DHL Shipping Spot Opens At NBC Experience Store In NYC
The new DHL Shipping Spot at the NBC Experience Store in New York City's Rockefeller Center, is an innovative retail concept that makes DHL's shipping services easily accessible to consumers.
The DHL Shipping Spot comprises a self service counter and user-friendly touch screen interface for the customer to pack, weigh, label and ship their DHL package. DHL provides all the necessary packing material for consumer shipments.
"The NBC Experience Store is about providing superior experiences for our customers," said Judith Dutch, Vice President, Retail Operations and Consumer Marketing, NBC Universal. "With the DHL Shipping Spot, shoppers can easily ship their items to more than 220 countries and territories, avoiding the hassle of carrying them for the rest of their stay in New York."
Added Charles Brewer, Executive Vice President of Sales for DHL, "Our new agreement with NBC Experience Store is another important retail partnership that helps DHL become more accessible for shippers looking for convenience and ease in completing shipping and delivery in one easy step."
Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator Displayed In Major Retail Stores
Planetwide Media has shipped the Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator ™ interactive entertainment software to retailers in the U.S and Canada. Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator software allows users to create personalized comic books featuring their favorite Marvel characters-Spider-Man, X-Men with Wolverine and Elektra.
Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator enables Marvel fans to use their imaginations and actual "Marvel Heroes" content to create personalized comics and comic books, which can then be posted to blogs, e-mailed to friends or printed out and shared with others. Users can create with over 300 pieces of Marvel content then combine their creation and storyline to make their own Marvel Heroes comics.
The Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator software is being displayed at GameStop, EB Games, FAO Schwarz New York, EB Games Canada, Wal-Mart Canada, Comic Book stores as well as mass market and electronics retailers across the U.S. and Canada.
Lucky Strike Lanes Opens As America's First Bowling Lounge
Lucky Strike Lanes has opened at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, New York. This hip hangout is not your typical bowling alley. Lucky Strike Lanes offers quality food, dramatic ambience, a bar, upscale game room, private lounge and a sophisticated A/V system programmed with art, videos, media and sports.
With a capacity for nearly 700 patrons, Lucky Strike's newest location features: 12 state-of-the-art lanes; custom lounge seating replacing the traditional molded plastic chairs; a 100-foot by 10-foot video wall featuring cutting-edge images of artwork from today's hottest emerging artists of all genres, as well as music videos, film clips and customized images for special events; a menu featuring over 100 selections designed by Bill Starbuck, the acclaimed Chef from Along Came Mary, the premier gourmet caterer in Los Angeles; 6 custom pool tables and 2 high tech air hockey games; 8 lanes of mini bowling and the country's first "Killer Spin" lounge featuring 4 state-of-the-art ping-pong tables. The Lucky Strike Lanes at the Palisades Center is the Company's 14th location after successful debuts in most of the nation's major cities.
DVDPlay & U.S. Bank Offer Free Checking & Free DVD Rentals
DVDPlay, a leading provider of fully-automated DVD rental machines and U.S. Bank, have teamed up to offer first time U.S. Bank customers free checking and 10 free DVD rentals. The current promotion is at participating U.S Bank branches located in Safeway stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Each new checking account will receive a coupon for 10 free rentals from the DVDPlay Kiosk. Most Safeway stores have DVDPlay machines in the front of the store near the checkout counters. Customers can choose any participating Safeway location to rent or return any DVDPlay movie rental.
"The hottest hits of the season in our Safeway branches are the 10 coupons for free movie rentals from DVDPlay," said Julie Hilt, District Manager, Greater Bay In-stores U.S. Bank. "This pilot program adds both fun and value to new U.S. Bank customers and is a good example of important business partnerships that enhance our customers' experience within the Safeway branches."
Vital Lifestyle Water Launched
Big Earth Brands has launched Vital Lifestyle Water into the emerging functional beverage category in four formulas: Calm, Burn, Vitality and Energize. "Vital Lifestyle Water is 'truly functional water with a hint of flavor,'" said David Rankine, Founder & CEO of Big Earth Brands. "Not only does it provide exceptional taste and refreshment, but each formula has been specifically designed to stimulate, relax, revitalize or fortify your body."
Rayovac's New Hybrid Batteries Deliver Best of Both Worlds
Rayovac's newly introduced Hybrid batteries feature a breakthrough technology, to deliver the benefits of rechargeable batteries but eliminate common user frustrations. The new Hybrid batteries offer many benefits over both the rechargeable and alkaline batteries on the market today. Hybrid batteries come charged and ready to use unlike other rechargeable batteries, which often need to be charged for several hours before use. The new batteries also self-discharge at a much slower rate, which means they stay charged for up to one year after charging. The Hybrid batteries from Rayovac are available at major mass, drug and department stores.
Pepperidge Farm has introduced a new line of soft, whole grain breads called Simply Delicious. Unlike other Whole Grain White breads, whole what is the first ingredient in all three varieties: Soft Whole Grain White, Soft 100% Whole Wheat, and Soft Honey Wheat.
"Simply Delicious breads have the nutritional benefits moms are looking for with the great taste and smooth texture kids will love, and the whole family can enjoy," said Peter Reidie, General Manager, Pepperidge Farm.
Revell Monogram Launches RPMz Radio Controlled Vehicles
Revel Monogram has launched RPMz ™, the ultimate radio controlled racing system that allows racers to customize, race, modify and race-over and over again. By changing a variety of gears, motors, suspension parts, tires and operating characteristic with digital electronics, the user can modify the performance of the vehicle to suit individual racing needs. Revell's RPMz NASCAR vehicles will be available at mass retailers and hobby stores beginning March 2007. The suggested price for these authentic, customizable R/C vehicles will range from $69.99 to $79.99.
Universal Electronics Unveils New Remotes Powered By Z-Wave
Universal Electronics has released a new line of remote control platforms powered by the Z-Wave communication protocol to meet the growing home and audio/visual control needs of consumers. The new suite of home control remotes provides one-touch control of everything from lighting to air conditioning to home entertainment systems.
"Z-Wave is one of the most consumer-friendly wireless technology protocols on the market," said Paul Arling, Chairman and CEO at Universal Electronics. "We are thrilled to develop our latest suite of home control products with this reliable technology."
La-Z Boy Delivers Comfort & Style To New Line of Outdoor Furniture
La-Z-Boy has partnered with Brown Jordan International to launch its first line of luxury outdoor furniture. Through the licensing agreement, Brown Jordan will design, manufacture and market the product under the La-Z-Boy brand name. The collection will initially make its debut in Sam's Clubs throughout the U.S. with plans to further expand to other retailers in the future. As part of the initial product launch, Brown Jordan will introduce the first fully functional recliner intended for outdoor use.
Kellogg's Special K Chocolatey Delight Cereal Introduced
Kellogg Company has introduced Special K Chocolatey Delight cereal, targeted to women as a great tasting evening snack option without the guilt associated with evening snacking. Special K Chocolatey Delight cereal features lightly toasted rice cereal flakes with chocolatey pieces. A serving of Special K Chocolatey Delight and a half cup of fat-free milk contains only 160 calories.
Sara Lee Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat Bread Introduced
Sara Lee is introducing Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat Bread, the first 100% wheat bread that provides families with the taste and texture they prefer with the nutrition they need. According to company research, consumers don't like the typical grainy texture and bitter taste of 100% whole what bread. Sara Lee Soft & Smooth 100% Whole What Bread is the first "no compromise" bread made to please the whole family with a mild taste, smooth texture and 100% whole grain nutrition.
"Once consumers discover they don't have to compromise on taste, texture, appearance or nutrition, they will move to Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat , just as they did with Soft & Smooth Made with Whole Grain White bread," said Bill Nictakis, President, Sara Lee Food & Beverage's U.S. Fresh Bakery Unit.
Beam Global Appoints R. Finlay Global CMO
Beam Global Spirits & Wine has appointed Rory Finlay to the position of Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer. Finlay will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of global marketing strategies for Beam Global's leading spirits brands including Jim Beam bourbon; Canadian Club Canadian whisky; Courvoisier cognac; Laphroaig Scotch; Sauza tequila; Maker's Mark bourbon and Starbucks Liqueurs. Finlay joins Beam Global after an 18-year career at Wm Wrigley Jr. Company, where he most recently served a Vice President and Managing Director, New Confectionery Brands.
Samsung Appoints T. Baxter EVP of Sales & Mktg.
Samsung Electronics America has appointed Tim Baxter as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Consumer Electronics Division. Baxter comes to Samsung from Sony where he rose to become SVP of Strategic Marketing and led the marketing of Sony's Blu-ray efforts.
BJ's Appoints Sen & Gillooly
BJ's Wholesale Club has appointed Laura Sen to the position of Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Logistics and Ed Gillooly to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Membership. Sen returns to this position, which she held from 1997 to 2003. As Senior Vice President of Marketing and Membership, Ed Gillooly is returning to a position he held for 11 years until his retirement in 2002.
Baja Fresh Names M. Wildrick Dir., Mktg.
Baja Fresh has named industry veteran Meade Wildrick Director of Marketing. Wildrick will be responsible for solidifying the brand's position as the fast-casual segment leader and establishing the direction of all future advertising and marketing efforts. Wildrick comes to Baja Fresh from Del Taco, where he worked extensively with the franchise community focusing on emerging markets.
Pernod Ricard Names P. Piana Sr. V.P., Spirits Mktg.
Pernod Ricard USA has named Patrick Piana Senior Vice President, Spirits Marketing, Pernod Ricard USA. He will be charged with driving breakthrough marketing for Pernod Ricard USA's premium and super-premium spirits and category leaders including Chivas Regal, Martell, Kahlua, Malibu, Stoli, Beefeater, The Glenlivet, and Jameson, among others. Piana joins Pernod Ricard USA from Moet Hennessy USA, where he served as a Senior Vice President.
USA TODAY Names Kundanmal V.P., Integrated Product Mktg.
USA TODAY has named Laryssa Kundanmal Vice President, Integrated Product Marketing. Kundanmal, formerly Director of Marketing for USATODAY.com, will oversee a new group that combines USA TODAY's advertiser-focused online and print marketing teams to create a new approach to cross-platform product development.
Union Bank Names Dowlan Sr. V.P. Retail Segment Marketing
Michael Dowlan has been named Senior Vice President and Product Development Manager for the newly-created retail market segment management team at Union Bank of California. Dowlan most recently served as Chief Strategy Development Officer for Toyota Financial Savings Bank. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Wells Fargo and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Fleet Bank's national consumer lending division.
Watson Joins Discovery As EVP Mdsg. & Prod. Dev.
Discovery Commerce, the retail and licensing division of Discovery Communications, has named Maureen Watson Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Product Development. Watson will oversee the entire merchant, product development, planning and visual merchandising departments for Discovery's retail channels-Discovery Channel Store, Discoverystore.com and the Discovery Channel Store Catalog. She comes to Discovery from the Gap where she was Vice President of Kids Merchandise for the Company's Old Navy division.
Artitalia Group Opens China Office
Artitalia Group has opened an office in Shanghai, China, to focus on project management, quality control, engineering and estimation in support of its increasing global sourcing initiatives. Artitalia's decision to expand its facilities now makes it one of the largest custom fixture and P.O.P. manufacturers in North America.
Accurate Perforating Purchases Advance Display
Accurate Perforating has purchased sheet metal fabricator Advance Display Company (ADC). To reflect the extension of its capabilities beyond the display industry, ADC will change its name to Accurate Metal Fabricating but will continue operations from its 52,000 square foot facility in Chicago. Accurate Perforating is a leading supplier of perforated material solutions with a 170,000 square foot full-service, custom fabrication facility.
Adams Magnetic Names Myers Sales Manager
Adams Magnetic Products, Elmhurst, IL, has named Craig Myers as its Sales Manager, overseeing the national sales and customer service team. "We strive to offer our customers the answers for everything magnetic," said Myers. "Our assemblies and flexible magnetic products are selected for all kinds of industries and applications-from retail store fixtures, signage and point-of-purchase displays, labeling systems for warehousing and distribution centers, box and packaging closures to mobile antenna vehicle mounts."
Metkote Offers Pre-Finished Metals For Displays
Metkote Laminated Products, Inc. fabricates and forms vinyl clad or pre-painted metal into fixtures, shelving, wall panels, gondolas, racks, etc. Pre-finished metals from Metkote provide the ideal balance of beauty and durability. Metkote products are designed to be fully formable, saving your company manufacturing and finishing costs. For more information, contact Dean Flowers, Metkote Laminated Products, 1151 Union Street, Taylor, PA 18517-1605; (Tel) 570-562-0107, (fax) 570-562-0414, (Web site) www.metkote.com
Large Format Digital Introduces Digi Brick
Large Format Digital produces Digi Brick ™, an applied product that produces the classic look of painted brick. Digi Brick ™ allows you to place any graphic on any internal or external building surface for maximum exposure, giving you complete control over the end result. For more information about the Digi Brick ™ imaging solution, contact Large Format Digital, 722 Walsh Road, Madison, WI 53714; (Tel) 608-241-9533, (Fax) 608-241-3511, (Web site) www.largeformatdigital.com
MoldRite Offers Polyurethane Signage
MoldRite Products produces the finest in dimensional custom molded signage. Rigid Polyurethane foam molding allows for crisp dimensional detailed signs, which can be decorated in a multitude of colors. Lighting can also be incorporate to create additional impact. MoldRite also designs and manufactures custom POP signs and displays including: headers, frames, menu boards, counter/floor displays, bottle glorifiers, tap markers, clocks and display component parts. For more information, contact MoldRite Products, N29 W22870 Marjean Lane, Waukesha, WI 53186; (Tel) 262-521-2600, (Fax) 262-521-2424, (Web site) www.www.moldrite.com
Cyclonix Creates Exhibit For Varian
Cyclonix, a Morgan Hill, CA-based creator of dynamic face-to-face sales, marketing and experiential environments, has completed an 11,200-square-foot exhibit for Varian Medical Systems, a leader in radiotherapy solutions. The exhibit completed the transition of Varian's approach to its exhibit architecture, which was previously an enclosed environment, to a wide open space. Large-format graphics and bold corporate identity were combined with circular shapes, soft colors and theatrical lighting to reinforce Varian's Image. Educational sessions were integrated through The Learning Center, an area comprised of a central stage for group presentations and a series of illuminated counters for one-to-one demonstrations. Soft fabric drapes led the eye outward from the central header to the corners of the exhibit where specific product displays and demonstrations were located (Web site) www.cyclonixinc.com
Blue Bell Launches Mobile Marketing Tour
Blue Bell Creameries is kicking of 2007 with a "rolling birthday party," an 18-wheeler full of Blue Bell information and memorabilia to celebrate the Company's 100th birthday. The traveling Blue Bell caravan will also include a mobile "country store" stocked with anniversary merchandise, and an inflatable Homemade Vanilla carton bounce house for kids. The multi-vehicle ice cream odyssey will make stops in 66 cities across the Company's 16-state market area.
Showstopper Offers New Exhibits Configurations
Showstopper! Exhibits introduces unique configurations for a totally new look trade show exhibit. The concave or convex units can be used for heavily-detailed copy for new product or service introductions on one side and the straight wall unit can be used for branding and logo copy treatments on the other side. You can position the straight wall unit on either side of the convex or concave units for the display of your graphics treatments. All combinations are simply one straight wall unit and either a concave unit or convex unit. For more information, contact Showstopper! Exhibits, 7301 Boulders View Lane, Richmond, VA 23225; (Tel) 888-547-0377, 804-643-4044, (Fax) 804-643-4043, (Web site) www.showstopperexhibits.com
MC2 Appoints R. Murphy CMO
MC2, a Chestnut Ridge, NY-based experiential marketing agency, has named Robert Murphy to the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer. Murphy, who has more than 20 years of design and marketing experience, was previously MC2's Senior Vice President of Marketing. (Web site) www.mc-2online.com
