Creative Online

CREATIVE INTERACTIVE April/May, 1999


Joe Boxer Launches ‘Underwear To Go!’ Program

Joe Boxer is revolutionizing the way people buy underwear with the Joe Boxer Underwear Vending Machine, dubbed "Underwear To Go!" Once the shoppers’ credit card is activated, the voice of an outrageous character praises them for shopping at Joe Boxer. Customers hear one of four reward scenarios: the game show host and sounds of applause and music; the flight attendant thanking them for flying Joe Boxer; the "Jersey Girl" ohhh my gawd; and the patriot with marching music and fireworks.

To reach out to all prospective customers, the machine is outfitted with a motion sensor which, when triggered, speaks out to passers-by. The sensor plays out one of twelve messages (at 20 second intervals) when activated by passing consumers such as, "Psst, wanna buy some underwear?" to a pounding sound from inside the machine followed by a voice saying, "Help! Let me out!"

The products, which range in price from $14.00 to $18.00, are compressed and sealed in an aluminum can bearing the Joe Boxer black and yellow "Licky" logo.

Joe Boxer Underwear Vending Machines will be installed at universities, fitness centers, airports, tourist locations, comedy clubs and other places where people can benefit from a little humor and a second pair of underwear. Up to 500 underwear vending machines will be rolled out by the millennium and will even feature millennium specific Joe Boxer products. The vending technology allows Joe Boxer to collect demographic data as well as instantly track inventory and sales through a secure internet server. Joe Boxer vending systems are provided by Apparel Vending Co., Newark, DE, operator of a national network of credit card operated vending systems.

According to Nicholas Graham, Chairman of Joe Boxer, "It has always been important to put the Joe Boxer product in unexpected places whether it’s in a rocket or a vending machine. The Joe Boxer Underwear Vending Machine combines the incredible technology of the vending machine with the irreverent humor of the Joe Boxer brand making underwear accessible to everyone, everywhere."


Clarity Visual Systems has introduced the Digital Merchandiser

Clarity Visual Systems has introduced the Digital Merchandiser, signage that dynamically engages customers with changing images or moving pictures. This product enables marketers to effectively control messages based on demographics, geography, or even time-of-day. The Digital Merchandiser launches Clarity’s Just Add Pictures product line, which represents an integrated systems approach to creating and managing in-store digital signage. The Digital Merchandiser consists of two Clarity large screen digital displays, a controller, and custom software for composition and scheduling of image sequences. For more information, contact Clarity Visual Systems, (Tel) 503-570-0700, (Web Site) www.clarityvisual.com.


CLC has unveiled a 3-D Video Projection System

California Laser Company (CLC) has unveiled a 3-D Video Projection System that projects moving three-dimensional images in mid-air that are viewable to the naked eye under normal indoor lighting conditions. CLC’s new VIP-103 can project virtually any type of image from either SVHS or DVD video sources, along with stereo audio. Images up to 14x14 inches appear suspended in mid-air in front of the screen, creating a hologram-like effect. The projector, video unit and speakers are housed in a compact cabinet weighing 68 lbs. Applications include displays, kiosks and trade show exhibits. For more information, contact, California Laser Co., 7651 Haskell Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406; (Tel) 818-902-0899, (Fax) 818-902-1480, (Web) www.3dindustries.net.


Pioneer New Media Technologies has unveiled an interactive DVD system

Pioneer New Media Technologies has unveiled an interactive DVD system with touch-screen capability that does not require a computer for operation. The system is comprised of Pioneer’s industrial DVD-V7200 video player, a 20-inch or 13-inch touch-screen video monitor, and an interactive DVD-video disc. The player is highly programmable for unattended use and offers self-management features simplifying operation. The touch screen connects directly into the DVD-V7200 player’s RS-232 serial port enabling it to work with whatever disc is being played by the system. For more information about the DVD-V7200, contact Pioneer New Media Technologies, 2265 East 220th Street, Long Beach, CA 90810; (Tel) 310-952-2111, (Fax) 310-952-2990 (Web Site) www.pioneerusa.com.
Wal -Mart DVD Merchandising Showcase. This display features six tiered wire shelf assembler-sheet metal end panels with front pricing strips. A sheet metal and tubing frame support the TV monitor and electronic components. Each unit contains an 8" color die-cut reflective graphic kit. All metal components are finished in silver vein powder coat. The unit states that DVD has arrived at Wal-Mart as it educates consumers about the new Digital Video Disk technology. Created by Thorco Industries, P.O. Box 110, Lamar, MO 64759. BRONZE AWARD.


My Interactive Pooh Display. This display produced for Mattel Toys, features a motion sensor which causes Pooh to speak directly to the consumer and draws attention to the display. Four buttons on the display activate different qualities of the toy clearly showing its features. Created by Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc., 1975 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton, WI 53024. SILVER AWARD.


Pearlson Development Corp. offers a wide selection of interactive, multimedia kiosks. Tower, low-profile and sit down units are available for point-of-sale and public access applications. Rectangular, "flat front" and cylindrical designs are available. An optional keyboard support is available when a touchscreen is not being used. A "telephone" type handset speaker can be used for applications that include a "private" audio program. All of the kiosk models meet the new ADA Accessibility guidelines for wheelchairs. The kiosks come complete with all electronic components for a turn-key service. Pearlson can also customize its kiosks to customer specifications. Shown is a PDC 2900 Series kiosk, Model 950D15, with a 17" touch screen. The PDC-2300 Series, PDC-2600 Series, PDC-2900 Series kiosks are available from Pearlson Development Corporation, 8960 SW 87 Court, Miami, FL 33176.


Wireless Interactive LCD

This new "Wireless Interactive LCD" provides shelf-edge technology to allow remote wireless updates of shelf-edge electronic catalogs and product information center. The primary benefits of this technology are that it can be updated via its built-in nationwide paging receiver. It may be battery powered and can be mounted right next to the product on the shelf-edge. With future software the Wireless LCD can become a node on the retailer’s in-store LAN. The "Wireless Interactive LCD" was created by RTC Industries Inc., 2800 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008.


Flat-Panel Interactive Kiosks

Interactive kiosks are suitable for a wide range of businesses, including retail outlets, hotels, convention centers, etc. The kiosk shown was installed at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA, in the lobby. These eye-catching kiosks offer easy-to-use touch screens, and can increase the quality of service provided to customers by enabling them to access prompt, detailed product information. This interactive kiosk was created by MontegoNet Solutions, 747 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, RI 02842.


Neighborhood Box Office Kiosk (NBO)

Interactive Kiosks are ideal for gift certificate sales, and this kiosk combines molded composites, wood and accent lighting to attract attention and communicate its function. This is a user-friendly point-of-purchase kiosk featuring built-in merchandising and automated services. Each enclosure is carefully designed with highly refined interfaces for all components and to comply with ADA requirements. The innovative fiberglass design gives the units a clean more unified look with less visible hardware. The Neighborhood Box Office Kiosk was created by Companion Systems, 645 West 200 North, North Salt Lake, UT 84054.


Digital Player for Interactive Display Presentations

This all digital player for interactive display presentations, the DV-16 MPE G-1, offers playback with no moving parts to break. The video quality is clear and sharp and does not degrade gradually as occurs with VCR’s. There is no down time caused by tape rewinding or jamming. The unit is compact, only 6" 4" x 1.5" and is economical compared to a VCR. Reprogrammable Flash ROM cartridges are available in 30/60/120/240 seconds. This Digital Player for Interactive Display Presentations was created by MediaWiz, 17291 Rowland Street, City of Industry, CA 91748.


Interactive Wheel Selector Kiosk

This Interactive Tire Rack Wheel Selector Kiosk allows consumers to better visualize their wheel of choice on their own car. The consumer can choose from more styles than the retailer could carry in-house. It frees the retailer from having to carry a large sample inventory and eliminates the expense of damaged display wheels. It explains features and pricing in-depth for customers while waiting for sales help. Consumers can select the mark, model and color of their vehicle and then scroll through the different wheel options to see them on their car. The computer software offers an endless variety of wheel options. The Tire Rack Interactive Wheel Selector Kiosk was created by Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc. 1975 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton, WI 53024.


AT&T Unmanned Kiosk

The objective of this display was to create an unmanned presence in locations other than normal cellular dealers, to take advantage of the tremendous traffic flow in a store like Staples, and to gain additional exposure with an organized, compact and high quality display. Graphics are interchangeable for specific regional information and there is space for brochures and samples of current product for consumers to examine. The kiosks are produced in a honey maple finish which is in-line with AT&T’s new national high-tech look. Acceptance has been great at Staple stores. The AT&T Unmanned Kiosk was created by Conocraft Inc., 1 Industrial Drive, McAfee, NJ 07428.


Look Broadcasting Kiosk

When Teleglobe Communications needed to launch its new wireless digital television network in Canada, they required a permanent kiosk to help demonstrate the unique product and services. This eye-catching kiosk was designed to be dynamic and at the same time practical and work within a space of only 10’ by 10’. The unit also had to be modular. Uniquely shaped half tables were used for holding literature, writing orders or to support laptops. Two large locking cabinets provided within the structure stored material in a secure manner. The Look Kiosk was designed and manufactured by Point 1 Displays Inc., 5454 Cote de Liesse, Montreal, Canada.


Habitat, Inc. has designed and fabricated many different creative themes which can be customized to meet the specific marketing needs of each client. The booming economy has generated an increased demand for unique rental exhibits and Habitat can offer a complete rental package with complete tradeshow management. A rental exhibit is a viable option for an exhibit with demanding trade show schedules, or by a desire to break away from a traditional image. Habitat has provided dynamic custom exhibits for corporations such as Pinacor, IBM, Rockford Forget, Mobility Electronics, etc. For more information, contact Habitat Inc., 6031 S. Maple Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85283.


Pingel Displays designed and built this exhibit for Protein Technologies. It features theatrical lighting which draws show attendees to the 14" high corporation logos of this 20" x 50" interactive exhibit. Guests gather at the curved reception desk surrounded by the soft glow of sconce lamps. Massive, lightweight "sona-tube" columns suggests a feeling of permanence. The rear of the exhibit houses four private conference rooms. A fully functional kitchen prepares food sample for guests, contains micro-waves, refrigerator, for prep counter, and even a sink. The majority of the exhibit was covered in soft fabrics, offering an inviting feeling. For more information, contact Pingel Displays Incorporated, 2655 Victor Street, Saint Louis, Missouri 03104.


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