Samsung’s Hi-Def Displays Educate Consumers
Samsung has launched new in-store displays to help consumers better understand the world of High Definition (HD) entertainment.
Available at more than 2,000 retailers across North America, the displays provide the latest information about the benefits of upgrading to HD products. Consumers are invited to experience Samsung’s HD solutions, including the new Touch of Color™ (ToC™) HDTVs and home theater systems. The modular and eco-friendly displays can be reused to feature the latest products, promotions, and information without needing to build a new display.
“Samsung hopes to help consumers immediately recognize, right at the point of purchase, the true benefits of HD for their home, while providing consumers a number of options and total solutions to make HD a part of their lives,”said Tim Baxter, EVP, Sales & Marketing at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is proud to offer cohesive display models that not only tout our latest product designs and promotions, but can also adjust to the specific requirements and preferences of our various retail partners.”
Depending upon the retailer, each display features a combination of Samsung’s latest home theater products, including the Series 5 LCD HDTVs, Series 6 and 7 LCD HDTVs, BD-P1500 Blu-ray Player, HT-X710 2.1-Channel Home Theater System, and HT-AS720 Home Theater Receiver and Speaker System. Each setup provides consumer-ready features information, videos on the benefits of a HD home theater and an up-close look at key Samsung products.
Samsung used a variety of recycled materials to construct its new end-cap displays. The particleboard and MDF pieces are produced without the use of harmful formaldehyde, while all styrene components are made from recycled stock. The wood base and various metal sections are powder coated rather than painted with sprays and solvents, and all Plexiglas sections feature up to 15 percent recycled content.
Kodak Printer EndCap Display Placed In Office Depots
Kodak wanted to create awareness as a new-comer to the all-in-one home printer category in Office Depot stores with the introduction of the Kodak EasyShare 5300 printer. It also wanted to educate consumers on its unique 50% savings value to them through the 5300 printer's revolutionary inkjet system.
A special endcap display was placed in Office Depot stores. A Flipbook provides in-depth info on printer, ink and paper specifications. Actual prints from the 5300 printer are available for customers to take away. The Live 5300 printer showcased on a pedestal, is accessible with an easy demo feature for a Kodak quality print in seconds.
This Kodak EasyShare 5300 printer endcap display was produced by Synsor Corporation, Everett, WA.
The Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff Is Launched
The Sims™, an Electronic Arts label, has introduced The Sims2 IKEA Home Stuff in an innovative collaboration with the IKEA furniture store. The Sims 2 IKEA® Home Stuff allows players to give their Sims' home a makeover with new furniture and décor based on stylish IKEA furniture.
The Sims players can design their rooms to fit their personalities with all-new IKEA made items including a plush EKTORP sofa, MALM bed, LEKSVIK coffee table, EXPEDIT TV, FREDRIK desk and much more. Each item is available in a variety of colors and patterns for a truly customized look. Finishing touches can be added with popular IKEA® wall art, mirrors, lighting options and vases.
Steve Seabolt, Electronic Arts Inc, said, “Collaborations with world renowned brands such as IKEA, H&M, and Ford are perfect fits for our consumers because these are the products our users have an affinity for. Incorporating them in the game enhances the experiences of our players by integrating real world brands and products into the gameplay.”
'Brand Xperience' XRKade To Expand Exergaming Market
iTech Fitness Inc., creators of the XRKade and leaders of the commercial exergaming market, announce the signing of the 50th XRKadelocation in North America with the Atlanta YMCA Association at theNorthwest Cobb branch. The achievement of the 50th location positions theXRKade as the largest exergaming club in the U.S.
The company is gearing up for a new era in the exergaming industry and plans to make the XRKade a staple in both the North American and International markets. Recently, the company announced expansion plans into the international markets by signing a partnership in South Korea for 26 locations over the next 4 years.
Aardvark™ Applications, Plano, TX, has introduced the Immersa-Dome®, a personal multisensory system for use to entertain/educate at trade shows, events, etc. The Immersa-Dome, unlike headset- based virtual reality systems, does not touch the user’s head, face or hair, which eliminates potential hygiene concerns. The system features seat vibration, time-triggered scents and wind simulation. For more information, visit www.aardvarkapps.com.
Blockbuster Launches DVD Vending Kiosks
Blockbuster and NCR Corp. plan to deploy Blockbuster-branded, state of-the-art DVD vending kiosks in a pilot program. The pilot vending kiosks will initially offer DVD rentals, but the machines will allow for future applications, including digital downloads, and other services, such as sales of DVDs and video games.
“With NCR's advanced technology, these machines will dispense a wide array of DVDs and could offer digital downloading in the future, all under the Blockbuster brand,” said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster Chairman “This initial rollout provides consumers increasingly convenient access to their favorite movies and is one more step in the fulfillment of our mission to transform Blockbuster into a multi-channel provider of media entertainment.”
Chrysler iShowroom Features Digital Signage
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc., a Minneapolis-based worldwide digital signage provider, has been selected by Chrysler LLC to develop an interactive digital signage program for dealer showroom applications called iShowroom. The iShowroom program can be used by dealership sales personnel to lead sales presentations, but it is also intuitive enough for consumers to navigate on their own.
Chrysler's digital signage program will be made available to nearly 3,500 dealership locations in 2009. Each dealership showroom will be outfitted with one or more 46 inch NEC interactive displays powered by RoninCast(r) digital signage.
Showcraft
Healthnotes Is Now Aisle7 To Reflect Mainstreaming Of Health And Wellness
Healthnotes, a leader in wellness marketing programs for food and drug retailers, has become Aisle7™. This change reflects rapid growth in the Company's storewide solutions and expansion beyond its original vitamin and supplement focus to include products across every aisle of the store - driven by the mainstreaming of health and wellness, and the simultaneous growth of emerging forms of shopper marketing.
Dr. Skye Lininger, founder of Aisle7, noted that, “Aisle7 builds on the great history of Healthnotes, expanding programs to encompass the entire store and helping retailers connect with shoppers in new ways to capitalize on the powerful health and wellness trends. We’re excited to bring these changes to the marketplace and help retailers create truly compelling wellness-based marketing programs that grow sales and loyalty.”
For more information, visit www.aisle7.net.
Helius Technology Powers In-Mall Digital Signage Network
Helius, Lindon, UT, (www.helius.com) has teamed with PlasMedia Productions to develop one of the nation's largest in-mall digital signage networks, servicing over 3,600 advertisers in 100 locations. PlasMedia selected the Helius Media Signage product because it allows for central control and deployment of content to any number of Helius media players.
The Helius network management software provides PlasMedia with an intuitive interface to upload and target content as well as gain visibility into the reporting aspects needed to effectively manage the system.
Jeff Curtis, Sr. V.P. Sales & Marketing, Helius, said, “We are excited to offer digital signage technology that removes the barriers to growth and opens up new market opportunities for PlasMedia.” For more information about this in-mall network, visit www.plasmediaproductions.com.
PerfectMedia Digital Retail System Reaches Shoppers At P-O-P
InStore Broadcasting Network, the largest retail media network in the United States, operates the PerfectMedia™ digital retail system, which leverages in-store audio and video narrowcasting systems to reach shoppers at the point of purchase.
Overhead audio systems reach every shopper in the store, while shelf-mounted video displays are installed in your aisle, allowing for the ultimate in targeted messaging: buyers of a brand. For more information, visit www.ibnads.com.
Hardees Installs Kiosks For Easy Ordering
Boddie-Noell Enterprises (BNE), the largest Hardee's franchise operator in the U.S. with 345 restaurants and EMN8, (www.emn8.com) the leader in technology-based, rich-media self-service systems for quick service restaurants (QSRs), have introduced EMN8 kiosks in BNE Hardee’s restaurant locations.
EMN8's self-service software features vibrant graphics and a user friendly interface that allows Hardee's customers to order their food quickly and easily. The menu presents products, suggestions and options in such a manner as to influence customers' decisions at the point of purchase, increasing average ticket and menu awareness. “We are in the early stages, yet customer feedback has been very positive and the increase in the average check amount exceeds our expectations,” said Mike Boddie, President of the BNE Restaurant Division.
Sephora Debuts Scentsa Fragrance Finder
Sephora has introduced the Scentsa® Fragrance Finder, a state-of-the-art custom interactive kiosk program.
“Scentsa will revolutionize the way we think about finding a fragrance,” said Betsy Olum, Sephora’s Sr. V.P., Marketing. “Our clients will be able to quickly locate a fragrance favorite or discover a new one.”
Utilizing the wall-mounted interactive touch screen, users can find information on the latest fragrances, view images and videos or find reviews. Scentsa allows shoppers to search by: Brand Name, Fragrance Name, and Fragrances Notes.
Best Buy Launches Automated Kiosks In U.S. Airports
Best Buy has begun rolling out Best Buy Express™ automated kiosks in airports across the U.S. Best Buy Express kiosks will offer a variety of products and accessories at familiar store prices that will appeal to business and leisure travelers alike. Best Buy has teamed with third party ZoomSystems to launch the test.
“Best Buy Express is another way for Best Buy to provide consumers with the products they need from a brand they trust, even while they're on-the-go,” said Chris Stidman, V.P., Strategic Planning for Best Buy. “Whether travelers are looking to purchase a last minute gift or are in need of replacement for a lost, forgotten or broken product, these kiosks will allow them to purchase the product they want.”
The assortment of products available through Best Buy Express will include cell phones, computer accessories, digital cameras, portable storage devices, MP3 players, headphones, portable gaming devices, gift cards, travel adapters and chargers.
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, l0328 Highlands West Dr., Escondido, Ca 92029.
Fastrak Retail offers Standalone Solid-State Displayers. The displayers are offered in a range of 7” to 40” bright LCD screens integrated with solid-state video players. Out of the box, these displayers are ready for action. They just need to be plugged in and loaded with a CompactFLASH card loaded with video for an instant digital sign program. An optional touchscreen is available. For custom fixtures, these displayers are available Open Frame. Smaller screens are perfect for shelf-edge applications. For more information, contact Fastrak Retail, 11508 Providence Rd., Suite H-204, Charlotte, NC 28277.
Harbor Industries, Inc., offers an interactive CD Merchandiser that makes it easy for customers to sample music at the point of sale. The Interactive CD Merchandiser contains a built in MP3 playback system designed for 24/7 commercial use. The merchandiser also includes a touch pad interface that is capable of displaying up to 24 selections. The fixture holds 48 CD's and has built in back up storage. For more information, contact Harbor Industries, Inc., 14130 172nd Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.
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