The Dell Retail Experience recently opened in Dallas' NorthPark Center offering consumers a hands-on approach to Dell's direct sales model.
The store delivers a unique and differentiated retail experience that is consistent with Dell's brand persona and is a hybrid concept of Dell's direct model and a conventional electronics store. Products on display include PC desktops, lap tops, home theater systems, plasma TVs and digital cameras. However, consumers cannot take the product with them. Instead, consumers order product on-line in-store with home delivery. The Retail Experience store mimic's Dell's direct-sale model where the product is actually purchased and shipped to the customer. Dell has been selling its products from free-standing kiosks in malls since 1994. The Retail Experience is an evolution of the kiosk concept because it allows for customer interaction with assistance from a product savvy sales staff.
The Dell Retail Experience was designed by Fitch, a retail design firm located in Powell, Ohio (Web site) www.fitch.com
XE Mobile Displays Nokia 6061 Phone
XE Mobile, a new pay-as-you-go wireless service designed to meet the lifestyle needs of the youth and college age market, has introduced the Nokia 6061 clamshell phone. This is the fist Nokia 6061 handset offered for the prepaid user and XE Mobile carries the only red model available in the U.S.
“XE is excited to offer this one-of-a-kind handset to its members-the color, look and feel fits well with our band and target market. XE is committed to offering the best products in the market place and will continue to offer handsets no other pay-as-you-go service is offering,” said Mark Ghermezian, President and CEO of XE Mobile.
An array of p.o.p. materials will help XE Mobile reach its target market of young consumers in the store.
Rehability Lifestyle Store Opens
Rehability, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network’s new 3,300-square-foot lifestyle store, has opened in Allentown, PA, revolutionizing access to products and services for people with disabilities.
The store is the first of its kind in the country and provides a unique, personalized shopping experience for people with disabilities and their caregivers and family members. Unlike other stores that sell durable medical goods, Rehability is designed to provide an upscale, boutique-like shopping experience for common and hard-to-find products that will help inspire life solutions, adaptation and new options. Rehability provides many products and services for older adults, from a simple reacher to an electronic home monitoring system, which can help them improve their chances of living independently or as they transition back to their homes from a hospital or nursing home stay.
KA-ME Noodle Box Meal Displays Offered To Retailers
To capitalize on the growing market for Asian foods and consumer demand for convenient meal solutions, Liberty Richter Inc., Saddle Brook, NJ, has introduced KA-Me Noodle Box meals that are authentic as well as ultra-easy to prepare.
Consumers can mix, heat and serve right in the box and the meal is ready in two minutes with no water needed. The products are shelf-stable for up to one year.
Liberty Richter is offering retailers this 48-count shipper display, which includes 12 units each of Pad Thai, Peanut Satay, Teriyaki and Szechuan Noodle Boxes.
The space-efficient display helps sell the product to consumers and provides secondary merchandising capabilities.
Bell Standee Increases Traffic & Sales
This Bell standee was placed in all store locations to grab consumers' attention with its construction and message.
The six-foot tall standee is very unique in its construction from multiple litho printed panels to the mounting and die cutting and finishing to ensure a 3-D look.
There were several panels that were litho printed on a 40" six color Heidelberg press. The panels were then mounted to corrugate and die cut to shape.
Each shape was then further mounted to corrugate to stand out from the overall background piece.
The display was part of a multiple print run in two languages that included tent cards, wobblers, cling vinyls and posters.
This Bell Standee was created by PROPRINT Services Inc., (Web site) www.pop-online.com a Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based point-of-purchase display firm,
Reactrix Partners With Nation's Top Shopping Centers For National Network
Reactrix Systems, Inc., provider of a groundbreaking 'placed-based' interactive advertising medium of consumer-created and controlled, branded entertainment experiences, is partnering with major shopping center real estate investment trusts (REITs) including General Growth Properties, The Mills Corp., and CBL & Associates to solidify a national media network that offers coverage in the top 20 designated marketing areas as well as substantial presence in numerous other U.S. markets.
These new exclusive partnerships will allow advertisers to reach audiences in shopping centers operated by these REITs with a single buy, which would have previously required buys from multiple media providers.
For more information, visit (Web site) www.reactrix.com
Chevron Partners with Blackhawk Network To Offer Gift Cards At Safeway Stores
Chevron Products Co. has signed a deal with Blackhawk Network, a market leader in card-based financial solutions, to sell Chevron and Texaco gift cards to consumers through its exclusive retail network. Chevron gift cards in $25 and $50 values are now available for purchase at select Safeway and Vons stores throughout California.
"Our partnership with Blackhawk Network allows us to expand our reach to attract new Chevron and Texaco consumers through their store network of retailers," said Danny Roden, Vice President, Chevron North America Marketing. "Since introducing our ore-paid gift cards to consumers last summer, our gift card program has been a popular feature at our Chevron and Texaco retail locations, proving customers with desired convenience and a perfect gift for special occasions such as holidays and birthdays."
The consumers can use the gift cards to purchase any Chevron products-gas, snacks and services-conveniently at the gas pump or inside retail stores at both Chevron and Texaco stations.
Mr. Re Debuts In Restorative Beverage Category
Gemini Alliance has partnered with Rexam Beverage Can to help establish a "restorative" beverage category with the introduction of Mr. Re. With a tagline of "The Drink You Drink After Your Drink," the first Mr. Re restorative beverage to hit the market targets consumers looking to restore their body from the effects of drinking alcohol. Following this initial introduction, Gemini Alliance will launch two additional restorative products to be consumed after smoking and flying, respectively.
D-Link's New MediaLounge Media Player Available For The Home Entertainment Center
D-Link is shipping its latest MediaLounge Wireless Media Player, the DSM 510, a powerful, yet compact media player capable of delivering video, digital photos, music and more to televisions and home entertainment centers from computers and storage devices over a home network via a wired or 802.11g/b wireless connection. The new media player also aids in the streaming of high-definition video through a wired network connection. While performance is optimized for users with Intel Viiv technology-based PCs, the DSM-510 is compatible with computers running Windows XP or 2000.
Anheuser-Busch Introduces Sorghum Beer: Redbridge
Anheuser-Busch has introduced Redbridge, the first nationally available Sorghum beer. Sorghum is a safe grain for those allergic to wheat or gluten. Redbridge will be sold in stores carrying organic products and restaurants.
"We set out to create a fine, hand-crafted specialty beer made without wheat or barley," said Angie Minges, Product Manager, Anheuser-Busch. "We've made Redbridge nationally available to make sure adults who experience wheat allergies or who choose a gluten-free or wheat-free diet can enjoy the kind of beer that fits their lifestyle."
SplitFish Ships EyeFX For Sony Playstation 2
SplitFish GameWare has delivered its new EyeFX 3D Adapter for the Sony Playstation 2 for sale at EB Games, Rogers Video and Fry's Electronics. The EyeFX 3D Adapter connects to the PS2 controller port and enables real 3D game play from off the shelf Sony Playstation 2 video games. While not all games are applicable to playing in 3D, the titles that do work well are excellent and show better 3D quality than a 3D theme park. The suggested retail price is $49.99 for the complete EyeFX 3D Adapter.
Hasbro & Reebok Partner To Create Play-Doh Branded Sneakers
Hasbro and Reebok have developed the Versaflex Play-Doh collection of toddler footwear with Play-Doh compound inspired gel-cushioning material built into the heel. The collection was developed to give youngsters comfort, flexibility and fun as they learn to walk and run. The new Reebok Play-Doh sneaker line is available at Kids Footlocker, Sears and Shoe Show stores nationwide.
"We're now bringing the Play-Doh compound fun factor to the feet with the Versaflex Play-Doh sneakers," said Leigh Anne Cappello, Vice President of Marketing for Hasbro's Preschool Brands. "The combination of Reebok's Versaflex technology, designed to meet the needs of toddler' growing feet, combined with the rainbow of bright Play-Doh compound colors makes these kickers appealing for both kids and their moms."
The Versaflex Play-Doh collection is available for $30 per pair and comes with two 1-ounce cans of Play-Doh molding compound. The sneakers are available in toddler sizes 4-10, in two fun styles and six brilliant colors.
Constant Companions Heated Pet Bed Introduced
ColdHeat, a leading innovator in portable heating technology, has introduced the Constant Companions Heated Pet Bed, an advanced solution that helps keep pets feeling comfortable, safe and warm at home, in a car or virtually anywhere. The Heated Pet Beds are available in four different configurations to suit any size cat or dog. All sizes feature pads made of ultra-thick orthopedic foam that distributes weight evenly and reduces pressure points as well as provides arthritis relief.
Just Born Introduces Hot Tamales Ice
Just Born Inc. is introducing a cooler extreme to its Hot Tamales cinnamon-charged candy with the launch of Hot Tamales Ice, chewy mint-flavored candies.
"We have received many consumer requests for a chewy mint product," said Donald Houston, Brand Manager of Hot Tamales. "We are confident this candy will grab consumers' taste buds and have them as energized as we are about new Hot Tamales Ice."
Just Born will generate excitement around the Hot Tamales brand this spring by offering an "R U Hot or Ice?" on-pack promotion. Grand prize winners will choose the "Ultimate" Beach or Ski House vacation for a week. Various events will be hosted throughout the spring where consumers will have the opportunity to sample the new Hot Tamales Ice candies. Consumer awareness will also be driven via radio, online, on-pack promotion and merchandising events.
TAG Heuer Names Fagnan V.P. Mktg.
TAG Heuer, the industry's second largest luxury watch brand in North America, has named Jenna Fagnan to the position of Vice President of Marketing, as part of a restructuring of its sales and marketing organization. Already part of the LVMH family, Fagnan joins TAG Heuer from Moet Hennessy USA where she has been employed since 2002 as Brand Director for Dom Perignon. In her new position, Fagnan will lead all disciplines of TAG Heuer's marketing efforts including consumer and trade advertising, public relations and visual merchandising.
Nike Names Mktg. V.P.s
Nike, Inc. has named Dermott Cleary to the position of Vice President of Sport Culture and Category Marketing and Diana Crist to Global Apparel Vice President of Merchandising Operations. Cleary brings nearly 12 years of marketing experience at Nike to the sport culture and category marketing role, having started his career with the Company as UK Marketing Director. He has held various marketing management roles, most recently as Global Brand Director for Sports Culture. As Global Vice President for Merchandising Operations, Crist leads cross-region collaboration in product alignment and productivity. Crist joined Nike in 1990 and has held a number of positions in equipment, soccer and apparel.
Panasonic Names Iacoviello To Head Sales & Mktg. Group
Panasonic Consumer Electronics has named John Iacoviello, President of the Company's newly consolidated Sales and Marketing Group. Iacoviello was previously Senior Vice President in charge of the Product and Marketing Group, which will be incorporated into the new structure.
A.C. Moore Appoints Maguire V.P. Of Store Planning & Presentation
A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts has named Daniel Maguire to the position of Vice President of Store Planning and Visual Presentation. Maguire most recently served as the Chief Store Development Officer of DOTS LLC, a nationwide retailer of women's plus-sized fashions. Prior to DOTS, he served in multiple senior management positions with Jo-Ann Stores, a nationwide retailer of specialty crafts and as Vice President of Store Planning for Hechinger's, a national home improvement retail chain.
Seventh Generation Appts C. Elenz E.V.P. of Sales
Seventh Generation, one of the nation's first self-declared "socially responsible" companies, has appointed Carter Elenz as its new Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing/Resonance & Relevance. Elenz, who was previously Senior Vice President of Sales for Stonyfield Farms, will help further solidify Seventh Generation's continued growth.
Mannkraft Acquires NPC
Mannkraft Corp. has acquired National Packaging Companies, headquartered in Trenton, NJ. The transaction dramatically increases Mannkraft's presence in the Northeast market and positions the Company as a leading national provider of temporary display-ready packaging under its US Display Group trade name, according to Dennis D. Mehiel, President of Mannkraft. The NPC acquisition includes a Corrugated Box Plant in Tullytown, PA, a Sheet Plant in Trenton, NJ and a state of the art Display Ready Packaging facility in Newark, NJ. NPC had been owned and operated for more than one hundred years by the Edelman family. Several members of the Edelman family will be employed by Mannkraft in various management level capacities.
Imagine! Print Solutions Names German Mktg. Manager
Imagine! Print Solutions has appointed Judy German Marketing Manager. German was previously at FairIsaac/DynaMark and prior to that Quebecor Printing. Imagine! serves the point-of-purchase display and signage industries.
Outwater Offers Solar Powered Display Motors
Outwater Plastics puts displays into perpetual motion with its Solar Powered Display Motors. They are available in both rotational and pendulum movement formats for upright and inverted use with included plate, banner and signage attachments to accommodate a wide variety of ceiling and table top application requirements. Outwater Plastics' cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly Solar Powered Display Motors fully operate on available indoor or outdoor lighting, offering ultimate savings without the need for batteries or upkeep. For more information, contact Outwater Plastic Industries, Inc., 24 River Road, P.O. Box 500, Bogota, NJ 07603; (Tel) 800-631-8375, (Fax) 800-888-3315, (Web site) www.outwater.com
Gavin Mfg. Offers Promotional Counter Cards
Gavin Mfg. can fulfill all your promotional needs including the production of mounted counter cards, easel backed counter cards, case cards, table tents, wobblers, neckhangers, display boxes & ledge props, posters, danglers, shelf talkers, E-decals, kitting and distribution. For more information, contact Gavin Mfg. Corp., 1700 Ocean Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779; (Tel) 631-467-0040, (Fax) 631-467-0039, (Web site) www.gavinmfgcorp.com
Trion Offers Aisle Sign Solutions
Trion Industries offers stock and custom made aisle sign solutions to suit any retail environment. Identify your product aisles for customer convenience and increased sales. Choose mounts for upright slotted gondola, pegboard/slatwall, rack or wire grid, cross bar, shelf edge or surface or magnet mount. Use economical built-to-size wire rod arms or sophisticated telescoping arms for maximum utility in any location. For more information, contact Trion Industries. (Web site) www.triononline.com
Altuglas Offers Plexiglas Designer Sample Kit
Altuglas International offers an exciting designer kit that includes samples and product information on the Plexiglas ® family of specialty acrylic sheets for the point-of-purchase and store fixture marketplace. This comprehensive and powerful reference tool allows user to see first hand-and to imagine-the world of possibilities in creating point-of-purchase displays with more creativity and a big competitive selling edge. For more information about the designer sample kit and the full line of innovative Plexiglas acrylic products, contact Tom DeMain, Altuglas International, Arkema Inc, 2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103; (Tel) 215-419-7605, (Fax) 215-419-5512, (Web site) www.altuglasint.com or (Web site) www.plexiglas.com
Volvo Of Oak Park Showcases Glass Tower Of Cars
The Volvo of Oak Park car dealership has debuted Chicago's first-ever tower of cars, a vertical showcase displaying seven Volvos in glass cases stacked on top of one another.
"Not only does our new tower serve a functional, space-saving role for our dealership, it also brings a visually unique element to the Chicago suburbs," said Antonio Scalzo, Volvo of Oak Park President. "This tower solidifies Volvo of Oak Park as a cutting edge, standout car dealership in the area."
The view from the glass tower will change and stay fresh as new Volvo models are displayed and lighting reflects the changes in the seasons.
Marketing Drive Worldwide Adds To Staff
Marketing Drive Worldwide has added several new people to its Norwalk, CT and Boston, MA offices. Angie McDermott has joined Marketing Drive's Account Services team in Norwalk, CT as Client Director. Vance Kiviranna has joined Marketing Drive's creative department in the Boston, office as a Senior Graphic Designer. Tommy Cavnor has joined the Company as Senior Client Executive. Andy Jefferson is now Digital Production Artist and Steve Fcasni and Corey Meek are Account Coordinators.
Samsung Mobile Charging Stations Help Harried Holiday Travelers
Samsung Mobile has unveiled Charging Stations at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to help harried holiday travelers power up their mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
The Samsung Mobile charging stations, designed by JCDecaux, provide four outlets per station to allow travelers to charge up their electronic devices. A total of 50 Samsung Mobile Charging Stations will be available to travelers in every JFK passenger terminal.
"JCDecaux designed and produced the concept of the Samsung Mobile Charging Stations which will provide a unique service to 42 million travelers annually at JFK, as well as valuable brand exposure for Samsung," said Jean-Luc Decaux, CO-CEO of JCDecaux NA, Inc.
Professional Exhibits Names T. Hopkins, COO
Professional Exhibits & Graphics, a full service premiere trade show exhibit, graphics and management services company, has named Tom Hopkins to the position of COO/CFO. Hopkins was previously Controller of this Silicon Valley-based trade show exhibit company since 1999.
