Microsoft Launches New Windows Campaign
Microsoft has launched a new campaign, which will highlight how Windows has become an indispensable part of the lives of a billion people around the globe -- not only on PCs but also now online and via mobile devices.
Microsoft is working with retail partners and PC manufacturers to enhance the experience consumers have with Windows at every touch-point. Major retailers, such as Circuit City and Best Buy, will begin rolling out Windows-branded sales environments and store-within-a-store display concepts with some featuring trained Microsoft “Gurus” to assist PC buyers, similar to the Nordstrom model of “personal shoppers,” where the focus is more on informing and supporting the customer than on the actual sale.
Microsoft has also setup on its Redmond campus, the Retail Experience Center, which is part of a larger effort to better understand and address how consumers are experiencing the Windows brand at retail as they select PCs.
Walmart Debuts “Shopper-Intelligent In-Store Network”
Walmart has unveiled the new Walmart Smart Network that will provide shoppers with relevant and useful information via in-store TV. The first “shopper-intelligent network at retail” is the result of two years and $10 million in research and development used to identify the optimal locations, applications and programming for reaching the millions of consumers who visit the retailer’s stores each week.
The Network will deploy response measurement and message optimization technologies to enable delivery of the most relevant content to shoppers -- by store, by screen, by day and by time-of-day. “We’ve built a network tailored to the way consumers shop our stores --delivering helpful, custom, content closest to the point of decision,” said Stephen Quinn, CMO, Walmart.
CBS Scene Opens In MA
CBS and The Kraft Group have opened the CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar, a three-story, 15,000 sq. ft. entertainment and dining destination in Patriot Place, adjacent to the New England Patriots’ Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The venue features upscale casual dining, and state-of-the-art technology -- including over 135 Plasma, LCD and graphic projector displays showcasing current and classic content from across the CBS Corporation.
“Watching TV and eating have been great partners for years, but never before like this,” said George Schweitzer, President, CBS Marketing Group. “From the moment they walk in, visitors are transported into a world of entertainment filled with high-tech displays.”
The CBS Scene includes a restaurant, a retail outlet selling CBS merchandise and an unprecedented arrangement of technology, content and graphic art. At the pinnacle of the CBS Scene is a 36-by-17-foot digital outdoor sign.
Dos Lunas Spirits To Be Official Tequila Of Dolphin Stadium
Dos Lunas Spirits has formed a marketing partnership making Dos Lunas Tequila the official tequila of Dolphin Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins.
The affiliation will include strong visibility of Dos Lunas throughout the stadium. Two premium tequila bars, named The Dos Lunas Margarita Gardens, will be built offering Dos Lunas cocktails. There will be two permanent Dos Lunas bars on the 100 concourse level of the stadium with similar offerings. A full-color mural featuring Dos Lunas will be prominent to any fans entering the Dos Lunas Margarita Gardens, one of the most interactive areas of the stadium. Additional signage will be evident throughout the venue.
Tommy Hilfiger Sportswear & Fragrance Now Exclusively At Macy's
Tommy Hilfiger has announced a strategic agreement with Macy’s and is rolling out a revved up new collection of women's and men's U.S. sportswear which will now be available only at Macy's.
As part of the exclusive launch Tommy Hilfiger was recently recognized in Macy’s stores with special signage, store windows and marketing programs.
“Tommy Week at Macy’s was a fantastic start to our exclusive partnership,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “As the quintessential American retailer, Macy’s is the perfect fit for our brand.”
Space NK, A Specialty Beauty Apothecary, Opens In Select Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's and Space NK, a specialty beauty apothecary, have formed an exclusive multi-year arrangement to open beauty boutiques in Bloomingdale’s locations across the country. The British based retail phenomenon, is best known for its innovative approach, exceptional service and highly edited selection of the most coveted and craved beauty items sourced by Kinnaird herself.
“This is a powerful partnership of two brands that believe in the importance of accessible luxury,” said Michael Gould, Chairman and CEO of Bloomingdale’s. “Together, we can offer the Bloomingdale’s customer a unique shopping experience and access to top beauty brands from all over the world.”
The boutiques will mirror the design and feel of existing Space NK locations, offering a hand-selected mix of beauty brands created by innovators and experts in their fields. Space NK signature elements such as clean modern design, bright lighting and an open, inviting atmosphere will be replicated inside Bloomingdale’s.
Giant Grocery Chain Unveils Fresh Look
Giant Food, Landover, MD, will roll out a fresh look and new store offerings chain-wide over the next 24-36 months. Customers will have an opportunity to sample a new range of fresh prepared foods and test a family friendly lane that offers healthy snack alternatives such as yogurt, animal crackers and bottled water.
In the future, customers will also be invited to sample new technology designed to make shopping easier. Beyond self-checkout aisles, customers will enjoy: ORDER IT! - Delivision digital kiosk helps customers avoid lines at the deli by allowing them to place their order digitally and continue shopping. The system alerts customers when their order is ready. SCAN IT! - Easy Shop hand-held device allows customers to scan and bag groceries while they shop.
‘Urban Fresh, by Jewel’ To Open In Chicago’s Lincoln Park Area
Jewel-Osco, a leading Midwest food and drug retailer, will open a 16,000 square foot store in Chicago’s Lincoln Park community this fall named “Urban Fresh, by Jewel.” It is designed as a specialty grocery store catering to the unique shopping needs of busy, on-the-go professionals and time-sensitive commuters. One of the store’s key offerings will be a variety of ready-to-go meal solutions, ranging from gourmet sandwiches to dinner entrees. The store will carry produce and organic offerings, as well as a selection of fresh meats and seafood.
“The smaller-format store is an exciting complement to our larger, more traditional grocery stores,” said Keith Nielsen, president of Jewel-Osco. “We hope to learn as much as possible from the effort, paying close attention to customer feedback, so we can deliver the best experience for our shoppers.”
United Airlines & Westin Hotels Partner To Create Westin Renewal Lounges
United Airlines and Westin Hotels have unveiled Westin Renewal Lounges inside Red Carpet Clubs in New York (JFK), Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Westin Renewal Lounges within United's Red Carpet Clubs give travelers a soothing hideaway. Created by the Westin design team and outfitted with plush furniture, fabrics and the brand’s nature-inspired color palette, each Renewal Lounge features a signature LED candle wall and artwork typical of the Westin soothing aesthetic.
Virgin America Launches 'Entourage Class'
Virgin America and HBO have partnered to launch the airline’s new non-stop route from New York’s JFK Airport to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and unveil "Entourage Class" on the new flights. A custom Virgin America Airbus A320 “Entourage Air” featured the in-flight advance screening of the first episode of Entourage Season 5.
“We thought it was fitting to launch our non-stop flights from New York to the entertainment capital of the world, with HBO content fleet-wide and 'Entourage Class' service in First Class,” said Virgin America CEO David Cush. “With this groundbreaking promotion, we've created a unique, aspirational experience that will give guests a taste of the Entourage lifestyle and allow them to sample the series through Virgin's in-flight entertainment system,” said Courteney Monroe, V.P., Consumer Marketing at HBO. Marketing agency Civic Entertainment Group, New York, handles the campaign for HBO and crafted the partnership with Virgin America.
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