Ultimate Electronics Provides The Ultimate iPod Retail Experien
Ultimate Electronics has introduced interactive store displays where shoppers can test Apple iPods and multimedia iPod accessories.
All Ultimate Electronic stores have dedicated a section to accessories and equipment designed to help users Power, Play, Protect and Expand their iPods for maximum portability and functionality. In-store displays include a customized end-of-the-aisle shelf (in the shape of a giant i-Pod) featuring the iPod unit connected to a Bose speaker system. Ultimate Electronics is also showcasing a collection of the best speakers to pair with iPods as well as best-in-class accessories. The displays also enable customers to try out the multimedia audio before they make a purchase.
“We have worked hard to make Ultimate Electronics the destination of choice for both new and experienced iPod enthusiasts,” said Dave Workman, President & CEO. “Our 'Try Before You Buy’ approach continues to prove popular with our customers. By bringing all the best-in-class accessories together in our interactive displays, shoppers can easily find and test an iPod, speakers, and other multimedia accessories all in one location.”
Nearly 100 Sears Stores Receive New Design For Multicultural Makeover
In a deepening commitment to Hispanic, African American and Asian shoppers across the country, Sears, Roebuck & Co. is revamping 97 of its full-line stores to enhance the retail experience for diverse multicultural market segments nationwide.
As part of the makeovers, Sears is changing its in-store signage and display formats to best reflect its merchandise offering that has crossover appeal and, at the same time, cater to the fashion conscious, multi-ethnic audience. Sears also plans to increase the level of bilingual associates in top Hispanic communities to improve the overall customer experience for this growing segment. If the pilots are successful, Sears expects to expand its multicultural store concept to additional markets.
“Now, multicultural shoppers can enjoy a more customized Sears experience,” said Cynthia Maignan, Sears Director of Multicultural Merchandising.
Jordan’s Furniture Opens IMAX Theatre
Jordan’s Furniture, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has unveiled an IMAX theatre as part of a new retail center, which recently opened in Reading, MA. The IMAX Experience has been well received by Jordan’s customers helping to drive traffic to the store and positively impact furniture sales.
“Jordan’s Furniture is known for innovative marketing programs and they are a pioneer in showcasing The IMAX Experience in a retail environment,” said Richard Gelfond & Bradley Wechsler, IMAX co-CEOs.
“We’ve been impressed with how the IMAX theatre has increased store traffic,” said Eliot Tatelman, President, Jordan’s Furniture. “People love the movies, whether it’s an informative 3D documentary, or a blockbuster Hollywood release converted into IMAX’s format.”
Best Buy Rolls Out Customer-Segmented Stores In California
Best Buy Co. is launching its next generation of Best Buy stores in California, which deliver tailored store experiences, products, solutions and services to meet the distinct needs of targeted customers. These stores are aimed at five customer segments: small business customers, affluent professional, family man, busy suburban mom and young, active early-adopter. They also incorporate successful elements of Best Buy’s innovative practices from its customer centricity lab stores.
“We are striving to achieve a truly customer-centric operating model,” said Mike Keskey, President, Best Buy Stores. “These stores will enrich our customers’ shopping experiences through new products and services, new store features and knowledgeable sales associates who understand customers’ lifestyles and priorities.”
Each of the 68 pilot stores focuses on one or two customer segments. Customer segments were assigned to stores based on the demographics of their surrounding community as well as the store’s existing customer base.
Media Play Remodels & Expands Selection
Musicland Group has remodeled its stores to provide customers with an enhanced shopping experience and expanded product categories. “The re-opening of Media Play stores marks the first phase of repositioning our stores and the initial wave of product expansion,” said Eric Weisman Musicland CEO.
The stores have been enhanced through the addition of comfortable seating areas, interactive play areas and a more shopper-friendly layout including department-specific colored signage. New product offerings include XM Satellite Radio, Apple’s iPod, retro electronics, and a greater selection of portable DVD players. The stores will also house an expanded assortment of video games and systems; expanded musical instrument selection; toys by brands, and a “Trade-in Tuesdays” program.
Trans World Entertainment Launches F.Y.E. Download Zone
Trans World Entertainment has launched F.Y.E. Download Zone, a download music service accessible from within Microsoft’s Windows Media Player 10. The launch which is available at fye.com, will be followed by a pilot in four stores. The F.Y.E. Download Zone will allow a seamless digital music discovery and shopping experience.
Through Trans World’s LVS (Listening and Viewing Stations) systems, in-store customers will be able to purchase digital tracks and send them directly to their home PC. The F.Y.E. Download Zone offers customers access to over 1 million songs from the MusicNet catalog available for download to a customer’s home PC, transfer to a portable device, and burn to a CD for just .99 a track.
Gloria Jean’s Debuts Expanded Service
A new Gloria Jean’s prototype debuted in The Shops at Mission Viejo, Ca. New design elements invite customers to enjoy their favorite beverage in a relaxing environment. Warm colors, unique lighting, contemporary music and comfortable seating add to the enjoyable coffeehouse experience.
The store features a broad selection of whole-bean coffees and teas. To further enhance the customer experience, Gloria Jean’s is offering table service for customers who wish to enjoy their selections in the store. All Gloria Jean’s beverage choices may be complemented with an expanded line of fresh bakery products.
Gloria Jean’s is the largest mall-based specialty coffee retailer with over 476 stores.
Einstein Bros. Café Is Launched
New World Restaurant Group has introduced Einstein Bros. Café, which expands on the Einstein Bros. Bagels artisan-baking heritage. Lunch and dinner have become a true focus with the addition of more innovative sandwiches, salads and soups.
The restaurant’s new look is designed to position Einstein Bros. Café as a ‘dine-in’ choice. Guests are more inclined to enjoy their meals versus taking it to go. High backed booths and comfortable chairs create a more relaxing setting. Menu boards are arranged by category, and the menu identifies low fat, low carbohydrate and vegetarian choices. Einstein worked with Chute Gerdeman Retail on the new restaurant design.
Paul Murphy, CEO, said, “Our success lies in our ability to recognize that quick casual diners have grown more sophisticated in their expectations. They want quick, easy service and they want a comfortable place to enjoy it.”
Family Inada Opens First U.S. Showroom
Family Inada’s first U.S. showroom recently opened in Manhattan featuring a home theater area where customers can experience the newest home theater massage chair, Inada Chair W.1, in front of a large flat screen TV showing a relaxing movie.
The showroom will offer a one-of-a-kind retail environment where customers can experience a new calming Japanese visual art lighting technology called Digital Kakejiku (D-K) that amplifies the sensual relaxation benefits of the Inada chair. D-K is known to relax the audience with its unique visual presentation, and the showroom will be the first use of D-K in a retail environment.
The Inada Chair W.1 is the first massage chair to synchronize music and sound generated from a home theater unit with massage.
hip-e Hangout Stations In Malls Offer Teens The Chance To Experience hip-e Firsthand
Digital Lifestyles Group has formed a marketing alliance with Simon Brand Ventures to launch mall advertising and display stations featuring hip-e, the first lifestyle computer designed for teens, in Simon malls across the country.
“During our initial research we asked teens where they would like to learn more about hip-e and they responded, ‘the mall’,” said Annie Bacon, V.P. Marketing, Digital Lifestyles Group. “We are going where teens want to go and providing them the chance to grow familiar with all hip-e has to offer.”
At the hip-e hangouts, teens will be able to view and interact with the hip-e node, its hip-e hangout interactive desktop, and hip-e accessories such as the hip-e MP3 personal media carrier and hip-e mobile phone.
Blockbuster Rolls Out DVD And Game Trading Program Nationwide
With the national rollout of its DVD and game trading program, Blockbuster is offering members an opportunity to refresh their DVD and game collections in an economical and fun way. Consumers now have the option to trade or exchange their used DVDs and games for in-store credit in Blockbuster stores nationwide.
The national rollout of trading positions Blockbuster as the largest national retailer to offer both DVD and game trading under one roof. This is the latest in a series of strategic initiatives designed to transform Blockbuster from a place where customers go to rent a movie to a brand that rents, sells and trades movies and games, in-store and online.
“We plan to make Blockbuster the place to trade by guaranteeing consumers the best trade-in prices for their used DVDs and games,” said Nick Sheperd, Chief Marketing Officer. “Less than half of gamers have ever traded with a retail outlet, largely because they are unhappy with the trading prices offered. Blockbuster intends to remedy this by offering the best trade-in prices anywhere.”
Hip-Hop Clothing Designer Showcases One-Of-A-Kind Nintendo Fashion
To celebrate the synergy between two popular lifestyle brands, hip-hop clothier Enyce showcased a one-of-a-kind T-shirt featuring Nintendo video game icon Donkey Kong, during the recent Fashion Week in Los Angeles.
“Enyce is an originator in the urban fashion sector, and Nintendo is an originator in the gaming world,” said Encye co-founder Tony Shellman. “It feels very natural for our brands to be collaborating.”
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