First Automated Convenience Store, Shop24, Opens In U.S.
All Seasons Services, a leading provider of dining, vending and office refreshment services with headquarters in Canton, MA, unveiled its first Shop24 automated convenience store unit in the U.S. recently at the State University of New York at Morrisville.
Shop24 offers 24-hour access to as many as 200 items, including anything from milk to a six-pack of soda, batteries, iPod download cards, and health and beauty aids, in a freestanding, self-service, outdoor kiosk.
Consumers are able to create a “Shopping List” and purchase products either with cash, ATM or credit and debit cards by entering the product code on an interactive screen. A robotic arm collects the product and delivers it to the ‘take-out’ gate all within 20 seconds.
Mark Bruno, President of All Seasons Services, said, “Shop24 provides a service-driven and exciting ‘self retail’ solution where you can purchase leading brands, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Machine activity will be monitored in real-time from a remote location utilizing proprietary technology.
IKEA & Zipcar Launch Car Sharing Program
Zipcar, the nation’s largest provider of on-demand cars for use by the hour or day, has joined forces with the IKEA store in Stoughton, MA, to incorporate the car sharing experience as an integral part of the new store. IKEA Stoughton becomes the first major U.S. retail store to reserve parking spaces for car sharing vehicles.
“With Zipcar, we are reaching customers who either do not have a means of transportation to shop at IKEA Stoughton or are utilizing this service to help conserve the environment,” said Frank Briel, Store Manager.
Zipcar members have automated access to Zipcars using a “Zipcard” to simply unlock the door and drive away. Rates for these special hourly-only, IKEA branded Zipcars will start at $6.00 per hour, with gas, parking, insurance and XM Satellite Radio service included.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Opens Culturally-Themed Branches Nationwide
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has opened branches in 18 cities in the past year with culturally-themed décor that reflects the location and cultural makeup of their communities. The company launched its new store concept to further expand its outreach to ethnic minorities by providing a greater presence in targeted areas.
Each branch features a “gallery” with African-American, Asian or Latino artwork and colorful signs in languages including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, Taglish, Cantonese or Korean.
“By reflecting the culture of the communities we serve, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has created a setting that is warm and inviting for our customers,” said Jackson Cosey, Sr. V. P., Emerging Markets. “We believe that this approach will provide our customers with a friendly venue to learn about the home financing options available to them.”
Motorola & Kodak Team To Build Breakthrough Mobile Imaging Experience
Motorola and Eastman Kodak Co., have formed a 10-year global product, cross licensing and marketing alliance intended to improve the mobile imaging experience for consumers.
By incorporating Kodak’s image science and system integration expertise with Motorola iconic mobile devise design, the two companies will greatly improve the ease-of-use and image capture experience of camera phones. The collaboration covers licensing, sourcing, software integration, marketing and extends to co-development of image-rich devices with joint engineering teams. Additionally, the cooperation to seamlessly integrate millions of Motorola mobile devices with Kodak home printers, retail kiosks, and the Kodak EasyShare Gallery, will finally provide an answer to those consumers who desire a quick and easy way to get their images out of the phone for sharing with friends and family.
During 2006, Motorola plans to launch handsets with integrated software to enrich the Kodak EasyShare experience, enabling consumers to seamlessly access and manage their mobile images. In the years to come, Motorola and Kodak plan to deliver unique imaging experiences via new co-created mobile devices.
First Todd Oldham By La-Z-Boy Store Opens
The first Todd Oldham by La-Z-Boy store recently opened in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. The 2,720-sq. ft. store is the first retail location dedicated to this collection, which combines fashion with function and features furnishings for the living room and family rooms. Since its debut in 2003, world-renowned designer, Todd Oldham, and La-Z-Boy have continually expanded the collection.
“It’s been a dream of mine to open a Todd Oldham by La-Z-Boy store that would showcase the collection’s distinct style, depth and versatility,” said Todd Oldham.
“This collection’s breadth and urban look has been very successful in reaching a new audience and continuing to give consumers a fashion-forward look from La-Z-Boy,” said Kurt Darrow, CEO of La-Z-Boy. “This store will broaden the collection's reach and symbolizes the next step in the strong partnership La-Z-Boy has formed with Todd Oldham.”
Finish Line Unveils Paiva Store For Women
The Finish Line has unveiled Paiva, a premium athletic specialty store that speaks to active, trend conscious women through its products, brands, store environment and level of customer service. The Company selected the name “Paiva,” meaning ‘of the light,’ because light is a source of energy and strength.
The Paiva chain will be primarily mall-based and target 25-40-year-old active women who exercise frequently. Product offerings will feature the best assortment from the top athletic brands in addition to housing a collection of private label fashion basics.
The Paiva store design exudes energy through its materials, design, layout and product assortment. The environment is clean and light, with an inviting, comfortable feel.
Organic Goes Mainstream With Opening Of First Sunflower Market Store
Supervalu has opened its first Sunflower Market store, a value-priced natural and organic foods retail outlet. Located in Indianapolis, IN, the 12,000 sq. ft. store carries natural and organic products and serves as a prototype for the opening of 50 Sunflower Market stores in five years.
Sunflower Market is Supervalu’s response to the rapidly growing demand for natural and organic foods in the U.S. However, the cost of organic foods is the most common obstacle for consumers. Sunflower Market will address that barrier by delivering organic products at a value price point. The store contains: grocery, frozen and dairy departments; produce; deli and cheese; all-natural bakery and café; hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and seafood; beer and wine; and a wellness department.
Downy Runs ‘Scent Matters’ Campaign
Downy Simple Pleasures is partnering with Mothers & More to bring the new “Moments Where Scent Matters” campaign to women nationwide. Mothers & More will plan “Mom’s Night Out” events through their local chapters in cities nationwide. Attendees will experience a connection with other local mothers along with a variety of energizing activities, a workout with a local Pilates or yoga instructor and a gift bag that includes Downy Simple pleasures-fabric softeners made with essential oils that create wonderful scent experiences.
“We hope that through this campaign women can learn ways to find time for relaxing moments and appreciate the power of integrating scent for an added sensory experience,” said Randall Chinchilla, External Relations for Procter & Gamble.
Bennigan's Introduces Express Concept
Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern has opened its first Bennigan’s Express restaurant in the Diversia Fun Center in Monterrey, Mexico. The Express concept is a smaller version of a traditional Bennigan’s and features a condensed menu for customers on-the-go.
Vince Runco, President Worldwide Franchising for Bennigan’s, said, “Diversia attracts a mix of families and singles looking to enjoy a day of fun and games, and Bennigan's is a restaurant that mixes good food and a lively environment. The flexibility of the Express concept allows us to fit within the space limitations without sacrificing the Bennigan’s experience.”
Starbucks To Participate In Marketing Of Liongate’s Film, ‘Akeelah And The Bee’
Starbucks Entertainment has formed a partnership with Liongate and 2929 Entertainment to participate in all aspects of the marketing of their new film, “Akeelah and the Bee.”
Through an innovative marketing campaign, Starbucks will engage its store customers. This includes offering a large number of Starbucks baristas the opportunity to screen the film prior to its release. Starbucks will also launch an in-store promotion to allow millions of Starbucks customers to experience the fun and inspirational feeling of the movie, including opportunities for sneak previews for its customers and a Wi-Fi network promotion.
“Our customers can look forward to us introducing them to the movie in a fun, experiential way-not the way movies have traditionally been marketed by other quick service restaurants. Just as we have demonstrated with music, we believe that Starbucks can ultimately change the rules of the game for film marketing,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chairman.
Canine Empire To Open In Chicago
Canine Empire will open in Chicago this summer to provide royal treatment for dogs. The 100,000 sq. ft. club for canines includes 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, an indoor heated swimming pool, monitored play groups, certified professional staff, veterinary technicians on site, 5x5 individual sleeping areas and video surveillance for on-site monitoring.
The facility goes beyond boarding to create a new lifestyle for pets and owners. Owners get the flexibility of 24 hours a day, seven days a week, pick-up and drop-off. The Club will offer unmatched amenities including a wellness and physical therapy center, obedience and agility training and a grooming and style salon.
“Canine Empire is ideal for busy people who love their dogs and want a ‘second home’ for them when they aren’t available,” said Ralph Musicant, Canine Empire CEO.
Discovery Channel Airport Stores Open
Transportation retail specialist Hudson Group has signed an agreement with Discovery Commerce, the retail and licensing arm of Discovery Communications, to open Discovery Channel Airport Stores in airports across North America. Joseph DiDomizio, COO, Hudson Group, said of the partnership, “Discovery’s programming themes have inspired a wide range of high-quality lifestyle merchandise. Their innovative products for kids, leading edge technology and gadgets, health and wellness products, and compelling content for home entertainment resonate with frequent travelers.”
Discovery Channel Airport Stores will present a look and feel very similar to Discovery’s mall-based stores, and will feature a merchandise assortment drawn from Discovery’s existing product lines.
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