Scott’s wanted a display that would give consumers the opportunity to “touch and feel” its MiracleGro LiquaFeed. The display also had to be able to endure the “harsh” environment of Home Depot retail garden centers, which often include outdoor locations.
The display was constructed to be durable. The streamlined design featuring curved sides, allowed for minimal interference with the product on-shelf, but still allowed adequate space to communicate key messaging.
The display came with the actual “feeder” tethered to the display backer, making it easy for store personnel to put into place.
This Scott’s MiracleGro LiquaFeed Display was created by New Dimensions, Inc., Melville, NY.
M&M's World Retail Store Opens In New York's Times Square
M&M's World New York, a larger-than-life, "candy-coated" retail store dedicated to the colorful, chocolate fun of all things M&M's, has opened its doors in New York's Times Square.
A 25,000 square-foot retail chocolate experience, M&M's World offers tourists and New Yorkers alike the opportunity to purchase unique and exclusive M&M's brand and character plush toys, apparel, and thousands of other items as well as the chance to create their own one-of-a-kind M&M's custom-blended color mixes, selecting from among 22 milk chocolate and peanut M&M's colors.
The store will off several fun M&M's -themed "only in New York" experiences, including: the world's largest display of M&M's, featuring a selection of more than 1 million milk chocolate and peanut M&M's. The character Blue in a homage pose to the disco beat of Saturday Night Fever. A 21-foot Miss Green M&M's version of Lady Liberty. An M&M's color mood analyzer, to identify for guests which M&M's color best suits their daily mood.
"Our M&M's World New York store will surprise and delight visitors with its unique shopping experience," said John Hugh, President of Mars Retail Group, maker of M&M's. "Throughout our New York store, customers will be immersed in a sound and light experience that reflects the fun and flavor of all things M&M's."
The New Harden Home Studio Lets Shoppers Customize Furniture Selections
Dunk and Bright Furniture in Syracuse, New York, recently installed The Harden Home Studio, an efficient 1,000 square-foot shopping area within its 100,000+ square foot store, designed to help customers choose from an impressive selection of the manufacturer's inspired upholstery and wood furniture styles, wood finishes, hardware options and over 1,000 fabrics and trims.
A comfortable workstation that includes catalogs and other shopping tools sits amid a striking display of wing chairs, dining tables and entertainment armoires. Each Harden product is poised for tire kicking, test drive and most importantly, for custom design inspiration. According to the Harden Furniture, here is where furniture orders are placed according to one's preferences and specifications-smaller, bigger, grander-and where houses become homes.
"People are willing to pay for the things that they can really make their own," said Al Wright, President of Strategic Decisions, a Georgia-based research firm, whose company was hired by Harden to better understand purchase behavior regarding its high-end furniture collections. "When price is not the primary determining factor in a furnishings purchase, the ability to customize and receive goods within a reasonable time frame is the biggest driver of sales today."
The branded Harden Home Studio display area makes it easy for shoppers to imagine the possibilities in their own home. Using the results of Strategic Decisions' research, the new Studio concept was conceived by GRID2 International, a leading design firm. Employing lighted, self-serve information kiosks and easy access to fabric swatches and wood samples, GRID2 deconstructs the selection process into a series of steps, beginning with customer-preferred styling and ending with the furniture's finishing touches. It's a foolproof system for salespeople, interior designers and shoppers alike.
Kiosks Promote ifrogz Custom iPod Cases
Just in time for the holidays, ifrogz has opened retail kiosks at 15 malls across the western U.S. and the Midwest to showcase its custom iPod cases. Now, iPod owners can visit the kiosks to mix and match to find their own perfect case. ifrogz custom iPod cases give music lovers more than 300,000 possible case combinations to choose from.
"We're very happy to now have ifrogz iPod cases available at these new locations around the country," said Scott Huskinson, President of ifrogz. "People love mixing and matching our Wrapz, Bandz and Screenz to create the prefect cases for their iPods and they love spending time on our Web site. But if there's anything they like more than building an ifrogz case online, it's building one in person."
ifrogz iPod cases represent the ultimate way for iPod owners to express their individuality and own unique tastes while simultaneously protecting their favorite music player.
Hawaiian Tropic Displays New Duo Packs For 2007
Hawaiian Tropic will introduce an innovative packaging concept in 2007-the Duo Pack. Offering value, portability and convenience, the Duo Pack offers two complementary products in one simple package.
In order to drive sales for the Duo Pack, Hawaiian Tropic has developed a 36 piece sidekick display that will showcase all three Duo Pack products including Ozone Sport Sunscreen SPF 45+ with a Zone Guard Spot Protection SPF 65+; Oil Free Sensitive Skin SPF 50+ with a Sensitive Skin Lip Balm SPF 45+; and Instant Island Glow Daily Moisturizer with a Tinted Lip Gloss SPF 15.
The display was created with peg inserts in order to hold up the Duo Packs for the consumer to see and allows easy accessibility. The new, bright orange sidekick includes a header, which is designed to show all three Duo Packs, both together and apart. The header calls out, "2 in 1 Suncare," to attract consumer attention.
Naturalizer Signature Collection Display Replicates Modern Gallery Showcase
Brown Shoe Company has joined forces with style and beauty expert and television personality Gretchen Monahan to create the Naturalizer Signature collection, a limited edition offering of modern, sophisticated heels, wedges and flats from the Company's flagship Naturalizer brand. Designed with a touch of Naturalizer's hallmark comfort, the elevated styling of the Naturalizer Signature collection coupled with its pricing --$125 to $160-positions the collection in the "attainable luxury" category.
The objective of the Naturalizer Signature display was to create an environment that highlighted the new designer footwear collection within Naturalizer retail stores to consumers. The display needed to fit within two existing store design concepts in the perimeter shelving area of the store and it had to be moveable within the store.
The display design reflects the essence of the brand, encapsulated in the phrase "modern luxury." By isolating the shelving unit with a silk panel in back, a branded face plate on the surface, and segmenting the unit into smaller curved display cubes, Naturalizer was able to attain the look and feel of a modern gallery showcase. The "retro" look of the fixture supports the design aesthetic and provides an exclusive environment for the product. The colors and materials were selected in keeping with the Naturalizer Signature Collection box design and other collateral pieces in order to create a cohesive branded presentation to the consumer.
EA's NFL STREET 3 Promoted In Stores
Electronic Arts recently shipped NFL STREET 3 to stores across North America, available on the PlayStation 2 and PSP systems. In NFL STREET 3, gamers can break out of the constraints of traditional gridiron football, take it to the streets and change the game.
NFL STREET 3 lets gamers use the super athletes of the NFL to play football both on the ground and in the air. Once airborne, players can pull off style moves that rack up even more points. Also new to the game is the ability to control the Game Breakers and pull off extreme power moves that are available to both the offense and defense. One of the new features in NFL STREET 3 is a new game type called Playbook Elimination, which allows players to tear the page out of an opponent's playbook if the offensive play ends in a fumble, interception, loss of yards or an incompletion.
Marketing support for NFL STREET 3 includes point-of-purchase materials.
National Amusements Launches CyGamZ To Create A First Ever, Cutting-Edge Gaming Venue
National Amusements has launched its new venture, CyGamZ, a cutting-edge entertainment concept that brings to interactive gaming a venue of the size and scale never before seen.
CyGamZ features state-of-the-art equipment and games that will blow-away even the most skilled and competitive hard-core gamers, but also offers a safe, enjoyable family-friendly atmosphere for all ages. Already attracting major sponsors such as Intel, Alienware and Pepsi, CyGamZ equipment is recognized as the best by many gamers with the latest in game consoles, headsets and monitors.
The venue is run on a pay-to-play system, in which patrons can play with a number of friends at one time, create a social interactive environment, or add an on-line competition element for the ultimate gaming experience. The arena offers high-tech audio and visual displays with 20 inch fast response LCD flat screen monitors for players. Patrons and visitors can view live gaming action on the oversized digital projection system and plasma screens. This is the first in what is expected to be an extensive network of interactive gaming destinations for National Amusements. StageOne will include a roll-out of CyGamZ venues utilizing existing National Amusements' theatre resources by retrofitting select area within its Cinema complex.
Sony Spotlights PlayStation Portable With New Marketing Campaign
Sony Computer Entertainment America has created several new marketing initiatives designed to continue the momentum of its popular PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. In addition to a new national television advertising campaign, titled "Find Me," SCEA is also making downloadable gaming and other media content available with new PSP Spot Download Stations at select retailers nationwide. Additional efforts at retail, in home, on the Internet, and on the streets are generating strong awareness for the system and everything it offers to consumers who want their gaming and entertainment on-the-go.
Consumers can take their PSP system to participating retailers including Circuit City, GameStop, Target and Toys "R" Us, to download the hottest gaming and entertainment content from a PSP Spot Download Station. These interactive kiosks offer game demos, movie trailers, music clips, mini-strategy guides, wall papers and more, delivering a broad range of content that PSP owners are looking for. By January 2007, PSP Spot Download Stations will be available at more than 6,000 retailer locations.
RadioShack Offers Free Shipping In New Ship-To-Store Program
RadioShack is implementing a new e-commerce initiative that provides free shipping for orders from www.RadioShack.com to a customer's neighborhood RadioShack location.
Currently, the Ship-to-Store pilot launch is available in 1,300 RadioShack stores. The service will be available in approximately all company owned locations across the U.S. by early 2007 making RadioShack the first national consumer electronics retailer with the ability to deliver all of its online products to a neighborhood store.
Examples of RadioShack's online "extended aisle" include the latest in satellite radio and global positioning system devices, audio/video systems, digital imaging devices, portable digital music players and accessories, wireless phones from Cingular Wireless and Sprint/Nextel, wireless accessories such as Bluetooth headsets, computers and computer accessories, and the company's new line of products-flat panel LCD TVs.
Papa John's Alliance With Blockbuster Total Access Offers Pizza, Movies & A Gift Card
A new alliance, Blockbuster Total Access ™ at papajohns.com, delivers a new twist on pizza and a movie. Customers who sign up online at www.papajohns.com for the new Blockbuster online movie rental program, will also receive a free $10 Papa Card for use toward their next purchase of Papa John's pizza, side items or beverages.
Blockbuster Total Access is a new rental program that gives online subscribers unprecedented access to movies. It provides online customers the option of returning their DVDs through the mail or exchanging them at one of more than 5,000 participating Blockbuster stores for free in-store movie rentals. For each online rental exchanged in the store, customers can receive a free in-store movie rental.
"Pizza and movies are an irresistible combination," said Sean Muldoon, Vice President of Partnership Development, Papa John's. "Papa John's delivers pizza to the door, and in addition to its extensive store network, Blockbuster delivers DVDs to the mailbox and it is all done online from the comfort of your own home. And, we're upping the ante by offering a $10 Papa Card during the busy holiday season to customers who sign up for the rental program through (Web site) www.papajohns.com
Florida's Natural Growers Debut Earth's Own Organics Juices
Florida's Natural Growers has launched Earth's Own Organics refrigerated juices. The line of blended "not from concentrate" juices carry the USDA seal for organic products and are packed using the patented 1 Liter Quick Chill process that insures a long shelf life.
Said Walt Lincer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "These blended flavors are the first Not From Concentrate refrigerated juices that are also organic with an extended shelf life."
Function Drinks Introduces Shock Sports Drink
Function Drinks, a leader in functional beverages, has released Shock Sports, the first sports recovery drink that alleviates activity-related muscle and joint pain. Engineered by Dr. Alex Hughes, an orthopedic surgeon at UCLA, Shock Sports offers a combination of potent, all-natural ingredients never before available to the mass market for rapid re-hydration, better muscle recovery and- -for the first tine in a sports drink-relief of sore muscles and achy joints. Natural ingredients include Devil's Claw, a natural anti-inflammatory; Soy-phosphatidylserine for cortisol inhibition too speed muscle recovery; and a rapid re-hydration system to help restore the body's electrolyte balance.
New Melitta Smart Mill & Brew Features MSN Direct
The Melitta Smart Mill & Brew with MSN Direct has been shipped to retail stores. The first coffee maker to display real-time weather information incorporates Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT). Manufactured by Salton Inc., this new coffee maker automatically detects weather conditions through MSN Direct and brews a great cup of coffee from either whole beans or ground coffee.
"We are all busy people, constantly on the go. Everyone needs up-to-date weather information, and this is a fun, new way to get weather with a quick glance," said Eric Lang, General Manager of the SPOT initiative at Microsoft. "With the Melitta Smart Mill & Brew Coffee Maker, we are extending the MSN Direct-enabled product category and realizing our vision of making everyday objects smarter through technology."
Clarion Ships High-Speed Navigation System
Clarion Corp., a leading manufacturer of mobile electronics in Japan, is introducing the NAX970HD navigation unit, marking the first time that Clarion has brought this high-speed technology and its 3D menu interface to the North American market. The navigation system utilizes a high-speed processor to perform ultra-fast coast-to-coast route calculation in a matter of seconds.
"Users will instantly realize Clarion's high-performance advantage, whether operating the system's ultra-cool 3D menu or when simply calculating a route," said Adam Thomas, Vice President of Marketing for Clarion.
Lambda Organic Apple Juice Available In The U.S.
Espana Brands NA is introducing Lambda Organic Apple fruit juice to the U.S. market. Lambda organic fruit juices are produced in the Canary Islands, where all agricultural activity is 100% organic. No chemical agent or pesticides are used in the production of Lambda products.
Jones Pure Cane Soda Introduced
Jones Soda Co. has launched its 12 ounce canned soda sweetened with Pure Cane Sugar instead of High Fructose Corn Syrup. The brand will be called Jones Pure Cane Soda and will be unique in the carbonated soft drink category compared to other national brands that are sweetened with High Fructose Corn Syrup. Pure Cane Sugar is a natural ingredient as opposed to HFCS, and has a positive perception in the consumer's mind, according to the Company.
ProForm Elliptical With GameFit Console Launched
ProForm has introduced the first fitness equipment to fully integrate games and exercise equipment, enabling game play to be controlled by exercise intensity. With the new GameFit ™ consoles on special ProForm Ellipticals, the games get easier to play the harder you exercise. The ProForm 20.0 CrossTrainer Elliptical with the special GameFit ™ console features two proprietary games-Fat Blocker and Calorie Destroyer-that will keep users entertained for miles.
Verizon And LG Launch enV By LG Ultimate Wireless Phone
Verizon Wireless and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., have launched The enV by LG, the ultimate wireless phone offering an abundance of multimedia features including V CAST and V CAST Music, VZ Navigator(SM), an integrated QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth capabilities, dual speakers and a 2.0 megapixel camera that provides crisp, clear photos and videos.
"As yet another progression in mobile phone technology, the enV signifies a giant step forward for LG in our pursuit to provide cutting edge devices to Verizon Wireless' tech savvy consumers," said Jeff Hwang, Senior Vice President of Marketing, LG Electronics MobileComm.
3M Car Care Solutions Product Line Launched
3M is introducing a new line of consumer car care products called 3M Car Care Solutions. The new line will be available directly to consumers through leading automotive retailers throughout the country. This is the first time that 3M has offered a comprehensive, consumer-focused automotive product line designed specifically for the do-it-yourselfer and enthusiast market.
"Now any do-it-yourselfer or enthusiast will be able to get professional-looking, long-lasting results with easy-to-use products, available in the leading automotive aftermarket retail shops throughout he country," said Greg Klausen, Business Manager, Car Care Products, 3M.
Swiss Miss Indulgent Collection Introduced
Con Agra Foods has launched the Swiss Miss Indulgent Collection of pudding snacks. The new Swiss Miss Indulgent Collection offers a quick, convenient and satisfying option for indulgence seekers that will easily fit into their frenzied holiday schedules, according to Sharon McLenahan, Vice President of Dairy Marketing at ConAgra Foods.
Said McLenahan, "The Swiss Miss Indulgent collection is an option for people who want to indulge in rich taste and quality, but don't have a lot of time. The pudding snacks are packaged in portion-controlled cups, making it a quick and convenient way to indulge. Our consumers tell us they want chocolate and our new variety, Dark Chocolate Bliss, is made for the chocolate lover."
Qwest Names T. McLoughlin V.P. of Consumer Mktg.
Qwest Communications has appointed Thomas McLoughlin Vice President, Consumer Marketing. McLoughlin will report directly to Laura Sankey, Qwest Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications. Most recently, he served as Brand Director for Miller Brewing Company, where he was responsible for the repositioning of the Company's Miller High Life and Icehouse brands.
Susser Holdings Names R. Coben EVP, Chief Mktg. Officer
Susser Holdings Corp., a leading convenience store operator and wholesale fuel supplier to dealers in Texas and Oklahoma, has named Ronald Coben to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer. Coben has more than 20 years marketing experience in retail and business banking. Most recently, he was President of Think So LLC, an executive-level marketing consultancy, where he worked with Susser Holdings during 2005 and 2006 as it developed its proprietary Stripes brand and enhanced the Laredo Taco Company brand.
Consolidated Graphics Acquires The Hennegan Co.
Consolidated Graphics is acquiring The Hennegan Company, headquartered in Florence, KY and a leading provider of ultra-fine printing for the point-of-purchase industry. The fourth generation management team led by Bob Ott, Jt., CEO and President, and Kevin Ott, Vice President, will remain with the Company. Bob Ott, Sr., currently Chairman of The Hennegan Company, will also remain with the Company. Consolidated Graphics is a leading commercial sheetfed, web and digital printing company with a coast-to-coast presence spanning 26 states.
Amish Naturals Appoints Marketing Team For Organic Products
Amish Naturals has assembled a world-class marketing team including executives formerly with Hebrew National and Golden Grain, to plan the launch of its line of organic Amish food products, expected to begin with five fettuccini pastas. Marty Silver, who recently retired as Hebrew National's Executive Vice President and GM, will head the marketing team's push to get the Company's organic Amish products to store shelves. Joining Mr. Silver is longtime Golden Grain Vice President Carlo Varesco, who helped make that company's Rice-A-Roni brand a household name. The Amish Naturals marketing team also includes: Don Alarie, Vice President of Sales and Marketing who recently served as Hebrew National's Business Manager. Anna Kotler, previously served as a Marketing Manager for Hebrew National and co-leads the marketing effort with Lisa Sherman, also a former Marketing Manager at Hebrew National.
PEAK Sweepstakes Offers Lessons With IndyCar Series Superstar Danica Patrick
PEAK Antifreeze is launching a new national consumer sweepstakes, which will send 15 lucky winners on an exclusive PEAK trip to a Skip Barber racing school where IndyCar Series superstar Danica Patrick will be among their personal instructors. Danica and the Skip Barber staff will teach the prize winners to drive Skip Barber Formula open-wheel racecars on a world-class track.
To enter, consumers can pick up a PEAK sweepstakes entry form from their PEAK retailer, or visit www.peakantifreeze.com to enter online.
Baileys Challenges America To Create Drinkable Desserts
Diageo, the maker of Baileys Original Irish Crème, has launched the Baileys Drinkable Desserts Challenge, a competition that invites amateur and professional mixologists and chefs to create their own smooth, contemporary twists on traditional dessert just in time for the holidays.
The Contest is designed to encourage the drinkable desserts trend in holiday drinks as well as promote the launch of new Baileys flavors, Baileys Original Irish Cream with a hint of Mint Chocolate and Baileys Original Irish Cream with a hint of Caramel.
The Grand Prize winning amateur and professional will have their recipes and images featured in a Baileys advertisement in the April 2007 issue of Gourmet magazine. Additionally, the top amateur will receive a trip to New York City with a guest for a private cooking class in The Gourmet Cooking Arts Center.
Point-of-sale materials promoted the contest at retail.
RDM To Provide Digital Signage Network For DrinksTV In-Store
Television Network
Real Digital Media's NEOCAST digital signage solution has been selected by Kyle Private Networks to manage point-of-purchase programming and advertising to over 600 retail stores nationwide on the DrinksTV in-store television network.
DrinksTV provides programming for the beer, wine and spirits retailer, advertisers and consumers. KPN expects to extend the network to over 1,000 stores by the end of 2007.
DrinksTV programming includes short entertaining segments featuring such topics as wine pairings, the latest drink trends, party tips, trivia, plus exclusive DrinksTV "Pour it On" infotainment segments. Programming is updated weekly and reaches over 33 million consumers on an annual basis.
For more information on the NEOCAST digital signage solution, visit Real Digital Media at www.realdigitalmedia.com, (Tel) 513-478-7818.
Monster Media & CBS Outdoor Launch Interactive Ad Campaign In NYC's Herald Square
Monster Media, a leading provider of patented interactive advertising systems, and CBS Outdoor, a mass media company specializing in out-of-home advertising, have partnered for a campaign that showcases Monster Media's MonsterVision interactive advertising system to transit riders at Herald Square in New York City.
Monster Media's MonsterVision interactive advertising system is a huge, 6' x 16' video screen that is mounted on a wall in Herald Square, a train station frequented by over half a million people every day,. Oversized projected images splash across the transit walls and invoke everyone who passes by to become a part of the projected brand message. Consumers are able to physically interact with the advertisement using body movements across the projected screen .
"By combining Monster Media's experience and leadership position in interactive advertising with CBS Outdoor's diversified media forms, advertisers will undoubtedly reap the benefits of powerful advertising solutions that strategically deliver their message effectively and efficiently," said John Payne, President of Monster Media.
Adspace Networks Expands Digital Mall Network To Westfield Malls
Adspace Networks, owner of the largest in-mall digital advertising network in the country, has expanded its Network to include three Westfield malls in the Tampa, FL market.
The Adspace Mall Network is a national network of digital displays called "Smart Screens" located throughout 45 upscale shopping malls in 14 DMAs across the U.S. For more information, visit www.adspacenetworks.com.
Eletech Introduces New Audio Repeaters
Eletech Electronics has added a low cost MP3 player, called model EM21A, to its QuikWave line of audio repeaters, which can be used for adding sound and motion to exhibits and displays. The EM21A is a Secure Digital (SD) card based MP3 player with a remote trigger input. With the simple press of a push button, the sound file is instantly retrieved from the flash card and played in through the built-in power amplifier. The EM21A supports all MP3 bit rates and accepts SD cards of various sizes up to 2GB, making it possible to play more than 33 hours of non-repeating hi-fi audio. Sound files can be simply copied to the SD card via a standard USB card reader, requiring no proprietary hardware or software. In addition to audio playback, the EM21A also provides an output signal for controlling other devices such as relays, solenoids, motors and lights. Housed in a compact plastic enclosure with the SD card full concealed, the EM21A is built to provide years of reliable service with no maintenance required. It will be available in January 2007 with a list price of $149. For more information, contact Eletech Electronics, Inc., 16025 Kaplan Avenue, City of Industry, CA 91744; (Tel) 626-333-6394,
(Web site) www.eletech.com
Accurate Plastic Offers Plastics Printing For P.O.P.
Accurate Plastic Printers specializes in printing on PVC, styrene, polyethylene, static cling, and acrylic for the production of point-of-purchase displays and signage. Services include digital offset, screen printing, die cutting, laminating, hot stamping and heat bending. For more information, contact Accurate Plastic Printers, 30 Colfax Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013; (Tel) 1-877-222-7889, 973-591-0180, (Fax) 973-591-0811, (E-mail) Appca@optonline.net, (Web site) www.accuplastic.com
