Dell Direct Kiosk Gives Consumers First-Hand Experience With Dell Products
Dell is adding a new dimension to the way people shop for computers, bringing the benefits of the company’s direct sales kiosk to customers who want to experience Dell's products before purchase.
The new Dell Direct multimedia sales kiosk in Austin's Highland Mall will allow consumers to get first-hand experience with the latest computers and accessories. Orders can be placed from the location through www.dell.com and computers are shipped directly to customers’ homes. Dell representatives will answer customer questions and work with customers to order customized, built-to-order systems that meet their specific needs.
Kurt Kirsch, Director of New Business Development for Dell’s consumer group, said, “This program extends that approach to consumers who have told us that they would also value opportunities to see, touch and actually play with our products as they purchase.”
The new Dell Direct multimedia kiosks are opening at 20 other U.S. mall locations.
DreamWorks And General Mills Form Promotional Partnership
DreamWorks SKG and General Mills have formed a strategic worldwide partnership to deliver packaged goods promotions based on DreamWorks’ upcoming animated features.
The multiple-picture relationship will span several theatrical animated releases and home videos including "Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas" and the sequel, “Shrek 2.” Promotional programs will be created for numerous food product categories. The alliance will fully integrate DreamWorks movie properties with General Mills' top brands, creating innovative promotions at retail. Marketing efforts will include television and print advertising; on-pack branding and in-store support.
Brian Peters, Manager Promotion Marketing, Kid Cereals at General Mills, said, “This project will help the new, larger General Mills bring excitement to our products, consumers and retailers.”
First Ever Hershey’s Store Opening
Hershey Foods Corporation is opening its first ever Hershey’s store in New York City’s Times Square..
The store, planned to be an interactive experience for customers, opens this fall as a whimsical feast for the eyes with new outdoor signs carrying over 15 of Hershey Foods' major brands. Included will be a pyramid of Hershey’s Kisses, a Jolly Rancher wind sculpture, and a replica of the dual Hershey's chocolate factory smoke stacks, an icon in Hershey, PA.
"Nowhere is the diversity of New Yorkers more apparent than in Times Square, and one thing most everyone can agree upon is the joy and fun of Hershey's candy," said Wynn Willard, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior V.P. of Hershey Foods Corporation. “Tens of thousands of people visit Times Square every day, and we hope to make their visit a little sweeter.”
Poland Spring Water Opens Preservation Park In Maine
The Poland Spring Water Company has spearheaded the restoration of the Poland Spring Preservation Park, offering travelers to Maine a journey back in time.
“The restoration of the Poland Spring Preservation Park marks the culmination of four years of effort and investment to preserve the landmarks of the region and bring to life the rich and textured history of the Poland Spring brand,” said Kim Jeffery, President and CEO of Nestle Waters North America Inc. “One of the nation's oldest brands, Poland Spring is closely entwined with the history of Maine. We are proud to share this heritage and celebrate America’s long history with and continued appreciation for natural spring water.”
The cornerstones of Preservation Park are two newly renovated Victorian-era buildings, which comprise the new Poland Spring Museum. The buildings served as the Poland Spring Bottling Plant and Spring House at the turn of the century. Through scientific displays and vintage Poland Spring bottling memorabilia, the Museum offers a close-up look at one of Maine’s oldest industries.
PBS KIDS Destinations To Be Placed In Mills Mall Locations Nationwide
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and The Mills Corp., a leading shopping center developer, have announced plans to create PBS KIDS destinations inside Mills’ properties across the country by the end of 2004.
PBS KIDS-branded physical environments will be placed in Mills properties, with themed learn-and-play areas, Internet kiosks and displays. In these locations, local PBS affiliates will play an important role in activating the spaces with community events.
These destinations are not stores, but educational environments that will boast jungle gyms, live events, book nooks, computer kiosks and community boards with information on PBS KIDS programming and family-oriented community events.
First U.S. ‘Kids City’ To Open
Amazing Toys de Mexico and The Pyramid Co. have partnered to open the first U.S. “Kids City” at the Palisades Center, a retail/entertainment center serving the New York tri-state area. “Kids City” is a unique, educational and entertaining facility for children ages 2-12 and their families.
The new “Kids City” chain is based on the successful prototype in Mexico City opened in 1999 by Amazing Toys de Mexico, which plans to open at least 15 “Kids City” venues in the U.S.
At “Kids City” children try different roles, simulating the jobs of a functioning modern society. A child can be a fireman or police detective, judge or juror, doctor or beautician. Sponsors are key to the “Kids City” concept. Each pavilion is sponsored by a counterpart real-life business that is a recognized leader, such as Domino’s for the pizza parlor, Pond’s for the beauty salon, General Motors for the auto dealership.
New Era ‘NERV’ Trailer Is Launched
New Era Cap Company, Inc. recently displayed its 2002 line of College World Series baseball caps at the College World Series championship games in Omaha, Nebraska.
New Era’s customized merchandise trailer, dubbed the “Nerv” (New Era Road Vehicle), is a 30-foot mobile merchandising vehicle, which offered a large selection of caps of the teams that participated in the Series as well as the College World Series caps.
“The College World Series is always an exciting event for New Era because of the intense fanfare and tangible excitement surrounding the Series,” said Christopher Koch, President of New Era Cap Company.
Footaction Teams With Urban Marketing To Market Films Via Footaction Stores
Footaction USA is partnering with Urban Marketing Corp. of America to promote select films in Footaction stores throughout the U.S. “The true benefit of this marketing tool is its ability to deliver the studios’ marketing messages to this consumer in a new, engaging, interactive, and trackable way with maximum focused visibility and exposure,”said Carl Washington, UMCA President.
Footaction will incorporate special programming into Footaction Television, its in-store video network, reaching 500,000 viewers each day. Special in-store promotional events are being developed, including celebrity appearances, co-promotions with local radio stations, P.O.P. and product placement for custom movie apparel.
“This relationship enables studios to develop a turnkey direct connection relationship with the hard to reach 12-24 year old males,” said Washington.
New Hotties Restaurant Chain To Compete with Krispy Kreme & Starbucks
Hotties, a new restaurant chain, providing hot donuts and specialty coffees, is eagerly anticipating competing with Krispy Kreme and Starbucks for customers’ palettes.
Hotties donuts feature premium quality ingredients and are always hot. Its specialty roasted coffees are made with fresh beans, which are freshly-ground and freshly-brewed. Hotties also features a selection of 60 desserts daily as well as whole pies and cakes.
Bill Windsor, Hotties, CEO, said “The foundation of our concept is incredible hot donuts and exceptional specialty coffees, but there are many unique aspects to what we’re doing.”
Big Boy Restaurants Unveils New Prototype
Big Boy Restaurants International has developed a new prototype Big Boy restaurant, which will set the design standard for company- and franchise-owned stores across the nation.
The new prototype store, located in Grand Rapids, MI, will allow the company to test new concepts. The prototype restaurant will incorporate new materials and efficient design concepts aimed at improving customer service. From the dynamic yet inviting use of brick and tile outside to the multiple floor coverings and large windows letting in natural light, the new prototype Big Boy store will be as warm and friendly as the Big Boy icon himself. There will be a Big Boy ice cream counter to sit at as well as a dedicated retail shop that will carry Big Boy packaged foods including ground coffee, salad dressings, cookies and water.
Louis & Partners, Bath, OH, conceived the new Big Boy prototype restaurant design.
Mervyn’s Launches Cartoon Network Shop
Mervyn’s is launching a special promotion bringing Scooby-Doo and other Cartoon Network friends to the new Mervyn's Cartoon Network Shop.
Through a comprehensive agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Cartoon Network, the in-store boutique features Scooby-Doo merchandise, toys and accessories.
“Mervyn’s is always committed to providing a fun and exciting place for our guests to shop,” said Frank Castiglione, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Mervyn’s.
Once Upon a Toy Opens At Walt Disney World Resort
Once Upon a Toy, a new toy store combining the magic of Disney and the fun of Hasbro has opened at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Alan Hassenfeld, Hasbro’s CEO, said, “Once Upon a Toy offers visitors an incredibly unique play experience for ‘kids’ of all ages. Together with Disney, we’ve created a destination filled with great toys, games, and fun.”
Once Upon a Toy offers five uniquely themed rooms that add up to 16,000 sq. ft.; a retail playground created by Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with Hasbro; creative new toys combining Disney and Hasbro brands, including a new Mr. Potato Head with Mickey Mouse ears and Disney theme park editions of such popular Hasbro board games as ‘Monopoly” and “Candy Land.”
The store will feature whimsical kinetic displays, including a ceiling-mounted spinner from “The Game of Life,” and a rotating conveyor of toys. Guests can build their own Mr. Potato Head after previewing their design on one of five special touch-screen terminals.
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