The nation’s first Verizon Experience store has opened in Southlake, Texas, presenting Verizon Wireless and Verizon Communications products and services in high-tech, consumer-friendly style.
The 5,000-square-foot flagship store allows customers to play, connect, watch and listen to Verizon Wireless’ and Verizon Communications’ broadband-rich, entertainment-oriented and productivity enhancing wireless and wireline services-in a single store visit.
Verizon’s newest retail environment brings together the services offered by Verizon Wireless and Verizon Communications in a setting where customers can touch and try products, engage dynamic interactive displays and demonstrations, and consult with specially-trained product experts who will accompany customers as they shop for the latest in technology services. The Verizon Experience store will greet visitors with the very latest technology: over-sized, high-definition plasma television screens featuring Verizon’s FiOS TV service; a gaming station and computers enabling customers to test drive ultra-fast FiOS Internet connection speeds over Verizon’s fiber-optic network; 12 digital electronic information screens; multiple touch-screen computers; interactive kiosks and exhibits; a series of intuitive product demonstrations; and a technical support center.
“The ‘Verizon Experience’ store will demystify how technology improves productivity and makes buying decisions simpler than ever by delivering a shopping experience unlike any other among our peers and
competitors,” said Bon Ingalls, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Verizon Communications.
Goodyear Tire Stores Get New Look To Boost Sales
Goodyear Tire is giving a new look to its stores nationwide to stimulate a stronger, easy-to-shop retail experience.
In addition to a new store layout, the design introduces new floor and wall display visuals. Goodyear developed new signage, display fixtures, and information cards to help make product benefits easier for consumers to understand and make the tire purchase process less intimidating.
“Goodyear is intensifying its focus on in-store needs of consumers, in conjunction with highly successful product launches,” said Rob Rajkowski, Director of Marketing & Merchandising, Goodyear. “The new design was developed based on feedback from consumers who said they preferred a more informational store environment.”
Goodyear worked with Hitchcock Fleming & Associates, Akron, OH to develop display visuals and Big Red Rooster, a retail design firm located in Columbus, OH.
Visioneer Introduces RoadWarrior For Mobile Professional
Visioneer, Inc., a leader in intelligent imaging solutions, has introduced the Visioneer RoadWarrior, an easy-to-use yet powerful mobile scanner for handling all the document needs of the business traveler, from expense receipts to business cards and documents. The RoadWarrior is also an ideal solution for scanning and converting documents into searchable Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Visioneer also signed a distribution agreement to bundle Google Search Tools that allow "road warriors" to quickly find documents and maps for important business meetings.
Bosch Supports Energy Savings Event With P.O.P.
Bosch home appliances is offering a rebate program for its front-loading Nexxt Washers.
The rebates are designed to cover up to ten years of the appliance’s energy costs. The Company is offering a $110 rebate with the purchase of a Nexxt 500, 700, DLX or Platinum Series washer; a $100 rebate on a Nexxt 300 Series washer and an $89 rebate with the Nexxt 100 Series washer.
“This Bosch Nexxt Laundry rebate program communicates that owning one of our efficient products results in long-term savings,” said Franz Bosshard, CEO. “The Nexxt Laundry system has been impressing consumers with its unrivaled energy and water efficiency. And now, it will also pay its own energy bill!”
Bosch will suppor
Absolut Vodka & Esquire Create Flavor-Inspired Suite At Caesars Palace
Absolut Vodka and Esquire magazine have opened the “Find Your Flavor” suite at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace. Designed and constructed by the Rockwell Group, the bi-level, 1,380 sq. ft. Absolut-inspired suite is divided into six colorful areas that embody the personalities of six Absolut flavors including: Mandarin, Raspberri, Vanilla, and Citron.
“The ‘Find Your Flavor’ suite will be the hottest destination in Las Vegas, to entertain friends and indulge your senses,” said Tim Murphy, Brand Director, Absolut. “This lavish playground offers the ultimate Las Vegas luxury experience.”
Lexus 460 Launched With Art Installation Interactive Art Installation Supports Launch Of Lexus 460v
Lexus has launched a traveling interactive art installation to mark the launch of the Lexus 460. "Light and Speed" at The 460 Degrees Gallery celebrates passion, invention and an uncommon vision-all inherent in the new Lexus sedan Sebastien Agneessens, a prominent curator for the contemporary arts, curated the multi-media exhibition that brings together some of the top talents on the contemporary art scene.
The 460 Degrees Gallery also presents opportunities for visitors to participate in the discovery process. Touch-screen displays feature in-depth artist interviews and take visitors inside the art-making process.
The traveling interactive art exhibit was developed for Lexus by LIME promotion.
First Nautica Retail Store Opens In U.S.
The Nautica brand has opened its first men’s, women’s, and kid’s retail store in the U.S. at the Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley, PA.
“We are excited to be opening our first dual gender retail store,” said Denise Seegal, President & CEO of VF Sportswear. "We believe that having both men's and women's apparel in one store not only enhances the overall experience for the shopper but, also serves as a constant reminder to our customer that Nautica is a true, all encompassing lifestyle brand."
Known for elevated style and quality, the Nautica store is over 6,500 square feet and reflects the brand’s Navigator concept, which includes signature striped cherry and maple flooring and classic yachting details in the fixtures.
Sam’s Club Partners With Warner Bros. On Screenings Of ‘We Are Marshall’
Sam’s Club and Warner Bros. recently formed a promotional partnership around the theatrical release of “We Are Marshall.”
All 574 Sam’s Club locations in the U.S. offered private advance screening packages for purchase exclusively by Sam’s Club Members. Sam’s Club encouraged its members through direct outreach and through in-club displays to sponsor screenings within their communities for schools, sports teams, clubs and other organizations. Warner Bros.leveraged its relationships with local theatres in proximity to all Sam’s Clubs to arrange for the screenings.
Chase Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Soccer Fan Rewards Credit Card
Soccer fans who live and breathe for the game will want one of three Chase Ultimate Fan Rewards Visa credit cards, first-of-its-kind rewards credit cards available now through a partnership between Chase and Soccer United Marketing. The rewards cards offer seven redemption levels with a wide range of rewards, from exciting soccer experiences to authentic memorabilia to earning a VIP trip to a men's or women's FIFA World Cup qualification game for two.
Soccer fans can choose between Major League Soccer, the U.S. National Team and the Mexican National Team Chase Ultimate Fan Rewards Visa credit cards featured in 12 different card designs. Cardholders, who can use the credit card for all purchases, including everyday spending such as gas, groceries and dining out, receive one point for every dollar spent and can obtain soccer rewards for as few as 1,000 points. There is no annual fee and a 0% APR introductory rate.
"What is great about this program is that the rewards provide unique, once in a lifetime opportunities and significant value to true soccer fans," said Doug Quinn, President of Soccer United Marketing Enterprises. "Whether you are an MLS fan, or a fan of the U.S. or Mexican National teams, there is a card for everybody."
Blockbuster Total Access Movie Rental Program Launched
Blockbuster introduces a totally new way for its online subscribers to rent movies with the introduction of Blockbuster Total Access, a movie rental program that gives online customers the option of returning their DVDs through the mail or exchanging them at more than 5,000 participating Blockbuster stores for free in-store movie rentals. The new program means Total Access subscribers don't need to wait to get DVDs through the mail, essentially allowing them to double the number of movies they can access each month.
"Until today, no online rental service offered customers the option of returning their movies to the store and exchanging them for free movie rentals, and there is no other store-based retailer that offers customers the convenience and selection of the more than 60,000 titles available through our online service," said John Antioco, Blockbuster Chairman and CEO. "Customers shouldn't have to choose between renting online versus in-store, and they should never have to be without a movie. Now, thanks to Blockbuster Total Access, they don't have to."
Barbie & MAC Cosmetics Form Unprecedented Global Partnership
MAC (Make-up Art Cosmetics) and Barbie are partnering for an unprecedented adult-targeted project to debut in spring 2007. The collaboration with MAC marks the first time ever that Barbie has partnered with an adult prestige cosmetics company.
"As one of the most recognizable faces in the world, it is only fitting that Barbie would partner with MAC, the world's premier color cosmetics company," said Richard Dickson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Media & Entertainment, Worldwide for Mattel.
MAC and Mattel share more in common than you might expect, according to James Gager, Senior Vice President and Creative Director for MAC who said, "Barbie is multi-cultural and global, representing more than 45 nationalities and sold in over 150 countries. Our creative collaboration and staging the beauty image of Barbie around the world is something I am personally very excited about."
Virgin Mobile's New 'Cyclops' Brings Music To Text Messaging
The new Cyclops camera phone from Virgin Mobile and Kyocera Wireless features two new texting features: TXT Tones and VAM/Audio Messaging. Cyclops is also the first phone to benefit from an agreement between Virgin Mobile and Warner Music Group, giving U.S. cellular customers access to music-based TXT Tones from Virgin Mobile. With access to hundreds of tunes from WMG's catalog, Virgin Mobile is the first wireless provider in the U.S. to launch an exclusive text tone deal with a major record label. Cyclops is also the first handset to carry Virgin Mobile Audio Messaging or VAM, which allows instant messages to be sent by voice instead of keyboard.
Gentex Back Up Video Display Mirror Introduced
Backing up cars, trucks and SUVs can be a dangerous task. To help reduce the risks associated with backing up, Gentex Corp. has developed a backup video display in an automotive-dimming rearview mirror. When the vehicle is put in reverse, the display automatically appears through the mirror's reflective surface. The display automatically disappears when the vehicle is put in any gear other than reverse. This auto-dimming mirror also enhances nighttime driving safety by automatically detecting and eliminating glare from headlamps of rearward approaching vehicles.
Directed Electronics To Supply HD Radio Receivers To Retailers Across U.S.
The Directed HD Car Connect from Directed Electronics allows standard car radios to receive digital HD Radio programming. The product will be available for installation at authorized retailers in December with a suggested retail price of $249.
Boost Mobile Offers Line Of Female-Friendly Phones
Boost Mobile has introduced the Motorola i835 handsets in purple and white, designed to appeal to style savvy female customers. This sophisticated purple handset comes preloaded with feminine wallpapers such as "Sweet Lilac" and music and voice ringtones featuring a personal butler. The Motorola i835 in white is candy striped in frost and ice with an exterior screen that lights up with vibrant disco lights that move to the beat of a MIDI ringtone. In addition, a brightly lit keypad makes for easy dialing or playing 5-Card Draw with confidence. Exclusively from Boost Mobile, the Motorola i835 handsets are available for $129.99.
Magellan Debuts CrossoverGPS
Magellan is introducing its CrossoverGPS as the world's first rugged, IPX-4 waterproof device designed to prove navigation for both driving and outdoor adventures. Available in December for $549.99, the Magellan CrossoverGPS is a cross between two products, delivering the same superior car navigation experience as the Magellan RoadMate line, plus the functionality of handheld GPS receivers for the outdoors.
"The Magellan CrossoverGPS creates a new category of navigation solutions with its unique flexibility to address a multitude of travel needs like no other product," said Christian Bubenheim, Vice President of Consumer Product Marketing. "Customers can rely on a single device to gain the confidence of knowing where they are and how to get where they're going at all times whether traveling on the road, in the wilderness or on water."
New BIC ReAction Retractable Ball Pen Offers Smooth Writing
BIC is introducing the BIC ReAction Retractable Ball Pen, featuring D-Flexion Technology for a smooth writing experience. The pen's D-Flexion Technology acts as a "shock absorber" for a smooth writing experience and helps control motion and diffuse tension. The BIC ReAction Retractable Ball Pen begins shipping in January 2007 at a suggested retail price of $4.60 for a three pack.
Serene Mobile Phone Debuts From Bang & Olufsen & Samsung
Bang & Olufsen is launching its first cell phone, entitled Serene, in North America this November. The new mobile phone is the result of a collaboration between Bang & Olufsen and Samsung Electronics and features unconventional design, ease-of-use and simple operation. During the development phase, engineers strategically converged notions of form and function to result in Serene's minimalistic design and intuitive operation to be elegant, simple and straightforward. The colors, fonts, screen format and size have been specially selected with logical operation in mind. It even carries its own, unique ring tone, specially composed to calm and attract (not alarm) the user to an incoming call, according to Kim Gravesen, President of Bang & Olufsen America.
New Greenies Dental Chew For Dogs Launched
Based on patent-pending science rooted in dog biology, the new Greenies is a first-of-its-kind daily dental chew for adult dogs that is chewy, easy to digest and nutritionally complete with vitamins, minerals and high quality proteins. To take canine dental care to the next level, new Greenies incorporates a unique science used for the first time in the pet treat category. Biometric research was applied to create Greenies' new design and texture developed for the way dogs naturally chew and bite. S&M Nutec is offering new Greenies in five different sizes available through pet specialty and mass retailers nationwide.
Amp'd Mobile Names Eisenman V.P. Of Mktg.
Amp'd Mobile, a Santa Monica, CA-based mobile entertainment company, has named Russ Eisenman Vice President of Marketing. Reporting to Amp'd Chief Marketing Officer Doug Dobie, Eisenman will lead the Company's retail and online initiatives. Prior to joining Amp'd, Eisenman served as Chief Marketing Officer for Tower Records.
SOLO Names J. Burgess National Sales & Mktg. Manager
SOLO, Inc. has appointed Jeff Burgess as National Sales and Marketing Manager. Burgess will have responsibility for a growing line of SOLO branded sprayers, blowers, chain saws, string trimmers, hedge trimmers and other outdoor power equipment products. Burgess joins SOLO with more than 25 years experience in the lawn/garden industry including 17 years in sales and marketing positions with the Agway Division of Southern States Cooperative.
Hitachi America Appoints S. Campbell V.P. Of Mktg.
Hitachi America, Ltd has named Steve Campbell Vice President of Marketing for the Hitachi America Server Systems Group (SSG). Campbell joins Hitachi from Sun Microsystems, where he was most recently Vice President of Marketing for Sun's Strategic Insight Office.
Post Up Stand Offers Banner Display Products
Post Up Stand maintains a huge inventory of retractable banner stands, poster in motion displays, double-sided banner stands, tabletop displays, restaurant boards and trade show displays. The systems are lightweight, durable. They make it easy to change graphics for different promotions. For more information, contact Post Up Stand, 7500 Exchange Street, Cleveland OH 44125,
(Web site) www.postupstand.com
Kellogg's Pop-Tarts Joins With Connect Music For Free Song Download Promotion
Kellogg's Pop-Tarts and Connect Music are offering teens free song downloads by using codes inside specially-marked packages of Kellogg's Pop-Tarts.
20 million Pop-Tarts packages throughout the country will feature the special codes and each package includes one code for one free download.
"Music is a key part of teens' lives because teens can have fun with music anywhere," said Mark Baynes, Senior Vice President, Marketing Services, Morning Foods Division, Kellogg North America. "By combining over 20 million Pop-Tarts packages with songs from Connect Music, teens will now have a wide variety of music to download and enjoy on-the-go."
Panasonic Plasma Tour Launches
Panasonic is launching a multi-city tour to familiarize consumers with its line of high definition flat panel plasma televisions. The tour, which features a series of home environment vignettes, is appearing in high traffic locations across the U.S.
The Panasonic Plasma tour is staffed by Panasonic Plasma Concierge experts who are able to answer consumers' questions and give advice on choosing the right kind of flat panel display for their specific needs. Featured in the display is Panasonic's full line of Plasma TVs.
"We know that consumers are looking for bigger screens and, when it comes to large screens, there is no better option than high definition plasma," said Andrew Nelkin, Panasonic's Display Group Vice President. "Our multi-city tour will allow consumers to see the beauty of Panasonic plasmas firsthand while also giving them a chance to meet some of our plasma experts and ask questions."
all small & mighty Conducts Multi-Mobile Marketing Program
all small & mighty, the 3X concentrated detergent, recently conducted the "Spot the Clothes Bus" sweepstakes offering consumers a chance to win a shopping spree for a new wardrobe.
Two all small & mighty buses covered in clothes cruised the streets of New York City. Consumers were instructed to send a text message of the time and location to be entered in the Spot the Clothes Bus sweepstakes. Twelve bus spotters won a $200 shopping spree and one lucky grand prize winner received a $5,000 shopping spree.
The all small & mighty multi-mobile marketing program was conducted by POP Solutions, which integrated the use of the cell phone with the mobile vehicle to catch the attention of consumers on the go.
Nestle Supermarket Sampling Promotions
Nestle products wanted to change the look of its sampling stations in Central America to better match its corporate branding. The SOLO System from Globotech Displays, allows Nestle to rotate the promotion of different brands without having to purchase demo stations for each one of them. The demo stations are moved from store to store and customized with different graphics for each promotion. For more information, contact Globotech Displays USA, 8465 Regents Road, Ste. 419, San Diego, CA 92122, (Tel) 858-682-7088,
(Web site) www.globotechdisplays.com
Testrite Offers Promo Banner Stands
Testrite Instrument Co., Inc. offers Promo Banner Stands for displaying graphics up to 72" tall. Common features for both the Pole Pocket and Hook/Loop stands are: adjustable height center poles to accommodate varying size banners and a quality "G" lock, which allows for quick height adjustments to 72". The bottom graphic holder slides up and down the center pole for ease of use. The Promo Banner Stands come with a standard 12" square base that weighs 3 ¾ lbs. Widths are all 24" standard with other widths available by special order. For more information, contact Testrite Instrument Co., 216 South Newman Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, (Web site) www.testrite.com
Quickwall Offered For Modular Exhibits
QuikWall is designed for rapid, easy set up of impressive exhibits with a custom look. With QuikWall, a large booth can be assembled with three helpers in seven minutes including all doors. In 20 minutes, cabinets are in, too. Light, fast and secure. QuikWall solves the "typical setup day." For more information on QuikWall, contact QuikWall Custom Modular Co., P.O. BOX 2558, Kalamazoo, MI 49003, (Tel) 888-784-5925, (Web site) www.quikwall.net
Nimlok Philadelphia Moves To Larger Facility
Nimlok Philadelphia, a leading trade show exhibit designer and builder in the Philadelphia market, has built a larger facility to accommodate its growing business. The 12,000 square foot facility at 16 Iron Bridge Drive in Collegeville, features a combined warehouse, office space and design solution showroom, more than doubling its previous space.
