RadioShack's Opens StoreOne
RadioShack Corp. has opened StoreOne, a unique retail environment and learning portal in downtown Fort Worth, TX. This flagship store underscores RadioShack’s commitment to understanding customer interest, demand and grasp of consumer electronics and, ultimately, improving the customer experience in RadioShack stores across the country.
StoreOne is modeled after the ultimate modern home of the future. Featuring a Family Room, Home Office, Garage, Game Room, Kitchen and more, StoreOne lets customers experience a broad assortment of consumer electronics in a real life setting that is fun and interactive. Customers can try out virtually any product in the store, learn about them using the interactive, touch-screen "Easy Answer Center" in each room, and even have information e-mailed to them.
“The look and feel of StoreOne supports the ongoing revitalization of the RadioShack brand,” said Don Carroll, Sr. V.P., Chief Marketing and Brand Officer. “Our goal is to infuse that same energy and freshness throughout all RadioShack stores.”
The second floor of StoreOne is home to the “MotoZone,” an activities area sponsored by Motorola, RadioShack's premier partner for StoreOne. There, customers can "spray paint" original art at the MotoGlyph, have their picture taken at the MotoMosaic, and enjoy a showing of “Operation: Micron” in the Experience Theater with interactive seats.
Nexcom Introduces First Store In U.S. To Exclusively Sell BlackBerry Solutions
Nexcom Wireless has opened the Nexcom Wireless store in Charlotte, NC, to exclusively sell BlackBerry products, Nextel Wireless Data services and in-depth training on the BlackBerry platform.
The unique store will feature the BlackBerry Wireless HandHeld from Research In Motion, BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry services and Nextel voice and data solutions. BlackBerry from Nextel provides a mobile office experience, enabling phone, Direct Connect, email, Internet, organizer and corporate application access via a single integrated device. It operates on Nextel's guaranteed all-digital network to provide mobile professionals the freedom to access information and communicate while away from the office.
"This unique partnership between Nextel, RIM and Nexcom will be of great value to BlackBerry customers," said Craven Shumaker, V.P., Nextel. "By providing hands-on training and practical demonstrations, Nexcom Wireless will help to enhance customers' understanding of the multiple business solutions possible with BlackBerry."
Mountain Dew And Microsoft To Giveaway Xbox 360 Systems Before Console Hits Store Shelves
Microsoft and Pepsi-Cola are conducting a promotion to put the Xbox 360 next-generation video game and entertainment system into the hands of thousands of people before the console hits store shelves. Beginning August 28, Mountain Dew and Xbox will select a winner of an Xbox 360 every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for nine weeks straight in the "Every 10 Minutes' promotion.
To play, consumers will collect codes found under the caps of Mountain Dew and other participating Pepsi products, and enter codes in a personal online account at www.every10minutes.com. Participants will be able to choose which 10-minute drawing to enter, and can spread codes across different drawings or stockpile codes and put them all towards one drawing.
“The launch of the Xbox 360 system is the most anticipated event that will happen in gaming this year,” said Dave Burwick, Chief Marketing Officer at Pepsi-Cola NA. “We are thrilled to reward our loyal Mountain Dew consumers with the hottest new gaming technology before anyone can buy it in stores, in a way that only Dew can do it.”
“We are excited about teaming up with Pepsi-Cola to turn up the volume on the Xbox 360 excitement,” said Mitch Koch, V.P., Worldwide Retail Sales for Xbox. “Our co-marketing relationship is based on our commitment to deliver entertaining, top-of-the-line promotions to our customers.”
Nextel Center Offers Wireless Experience
Nextel’s Las Vegas Monorail Convention Center Station offers visitors an opportunity to experience wireless data solutions in a unique interactive environment. Nextel Center encompasses an all-in-one transit station, product showroom, flagship Nextel Retail Store and a dedicated showcase area.
The 15,000-sq. ft. facility is a wireless industry first where a monorail station stop is branded as a sales and marketing venue, taking advantage of the more than 5 million conventioneers that visit the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“The opening of Nextel Central is the culmination of our collective vision to seek out a premier branding opportunity that focused on helping our customers experience the benefits of wireless communications in a hands-on environment,” said Mark Schweitzer, Sr. V.P. Marketing, Nextel.
Nokia Theatre To Open In Times Square
The Nokia Theatre Times Square is debuting on Broadway this summer as a showcase for live entertainment. Nokia collaborated with AEG, a sports and entertainment presenter, to further expand their existing relationship which encompasses Nokia Theatre Los Angeles, Club Nokia in Los Angeles; and Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie. The Nokia Theatre venues are part of the ‘Nokia Unwired’ marketing platform, which brings live music to fans in the Nokia Theatre venues.
“Nokia Theatre Times Square will allow us to reach out to music fans among the lights and excitement found only in the crossroads of the world-Times Square,” said Jo Harlow, V.P., Marketing for Nokia.”
Whole Foods Market Opens Landmark Store
Whole Foods market recently opened a landmark store at its Austin, TX headquarters. This landmark store represents a fresh approach to the grocery shopping experience, with cooking demonstrations, food sampling, sit-down dining and takeout selections.
“To put this store in perspective, every department features more variety than you'd find in a stand-alone specialty shop but with products free of artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings, preservatives and hydrogenated oils,” said John Mackey, CEO.
Before shoppers can even enter the new store, they will be greeted by the bright colors of the Market Hall, reminiscent of an outdoor farmer’s market. The Seafood department features more than 150 fresh seafood items and on-the-spot shucking, cooking, smoking, slicing and frying to order. Natural and organic meats will be aged on site. There is a Hot Nut Bar and a World Foods department and a Lifestyle Area. The store houses 1,800 wines with suggested food pairings as well as more than 800 beer selections and a walk-in beer cooler.
Wellness Express Clinic Opens At Longs
Wellness Express Clinic, a professional corporation providing inexpensive, unscheduled health care, has opened at Longs Drugs stores, making it the first of its kind in California.
Healthcare professionals are available to provide a wide range of medical services, including examinations, diagnosis, and treatment for common ailments, minor injuries and routine medical screenings. The healthcare providers at WellnessExpress Clinics communicate with local primary care physicians, specialists and urgent/emergency centers to ensure that patients have access to all levels of healthcare for proper referral or follow-up.
KFC Opens Restaurant Of The Future
KFC has opened its new vision store in Louisville, KY, as part of a plan that will help move the brand into the future.
Some of the highlights of the new KFC restaurant of the future include: A new younger look for Colonel Sanders; digital jukebox; low set tables with cushy ottomans; graphics and pub signs that showcase the icons “11 Secret Herbs and Spices,” and “Finger Lickin’ Good,” interior and exterior paintings by famed African American artist Charly Palmer, who took KFC’s historical icons and gave them an updated, cool and modern look; and Southern-inspired brand new menu items to be featured alongside KFC’s core products. The new menu items, unique to the QSR industry, include chicken mashed potato bowls, sausage bowls, Kentucky sides such as collard greens, hot cinnamon apples, and sweet potato pie.
Produce For Better Health Joins Forces With McDonald’s
Produce For Better Health Foundation and McDonald’s have partnered to help educate consumers on the importance of including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in their daily meals and snacks. To support McDonald's ongoing commitment, PBH will provide educational materials available in-restaurant including table tents, tray liners, brochures and packaging; new menu options that follow the 5 A Day for Better Health Program guidelines; and including McDonald's in food service research projects.
“McDonald's is excited to partner with PBH and their leading role in fruit and vegetable nutrition marketing,” said Mike Donahue, V.P., McDonald's U.S. Communications.
Qwest Opens Solution Center Living Rooms
Qwest Communications is expanding its retail presence in the Phoenix area beyond its traditional kiosks, with the opening of two new Qwest Solution Center Living Rooms, offering the services available at Qwest Solutions Centers plus additional amenities in the comfort of a living room environment.
Qwest Living Rooms center around comfortable seating areas where plasma screen TVs display a full complement of Qwest Choice TV channels. Each location is equipped with wireless Internet access and customers can get expert advice on purchasing wireless, high-speed Internet service, home-phone packages, long-distance service and DirecTV.
Best Buy Taking Gamers To Next Level
Best Buy is refocusing its stores with the equipment, service and technical support to help gamers take their game to the next level. New experience stations are being rolled out to let gamers experience the benefits of complete gaming systems for themselves.
As the experience of gaming evolves, so too is the profile of the gamer. The stereotype of teenage boys playing video games has given way to a new reality. According to the Entertainment Software Association, the average age of a gamer in the U.S. is 30, and more than one-third of gamers are women.
“The gaming experience itself is changing,” said Jill Hamburger, V.P., Movies, Video Games and Toys at Best Buy. "It is more social and engaging than ever before. At Best Buy, our goal is to help people unlock the full potential of their gaming systems."
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