over 2,700 units have been shipped nationally to major discount stores and larger retail outlets. Brookdale Plastics recently won an award for the display at the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) annual conference.
Interactive Merchandiser Features New Teletubbies
Warner Home Video (WHV) has released "Teletubbies Nursery Rhymes," supported at retail by this 48 pack interactive merchandiser with a sound chip. The voice box is attached to the right side panel at kid level. The display invites children to "Press The Butterfly On Po’s Hand And Hear Her Sing!"
Our goal was to design a display that would pull kids in and be fun for them," said Justine Brody, Marketing Manager for Family Entertainment at WHV. "The voice box is very durable and is made to withstand thousands of activations." In-store retail support elements also include posters and shelf danglers.
Sales from Teletubbies merchandise have skyrocketed with new expectations for merchandising reaching $2 billion by December 1999.
In keeping pace with this growing phenomenon, "Teletubbies Nursery Rhymes" will be aggressively supported with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign designed to support the retailer and generate excitement with the consumer," said Thomas Lesinski, Sr. V.P., Worldwide Marketing and Development, WHV.
Fujifilm Unveils Aladdin Digital Picture Center
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., has introduced the Fujifilm Aladdin Digital Picture Center. The Aladdin is a completely new concept in digital print centers that utilizes software tailored to the photo retailers’ imaging needs. By offering the lab or retailer the choice of software programs, they can customize the Aladdin to meet their specific customer needs.
Designed to expand the photo shop’s on-site print orders as well as offer improved customer service, the Aladdin Digital Picture Center takes advantage of the latest digital imaging technologies. The ‘building block’ software allows labs and retailers to build their own modular software systems tailored to fulfill their particular imaging needs.
Carter’s Introduces Shop Concept
The William Carter Co. has introduced the Carter’s Imagination Shop to department and specialty stores. The new shops showcase the company’s full line of Celebrating Imagination products for children, newborn to six years of age, including apparel, play items, room decor and accessories. The concept is part of Carter’s new Celebrating Imagination brand theme, which positions Carter’s as a lifestyle brand that goes beyond the children’s apparel market.
In the Carter’s Imagination Shop, children can draw on the walls and fixtures, bang on drums and see themselves 10-feet tall. At the center of this world is the Imagination Machine, a totally interactive kiosk. Children can play the interactive games while parents can access interactive information on ways to nurture their child’s development. The store experience will showcase children’s art which will also be featured on hang tags and bags.
The Carter’s Imagination Shop concept was created by Mansour Design, the NYC-based retail design group.
Adding Interactivity To Retail
Consumers are taking an increasingly active and participatory interest in the products they purchase. Static displays no longer capture consumers’ attention, according to James Graham and Judith Keenan, Principals, Planet Theory, New York City, NY.
Interactive multimedia installations are most successful when conceived as a presentation which discretely attains a combination of marketing goals while ensuring the most entertaining experience for each shopper. Specifically, according to Graham and Keenan, the installations may be designed to: attract the attention of customers with a completely unique exhibit; subtly inform the customer while providing engaging entertainment value; deliver updateable, expandable promotional opportunities; accommodate customers with multiple language capabilities; allow the shopper to use technology, especially the Internet, which encourages further participation beyond the store; reward customers with personalized take-away souvenirs; and allow a virtual "hands on" learning experience.
Dimension Technologies has introduced a 15
3D display. The new TFT LCD display allows both single and full-motion stereoscopic three-dimensional images to be viewed with display resolutions to 1024 x 768 pixels and 16.7 million colors. The viewing mode can be switched from 2D to 3D, and selectable stereo formats include frame sequential, side-by-side, top and bottom and field sequential. The display’s high style black cabinet has a footprint only a fraction of the size of a conventional CRT display. For more information, contact Dimension Technologies, 315 Mt. Read Blvd., Rochester, NY 14611; (Tel) 716-436-3530, (Fax) 716-436-3280.
Shapes Unlimited features this kiosk design to draw attention to a video message. The kiosk features space to apply a company logo. The monitor cutout can be sized to accommodate a wide variety of screen sizes and styles. For more information, contact Shapes Unlimited, 1735 Nixon St., Little Chute, WI 54140; (Tel) 920-788-5400; (Fax) 920-788-5453.
Elo TouchSystems, Inc., has introduced Web Enabler 4.0, kiosk software that converts web sites into touchscreen kiosk applications. Web Enabler allows users to replace the browser function controls with easy-to-use, customizable control panels. When combined with an Elo TouchSystems touchscreen, users are able to easily surf the Web using their fingers to navigate, instead of pointing devices. For more information, contact Elo TouchSystems at (Tel) 800-356-8682, (Web) www.elotouch.com.
MontegoNet Solutions offers flat-panel interactive kiosks. These kiosks, with their easy-to-use touch screens, range from stylish free-standing floor units to thin wall-mounted unit. MontegoNet Solutions also offers customized interactive solutions. For more information, contact MontegoNet Solutions, 747 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, RI 02842; (Tel) 888-MONTEGO, (Fax) 401-846-5995, (Web) www.montegonet.com.
Imageworks Manufacturing has introduced Launch Station, a PC input device that replaces the standard mouse pad and creates promotional and revenue generating opportunities for companies with websites. Companies can customize the product to link directly to sales or customer service. Locked buttons can be leased to websites such as search engines, and businesses involved in e-commerce to encourage repeat visits. Imageworks provides printing services for custom graphics. For more information, contact Imageworks Manufacturing, 49 South Street, Park Forest, IL 60466; (Tel) 708-503-1122, (Fax) 708-503-1133, (Web) www.imageworksmfg.com.
Vantage Lighting, Inc. offers Image2000, an innovative product in its ability to project 3-Dimensional images without the use of special glasses or headsets. The system consists of the company’s patented optical housing, digital playback system, video monitor, and custom cabinet. It can be build into an existing exhibit or as a stand alone peojection unit. For more information,, contact Vantage Lighting,, 175 Paul Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903; (Tel) 415-507-0402, (Fax) 415-507-0502, (Web site) www.vanltg.com.
National Systems Inc., has introduced a new series of Talk-N-Tell audio digital message repeaters for display and exhibit applications. Users may record messages up to 75 seconds long. The message may be changed as often as required. The MR375A is a complete system including loudspeaker and push-button packaged in a plastic enclosure; the MR375B is also a complete system with a larger loudspeaker and a heavy duty push-button and packaged in a metal enclosure; the MR375C is the electronics packaged in a plastic container. The user provides their own push-button and loudspeaker. For more information, contact National Systems, 13 Hammatt Street, Ipswich, MA 01938; (Tel) 978-356-1011, (Fax) 978-356-0091.
ActiveLight Inc. is a value-added distributor of plasma displays and technology specializing in point-of-purchase, public displays and digital signage network solutions to resellers and systems integrators. The company helps retail chains, theme restaurants and exhibit companies design compelling multimedia POP signage that can be located in branches and updated via the Internet. For more information, contact ActiveLight Inc., 19362 Powder Hill Place, Poulsbo, WA 98370; (Tel) 800-730-4774, (Fax) 360-779-5969, (Web Site) www.activelight.com.
Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, MN, is entertaining and educating consumers about a full range of home comfort solutions as part of its exhibit at the new Innoventions attraction at Disneyland in California. Innoventions is designed to give Disneyland guests a fun, interactive peek at near-future technology and help them understand how it will benefit them in their daily lives. Part playground, part educational product showcase, Honeywell’s exhibit, designed by Disney’s team of Imagineers, resembles the cutaway of a home, with three major attractions: The Honeywell Wall Crawl, The Honeywell @ Home Game Show and The Honeywell Well-Balanced Home Games.
For Mobil Oil Corporation, The Jack Morton Co., designed a traveling exhibit and classroom to help educate customers and retail partners about the merits of Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic Motor Oil and the new Mobil 1 High Efficiency Oil Filter. The exhibits, housed in a 47-ft. gooseneck trailer, highlight the research, development and advantages of Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic Motor Oil. The mobile exhibit gives motorists a hands-on look at the inner workings of an engine, through the use of a cross-section of an engine. An interactive computer quiz allows visitors to test their knowledge of engine lubricants. The Mobil 1 Traveling Exhibit is an ongoing tour, with stops planned along the NASCAR and NHRA circuits and other major auto shows. For more information on mobile marketing, contact The Jack Morton Co., 641 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011; (Tel) 212-727-0400, (Fax) 212-727-0098, (Web) www.jackmorton.com.
Stray-Light Corp. has developed two high-end Virtual Theater Systems for IBM Corp.’s College Relations and Recruiting Division. For two years, each tour will travel separately across the country, visiting career fairs, industry-related trade shows, and IBM sponsored events. Each theater system is equipped with three of StrayLight’s new Magna-Scope viewers. While inside the Virtual Theater, guests are completely immersed inside a fully custom designed 3D stereoscopic experience, which is based on actual IBM applications. The virtual tour includes: space voyages, and molecular fly-throughs. StrayLight chose state-of-the-art software to develop the stereoscopic animation which was integrated with a live-action video sequence. IBM’s project management firm, Holophile Inc. of Killington, CT, created the enclosure for the Magna-Scope System. For more information on the Magna-Scope Theater, contact StrayLight Corp., 150 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, NJ 07059; (Tel) 908-580-0086, (Fax) 908-580-0092, (Web) www.strayvr.com.
DVCI Acquires "Muffin-Head And Visient" Dugan Valva Contess, Inc. (DVCI), the Morristown, NJ-based promotion agency, has launched an aggressive acquisition initiative to transform it into a full-service provider of interactive services. DVCI has acquired Muffin-Head Productions, a leader in interactive creative, and Visient Corp., a leading provider of Internet-based information and technology services.
"In addition to the current offering of strategic, creative and technical services we can now bring to
our clients, we are looking over the horizon to new communication methodologies," said Paul Ivans, President of DVCI.
New Mall Kiosk For Customer Interaction
KLN KLEIN Product Development, Langley, B.C., has developed a new touch screen kiosk with customized loyalty software for Willowbrook shopping centre in Langley, B.C.
The new kiosk is an expansion to Willowbrook’s "Just Rewards" loyalty program, which rewards customers for every dollar spent in the mall with special offers and entries into prize draws. The kiosk’s can be easily adapted to support other retail marketing efforts.
For more information, contact KLN KLEIN Product Development Inc. at (Tel) 604-530-1491.
American Express Expands Automatic Teller Networ
The new acquisitions add more than 2,740 ATM machines to American Express’ ATM network and allows American Express Cardmembers, to conveniently access cash and other services. American Express Cardmembers can already receive cash at more than 200,000 ATMs around the world.
Photo Vend Introduces "ID Express+" Digital Booth
Photo Vend International (PVI), a leader in digital imaging kiosks featuring personalized photo stickers, has introduced a self service digital imaging stand-alone booth called "ID Express+".
"With ID Express+ we’re going to make the process of obtaining high quality, inexpensive ID photos simple, fast and easy," said Mark Trotter, President of PVI. "Operators throughout the country will be revenue sharing with retailers including grocery/drug stores, wholesale clubs, and office supply stores."
Sony And Pizza Hut Team For Promotion
Sony Computer Entertainment America and Pizza Hut recently teamed up for The "Pizza-Powered PlayStation Giveaway." The promotion offered thousands of consumers purchasing Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Pizza the opportunity to win a grand prize cash jackpot of $200,000 and a wide assortment of PlayStation prizes, including 100 PlayStation game consoles with the new Crash Bandicoot: WARPED videogame; and 2,000 copies of PlayStation’s most popular games. As part of the promotion, consumers were able to sample PlayStation-titles when they received one of the 3.5 million PlayStation demo discs available through Pizza Hut.
In support of the promotion, point-of-purchase displays were featured at more than 7,200 Pizza Hut restaurants.
"Our partnership with Pizza Hut offered yet another great avenue for reaching a broad market of new and existing PlayStation gamers," said Andrew House, V.P., Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Foster City, CA.
Blau Marketing Featuring Intensor Demonstrator
To support the its unique sensory enhancement gaming chair, Blau Marketing is using this innovative Intensor Demonstrator. Within this five foot by two foot unit, the gaming enthusiast is able to interact with and experience the sensory enhancement effects of the Intensor chair.
To simulate the home gaming experience, the demonstrator provides enough space to accommodate most television and VCR brands for a hands-on association comparable to the games consumers use at home. A continuous demo loop tape provided the video and sound stimuli.
A stylistic design and eye-popping combination of materials were selected to optimize the visual impact. The base of the unit is manufactured using a black gloss laminate. Brilliant purple side panel graphics and design lines are influenced thematically by roller coasters and the tag line, “It Will Take You For A Ride.
The Intensor chair is mounted to its base and secured by a day-glow green acrylic header providing a Technicolor flag to entice the consumer from other departments in the store.
This display was created for Blau Marketing by Thomson-Leeds, Inc., a New York City-based point-of-purchase display and sales promotion firm.
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