Creative World

Week of February 28, 2011

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Bauer Displays New Composite Hockey Stick

Bauer is using this dramatic display, themed, “Shoot With Authority,” to introduce its new TotalOne composite hockey stick. The TotalOne Composite stick is engineered using advanced design principles to maximize a player’s shooting performance while exerting minimum effort. The Amplified Mid-Kick profile allows a player to easily load the stick for powerful, heavy slappers and one-timers with effortless releases on wristers and snap shots.

This display features Steven Stamkos, of the National Hockey League’s Tampa Bay Lightning. This display was created for Bauer by The Aronson Group, an Englewood, NJ-based point-of-purchase display firm. Bauer is also promoting the new TotalOne Composite hockey stick with The Bauer Experience promotional tour. (Web site) www.thearonsongroup.com

Ethan Allen Installs Interactive Multi-Use Touch Screens

Ethan Allen Interiors has rolled out new, interactive touch screens to Ethan Allen Design Centers nationwide. The touch screens have been designed to further enhance the client experience at Ethan Allen retail locations. “Most of our furniture is made to order. We continually look for ways to enhance the client experience and now we’re putting the world of Ethan Allen at their fingertips on touch screens in our Design Centers,” said Ethan Allen’s CEO, Farooq Kathwari.

In addition to their use as a full-catalog, the screens provide a fun, accessible, intuitive means to see products and information differently - changing out fabrics and finishes on upholstery, for example. The touch screens are also useful for the feedback they provide. Intava, Bellevue, WA, a leader in touch screen solutions for retailers, was selected by Ethan Allen to power the company’s new touch screens. (Web site) www.intava.com

Ranch One Launches National Brand Refresh

Ranch One, a quick-service restaurant known for its assortment of premium flame grilled and crispy breaded chicken breast sandwiches and salads, revealed a new restaurant design and logo to match the restaurant's high-quality approach to food. Along with the new tagline, "Chicken Made Fresh," the redesign incorporates an updated look that aligns with the brand's emphasis on preparing its food fresh to order.

The new Ranch One design features a black and white motif with yellow accents that exemplify a warm, country-like charm. The décor goes hand-in-hand with the brand's menu and casual, quick-service environment. For a more sophisticated look, a major refresh element to the concept is changing the brand's name from the numeral one to an alphabetic spelling. Ranch One's signature shade of yellow is still incorporated in the new logo and store design to bridge the past with the present. Additionally, the design highlights bold food images throughout the store to show customers the pride taken in Ranch One's menu.

"The overall goal of the brand refresh is to draw attention to Ranch One's food quality and food preparation through photography, messaging and upscale décor elements," said Kristen Esposite, national marketing manager for Ranch One. "We think the redesign will further strengthen the brand, giving Ranch One's logo and restaurant design the same feelings of quality that customers perceive when they enjoy the food."

M&T Bank Opens High-Tech Branch

M&T Bank has opened a new branch in Chambersburg, Pa. that utilizes ‘green’ technology to reduce energy consumption and improve the customer experience. The new M&T Bank branch has a contemporary look, but is actually based on traditional bank design fused with energy-reducing elements.

The main lobby offers a large, open space that is reminiscent of banks in the early 20th Century, but equipped with technology like a large digital screen and energy-saving lighting from a combination of skylights, LEDs and ceramic metal halide lights. One of the primary features of the 4,600-sq. ft. branch is a colonnade with a high canopy that wraps around two sides of the building to reduce direct sunlight into the branch, while providing shelter from the elements to customers as they walk from their vehicles. “This new design creates a signature look for M&T, but more importantly, enhances customer service and reduces our carbon footprint,” said Michael Murchie, Regional President, M&T Bank.

Hanscom FCU Breaks Banking Mold By Embracing Retail Style

Hanscom Federal Credit Union has unveiled its newly renovated, leading-edge Bedford Financial Center, located in Bedford, Massachusetts. The retail-style branch is one of the first of its kind in New England, blending an open floor plan and concierge approach to member assistance with current technology to ensure visitors the highest level of personal service.

As visitors enter the center - now doubled in size -- they are welcomed by a greeter and guided to a service provider. "We've eliminated the guesswork," explained Paul Marotta, Hanscom FCU Chairman of the Board. "Visitors no longer have to choose between a teller or a member service representative. They stay with the same staff person until their business is complete."

The teller line has been replaced with standalone service pods. Noting that the high walls and windows of a traditional branch were designed to handle basic transactions, Marotta said, "ATMs and online services absorb many routine chores. People who visit a branch today need more complex services."

Converse Opens Specialty Store In Manhattan’s SoHo

Converse has opened its first specialty retail store in Manhattan’s SoHo shopping district to showcase Converse’s independent spirit and diverse product offering, including one-of-a-kind footwear, a brand new collection of women’s and men’s apparel and unique product customization capabilities.

“The Converse brand was first in sports and first in rock 'n roll so we’re excited to bring our fans the first Converse New York City specialty retail store,” said Michael Spillane, Converse CEO. “Converse has deep roots in New York City culture from basketball to the underground music scenes of the 80s and 90s. The newest Converse store will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a unique Converse experience.”

The store’s design features speak directly to Converse’s distinct sport and rock ‘n roll heritage. The single floor retail space is approximately 7,000 sq. ft. using several reclaimed and natural elements to create a vintage inspired feel.

Office Depot Teams Up With Google To Help Customers Check In-Store Stock From Their Mobile Devices

Office Depot is participating in Google's local availability feature, a mobile and desktop product inventory search functionality that helps customers locate in-stock products in just seconds, directly from their PC or mobile device. As a result of Google's local availability feature, Office Depot will be able to help customers find the products they want and direct them to the store location where those products are in stock and readily available.

"Office Depot is all about Taking Care of Business for our customers, and we are constantly looking for new, innovative ways that enable our customers to shop smarter and more efficiently," said Emily Pelosi, Director of Online Marketing for Office Depot. "The Google local availability feature will truly change the way customers shop with Office Depot by providing them with real-time data for product availability before they even get to the store."

"To date, online shopping efforts have focused mostly on the small percentage of overall products that are sold online. This holiday season, and going forward, we're excited to be working with leading retailers to help shoppers find the perfect gift in a store nearby, whether they're searching from their laptop or their phone," said Sameer Samat, Product Director for Shopping, Google.

Comprehensive U.S. Sharp Brand Campaign Leaps Off The Screen With Images From Summer Blockbuster 3D Movie 'Despicable Me'

Sharp Electronics is teaming with "Despicable Me" filmmaker Chris Meledandri's Illumination Entertainment and Universal Studios Home Entertainment to unveil the new 3D version of Quattron TV (model LE925), bringing TV viewers the brightest 3D imagery on the market with never-before-seen colors that immerse the consumer in a new level of entertainment. Sharp is Universal's exclusive consumer electronics flat-panel display and Blu-ray Disc™ player teammate for the "Despicable Me" Blu-ray 3D Disc™. "Despicable Me" will be available on Blu-ray and DVD as well as on Blu-ray 3D at retail stores nationwide.

"We're working with Universal to bring our Quattron 3D TVs to life, showcasing the hugely popular Minions from 'Despicable Me' in a new brand campaign that urges consumers to see the technology for themselves," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager, Product and Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America. "We believe that we've truly changed the color paradigm with Quattron quad pixel technology, giving TV lovers remarkable and almost dreamlike colors. Quattron technology is the perfect complement to 3D technology, enabling bright and vivid images that have eluded 3DTVs in the past." The AQUOS Quattron and "Despicable Me" Minions motifs will be used promotionally at trade shows and in marketing collateral available at retail.

Virgin America's New SFO Home Will be First LEED® Gold Airport Terminal In U.S.

Virgin America, the only airline headquartered at San Francisco International Airport is unveiling the sustainable design of the airline's new home at SFO's Terminal 2 (T2). Slated for completion in spring 2011, the new $383 million 640,000-square foot T2 will serve as the airline's home base and will be the first LEED® Gold-certified airport terminal in the U.S. Known for its sustainable practices and inventive design, Virgin America was involved in the T2 design concept process from the earliest stages of development. With the airline's investment in the space, it is anticipated that Virgin America's T2 spaces will ultimately achieve the highest possible LEED Platinum-certified status.

"As a new carrier and as the only California-based airline, we've had an opportunity to build sustainable practices into our operations from day one," said David Cush, CEO and President of Virgin America. "As we grow, we're proud to partner with SFO and the City to create a new home that embodies these same principles - and in a very real sense the innovative, environmentally-focused spirit of the Bay Area. T2 will not only elevate the travel experience, it will serve as a model for sustainable airport design around the world." Design firm Gensler created the sustainable design of Virgin America's new SFO home.

NRG Energy Brings Nation's First Privately Funded, Electric Vehicle Recharging Infrastructure To Houston So Walgreens Customers Can Fully Recharge Their Electric Vehicles During A Neighborhood Shopping Trip

Walgreens is participating in the nation's first privately funded and comprehensive electric vehicle support solution in Houston, TX, where NRG Energy will install high-powered rapid charging stations for electric vehicles at 18 initial Walgreens locations. Walgreens is the largest retailer participating in this program, with the first eVgosm high-powered rapid charging stations expected to be installed. The participating Walgreens locations, in addition to charging stations at public parking facilities, other retailers and work places, will make up NRG's eVgosm network to help ensure anyone with an electric vehicle has a place to charge up within 25 miles of the Houston city center.

"Our neighborhood stores will be a great and convenient location for customers to recharge electric vehicles," said Walgreens director of energy and sustainability Menno Enters. "This is another way we are providing our customers with an environmentally sustainable shopping experience, and it sets us apart as a retailer who is moving clean and green energy alternatives forward."

"Walgreens is playing an invaluable role in helping get this network started by being a founder host of community convenience chargers as we work together to bring the value of electric vehicles to Houston," said NRG Energy President and CEO David Crane. "Walgreens will help ensure this all important initial launch is successful. We look forward to a long relationship that will help bring the same advantages of this alliance to other cities in the very near future."

American Greetings Introduces Whoopee Cushion Greeting Card

Consumers looking for a fun new way to connect with friends and family can now share their best wishes with the first-ever whoopee cushion greeting card, appropriately titled, IT'S A GAS!™ from American Greetings. Each card in the collection is an actual whoopee cushion that can be signed and sent in an accompanying envelope. As innovative as it is old-fashioned, IT'S A GAS! is the perfect way to celebrate any birthday.

"Consumers often tell us that surprising friends and family with the greeting cards they choose is the best part of the experience, so we are always looking for ways to introduce unexpected ideas," said Mary McClain, creative director of new product concepts at American Greetings. "With IT'S A GAS! we have a really fun format that is silly and unique and sure to put a big smile on anyone's face, which is what we strive for in every card we create."

New Barista Prima Coffeehouse K-Cups Evoke European Coffee Artistry

New Barista Prima Coffeehouse™ is an exclusive collection that captures the intense flavor and complexity of the world's finest coffeehouse brews, deep-roasted and delivered in convenient K-Cup® portion packs for Keurig® Single-Cup Brewing Systems. A rare combination of European coffee tradition and advanced brewing technology, Barista Prima Coffeehouse K-Cups® reflect the consummate artistry and handcrafted care of the world's most skilled baristas.

"These exquisite offerings are our response to requests from Keurig owners and discerning coffee drinkers looking for an even richer, darker roasted K-Cup," said Lindsey Bolger, Senior Director of Coffee Sourcing and Relationships for GMCR's Specialty Coffee business unit. "Through Barista Prima Coffeehouse K-Cups, our team of coffee experts is proud to meet the highest expectations for a super-premium coffeehouse experience, brewed easily and conveniently with Keurig Single-Cup Brewers."

DISH Network's Newly-Introduced Sling Adapter Allows Live TV Viewing On iPhone, iPad, Android And BlackBerry Devices

DISH Network L.L.C. has become the first pay-TV provider in America to introduce a true TV Everywhere™ offering, giving DISH Network subscribers the ability to watch all of their live and recorded television programs on compatible smartphones, tablets and laptops. DISH Network subscribers can access these features when they download and use the DISH Remote Access application in concert with their broadband-connected, Sling®-enabled receiver. The newly-released Sling Adapter™ is a small placeshifting device that pairs with DISH Network's ViP® 722 or 722k HD DVRs. With a Sling Adapter, customers can then view their high-definition or standard-definition DISH Network programming, including live and recorded shows, on compatible mobile devices or laptops.

"DISH Network is proud to be the first pay-TV provider to bring our customers the ability to enjoy their TV anywhere, anytime on a variety of popular devices," said DISH Network Chief Marketing Officer Ira Bahr. "Unlike mobile viewing from cable and telcos that limit access to select programs, our TV Everywhere services give consumers 24 x 7 access to all of the live and recorded content included with their DISH Network programming subscription."

'GNC Longevity Factors' Offers Seven Nutritional Supplements

GNC is launching GNC Longevity Factors, its first and only complete line of nutritional supplements designed to help you age well. The line features clinically tested ingredients to support health and bioavailability enhancement technology to improve the absorption of a key antioxidant important for healthy cell aging. The products are targeted to consumers concerned about maintaining their youthful health as they age. The new line is currently available in GNC stores nationwide.

"We created the GNC Longevity Factors line specifically to empower adults - including baby boomers -- to proactively take control of their health as they age and, ultimately, help them feel as young as they envision themselves," said Beth Kaplan, President and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, GNC. "This is a unique line of seven nutritional supplements that support very specific aspects of aging. These breakthrough formulas are based on the most recent advances in the science of healthy aging." The GNC Longevity Factors line includes: Healthy Aging Program, Heart Health, Cellular Antioxidant Defense, Energy Enhancer, Eye Health, Strength & Agility and Memory Formula.

Sam's Club Introduces New Calle Azul Tequila

Sam's Club is selling its private brand Calle Azul anejo tequila now available in more than 250 Sam's Club locations. Calle Azul is 100 percent agave anejo tequila produced by the Rodolfo Gonzalez family of Mexico and imported by The Sazerac Company. "We are very excited about the addition of Calle Azul tequila to Sam's Club just in time for the holiday season," said Mark Kenny, senior director, Wine, Beer and Spirits at Sam's Club. "We know that our members are looking for great values on the items they need for entertaining family and friends and we are proud to offer this fine unique artisan tequila."

VESICA Vodka Introduced

When setting out to create something never seen before in the vodka category, Adamba Imports turned to nature, science, mathematics, engineering and spirituality for inspiration which led to the birth of Vesica vodka. The Vesica is formed when two circles with the same radius intersect in such a way that the center of each circle lies on the circumference of each other. This is the vision behind creating a package where a 750ml bottle interlocks with a 1L bottle to form a 1.75L bottle which forms a perfect sphere or Vesica. Vesica vodka is not your typical vodka, rather a triple-distilled authentic Polish gluten-free potato vodka full of robust flavor, yet silky smooth, sure to "raise the spirits" of the everyday vodka enthusiast to a more enlightening cocktail experience.

Nancy Hampton Named CiCi's Pizza CMO

CiCi’s Pizza, home of the $4.99 endless pizza, pasta, salad and desert buffet, has appointed Nancy Hampton as Chief Marketing Officer. Hampton will bring her experience growing same store sales for national brands to creatively communicate CiCi's strong value positioning Previously, Hampton was Vice President of Brand Strategy for Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

MasterCard Worldwide Strengthens Global Marketing Leadership Team

MasterCard Worldwide has appointed Deborah Hsu Serianni as Group Head of Global Consumer Marketing, and Benjamin Jankowski as Group Head of Global Media. Hsu Serianni will be responsible for developing and managing MasterCard's consumer marketing strategies around the world. Jankowski will be responsible for coordinating MasterCard's media plans, media mix and consumer targeting. Alfredo Gangotena, MasterCard's chief marketing officer, said, "I am very excited to welcome Deborah and Benjamin to MasterCard. Their global experience-combined with their stellar industry expertise and insights-will further enhance our capability to engage consumers and businesses in key markets around the world."

Intava Introduces Intava Vector™ 2.0

Intava has introduced Intava Vector™ 2.0, which delivers unlimited product assortments, plus intelligent shopper assistance tools that recommend products based on customer needs -- all in one interactive touch screen system on the retail floor. The new platform seamlessly integrates with a retailer’s product database and quickly presents information through engaging interactive content. For more information contact Intava, 2375 130th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005; (Tel) 425-646-5900; (Web site) www.intava.com

Marketing Impact Creates Aisle Marker Signage

Marketing Impact offers an array of Aisle Marker signage products. Double-sided extruded sign holders are offered in many different sizes.Mounting accessories hold the signs to slatwall, pegboard or a shelf. Signholder frames can be connected together to create a long aisle marker. Custom colors and lengths are available. For more information, contact Marketing Impact, 50 Planchet Rd., Concord, Ontario, Canada L4K 2C7; (Tel) 905)-738-0888; (Web site) www.displaypeople.com

Menasha Packaging Offers Weekender Hutch

Menasha Packaging offers The Display-Ready Weekender Hutch. This display-ready, pre-pack or knock down flat (KDF) weekender hutch has more shelves than traditional weekenders to maximize product hold. The durable, proprietary one-piece corrugated design provides for quick and simple assembly. For more information, contact Menasha Packaging; (Tel) 1-800-451-0224; ((Web site) www.menashapackaging.com

Outwater Plastics Offers “Snap-Ease” Aluminum Banner Hanging System

Outwater Plastics offers the “Snap-Ease” Aluminum Banner Hanging System, available in 24", 36", 48", and 96" lengths. The spring clips inside the aluminum rail snap close to hold a banner in place. The system can hold paper, fabric and vinyl banners up to .08" thick. It can be attached to a wall or hung from a ceiling. The aluminum profiles can be cut to custom sizes. For more information, contact Outwater Plastics, P.O. Box 500, Bogota, NJ 07603; (Tel) 800-631-8375; Web site) www.outwater.com

Testrite Offers New Visual Merchandising Clamps

Testrite Visual Products has introduced new Visual Merchandising Clamps for securely attaching graphics to all types of displays. These clamps can hold graphics up to 1/2" thick. The solid aluminum alloy clamps feature anodized satin finishes. Special clamps are available for display poles, ceilngs, and slatwall. For more information, contact Testrite Visual Products, 216 South Newman St., Hackensack, NJ 07601; (Tel) 201-543-0240; (Web Site) www.testrite.com. (Web site) www.testrite.com

Exponents Offers The Air Portable Exhibit System

Exponents offers the AIR portable exhibit system. AIR combines true portability with enough structure to support computers, monitors, shelving and locking storage cabinets. AIR sets-up easily without tools. AIR packs into “UPS”-able cases.“With AIR™, we have answered the needs of our clients who needed a well-designed trade show product that was more manageable to pack and less expensive to ship,” said Bruce Backer, President of EXPONENTS. “We created this ready-to-ship product with storage capacity as well as style, portability and affordability.” For more information, contact 3280 Kurtz Street, San Diego, CA 92110; (Tel) 800-451-4723; (Web site) www.exponents.com

Amtrak Promotes TLC’s ‘Cake Boss’ With Train Wrap Images

TLC recently filmed an episode of “Cake Boss”with Amtrak. To promote the episode, FLEXcon’s Full Train Wrap System was utilized by ABC Imaging, (www.abcimaging.com), a Washington DC-based graphics firm to wrap the Acela express train with graphic imagery of Buddy Valastro, star of the show, and some of his amazing cake creations. The wrap on the train appears on both sides of the locomotives and all eight cars of the train, providing maximum exposure. The wrapped train runs on the corridor between Philadelphia, Washington, DC, New York and Boston, which is the nation’s busiest for train travel. (Web site) www.flexcon.com

Delverde Pasta Leverages Mobile In-Store Marketing Campaign To Re-Engage Customers

Augme Technologies, provider of the only end-to-end mobile marketing platform, has commenced a mobile marketing campaign as part of a broad effort to re-launch Delverde Pasta, a premium Italian pasta, in the U.S. market. The first stage of the mobile campaign will engage consumers at popular D'Agostino stores throughout New York providing convenient access to recipes that assist customers with their entertaining needs. While the majority of initiatives will be introduced in 2011, Delverde will benefit from an initial mobile marketing program in the fourth quarter of 2010, which is being executed by their U.S. agency, Harvey and Daughters.

QR codes (two-dimensional codes readable by smartphones) and SMS keywords will be accessible on in-store shelf talkers in 18 D'Agostino stores in New York. Consumers can text one of the keywords -- "SHARE" or "SAVOR" -- to 30333 or scan one of the 2D Barcodes to access the user-friendly mobile destination. Once connected, consumers will be immersed in Delverde recipes and wine pairings that cater to their specific entertaining needs, including casual, formal, romantic, healthy, truly Italian or outdoor dining.

"Mobile is very important to our customers, which makes it a priority for us," said Cristobal Prat-Gay, Delverde Managing Director in the USA. "We are excited to work with Augme Technologies to execute a mobile strategy that enhances the shopping experience in an exciting manner and should positively impact product sales, while building customer loyalty to the Delverde brand." (Web site) www.tlc.discovery.com

Circle 7 TV Captivates Customers' Attention At Car Washes

Customers at high targeted carwashes spend an average of 45 minutes of down time waiting for their car. Circle7TV, a carwash advertising and marketing company, is bringing the digital marketing world into neighborhood carwashes with the placement of 46-inch flat screen screens and state of the art sound systems. During this down-time, the customer's attention is wholly captivated, which makes advertising highly conducive and effective. Customers at these high-end carwashes will be exposed to both national and local commercials, as well as entertainment content like music videos and even movie trailers. (Web site) www.Circle7TV.com

Coca-Cola Launches 'Coke Secret Formula Challenges' On SCVNGR With Opportunity To Unlock Rewards At Simon Malls

Coca-Cola has launched the "Coke Secret Formula Challenges," which encourage fans to discover a variety of "hidden" shopping experiences through SCVNGR, the social game that's all about going places, participating in challenges, earning points and unlocking awesome rewards.

"Joining forces with SCVNGR was a natural fit because Coca-Cola is always there to refresh every experience, like holiday shopping," said Roberto Mastrocola, Integrated Communications Manager, Media and Interactive, Coca-Cola North America. "SCVNGR provides an interactive, entertaining way for Coca-Cola to surprise and delight people, reward their curiosity and enhance the overall shopping experience at Simon malls."

With the "Coke Secret Formula Challenges," as individuals accumulate enough points they can redeem them in the mall and be instantly rewarded with gift cards and other fun Coca-Cola branded merchandise. (Web site) www.scvngr.com

Wireless Ronin Selected By Taco Bueno For Menu Board Initiative

Taco Bueno, a Mexican quick-service restaurant with nearly 190 locations, has selected Wireless Ronin's digital menu board solution. Each of the three initial Taco Bueno locations will implement four displays for the menu boards and one display for the promotional board.

Wireless Ronin worked closely with Taco Bueno to develop a flexible solution that not only fit its branding and communication needs but will also help them comply with future nutritional labeling laws using daypart scheduling to maximize menu board messaging space. Taco Bueno plans to deploy additional locations in the coming months. (Web site) www.wirelessronin.com

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