Nintendo World Opens As Retail Destination
Nintendo recently opened its first retail store in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza.
Featuring 10,000 square feet of retail space and two stories of interactive fun for all ages, Nintendo World is a one-of-a-kind interactive entertainment and retail destination.
Highlights of the store include a selection of exclusive Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance SP, Nintendo GameCube and Pokemon merchandise not found at any other store in the world.
There are over 50 interactive stations featuring the hottest Nintendo games and an extensive multi-player gaming wall featuring Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS systems.
A surround sound gaming lounge offers consumers a place to play and feel like they are part of the game-complete with rumble seats. The Pokemon Center features exclusive merchandise, state-of-the-art demo stations and an Ultra-Pokedex.
Other highlights include an extensive Nintendo DS sampling station; and a complete GameBoy Advance SP “bar” where consumers can grab a barstool and play a variety of games.
QuikTrip Stores Launch Interactive Kiosks
A new check-cashing and bill payment mini-kiosk is launching at QuikTrip convenience stores. CashWorks, a GE Consumer Finance Company, is offering both bill payment and check-cashing services through its new mini-kiosk platform.
Customers, including those with cash but not a CashWorks card can pay bills to more than 4,400 companies including utilities, cable, and phone service providers. The CashWorks kiosk can approve transactions for first-time users in minutes. Once a customer is enrolled, transactions typically take less than one minute.
According to CashWorks’ research, 45% of consumers who use the check-cashing service make purchases on the spot, and 81% say they plan to use the kiosk in the future.
adidas Features Interactive Beckham Display
To promote the launch of the new David Beckham Predator Pulse collection, adidas has partnered with Angel.com, a provider of web-based advanced telephony solutions, to create a unique shopping experience for the soccer fan.
A toll-free number is advertised on the display, that consumers can call to hear from Beckham himself about the features of his new collection. Beckham also informs the caller that his new range of Predator footwear and apparel is the ultimate combination of performance technology and style.
This promotion takes point of purchase to the next level, allowing adidas customers to hear what a superstar athlete thinks of a new product line. At the same time, it provides valuable information regarding customer interest in the Predator collection, by tracking the number of people who call the toll free numbers from the stores.
Pep Boys Unveils Remodeled Stores
The Pep Boys automotive aftermarket retail chain has opened newly remodeled stores, which have been re-merchandised with new products ranging from tools and ATVs to the latest in mobile entertainment.
A modern interior design, which reflects the new red, white and blue Pep Boys corporate colors, includes multimedia displays, dynamic signage and customized areas for new product categories. The store exteriors have also been updated.
“Our new stores feature bolder product displays that leverage our retail space, create a permanent space for exciting new product categories, and highlight the repair and maintenance service we provide,” said Larry Stevenson, Pep Boys Chairman and CEO.
Microsoft Ink-In-Motion POP Promotes XBOX
Microsoft is using Ink-In-Motion, a flashing electronic display that combines the motion with the visual appeal of ink-on-paper to promote its latest XBOX game release, Bioware's Jade Empire.
Woo-Jong Kang, CEO of NeoLux, a distributor of the Ink-In-Motion display technology, said, “This unique technology was able to meet the customer’s requirements for effective animation, easy installation and on-time distribution.” Microsoft was particularly pleased with the displays “eye-catching” appeal and its thinness and long battery life allowing for an easy roll-out to their distribution channel.
The core enabling technology for Ink-In-Motion is an electronic paper display material called electronic ink, which is manufactured by E Ink Corp., Cambridge, MA.
RadioShack's Opens StoreOne
RadioShack Corp. has opened StoreOne, a unique retail environment and learning portal in downtown Fort Worth, TX. This flagship store underscores RadioShack’s commitment to understanding customer interest, demand and grasp of consumer electronics and, ultimately, improving the customer experience in RadioShack stores across the country.
StoreOne is modeled after the ultimate modern home of the future. Featuring a Family Room, Home Office, Garage, Game Room, Kitchen and more, StoreOne lets customers experience a broad assortment of consumer electronics in a real life setting that is fun and interactive. Customers can try out virtually any product in the store, learn about them using the interactive, touch-screen "Easy Answer Center" in each room, and even have information e-mailed to them.
“The look and feel of StoreOne supports the ongoing revitalization of the RadioShack brand,” said Don Carroll, Sr. V.P., Chief Marketing and Brand Officer. “Our goal is to infuse that same energy and freshness throughout all RadioShack stores.”
The second floor of StoreOne is home to the “MotoZone,” an activities area sponsored by Motorola, RadioShack's premier partner for StoreOne. There, customers can "spray paint" original art at the MotoGlyph, have their picture taken at the MotoMosaic, and enjoy a showing of “Operation: Micron” in the Experience Theater with interactive seats.
Nexcom Introduces First Store In U.S. To Exclusively Sell BlackBerry Solutions
Nexcom Wireless has opened the Nexcom Wireless store in Charlotte, NC, to exclusively sell BlackBerry products, Nextel Wireless Data services and in-depth training on the BlackBerry platform.
The unique store will feature the BlackBerry Wireless HandHeld from Research In Motion, BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry services and Nextel voice and data solutions. BlackBerry from Nextel provides a mobile office experience, enabling phone, Direct Connect, email, Internet, organizer and corporate application access via a single integrated device. It operates on Nextel's guaranteed all-digital network to provide mobile professionals the freedom to access information and communicate while away from the office.
"This unique partnership between Nextel, RIM and Nexcom will be of great value to BlackBerry customers," said Craven Shumaker, V.P., Nextel. "By providing hands-on training and practical demonstrations, Nexcom Wireless will help to enhance customers' understanding of the multiple business solutions possible with BlackBerry."
Nextel Center Offers Wireless Experience
Nextel’s Las Vegas Monorail Convention Center Station offers visitors an opportunity to experience wireless data solutions in a unique interactive environment. Nextel Center encompasses an all-in-one transit station, product showroom, flagship Nextel Retail Store and a dedicated showcase area.
The 15,000-sq. ft. facility is a wireless industry first where a monorail station stop is branded as a sales and marketing venue, taking advantage of the more than 5 million conventioneers that visit the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The opening of Nextel Central is the culmination of our collective vision to seek out a premier branding opportunity that focused on helping our customers experience the benefits of wireless communications in a hands-on environment,” said Mark Schweitzer, Sr. V.P. Marketing, Nextel.
Qwest Opens Solution Center Living Rooms
Qwest Communications is expanding its retail presence in the Phoenix area beyond its traditional kiosks, with the opening of two new Qwest Solution Center Living Rooms, offering the services available at Qwest Solutions Centers plus additional amenities in the comfort of a living room environment.
Qwest Living Rooms center around comfortable seating areas where plasma screen TVs display a full complement of Qwest Choice TV channels. Each location is equipped with wireless Internet access and customers can get expert advice on purchasing wireless, high-speed Internet service, home-phone packages, long-distance service and DirecTV.
Best Buy Taking Gamers To Next Level
Best Buy is refocusing its stores with the equipment, service and technical support to help gamers take their game to the next level. New experience stations are being rolled out to let gamers experience the benefits of complete gaming systems for themselves.
As the experience of gaming evolves, so too is the profile of the gamer. The stereotype of teenage boys playing video games has given way to a new reality. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the average age of a gamer in the U.S. is 30, and more than one-third of gamers are women.
“The gaming experience itself is changing,” said Jill Hamburger, V.P., Movies, Video Games and Toys at Best Buy. "It is more social and engaging than ever before. At Best Buy, our goal is to help people unlock the full potential of their gaming systems."
Audio Visual & Film Group has introduced the HoloPresenter 40" screen, an all-in-one holographic projection system for displays and exhibits. The HoloPresenter is an upright standing glass panel, which is equipped with a holographic projection screen of 40" diagonal at the top. The lower portion can be used as an advertising medium. The projection takes place through an integrated video projector and a mirror so that this unit can be used as a stand-alone system. For more information, contact Audio Visual & Film Group, Inc., 8400-89th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445; (Tel) 763-488-6500, (Fax) 763-488-6501, (Web Site) www.avfg.com.
Micro Industries has introduced the Touch&Go Paigezilla(TM). Occupying less than one cubic foot of space, the unit is powered by an Intel Pentium M processor. The Paigezilla features an ultra-bright, 10.4-inch LCD touchscreen and stereo speakers. With the addition of a durable, built-in thermal printer module, it becomes a self-contained interactive system. “The Touch&Go Paigezilla brings direct-to-consumer marketing and self-service together in the retail marketplace,” said Michael Curran, Micro Industries’ CEO. “Paigezilla provides marketers with the ability to interact and inform consumers in such a way that they can make educated selections and purchase products without additional support.” Paigezilla can be mounted on shelves and gondola end-caps. For more information, contact Micro Industries, 8399 Green Meadows Drive North, Westerville, Ohio 43081; (Tel) 800-722-1845 (Fax) 740-548-6184; (Web) www.microindustries.com.
ActiveLight has partnered with Display Werks to launch the 40" TActive LCD, the first integrated touch screen for digital signage applications. Designed for use in digital signage installations the TActive supports multiple video inputs, features high resolution and offers a 170-degree or better viewing angle. The display can be used in both portrait and landscape modes, and allows the whole screen or just parts to be touch sensitive. For more information, visit www.activelight.com or call 866-466-6849; or visit Display Werks at www.display4werks.com.
DigiCharm produces MicroPop in-store displays. MicroPop's are tiny low cost independent panels that are integrated directly into product packaging providing attention-grabbing point of sale media. Easy to set up and operate, MicroPop’s display pre-loaded media segments on highly visible revolutionary OLED displays drawing customer attention and interest. Powered with alkaline batteries, megabytes of digital messages including images, text, animations and full video, run for months without needing servicing or upkeep. For more information, contact DigiCharm, 2030 Pie-IX, Ste. 206, Montreal, QC H1V 2C8; (Tel) 514-928-5056, (Fax) 514-227-5087; (Web Site) www.digicharm.com.
ICS Technology has introduced a new stand-alone digtal signage player with two large 17" LCD screens. This unit is plug and play and can be viewed from both sides. For more information, contact ICS Technology, P.O. Box 4063 Middletown, NJ 07748; (Tel) 732-671-5400, (Fax) 732-671-1420, (Web) www.icstec.com.
Pierce Packaging chose SignFlash dynamic digital signage solutions developed by Noventri, as part of their display at the recent CONEXPO in Las Vegas. Noventri incorporated two large screen LCD displays in the Pierce exhibit and along with strategic partner Digital Matrix Studio, created graphics and video to inform and entertain Pierce Packaging’s visitors. SignFlash is a turnkey digital signage solution offering “zones” of MPEG video, animations and live video that can be updated dynamically. For more information on SignFlash, contact Noventri, Smithsburg, MD, (Tel) 800-359-1858, (Web) www.noventri.com.
TOPPAN Printing Co. recently exhibited a large-scale wall-sized newspaper utilizing E Ink Electronic Paper at The 2005 World EXPO in Aichi, Japan. This large wall-size newspaper was built from 272 individual electronic paper “tiles,” which is a combination of an E Ink Imaging Film laminated onto a printed circuit board with pixel electrodes. The wall-size newspaper application of Electronic Paper was exhibited at the Yomiuri Newspaper booth. The latest news was displayed twice daily.
VirTra Systems Inc., Dallas, has launched a mobile tour introducing its new Immersa-Dome virtual reality system. VirTra Systems’ Immersa-Dome is the world’s first individual, multi-sensory, projection-based virtual reality system, utilizing a dome-shaped screen, which comfortably surrounds the viewer and delivers a high resolution virtual reality experience without a headset. “Due to overwhelming response from promotional agencies desiring an Immersa-Dome demonstration, we believe mobile tours allow us to see the most agencies in the shortest time,” said Tom Milks, VirTra Systems’ V.P. of Advertising and Promotion.
Interactive Tabletop Displays Promote McDonald’s Anniversary
Reactrix Media Systems, a San Carlos, CA-based developer of interactive in-store media, deployed three of its projectable media systems in the newly-opened McDonald’s 50th anniversary restaurant located in downtown Chicago.
The interactive tabletop displays react in real-time to people’s movement, allowing McDonald's customers to have fun and connect with each other as they enjoy a meal.
“The Reactrix tables are a great way to showcase McDonald's sense of fun, opportunity and commitment to our customers-it’s all about creating a great, unique dining experience,” said Dan Wohlfeil, McDonald's.
Reactrix’ visioning technology actually “sees” and responds to consumers movement as they interact with the programmed media content.
For more information, visit Reactrix Media Systems at (Web Site) www.reactrix.com.
HoloDeem Coupon Machine Uses 3D Holographic Technology
The HoloDeem Coupon Machine promotes the use of coupons via a self-service, interactive touch screen kiosk equipped with patented 3D holographic technology.
The HoloDeem Coupon Machine displays Holo-mercials, patented 3D aerial holographic commercials that attract attention while inviting consumers to view and print coupons via self-service touch screen technology located inside the entrance to grocery stores, department stores and shopping malls. This unique marketing approach provides the power of an interactive media experience to promote branding and product launches together with an innovative, new way to coupon.
For more information, contact HoloDeem, Inc.,100 State Street South, Kirkland, WA 98033; (Tel) 866-465-6333; (Fax) 425-576-1590; www.holodeem.com.
InterMall Media Launches P.O.P. TV Network
The InterMall Advertising Medium is a continuous video display placed in malls, designed to drive shoppers to stores. This point-of-purchase TV advertising network reaches mall shoppers where they shop. InterMall Media’s eye-catching, array of large digital plasma screens are strategically located throughout the mall.
For more information, contact InterMall Media, (Tel) 303-591-3797, (Web) www.intermallmedia.com
EXHIBITS/KIOSKS
SHOWCRAFT, INC.
1357 Larc Industrial Blvd
Burnsville, MN 55337
Tel. 800-886-0634
Fax: 952-808-0558
E-Mail: jdriscoll@showcraft.com
Web Site: www.showcraft.com
ZPOD INTERACTIVE MARKETING KIOSK.
The Zpod Interactive Marketing Kiosk is designed for clients looking to broaden exposure for their particular product or service. It is customizable with telephone, internet, and computer connections, and offers a variety of shelf and hardware configurations.
The single or double-sided kiosk can be assembled in just 10 minutes and has proven ideal for set-up in payment center, retail outlets, promotional events and tradeshows everywhere.
In addition to Marketing Kiosks, Showcraft also specializes in Custom Exhibit Rentals. Talk to us about tight budgets, creative challenges, logistic management & turnkey services for one show or a program.
SHOWCRAFT™ www.showcraft.com 800-886-0634.
Category: Promotional Displays
Display Producer: Hankscraft, Inc.
300 Wengel Drive, Reedsburg, WI 53959
This Animated Audio Price Rail is a moving lenticular image with simultaneous audio and it is activated by the customer. The material may also be used for packaging, direct mail as well as counter displays to attract and impress the consumer. The price rail shown reprises the TV commercial for added recognition.
Category: Prismatic Displays
Display Producer: Clearr Corporation
6325 Sandburg Road, Minneapolis, MN 55427
Clearr Corporation has introduced DoubleTake® its latest prismatic display innovation which features two images in the space of one, via its patented "zigzag" face profile. As a prospect walks by the display he sees a metamorphosis take place as one image transitions into another. The viewer is captivated and often positions himself to view the action repeatedly. DoubleTake® is available in tabletop, pedestal, suspended, framed and backlit configurations, all designed to stop traffic at budget-pleasing prices.
Category: In-store signage
Display Producer: Virtual Images Unlimited,
636 East Brier St., Suite 120, San Bernardino, CA 92408
This in-store signage was created for Footlocker's "Back in Black" campaign and is the world's largest printed lenticular in-store display produced to date. The lenticular sign is sized at 40"x63" and features a triple flip image, displaying three popular shoe brands. Baseball Caps from each of the three brands also flip at the bottom of the sign. Prestone Printing provided printed banners and mounting hardware to complete the campaign. The banners and lenticular were roll-able, allowing for easier distribution.1,500 signs were produced and displayed in the front window of Footlocker's top grossing store locations.
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