Creative Online Weekly <br> April 05, 2010

Week of April 05, 2010

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Merchandising Marketing Manager Sought

Stella D'oro Wood Floor Display
This floor display is constructed of wood and is a custom unit with strong branding. The header uses the Stella D'oro colors and the front facings make the product clearly visible. Each shelf is branded. The display offers a permanent area for this product, gaining valuable strategic off-shelf placement. The Stella D'oro floor display was created by J.H. Dunning Corp., One Dunning Lane, N. Walpole, NH 03609. (Web site) www.jhdunning.com

Compact Bakery Cart For Bakery/Deli Dept.
This compact four-shelf cart may be used to cross merchandise prepared meal items with high-quality artisan bread. The display has a cherry finish which blends in with bakery department décor and the natural wood compliments the traditional craftsmanship associated with the creation of the artisan breads. Three slanted shelves present the bread at an attractive angle allowing for ease of shopping and viewing of the packaging. The bottom flat shelf can be used for cross merchandising. Casters make relocating the display easy. The Compact Bakery Cart was created by WM Display Group, 1040 West 40th Street, Chicago, IL 60609. (Web site) www.wmdisplay.com

ClearSounds Provides Retailers With Assistive Device Product Display
ClearSounds has taken the thought process out of creating a Profitable Assistive Device Program. This new display comes loaded with top-selling products. Retailers pay one price and make an instant profit on each item sold. This display, ideal for office product retailers, comes fully loaded with the following products: CS-TALK500ER - Emergency Response Amplified Talking Telephone with 40 dB gain, talk-back numbers and caller ID. NEW ClearTV 2.3MHz TV Listening System-- Wireless Infrared system works with any TV inlcuding LCD and Plasma. Amplified Cordless Telephone--Expandable with caller ID and vibrating ring signaler. DECT 6.0 Cordless Telephone with built-in Answering Machine. Amplified Power Neckloop. 30 dB gain. Connects with cellular phones, home/office phones, iPods, laptops, etc.

Toyota Unveils Compact Dedicated Hybrid Concept; Reveals Future Plan For 'Prius Family' Marketing Strategy
Toyota Motor Sales has unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept to address Toyota's stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.
The CH stands for compact hybrid and the FT-CH was styled at the Toyota Europe Design and Development (ED2) center in Nice, France. Compared to Prius, it is 22 inches shorter in overall length, yet loses less than an inch in overall width. Pointing to how Prius has become a universal icon for hybrid technology, Jim Lentz, TMS President, confirmed that TMS is developing a Prius family "marketing strategy" for North America that will take full advantage of the Prius brand equity. "The strategy is still taking shape and obviously it will require additional models to qualify as a family," said Lentz.
In the early 2010s, Toyota plans to sell a million hybrids per year globally, a majority of those in North America. To accomplish this, Toyota will launch eight all new hybrid models over the next few years. These will not include next generation versions of current hybrids; instead, they will be all new dedicated hybrid vehicles, or all new hybrid versions of existing gas engine models. Toyota's joint venture partnership with Panasonic has been a key element of its success in the advancement of hybrid technology. Moving the promise of electrification one step further, Toyota recently kicked off its global demonstration program involving approximately 600 Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Beginning early this year, 150 PHVs will begin to arrive in the U.S. where they will be placed in regional clusters with select partners for market/consumer analysis and technical demonstration.

TomTom Introduces Lifetime Map Updates In North America
TomTom, the world's leading provider of navigation solutions and digital maps, will offer Lifetime Map Updates, a feature that allows customers to automatically receive map updates as they become available. This feature will be incorporated into a range of TomTom products in 2010. "Roads are continually changing - from new street names to closed bridges - so it's important for users to always have the most up-to-date maps," said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. "With the introduction of Lifetime Map Updates, customers can rest assured that the directions their TomTom device provides will always be the most accurate and efficient available."

Time Domain Launches Groundbreaking Retail Technology To Drive Sales, Increase Brand Loyalty And Bring Internet To The Physical Shopping Experience
Time Domain Corporation, the leader in ultra wideband (UWB) real-time location systems has launched a breakthrough retail technology platform at the Carousel Center in Syracuse, New York. The Destiny USA Technology Platform brings the Internet shopping experience to the physical store by enabling retailers to communicate promotions to customers as they shop, optimizing the shopping experience, driving sales and increasing brand loyalty.
Clothing for a Better Earth is the first retailer to deploy the Destiny USA Technology Platform to improve the customer shopping experience. The system, which includes handheld Apple iTouch devices, digital signage and dressing room touch screens will enable shoppers at the 1,000 square-foot eco-friendly clothing store to look up product information and reviews, make online comparisons and receive promotional recommendations based on previous purchases, as well as their physical location in the store. The platform also enables retailers like Clothing for a Better Earth to target real-time promotions to shoppers.
The Destiny USA Technology Platform is powered by Time Domain's Precision Location Ultra Wideband System (PLUS®) to track the exact location of merchandise and employees using OEM tags. PLUS provides real-time, highly precise location tracking data that's within inches of accuracy on every single asset in the retail store, including inventory, display units, fixtures and people. In the past, similar attempts to field interactive shopping systems have failed due to poor location accuracy, expense and short-lived battery powered systems. PLUS reaches beyond the limits of other systems, such as GPS, Zigbee and Wi-Fi, with unmatched accuracy and battery life.
As shoppers enter the store, they pick up the Apple iTouch device that assists them with their shopping experience. As they shop, Time Domain's PLUS system processes information from PLUS tags, creating a "click to mortar" customer experience with the best of Internet shopping right on the retail floor. For example, the system can help a customer locate and pair products or even remember a previous product bought and offer a complimentary sales item. The system will display an image of the product in the shopper's size, preferred color and fabric and then help the customer locate the item.

Hot Topic Implements NCR Netkey Self-Service Kiosk And Digital Signage Applications
Hot Topic, a mall and Web-based specialty retailer of apparel and accessories, has implemented NCR Netkey self-service kiosk and digital signage applications. The NCR Netkey solution is a core part of the retailer's digital strategy, including in-store self-service kiosks, e-commerce and Hot Topic's new HT+1 customer loyalty program.
Approximately 1,500 NCR Netkey self-service kiosks and digital signs are now in use in Hot Topic's retail stores. Hot Topic's customers can use the self-service kiosks to conveniently listen to music, sign up for their HT+1 loyalty program and also check their loyalty status. The next phase of the rollout, slated for early 2010, will allow guests to shop for items on hottopic.com and have them shipped to the store or to their residence. It will also allow for the download and purchase of music. Digital signs are prominently placed in the front of the stores, primarily focused on cross-promotional merchandising. For example, Hot Topic can play movie trailers or music videos that are associated with its licensed merchandise.

GE Launches Smart Home-Energy Panel That Helps Consumers Understand And Manage Energy Usage
GE is introducing an in-home, multi-function energy information panel that will give consumers insight and control to help them manage energy usage and understand costs. The sleek, touch-screen panel will wirelessly connect to a household's smart meter, appliances and thermostats, via ZigBee® or Wi-Fi®, to gather information, manage usage and deliver the real-time knowledge that empowers smarter energy choices. The panels are the result of a development effort between GE and OpenPeak, Inc., a leading communications technology developer. The device looks like a tabletop picture frame and can be placed virtually anywhere within a home. The panels are available to consumers through their utilities.

New Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe Set For Sale In U.S. This Summer
American Honda Motor Co. will introduce the new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe for sale in the U.S. this summer, which will add sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment. The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes. During Econ mode operation, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine.

Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Eco-Friendly Hybrid Luxury Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz rolled-out its environmentally friendly hybrid luxury vehicles including the Mercedes-Benz 2010 S400 HYBRID luxury sedan and ML450 HYBRID SUV. The S400 HYBRID features the world's first lithium-ion battery in a production vehicle. The 275-hp V6 gasoline engine provides impressive fuel economy with an estimated 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The ML450 HYBRID mid-size SUV uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model.

QUE eReader Designed For Mobile Professionals
Plastic Logic has unveiled QUE™ (pronounced "Q"), an eReader for mobile professionals, designed specifically to provide a premium reading experience and access to content anywhere anytime, while simplifying the multi-faceted lifestyle of business professionals. QUE offers a sleek 8.5 x 11 inch form factor, crisp large touchscreen display, intuitive user interface and powerful tools. Richard Archuleta, CEO of Plastic Logic, said, "The QUE proReader was built from the ground up for people who need to read. Starting today, mobile professionals can look forward to a paperless briefcase, a lighter load, and a better way to work."

Peter Rabbit Organics Introduces Fruit Puree Pouches For Fun, On-The-Go Snacking
PR Organics has introduced pure organic fruit puree in a pouch. With no added sugar, preservatives or artificial ingredients, Peter Rabbit Organics fruit pouches are made in the U.S.A. and come in three kid-friendly varieties: Apple and Grape, Strawberry and Banana, and Mango, Banana and Orange. The pouches make eating healthy fruit a handy option for on-the-go activities. There is no more searching for missing spoons for moms, just good, squeezable fun for kids. Adorned with the Peter Rabbit character, each colorful pouch offers a full serving of fruit and a natural boost of Vitamin C and fiber. The 3.5 oz. BPA-free pouches are available at select Starbucks stores, Whole Foods Markets, grocery stores and natural food sellers across the country.

Pure Pro 50 Launches Protein Shakes In Ball's Alumi-Tek(R) Bottles
ABB, Aurora, Ill., has introduced Pure Pro 50 ready to drink shakes in recloseable, lightweight, 16-oz. Alumi-Tek aluminum bottles from Ball Corporation. "The resealable Alumi-Tek aluminum bottle is a sports nutrition industry first," said Alan Yengoyan, General Manager, Growth Initiatives, ABB. "It distinguishes Pure Pro 50 from the pack and represents an incredible convenience to hard-training athletes and 'weekend warriors' who will appreciate the way the aluminum container keeps this performance beverage cool while giving them the option to re-cap it and save some high-quality protein for later."

Sennheiser And Adidas Team For Very Best In Sports Headphones
Audio specialist Sennheiser and sports goods manufacturer adidas are launching their collaboration with four new headphone models that are specially designed for sports applications. The MX 680, CX 680, OMX 680 and PMX 680 models feature exceptional sound quality and maximum sports functionality. The four new headphones are being dispatched to Sennheiser sales partners and adidas Sport Performance stores in January 2010.
"The new sports headphones mark the beginning of a cooperation in which Sennheiser and adidas will combine the very best of the sports and audio worlds," said Susanne Seidel, president global marketing at Sennheiser. "The fields of electronics and entertainment are becoming more and more important in leisure and sports. With the Sennheiser collaboration we are now able to enlarge our product portfolio with high-quality headphones specially designed for sports applications," explained Bernd Wahler, Chief Marketing Officer at adidas Sports Performance.

You Rock Guitar™ Bridges Worlds Of Video Gaming And Playing Electric Guitar
The You Rock Guitar is the first-ever platform that delivers as both a game controller and a playable digital guitar. Introduced by Inspired Instruments, Inc., (www.yourockguitar.com) the You Rock Guitar not only works seamlessly with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band on Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 gaming platforms (using interchangeable GameFlex™ cartridges), but can also can be plugged into a standard guitar amplifier or headphones and played like a conventional guitar using any of 100 pre-set guitar and synth sounds. Incorporating both a super touch-sensitive neck and real strings for fast, accurate picking, the You Rock Guitar offers unprecedented utility and effectively delivers the performance and feeling of a real six-string instrument.
"Music-based video games have attracted millions of players who are feeling the emotional thrills of playing music, but most are unable to actually play the music they love. We're changing that," said Kevin Kent, CEO of Inspired Instruments. "Utilizing input from real guitarists, we provide phenomenal MIDI implementation, play-anywhere portability, great rock sounds and easy recording in an instrument that never needs tuning. With the You Rock Guitar everyone rocks right out of the box."

Dual Electronics Demonstrates First GPS Navigation Solution For iPod Touch®
Dual Electronics Corp. is offering a GPS Navigation & Battery Cradle for iPod touch® (model XGPS300). The Cradle, which resembles a battery case in size and weight, provides a complete, portable GPS navigation solution for iPod touch, including the NavAtlas® turn-by-turn navigation app with TTS technology, and a car mount. The Cradle, which also provides GPS coordinates to most other location-based apps, allows iPod touch owners to use their devices with apps for hiking, golfing, social networking, geocaching, finding a restaurant and much more. The Cradle will be available at retail in the first quarter of this year.

Nintendo's New Pokéwalker Lets Players Bring The Fun Of Pokémon Wherever They Go
The March 14 release of the Pokémon™ HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version games lets players continue to enjoy the world of Pokémon away from their Nintendo DS™ or Nintendo DSi™ systems, taking their favorite Pokémon with them wherever they go with the new Pokéwalker™ accessory. This new accessory will come included with each copy of these games. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions, players can wirelessly transfer any one of their Pokémon from one of the two games to the Pokéwalker and walk them through virtual routes as the player walks around in real life. By walking, players earn Watts, which are used within the Pokéwalker to encounter and catch wild Pokémon or search for hidden items, and can be transferred into Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions to unlock new routes.

Somfy Creates Energy Saving Homes Through Dynamic Insulation™
With the introduction of Dynamic Insulation™ by Somfy, homes react automatically to climate variations to save energy and increase comfort. Motorized window coverings, awnings and rolling shutters operate intuitively using Somfy's motor systems, programmable timers and sunlight and temperature sensors. Automating interior and exterior window coverings combine energy savings with security, privacy and total comfort. Benefits include maximizing insulating benefits, minimizing heat loss and capturing free energy from the sun during winter months; reducing heat gain, maintaining comfortable inside temperatures and protecting interior furnishing from harmful UV rays in the summer.

VIZIO Enters Mobile TV Market With Three New Razor LED Sets
VIZIO announced today it will be one of the first manufacturers to enter the new mobile television market with the introduction of three Razor LED models with a depth of less than 1", including one capable of receiving broadcasts using the new ATSC-M/H mobile/handheld platform that can be operated in moving vehicles. The VMB070 has a 7" display, the VMB090 has a 9" display and the VMB100 has a 10" display. All are scheduled for delivery later this year with MSRPs of $149.99, $199.99, and $229.99 respectively.

Caribou Coffee Introduces Oatmeal As Part Of Plans To Increase Wholesome Breakfast Offerings In 2010
The new Caribou Coffee oatmeal is a smart and delicious breakfast choice for people who want a satisfying start to their day. Each bowl packs nine to 17 grams of protein, depending on the variety and flavor combination. The coffee retailer will sell two varieties, one made with seven grains and the other a tasty oatmeal blend. Once customers pick the variety, they can choose between five flavors: Classic, Apple Cinnamon, Cranberry Orange, Maple Brown Sugar Crunch, and Very Berry. Unlike some on-the-go breakfasts that are high in cholesterol, Caribou Coffee's oatmeal contains zero grams of cholesterol, and the toppings have less than 10 mg of cholesterol. "As we enhance our menu offerings, we're very conscious of the fact that Caribou guests are looking for something quick that's also wholesome," Alfredo Martel, Caribou Coffee senior vice president of marketing, said. "We're here to help them start their day on the right foot by offering a warm, satisfying breakfast and delicious, premium coffee."

EA Teams Up With Random House To Publish Special Edition Of Dante Alighieri's Inferno
Electronic Arts and Del Rey Media, a division of Random House, announced the publication of a trade-paperback edition of the classic poem Dante's Inferno, part one of The Divine Comedy, which commemorates the launch of the Dante's Inferno™ video game from Visceral Games™. The new edition features an introduction written by Dante's Inferno Executive Producer, Jonathan Knight, who offers insight into the process of adapting the dark masterpiece into the interactive medium. The book also features a 16-page, full-color art insert showcasing the evolution of characters and environments from the classic poem to the video game. Dante's Inferno the video game will be released for PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and Sony PSP® (PlayStation®Portable).

Jamba Juice Launches Hot Beverages
Jamba Juice has launched a line of hot beverages in over 340 stores. The launch includes four "uniquely Jamba" hot blended offerings called Hot Blends™ beverages and six organic Mighty Leaf ® Tea whole leaf tea pouches. Jamba Juice will also be introducing additional baked goods and a new beverage, the Chill-icious Chai™ smoothie. In 2009, Jamba Juice announced their intention to build a complementary, better-for-you retail food offering across all day-parts. This transformation of Jamba Juice started with the launch of hot oatmeal and continued with the launch of Grab-n-Go wraps, salads, and sandwiches, California Flatbreads™ and Fruit Tea Infusions™ food and beverage offerings. The launch of the Hot Blends™ beverages represents a continuation of that transformation, further reinforcing Jamba Juice's position as an active, healthy lifestyle brand.

Oregon Scientific Partners With Gaiam To Launch Women's Fitness Line
Oregon Scientific has partnered with lifestyle company Gaiam, Inc. to further expand its Sports & Fitness division and enter the Women's Fitness market. The new Gaiam line will debut with four fitness products, all featuring a sleek, stylish design to promote healthy living for today's modern woman. Products, which will be available to consumers in Fall 2010 include: two Zone Trainer Heart Rate Monitors; a 3-D Fitness Watch; and a 3-D Pedometer.

Best Buy Showcases Next-Gen, Blue Label™ 2.0 Laptops Featuring First-Ever Wireless HDMI Streaming To TVs
In partnership with leading technology partners, Best Buy is showcasing Blue Label 2.0, a new laptop line that for the first time enables consumers to wirelessly stream video and pictures directly from their laptops to their flat panel televisions. Blue Label 2.0 laptops were manufactured in partnership with Toshiba, Dell, and Sony, and are the third in a series of customer-inspired You Spoke, We Listened product lines originating at Best Buy. Exclusive to Best Buy. The Toshiba 14" notebook, the Dell 15.6" and the Sony 13" are available for purchase at all Best Buy stores in the U.S. and Canada starting in January.
"Our customers are expressing a real desire for connectivity because they're more reliant than ever on their computers, and they want to be able to easily move content from these machines to other hardware in their homes," explained Jason Bonfig, vice president of computers at Best Buy. "With Blue Label 2.0, now they can wirelessly send personal content like digital images or HULU and Netflix shows from their laptops directly to their TVs - in up to 720p resolution."

Travelocity Taps Mizco To Market Line Of Travel Related Technology Products
Mizco International has entered into a North American license agreement to market a complete line of Travelocity® branded travel and trip accessory products to dealers throughout the United States and Canada. Products include The Roaming Gnome™, rubber luggage tags, carry-on travel pouches for consumer electronics & cell phones, luggage cube organizers, USB car & travel chargers, USB cables for BlackBerrys, iPhones and other popular devices and travel charging kits for iPhones and BlackBerrys. Shipments to dealers.
Mizco plans to offer dealers a variety of pre-packaged merchandising programs to help stimulate rapid sell-in and maximize sell-through to consumers. "We believe the Travelocity name will immediately stop consumers in the aisle and convince them to look at the products featured in any of the merchandising displays we are creating," said Albert Mizrahi, Mizco International President & CEO. "Each display is being designed to be totally self-merchandising. We understand that our dealer base wants retail solutions that sell themselves and our programs will meet that need."

Hasbro Names Jerry Perez As SVP And Global Brand Leader For Preschool Business
Hasbro announced that Jerry Perez, a highly respected toy industry executive with a proven track record of success at Fisher-Price, LeapFrog and most recently Learning Curve, is joining Hasbro in the position of Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader for the Company's worldwide preschool business. John Frascotti, Hasbro's Global Chief Marketing Officer, said, "He has a comprehensive knowledge of the business, from developing innovative product ideas to the marketing and merchandising of brands and products on a global basis."

Russian Standard Vodka Appoints Michael Stoner, VP Of Marketing
Russian Standard Vodka USA has appointed Michael Stoner to the role of Vice President of Marketing. Stoner will be responsible for leadership of brand and marketing strategy as well as oversight of all marketing initiatives for the Russian Standard Vodka portfolio of brands - Russian Standard, Russian Standard Platinum and Imperia - in the U.S. market. Stoner has over two decades of experience developing marketing and brand strategies for leading spirits brands as well as other major consumer brands.

Zounds Hearing Names Justin Kroop V.P. of Marketing
Zounds Hearing, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and retailer of high performing hearing aids, has appointed Justin Kroop as Vice President of Marketing. "We are excited to have Justin Kroop join the Zounds Hearing team," said Sam Thomasson, Zounds Hearing founder and CEO. "With the launch of the three new product families, and the next wave of retail expansion on the horizon, the timing is right." Kroop will oversee the launch of an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign to include a new corporate positioning.

Family Dollar Names Don Hamblen SVP- Marketing
Family Dollar Stores has named Don Hamblen to the position of Senior Vice President - Customer Marketing. Hamblen will report to Dorlisa Flur, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer. Prior to joining Family Dollar, Mr. Hamblen most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for Sears and previous to that, he headed the marketing department at Payless Shoesource.

Hard Rock Names John Galloway V.P. And CMO
Hard Rock has named John Galloway Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Hard Rock International, overseeing global marketing, advertising and promotions for Hard Rock's 159 venues worldwide. Galloway brings more than 20 years of experience in the marketing industry to Hard Rock, including an extensive background with PepsiCo in various capacities - Vice President of Marketing, Gatorade; Vice President/General Manager, IZZE Beverage Co.; Vice President, Sports and Media; and Brand Manager for Mountain Dew.

Creative Realities Appoints Laura Davis-Taylor To Lead Global In-Store Strategy Initiatives
Experiential branding and marketing firm, Creative Realities, has named Laura Davis-Taylor as Vice President of Global Retail Strategy. Davis-Taylor, will oversee the firm's retail strategy initiatives and will be part of Studio CRI, the firm's strategy and creative group. Prior to joining Creative Realities, Davis-Taylor headed Retail Media Consulting (RMC), which she founded to help brands build strategy, activation methods, and measurement analytics around digital media in retail stores.

Intel Announces New Digital Signage Concept
Intel has unveiled an interactive, 7-foot-6-inch Intel® Intelligent Digital Signage Concept with an LCD display and holographic glass to demonstrate how technology can enhance the retail customer experience with a multi-touch, multi-user interface. Optimized digital signage solutions based on the Intel® Core™ i7 processor and Windows 7-based Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 2011 platform aim to better standardize a fragmented market. Intel said the prototype device could change the way people interact with digital signage technology in environments such as stores, airports, banks and hotels. Multiple consumers can use this side-by-side window display simultaneously to explore augmented reality-enabled maps of each floor of the store, on which retailers can superimpose images such as coupons and sales promotions next to the product visualizations on the glass, improving the customer's shopping experience. "As stores seek more competitive advantages over online retailers, digital signage has become a valuable technology for dispersing targeted and interactive content to shoppers," said Joe Jensen, general manager, Intel Embedded Computing Division. "We therefore designed the Intel Intelligent Digital Signage Concept to show that retailers can engage and interact with consumers in a more personal and compelling manner through new usage models such as augmented reality and interactive product explorations, which in turn could yield an increase in revenue and customer loyalty." For more information, visit; (Web site) www.intel.com

YCD Multimedia Announces New Digital Signage Solutions
YCD Multimedia, a provider of smart digital media solutions for retailers, has built the next generation of digital signage solutions based on an Intel® CoreTM i7 processor and Microsoft's Windows 7-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 operating system. Windows Embedded helps retail and hospitality organizations enhance the customer experience by giving OEMs the tools and technologies needed to build the next generation of digital signage applications featuring rich, connected and immersive user experiences that can easily connect to online services and existing IT infrastructures. The flexibility offered through the optimized digital signage platform from Microsoft and Intel simplifies development, lowering the total cost of ownership, enabling digital signage device-makers to focus on creating rich, connected user experiences including high-definition video and support for multiple content zones that can be managed remotely and deployed anywhere. "The Intel Core processor-based Windows Embedded Standard 2011 platform is game changing for the digital signage industry by addressing the need for a more streamlined, high performance and highly reliable solution. It is an ideal solution for marketers looking to reach consumers in a more personalized and compelling way by serving multiple zones of content from a single device without compromising image quality and delivering the immersive, interactive user experience consumers expect," said Dani Zeevi, Chief Technology Officer of YCD Multimedia. For more information, contact; (Web site) www.ycdmultimedia.com

Escalate Retail® Demonstrates New Interactive Store Kiosk with Microsoft Silverlight™ Technology
Escalate Retail recently premiered its Interactive Store Kiosk application, deployed on industry-leading hardware from HP, which leverages Microsoft Multi-touch and Silverlight technologies to deliver rich product catalog browsing, highly detailed product features, social shopping features, and "endless aisle" shopping supported by rich multimedia capabilities. While store kiosks of the past have been one-dimensional and lacking in shopper-friendly features, Escalate's Interactive Store Kiosk will allow consumers to "shop how they think." Microsoft Multi-touch technology responds to multiple points of touch contact simultaneously and allows shoppers to "grab" digital information with their hands and interact with on-screen content by touch and gesture, without a mouse or keyboard. Customers can access the entire product catalog ("endless aisle"), browse video content that's relevant to their shopping choices, view the retailer's latest social networking stream, read customer reviews in-store, create, update, and shop wish lists and gift registries, and more. Mike Julson, CTO of Escalate Retail, said, "By utilizing Microsoft Silverlight on the kiosk with the Multi-touch capability, we were able to create an immersive user experience with deep-zoom technology for browsing products interactively and accessing high-quality product images without affecting store connectivity. Finally, our Interactive Store Kiosk accesses exposed business logic through web services on our multichannel e-Commerce platform leveraging the same product content, pricing, customer reviews and more that are used in other channels." For more information, visit. (Web site) www.Escalate.com

Light Blue Optics Introduces Light Work™
Light Blue Optics (LBO) has announced the availability of Light Work™ - a WVGA laser-based miniature projection module with LVDS interface for ease of integration into a wide range of digital signage products. The Light Work™ projection module is suitable for a wide range of both front and rear projection applications, including novel human machine interfaces; structured lighting for industrial assembly and manufacturing; innovative architectural lighting and configurable signage; advertising and point-of-sale displays; and displays requiring high-brightness symbols and graphics. To facilitate product development, Light Work™ can be supplied as a development kit. Powered by LBO's proprietary holographic laser projection technology, Light Work™ delivers high-quality WVGA resolution images and 35 lumens for typical symbology content. The technology enables perfect projection onto curved surfaces, opening up exciting new opportunities in product design. Laser light sources deliver highly saturated colours and images that are always in focus, while a wide throw angle (83 degrees horizontal x 48 degrees vertical) creates large images at close proximity to the projection module, minimizing equipment dimensions. The system's low power consumption allows Light Work™ to be battery operated if required. For more information, visit Light Blue Optics. (Web site) www.lightblueoptics.com

BVI Networks & RockTenn Partner To Offer RetailNEXT
BVI Networks, provider of RetailNEXT, and RockTenn Merchandising Displays have partnered to deliver real-time store monitoring systems to retailers, measuring effectiveness of in-store marketing concepts, shopper behavior and on-shelf availability. BVI will bring the analytics capabilities of RetailNEXT to RockTenn's new ShopperGauge™ offering. This state-of-art system uses video monitoring, video analytics and on-shelf technologies to create and report data that enables retailers and manufacturers to see and analyze in-store shopper behavior in real-time. Powered by BVI's RetailNEXT, the ShopperGauge system is the only system of its kind to deliver real-time information critical to making decisions about what really works in the store. Users can reduce costly out-of-stock gaps, manage shrink from theft and product tracking issues and increase the effectiveness of marketing and merchandising at all levels in the store. For more information, visit BVI Networks at www.bvinetworks.com and Rock-Tenn Company at (Web site) www.rocktenn.com

Microsoft Taps Show Media to Promote Bing Mobile App at CES
Microsoft recently partnered with Show Media to create a major presence for its new Bing Mobile App at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. Show Media, which creates branded media around transportation for big events in cities throughout the country, provided free shuttle rides for show-goers who downloaded the Bing Mobile App. CES patrons were shown the benefits and features of the new Bing Mobile App via a Bing Ambassador onboard all vehicles. Show Media designed a multi faceted marketing and experiential initiative which included significant branding, transportation and interaction with attendees to the CES show. JWT did the creative assets. The marketing initiative included branded signage for Bing Mobile App, custom traffic cones, mega-floor graphics, custom flags and a BING SOLUTION STATION tent where Bing ambassadors greeted show-goers and talked about the Bing Mobile App. (Web site) www.showmedia.com

Go Green Displays The Glacier Eco-Friendly Modular Exhibi
Go Green Displays offers The Glacier, an eco-friendly modular exhibit system. The Glacier is infinitely reconfigurable and customizable. It can be constructed with a variety of eco-friendly materials including recycled aluminum; graphics printed on fabric made from recycled yarn; LED lighting; and other green elements such as Sorghum, bamboo, recycled PET plastic, recycled cardboard and biodegradable foam board. Shipping cases are made from recycled plastic and can be recycled. For more information, contact Go Green Displays, 399 Pearl St., Woodbridge, NJ 07095; (Tel) 732-510-6661; (Web site) www.gogreendisplays.com

Out of the Box Exhibits Creates Kraft Foods Exhibits
Out of the Box Exhibits recently created this 20' x 30' exhibit for Kraft Foods. Out of the Box Exhibits are made of re-enforced cardboard making them light weight and strong. The booths are made of 98% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. The booths are eco-friendly and inexpensive and they reduce shipping, drayage and storage costs. For more information, contact Out of the Box Exhibits, 495 Production Avenue, Madison, AL 35758 (Web site) www.outoftheboxexhibits.com

EA And Dr Pepper Unveil Marketing Partnership
Electronic Arts and Dr Pepper have launched an innovative brand marketing program delivering custom built interactive entertainment to Dr Pepper fans. Consumers who buy 20-ounce bottles of Dr Pepper can also download new, exclusive content in EA games like virtual clothes for their Sims or body parts for their Spore™ creatures. Gaming fans will receive access to these exclusive add-ons for select EA titles throughout 2010 with codes found on more than 500 million Dr Pepper bottles and fountain cups.
"We wanted to give consumers an unrivaled experience by offering a range of valuable game enhancements that elevate their experience within the games and create brand affinity," said Tony Jacobs, vice president of marketing, Dr Pepper. "The EA promotion gives fans an unbelievable gaming experience that they can only access through Dr Pepper."

Tillamook® Cheese Rolls Out Loaf Love Tour
Tillamook® Cheese is launching the Loaf Love Tour, to offer people around the country the chance to experience Tillamook Cheddar cheese, foster brand awareness in key markets and share the love for the Tillamook Baby Loaf. Henry V, an experiential marketing firm based out of Portland, Oregon, developed the Tillamook Loaf Love Tour, which kicks off in Tucson, Arizona and will travel to more than 100 cities in 9 states around the Western U.S., as well as Illinois and Texas.
"Tillamook Cheese is the best-selling natural cheese brand in the West, but people across the country may not have experienced it. We know that once people taste our cheddar, they will become passionate fans," said John Russell, Senior Director of Marketing for Tillamook Cheese.
The Loaf Love Tour consists of a trio of mini-buses that were retrofitted from 1966 Standard VW Microbuses to resemble Baby Loafs of Tillamook cheddar. The Baby Loaf Buses are icons of the Tour and will stop at grocery stores, neighborhoods and special events to spread the love of Tillamook's cheddar.

VIZIO Collaborates With Beyoncé In National Campaign
VIZIO, a leading LCD HDTV Company, has entered into a three year, North American endorsement agreement with international pop-music icon and film star, Beyoncé Knowles - Carter, which includes using her as a spokesperson VIZIO for North American advertising, product packaging, web, promotions, public relations and point of sale materials. The partnership will also allow Knowles to participate in the design and performance characteristics of new products from VIZIO's ever-expanding line of audio, visual and web-enabled products. Laynie Newsome, Co-Founder and VP Sales & Marketing Communications of VIZIO, said, "We believe both VIZIO and Beyoncé are closely aligned as American success stories who have redefined the rules in our respective industries."

WWE® And Kmart Run 'Royal Riches' Promotion Supporting 'Royal Rumble' And Kick Off Of Road To WrestleMania XXVI
World Wrestling Entertainment® and Kmart have collaborated to create "Royal Riches," an exclusive, multiplatform marketing promotion supporting WWE's first pay-per-view event of 2010, Royal Rumble, at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga., and the kick off to the "Road to WrestleMania® XXVI."
All Kmart stores will feature product boutiques showcasing WWE licensed merchandise including men's and boys' apparel, footwear, bedding, DVDs, and video games. Additionally, Kmart will debut Mattel's new line of WWE action figures and accessories. Consumers who purchase $35 or more of WWE merchandise at Kmart will receive $10 off their Royal Rumble pay-per-view order. Consumers also have the opportunity to win other promotional offers through the duration of the program including further discounts on WWE merchandise, and an opportunity to win a trip for two to WrestleMania XXVI on March 28 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
"Kmart continues to look for ways to bring value to our customers by offering exclusive and exciting products through our relationship with WWE," said Mark Snyder, chief marketing officer, Kmart. "Whether in store or online, Kmart's customers know they can find all of their favorite WWE products in one place."
"After the overwhelming success of last year's collaboration with Kmart, we are thrilled to expand our efforts by coming together again to offer WWE fans a great value for their shopping dollars and build excitement around our Royal Rumble pay-per-view event," said Jim Connelly, senior vice president, Consumer Products, WWE.

Birdsong Gregory Debuts Shopper Marketing Division For Retailers & Brands
Birdsong Gregory, a Charlotte, NC advertising agency with deep expertise in retail communications and in-store branding, has launched a new shopper marketing division. The underlying goal of Birdsong Gregory's new shopper marketing group will be to help clients tackle the challenges and create shopper-centric solutions that drive trips, grow basket size, and build brand loyalty. Birdsong Gregory has helped create highly intuitive, purchase-focused environments for companies such as Food Lion, Lowe's Home Improvement, and Britax. (Web site) birdsonggregory.com

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