Borders & Intel Promote Wireless Internet Access At Borders Stores
Intel Corp. and Borders Group have launched a joint marketing campaign to promote the availability of high-speed wireless Internet access to customers at more than 400 Borders Book & Music locations nationwide. The program coincides with the launch of the Intel Centrino mobile technology for notebook PCs that feature built-in wireless capability.
The co-marketing agreement between Borders and Intel will include a signage program that identifies where Intel-verified wireless Internet zones (aka hotspots) are located.
“We are extremely excited about Centrino mobile technology’s ability to provide a better wireless broadband experience and integrate Wi-Fi into the lives of our customers,” said Tami Heim, president, Borders stores. “More than 400 Borders hotspot locations will be live by this summer, enhancing our stores and reinforcing Borders as the best provider of books, music, movie and entertainment products.”
“Intel is working with leading edge companies such as Borders to drive awareness of hotspots and wireless technologies that will change how and where people compute,” said Ann Lewnes V.P., Intel Sales & Marketing.
CompUSA Launches Digital Living Program
CompUSA and Playa Vista, a new 1,100 acre community in Playa Vista, CA, have launched an innovative partnership. CompUSA has created California’s first Digital Living Program to deliver accessible and easy-to-use technology for Playa Vista residents. The Digital Living Program features a high tech design center in the heart of the community staffed with a full-time CompUSA employee known as a Connectivity Concierge.
The technology design center will serve as a resource for residents looking for information on hardware, software, Internet access and connectivity, networking, home theater solutions, audio solutions, lighting control, bio-metric door locks and anything technology-related.
The technology design center will enable residents to leave their computers and technology products with the Connectivity Concierge, who will advise, install, and support residents on technology purchases. The Connectivity Concierge will also hold frequent seminars.
Brian Woods, V.P., Technical Services, CompUSA, said, “We are building a program that will serve as a model for programs CompUSA is rolling-out across the country.”
AOL To Be Promoted in Best Buy Outlets
America Online has announced a new program with Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer, to provide in-store promotion of the AOL and AOL for Broadband services in Best Buy stores. Best Buy’s wide selection of consumer products are now available in several key areas across the AOL service.
The AOL displays will enable Best Buy to offer consumers everything they need for home connectivity, including access to AOL and the Internet at whatever speed they prefer. Special displays will provide information about AOL’s selection of online services, and store employees will be trained to help consumers sign up for AOL.
Joe Redling, America Online’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “We look forward to working with Best Buy to help consumers get on the Internet and make the transition to broadband. AOL is kicking our broadband marketing into high gear, and Best Buy is a fantastic partner to have in this effort.”
Budget Car Rental Kiosks Opening At Canadian Tire Stores
Canadian Tire Corp. and Budget Canada have signed an agreement that will place Budget Car and Truck Rental kiosks at up to 100 Canadian Tire retail locations. As part of the agreement, Canadian Tire auto service customers and Auto Club members will receive specially discounted vehicle rental rates.
“At Canadian Tire, we are always looking for ways to enhance the services and value we offer customers,” said Wayne Sales, CEO, Canadian Tire.
“The agreement with Canadian Tire will leverage the strength of our two brands. Through this partnership, Budget Canada is able to extend our reach and offer our customers even more convenient locations as well as new ways of saving money,” said Jeff Brookhouser, Exec. V.P., Budget Canada.
Pier 1’s 1,000th Store Is Largest To Date
Pier 1 Imports recently opened its 1,000th store, its largest store yet, in Summerlin, Nev., a growing area for retail in Las Vegas.
“Reaching our 1,000th store opening in North America is a significant milestone for Pier 1,” said Marvin Girouard, CEO of Pier 1 “It is symbolic of our long-term growth and of our staying power as a leading home furnishings retailer.”
More than twice the size of Pier 1’s regular store, the 20,137-square-foot Summerlin store will offer customers expanded retail space, a distinct merchandise assortment and larger-scale items complementing the homes in the Las Vegas demographic area.
Reebok And Limited Too Announce Marketing Partnership
Reebok and Limited Too have announced a multifaceted partnership that includes Reebok footwear in Limited Too’s stores, website, and “catazine,” the retailer's product and promotions guide which is mailed to more than 4 million girls several times per year.
Limited Too’s stores will feature specially designed Reebok footwear not available at other stores. Reebok product will be promoted on Limited Too’s in-store display units.
The partnership is designed to further connect the Reebok brand to trend-setting girls between the ages of seven and fourteen. Jan Sharkansky, V.P., Reebok Women’s, said, “This partnership represents a win-win for the style-conscious girl.”
“We are excited to team with Reebok in developing new athletic footwear fashions for tween girls,” said Scott Bracale, Exec. V.P., Marketing, Limited Too.
Blasting Juices Opens Flagship Location
Blasting Juices has opened its new flagship location at the Mann’s Fox Westwood Theatre building in Westwood Village, California.
Blasting Juices’ fresh new juice blends and sports and energy health supplement products are targeted to the new breed of energy seeking health conscious customer. The company’s approach to the market will be to enter high-end demographic areas such as entertainment destinations, financial districts or inside of high end department stores.
In addition to its healthy products, Blasting Juices primary innovation is its portable “counter shop” kiosk stores, made possible through superior engineering and design.
White Wave & Starbucks Announce Marketing Agreement
White Wave, a subsidiary of Dean Foods, has announced an exclusive relationship that will make its Silk® soymilk the brand of choice in 4,000+ Starbucks locations in North America. Starbucks will offer an exclusive Silk soymilk formula designed to complement its hand-crafted beverages.
The Silk soymilk brand will be identified on the menu boards in Starbucks stores and the two companies plan to support Silk’s availability at Starbucks with joint advertising and in-store promotions.
“Starbucks is committed to offering quality beverages that appeal to our diverse customer base,” said Darren Huston, Starbucks Sr. V.P., Branded Products. Steve Demos, White Wave’s President, said, “White Wave is committed to leading the integration of soy foods into the mainstream American diet. This partnership furthers that mission by making Silk available to millions of loyal Starbucks customers.”
Pennzoil Hits the Road With VirTra Systems’ Promotional Attraction
Pennzoil is using this custom-designed, interactive virtual reality promotional system to promote its motor oils. Integrated within two customized tractor-trailers, visitors take a seven minute journey “inside” the workings of an automobile engine. The experience concludes by placing the visitor in the seat of Pennzoil’s world champion Indy car rocketing around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Thunderbolt Marketing, a St. Louis, Mo-based promotion agency developed the promotion for Pennzoil. VirTra Systems, Dallas, TX, created the custom virtual reality systems.
Chris Hayek, Brand Manager, Pennzoil, said, “After you put on the headset, feel your whole body rumble with the experience, hear 3-D audio effects, and feel wind as you travel forward -- you won’t soon forget this experience!”
Chrysler Launches Driving Adventure
Thousands of consumers across the United States will have the opportunity to test-drive the entire line-up of Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles during “Route 2003: An American Road Trip.” Route 2003 enables consumers to experience five on- and off-road driving courses. The event is divided into three driving programs: “Chrysler Proving Grounds,” “Jeep 101,” and “Dodge City.” Each driving program conveys safety and education messages in an interactive and entertaining environment.
“Route 2003 combines elements of an auto show with on-road driving courses and an off-road driving school,” said Lou Bitonti, Sr. Manager, Brand Events, Chrysler Group.
In addition to the 120 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles for the public to drive, Route 2003 features a number of interactive displays and activities spread out over 20 acres.
Heineken and Black Cinema Cafe Launch Joint Promotion Program
Heineken USA and Black Cinema Café (BCC), an organization committed to showcasing independent Black films, have teamed up to present a special series of movie screenings. As part of the relationship, Heineken and BBC will showcase more than thirty films in five different markets across the country in 2003. These events will expose urban audiences to a unique movie-going experience - as well as give individuals an alternative to a typical night at the theater.
The screenings will be held in non-traditional venues ranging from museums to restaurants to ensure a comfortable environment and to promote a social atmosphere.
A special discussion session and after-party will also take place after each viewing featuring the principal cast, writer, director, and/or producer - hosted by Heineken and BCC.
MTV & Motorola Announce Marketing Alliance
Motorola and MTV: Music Television, have announced a marketing alliance to extend MTV’s programming and innovation to the wireless world via Motorola devices. The two companies will develop and integrate locally created marketing activities in regions around the globe. Together, MTV International and Motorola will provide an environment that accelerates the way people use and view their mobile phone - creating a mobile entertainment experience for consumers to text, talk, rock, mix and more.
Innovative MTV content including ring tones, games, and images, will be pre-loaded onto Motorola handsets. Live MTV/Motorola events and retail promotions are also planned.
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