Wal-Mart Stores And America Online Announce Alliance
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and America Online, Inc., have formed a wide-ranging strategicv alliance to provide the vast majority of Wal-Mart communities with convenient, low-cost access to the Internet. The agreement creates a new co-branded Internet service provider (ISP) and numerous cross-marketing initiatives between the two companies.
The new ISP, co-branded by Wal-Mart and AOL will be especially significant for consumers who live in smaller Wal-Mart communities and those who have been aggected by the "digital divide." Currently, approximately six out of every 10 towns in which Wal-Mart operates have local Internet access, and the companies have agreed to work together to increase the availability of local Internet acccess to communities that do not now have it available. This also is consistent with Wal-Mart's history of bringing contemporary retail shopping advantages to small-town America.
The new co-branded Wal-Mart/AOL ISP will be a customized version of the CompuServe service, priced for value-conscious consumers, and will also include Parental Controls capability. Wal-Mart customers will be provided software they can use to quickly and easily create an online account with the new Internet service offering local access. Wal-Mart will also distribute AOL 5.0 software that includes a convenient link to Wal-Mart's Internet shopping destination, Wal-Mart.com.
As part of the agreement, Wal-Mart will promote both the Wal-Mart/AOL co-branded ISP and the AOL flagship interactive service through print, radio, and television advertising as well as in-store promotions.
BIC Enters Premium Shaver Category With New Softwin Shaver
BIC Corporation has introduced BIC Softwin Shaver, the first premium disposable shaver to offer all the features consumers want, a rubberized handle, pivot head, improved blade technology and lubricating strips, at the best overall value.
"Premium shavers are the fastest growing segment in the 1-piece category today," said Ed Dougherty, BIC's Vice President of Marketing. "Consumers are demanding more from their 1-piece shaver, including a variety of value-added features."
The three shavers in the new line include BIC Softwin for Women with Lanolin and Vitamin E, BIC Softwin Sensitive with Aloe and Vitamin E, and BIC Softwin with Select Moisturizers.
BIC plans to invest $16 million in a TV multimedia advertising campaign and will use displays, FSIs and trial offers to encourage consumer purchases.
Del Monte Foods Launches Fruit Line In Plastic Packaging
Del Monte Foods Company is introducing its first fruit product line packaged in plastic in a nationwide launch. The new, single-serve product, named Del Monte Fruit To-Go, is expected to generate over $50 million in annual revenue within the next 12-18 months. "Our single-serve fruit snacks have achieved a four year compound annual growth rate over 20%," said Richard G. Wolford, CEO, Del Monte Foods. "We are excited to build on this market leadership with this introduction of our innovative plastic packaging as we continue to address consumers' desire for convenient and healthy food that can be consumed on the go." Additionally, the Company has received unprecedented customer response for Fruit-To-Go from both the club mass merchandiser and grocery channels.
Melitta Tea Filters Introduced
Melitta, the world's largest manufacturer of coffee filters, has introduced a tea filter to make the perfect pot of tea, without the mess of loose tea leaves clouding the pot. Melitta Tea Filters are made of high quality unbleached paper which is bio-degradable. This special paper is designed to allow for optimal steeping of the tea leaves to bring out the full tea aroma. At the same time it keeps any team particles from escaping into the teapot which might bitter the taste. The tea filters are easy to fill and are easy to dispose of.
OddzOn Introduces `Girl Action' Sport Activity Toys For Girls
OddzOn, Inc., the manufacturer of Koosh and Vortex branded sport activity toys, has taken its expertise in outdoor fun and games, added a hip-hop beat and created Girl Action, an inaugural line of interactive, outdoor games for girls ages six to twelve years. Hopscotch Rock adds a funky punch to the challenge of the bleoved sidewalk classic. The game features a soft, shiny oversized star shaped marker that players throw in place of the usual rock or stick. When the star hits the ground on one of the hopscotch squares, it automatically begins playing one of seven tunes. Jump Rope Rock is the classic jump rope game with a 21st Century attitude. Located in the handles of this seven-foot long, translucent jump rope is a complete sound system that girls control themselves. All they have to do is hit the select button on the rope's handle to hear one of seven different tunes.
Intel Appoints Marketing Executives
Intel Corporation has announced the following marketing appointments. Jami K. Dover has been named Vice President and Director, Worldwide Marketing Operations. She is responsible for the Company's global marketing functions including the Intel Inside program, advertising, Internet marketing, channel marketing programs and corporate marketing communications. Ann Lewnes has been appointed a Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group. Lewnes is currently Director of Consumer Marketing. W. Eric Mentzer has been appointed a Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group. He is currently Director of Sales Applications, Marketing and Services.
LifeStyle Furnishings Names R. Stamper To VP Mktg. & Bus. Dev.
LifeStyle Furnishings International, High Point, NC, has appointed Robert Stamper to the position of Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. Stamper was previously Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for Drexel Heritage Furnishings Inc., a LifeStyle leadership brand.
Trinchero Family Estates Announces Mktg. Appointments
Trinchero Family Estates, the family-owned Napa Valley wine company that owns Sutter Home, M. Trinchero and Montevina wineries, has announced five new appointments to its marketing department. Andrew Rice has been named Creative Services Director. Tim "Harpo" Anderson has been appointed Art Director. Marc Gallo is Associate Marketing Manager for the Company's beverage and food brands. Jeff James has been appointed Marketing Services Buyer. Heidi Schuler has been named Public Relations Coordinator.
Merchandising Inventives Names K. Huber Customer Service Manager
Merchandising Inventives, a Lake Bluff, IL-based P.O.P. display company, has hired Karen Huber as Customer Service Manager. Huber joins the Company with many years of experience developing strong customer service departments.
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