New Safeway SELECT Bank Takes Supermarket Banking To Next Level
Safeway Inc. and Amicus FSB, a leading e-banking provider, have formed Safeway SELECT Bank, providing the convenience of an on-line bank with an in-store presence. Customers benefit from no fees, great rates and free groceries at Safeway stores.
“Safeway SELECT Bank extends Safeway’s premium Safeway SELECT brand to a financial service,” said Rick Dreiling, Exec. V.P., Marketing at Safeway. “Safeway pioneered supermarket banking in the early 1980’s, successfully providing a one-stop location to offer customers the convenience of banking while shopping for groceries. Safeway SELECT Bank now takes service to the next level and provides the added convenience of banking on-line at home or at the store with live customer service associates.”
Universal Merchandising Program At Toys “R” Us Celebrating “E.T.”
Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG) and Amblin Entertainment have announced an exclusive three-year worldwide merchandising program with Toys “R” Us tieing into the 20th anniversary theatrical re-release of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in 2002.
Toys “R” Us will develop a full range of exclusive E.T. product, across all of its standard categories including toys, games, puzzles, sporting goods, apparel, accessories, gifts, collectibles, party goods, school supplies and electronics. The merchandise will launch worldwide in Toys “R” Us, Kids “R” Us, Babies “R” Us and Imaginarium stores as well as on the Company’s web site in fall 2001.
In-store, E.T. will have dedicated boutiques and exclusive signage.
“We are excited to be working with Universal and Amblin to bring the world of E.T. to life in our 1,553 stores worldwide, as well as our flagship store which opens in Times Square next fall,” said John Eyler, CEO of Toys “R” Us.
International Automated Systems To Run Fully-Automated Supermarket
International Automated Systems plans to operate a fully automated, U-Check self-cashiering supermarket in Washington County, UT. The new U-Check Supermarket will be approximately 10,000 sq. ft. larger than the average supermarket. It will offer 24 open, fully automated checkout lanes and IAS’s new patent-pending, automated transaction gates.
The store is designed so that customers need never wait in line and always pay 10%-15% below regular grocery prices. A full-size video rental selection will not require a separate checkout counter. Customers will be able to rent videos through the automated checkout lanes, paying for the video the same as they do for any grocery item, without the assistance of a clerk. Customers will also be able to order fast food, purchase gas, car wash and movie tickets from the automated checkout lanes.
IAS’s new retail grocery facility is fully integrated with its own patented automated fingerprint identification machine (AFIM). The AFIM secures transactions by accepting only live fingerprints, which are cross-referenced to the customers’ digitized fingerprints on the magnetic-stripe of a card.
Sunoco To Operate Fueling Facilities At Wal-Mart Locations
Sunoco has entered into an agreement with Wal-Mart Stores allowing Sunoco to build and operate retail fueling facilities at selected existing and future Wal-Mart locations.
In addition to gasoline, these sites will offer customers a limited selection of convenience store merchandise. Sunoco is working with Wal-Mart to develop a new brand that is planned for use at these facilities.
“This agreement provides Sunoco with a cost-effective way to grow its retail market share,” said John Drosdick, Sunoco CEO.
Lands’ End Mall Tour Demonstrates Online Shopping Innovations
Lands’ End has launched a shopping mall tour to introduce new online shopping innovations. At the Lands’ End My Virtual Model Tour, consumers in 14 cities across North America can have their body scanned and measurements translated into an exact My Virtual Model (MVM.) This is the first time body scanning has been combined with virtual modeling to create a precise body replica. Image Twin personal body scanners are expected to be in cities from New York to Chicago to San Francisco within a year. In addition, My Personal Shopper (MPS) creates the most personalized recommendations engine on the Web. After consumers answer a few brief questions, MPS suggests clothing based on personal preferences.
WELLSTEADS Launches eRestaurant
WELLSTEADS has opened the nation’s first eRestaurant, providing fresh, upscale meals that are made and packaged for delivery and takeout. Unlike other attempts to bring the food ordering process online, WELLSTEAD’s patent-pending process integrates cutting-edge technology with a traditional storefront, which enables customers to personalize, name and save their meals for easy future ordering.
Called Innovative Everyday Cuisine, the menu can be customized to personal tastes and combines wholesome and fresh ingredients, which are delivered every day and prepared to order for delivery or takeout.
WELLSTEAD’s patent-pending technology allows customers three simple integrated options for placing takeout and delivery orders: online, on the phone, or in the store. Customers can use touch screen kiosks in the store to place orders.
Sam Goody And Mall Of America Form Unique Entertainment Alliance
Through a first-of-its-kind alliance, Sam Goody and Mall of America will brand the Mall’s main rotunda “Sam Goody Central,” a showcase for live events and concerts at the Mall. Sam Goody Central will be the live event focal point at the Mall, featuring celebrity appearances, music, movie screenings and other attractions throughout the year.
“Mall of America is recognized around the world as a premier attraction, so being able to team with the Mall on this project is an exciting step for Sam Goody,” said Jack Eugster, Chairman and CEO of Musicland. “Sam Goody Central will be a high-visibility location where we can provide world-class entertainment, unique events and concerts featuring both established stars and the up-and-coming talents that Sam Goody has a long history of supporting.”
Hollywood Video Debuts Nation’s Largest Video Store
Hollywood Video has unveiled its Washington D.C. Tenley Town location containing more than 50,000 rentals under one roof, more movie titles than any other store in the nation.
“It would literally take more than a movie per day for the next 150 years to see everything in our D.C. superstore,” said Jeff Yapp, President and COO of Hollywood Entertainment. “Movie buffs can spend hours of fun in this store exploring the largest collection of videos and DVDs. We want to bring the fun and excitement of Hollywood to the heart of the nation’s capital and deliver on our customer’s demand for an eclectic mix of home entertainment.” The chain’s plan for similar superstores encompasses a nationwide rollout.
Banana Republic Reopens Flagship Store
Banana Republic has re-opened its newly expanded flagship store in San Francisco, CA. In addition to adding nearly 30,000 sq. ft., the Union Square landmark store is introducing a host of new customer services. For those on the go, Banana Republic’s concierge will re-charge a cell phone and check packages and coats for hands-free shopping. To make the shopping experience even easier and more convenient for its busy customers, Banana Republic also offers Clientele Specialists who can provide personalized one-on-one service in the store.
Recognizing that many people shop Banana Republic with specific occasions in mind, the retailer features certain areas in the store that are dedicated to specific occasions, like workwear or fashions for going out.
Lids & Footstar Enter Strategic Alliance
Lids Corp., a leading headwear retailer, and Footstar, Inc., a leading footwear retailer, have formed a strategic alliance where Just For Feet will operate Lids shops in all Just For Feet superstores. The Just For Feet superstores will bring the total of Lids retail stores to approximately 500 locations.
The Just For Feet alliance is the latest in a series of aggressive marketing initiatives for Lids, which recently unveiled the e-Center, an internet kiosk that gives customers access to a virtual inventory of over 50,000 hats.
Just For Feet stores, located outside Lids’ traditional mall-based stores, contain video walls, basketball courts, and thousands of styles of shoes and apparel. Customers are engaged in a shopping-friendly environment, with branded concept shops providing direction. The addition of the Lids branded solution for headwear is in keeping with the Just For Feet shopping experience.
Electronic Interiors Opens One-Of-A-Kind Electronic Design Center
Sound Advice has introduced Electronic Interiors, a new concept in the design, integration and installation of audio, video and home theater technology. Unique features include: a reproduction of a movie theater reminiscent of the old cinemas and custom decorated rooms with home entertainment systems.
Located at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall in Florida, the new design center incorporates a Bang & Olufsen “store-within-a-store,” as well as other fully automated “custom showrooms.” Different rooms reflect various decorating styles, such as a conservative mahogany setting, or a complete movie theater.
Peter Beshouri, CEO of Sound Advice, said, “A visit to Electronic Interiors is an experience to be savored. In fact, most customers will be making an appointment to guarantee the time to preview the equipment.”
BMG & Pioneer Promotions Suport DVD
BMG and Pioneer Electronics have partnered for a national promotion being conducted in Wherehouse and Trans World stores.
Wherehouse is offering consumers 30 Pioneer DVD 5-disc players and five BMG DVD videos and is supporting the promotion with special in-store displays. TransWorld is offering consumers the chance to win a free Pioneer DVD 5-disc player and music DVD videos from BMG’s hottest recording artists. BMG is providing ballot boxes, “enter to win” signage and ballots support of the promotion.
“DVD has rejuvenated music video sales,” said Mindy Pickard, V.P., Music Programming, BMG Entertainment. “This is the first time that music DVD will receive prime real estate in major music retail outlets during peak buying season.”
Service Merchandise Launches New Format
Service Merchandise is launching a new format in its stores across the country. “We have created an open and inviting shopping atmosphere, with an emphasis on ease of shopping,” said Charles Septer, COO of Service Merchandise Co.
As a brick-and-mortar retailer, Service Merchandise also continues to gain recognition for its Internet presence. The “store, web, phone” shopping experience is interchangeable; returns, if necessary, can be made directly to the most convenient store. Internet kiosks can also be found conveniently within each store. Not only are the kiosks a source of additional product information, Septer says, but they also augment the selection.
Barnes & Noble Plans Integration Of Stores And Web Site
Barnes & Noble has announced plans to link its 551 retail stores with its popular Web site. The initiatives include Internet Service Counters powered by Barnes & Noble.com installed in all Barnes & Noble superstores. The new counters will enable customers to order any book or other product through the Barnes & Noble.com Web site, www.bn.com. Customers may also choose to pick up their orders at the stores, or have orders delivered to their homes, offices or address of choice. A membership loyalty program, Readers’ Advantage, will offer additional discounts and benefits in Barnes & Noble stores and at Barnes & Noble.com. Barnes & Noble.com customers will be able to return books and CDs purchased at Barnes & Noble.com to any Barnes & Noble store.
“We see our Internet Service Counters as keys to increasing sales in both the retail and online channels,” said Steve Riggio, Vice Chairman of Barnes & Noble, Inc.
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