Creative World

Week of April 11, 2011

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Adidas Deploys adiVerse Virtual Footwear Wall

Adidas is using adiVerse, a virtual footwear wall that puts the ultimate aisle of shoes at the fingertips of shoppers. This solution is an extension of the real product displays where shoes would be shown on a shelf, but virtually. adiVerse is powered by 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processors, which deliver visually smart performance, allowing users to interact with footwear to an unprecedented level of detail.

Using state of the art touch-screen and precision real-time 3D rendered products, shoppers can select products on a virtual shelf, pull products, look onto the product from any angle, rotate it, zoom it in, and get further product and technology information. Built-in anonymous video analytics provides metrics on shopper trends, demographics, and shopping patterns.

Kraft Launches Meal Planning Solution

Intel Corporation and Kraft Foods have jointly designed a Meal Planning Solution to demonstrate how the functionality of a traditional self-service kiosk can be transformed into an interactive, immersive retail experience with measurable results. This solution, based on the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor, can be used to obtain recipes, shopping suggestions, promotional coupons as well as product samples. Retailers and brands can use it to connect with the consumer beyond the point-of-sale; increasing visits, brand recognition and loyalty as well as basket size-all while reducing overall cost of ownership and maintenance as compared to traditional digital signage.

The solution includes: Vending Machine/Digital Signage Integration: The Meal Planning Solution demonstrates the power of creating an immersive, brand-building experience by integrating digital signage capabilities with the traditional functionality of a vending machine. Mobile Integration: Kraft integrates this solution with their iFood Assistant application for smartphones. This makes it easy to add recipes, shopping lists, etc. to a mobile phone, in real time, via a 2D barcode scanner. For retailers looking for enhanced POS integration, it can also be tied into the retailer's POS and loyalty card program. Sampling and Conversion Capabilities: The synergy of vending machine capabilities and digital signage creates an array of opportunities for marketers and retailers to increase sampling and conversion. In addition to recipes, shopping lists, product samples, etc., consumers can also opt-in to receive future marketing promotions.

Starbucks Expands Mobile Payment Test

Starbucks has expanded its Starbucks Card Mobile payment test to nearly 300 company-operated stores. Starbucks will offer customers the ease and convenience of paying for their favorite Starbucks® beverage with their mobile phone. “Mobile technology is part of our customers' daily routine and with the expansion of mobile payment in our test cities, we’re seeing more and more customers using their smartphones as their mobile wallets,” said Brady Brewer, VP, Starbucks Card & Loyalty. “We’ve heard from our customers on My Starbucks Idea that they want a faster, more convenient way to pay. Mobile is just one of the ways we continue to innovate and enhance the experience for our customers.”

Cold Stone Creamery Launches New Frozen Yogurt Concept

Cold Stone Creamery has launched of the Cold Stone Yogurt Bar, a new yogurt concept that will be incorporated into existing Cold Stone stores in 2011. The brand extension will feature a proprietary self-serve weigh and pay frozen yogurt with a full toppings bar to offer a fully customized yogurt experience.

Dan Beem, president of Cold Stone Creamery, said, "With the growing popularity of frozen yogurt and a continued consumer preference toward choice and customization, we see a significant opportunity for our brand, our franchisees and our customers as we evolve our brand and introduce a frozen yogurt we know will be the best in its category."

Over the next few weeks, several stores in Arizona, California and across the east coast will incorporate and test the yogurt concept in preparation for an intended nationwide launch in the spring of 2011. Every location that adopts the yogurt bar concept will feature a variety of self-serve machines along with an accompanying fresh toppings bar. Locations that do not offer the soft-serve Yogurt Bar concept will still have the sweet and creamery yogurt presence in a hard-packed form allowing for Cold Stone's customizable Creations on the granite stone.

Beem said, "The future of this concept is very exciting because our yogurt is a craveable daytime or afternoon snack with probiotic health benefits that our customers can come back for several times a week."

Walmart Launches Major Initiative To Make Food Healthier And Healthier Food More Affordable

Walmart, the nation's largest grocer, has unveiled a comprehensive effort to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices. The five key elements of the program include: 1.Reformulating thousands of everyday packaged food items by 2015 by reducing sodium 25 percent and added sugars 10 percent, and by removing all remaining industrially produced trans fats. The company will work with suppliers to improve the nutritional quality of national food brands and its Great Value private brand in key product categories to complete the reformulations; 2.Making healthier choices more affordable, saving customers approximately $1 billion per year on fresh fruits and vegetables through a variety of sourcing, pricing and transportation and logistics initiatives that will drive unnecessary costs out of the supply chain. Walmart will also dramatically reduce or eliminate the price premium on key "better-for-you" items, such as reduced sodium, sugar or fat products; 3.Developing strong criteria for a simple front-of-package seal that will help consumers instantly identify truly healthier food options such as whole grain cereal, whole wheat pasta or unsweetened canned fruit; 4.Providing solutions to address food deserts by building stores in underserved communities that are in need of fresh and affordable groceries; and 5.Increasing charitable support for nutrition programs that help educate consumers about healthier food solutions and choices.

"No family should have to choose between food that is healthier for them and food they can afford," said Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. "With more than 140 million customer visits each week, Walmart is uniquely positioned to make a difference by making food healthier and more affordable to everyone. We are committed to working with suppliers, government and non-governmental organizations to provide solutions that help Americans eat healthier and live a better life."

Walgreens Offers Free Blood Pressure Testing At Stores And Take Care Clinics Throughout The U.S.

Walgreens recently offered free blood pressure testing at all Walgreens pharmacies and Take Care Clinics nationwide. "It's extremely important for people to know their numbers when it comes to blood pressure, because often times there may not be symptoms that alert you to a problem," said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens vice president of pharmacy operations. "Hypertension is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in our country today, and by offering free blood pressure testing at our more than 7,600 locations, we hope these services and interaction with our health care service providers encourage more people to make blood pressure monitoring a practice in managing their overall health." Each test included a free consultation from a Walgreens pharmacist or Take Care Clinic nurse practitioner.

Jewel-Osco Unveils 'nutrition iQ' Food Labeling Program To Help Shoppers Make Choices For Better Health

JEWEL-OSCO, a leading Midwest food and drug retailer, is making it easier for consumers to get a healthy start to the new year with the recent launch of "nutrition iQ®," an exclusive in-store food labeling program designed to help customers make better-informed food choices right at the grocery store shelf. nutrition iQ, which is now in all JEWEL-OSCO stores, uses color-coded shelf tags and signs that allow consumers to quickly identify better-for-you food options.

The program comes as research shows consumers are having difficulty making sense of nutrition guidelines and are looking for an easier way to make informed food choices for better health. It was developed and implemented in collaboration with dietitians from Joslin Clinic, part of an academic medical center affiliated with Harvard Medical School.

More than 2,500 items in each store have qualified for at least one of the following tags: Light blue for minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, selenium and zinc, Dark purple for vitamins A, C and K; B vitamins and folate, Red for omega 3 fats and low saturated fat, Pink for 100 percent juice, Orange for excellent or good source of fiber, Yellow for excellent or good source of protein, Green for low or healthier level of sodium, Purple for low in calories and Dark orange for whole grains. Meanwhile, qualifying items in the stores' fresh departments, which include produce, self-service meat and seafood, feature color-coded informational signs that highlight additional key health benefits of fresh department items that are part of nutrition iQ. The key health benefits that are called out include: Bone health, Digestive health, Energy and muscle, Eye health, Heart health, Immune system and Skin health.

Athleta Opens First Flagship Store In San Francisco's Fillmore Neighborhood

Athleta has opened its first full-scale retail location on San Francisco's renowned Fillmore Street. The store offers Athleta's collection of women's active lifestyle apparel for yoga, running, swim, gym, hiking and skiing - designed by and for female athletes -- as well as an array of other products for both athletic and everyday pursuits.

"Our customers have been asking us for a place to touch and feel the product and we are thrilled to be able to deliver on their wishes," said Kelly Cooper, Vice President of Merchandising, Design and Product for Athleta. "With Athleta's heritage rooted in Sonoma County, it was a natural fit for our first store to be located in the Bay Area, and in one of San Francisco's great neighborhoods. Our customers will have access to a wide selection of our product in an innovative and vibrant store environment providing a place to build community, and connect with the energy, beauty and strength that is Athleta."

The 5,000 square foot store has an open, airy feel and showcases the brand's inspirational imagery and headlines. Custom-made mannequins molded from the body of an Athleta model and real-life athlete will be featured prominently throughout the store, as well as kiosks that link directly to the website offering customers access to additional product. Eight large sized fitting rooms are located toward the back of the store, providing a comfortable setting for customers to try on product, and complimentary tailoring is included with every purchase.

"This store opening launches the next phase of our multi-channel growth plan for the Athleta brand," said Toby Lenk, president of Gap Inc. Direct, the division which houses the Athleta brand. "What began as a catalog business 12 years ago, evolved into a successful online channel, and today marks another milestone for the Athleta brand."

Chopin Vodka Brings Chopin Rye To U.S. Market

Chopin Vodka, the distinctive black-labeled potato spirit, will be joined by red-labeled Chopin Rye on the shelves of select U.S. retailers in March 2011. The U.S. debut of Chopin Rye, long available in Poland, marks a new milestone for the Chopin brand. Chopin is one of only a few vodka producers to distill its own spirits and it pursues the art of vodka making with a passion worthy of its namesake, the legendary Polish composer Frederic Chopin. Chopin Rye is produced from the finest golden rye naturally grown in the fertile Podlasie countryside in eastern Poland. The family-owned company relies on a traditional copper still and a simple, centuries-old process, distilling its vodka four times to produce an authentic spirit of superior quality and taste. Chopin Vodka is imported in the U.S. by Chopin Imports in Manhasset, NY.

Australia's Emeri Sparkling Wines Now Available In U.S.

Emeri De Bortoli Wines, Australia is introducing sparkling wines to the U.S. The line includes Emeri's Sparkling Pinot Grigio, Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato and Sparkling Pink Moscato. All four are priced at just $12.99 per 750ml bottle.

Glenmorangie Launches Finealta Whisky To Its Private Edition Range

The Glenmorangie Company has launched Finealta, the latest expression released from Glenmorangie's Private Edition range. Named after the Scottish Gaelic word for 'elegant', Finealta, pronounced 'Finalta', is an exquisite recreation of a Glenmorangie recipe dating back to 1903. The rich history of this expression inspired Dr. Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie to follow "the 1903 recipe meticulously, which included marrying whiskies of different ages from different types of casks." The resulting whisky is one of "depth and distinction that allows whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts to taste a historic Glenmorangie Expression," according to Lumsden. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, Glenmorangie is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH).

First Shipment Of Volt Solar Chargers Arrive In U.S.

GoSolarUSA has made available the first Volt Solar Chargers to the U.S. market from the manufacturers in Shenzhen, China. These devices will be the first of the new solar-powered Volt battery packs to reach North America. The Volt Solar Charger is an external battery pack that attaches to the iPhone and extends its battery life using a top-of-the-line, built-in solar panel. The Volt is capable of harvesting solar energy to charge all versions of the Apple iPhone with the same device. By capturing free, renewable solar power, the Volt recharges the iPhone's battery first before charging its own internal battery, nearly doubling the smartphone's talk time. Due to the recent announcement that the iPhone 4 will be available to Verizon Wireless network subscribers, GoSolarUSA anticipates that the massive domestic market for iPhone accessories such as the Volt will grow even larger in the coming months.

Linksys Launches E4200 Dual-Band Router

Cisco has unveiled its best-in-class wireless home router - the Linksys® E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router. Designed for optimum home theater performance, the E4200 works seamlessly with the latest entertainment devices, including Internet TVs, iPad tablets, game consoles, smart phones, e-readers, and VoIP devices. This router helps boost performance and range in the home, and it provides industry-leading speed of up to 450 Mbps for smooth streaming of video and music and uninterrupted gaming.

Nintendo 3DS Glasses-Free 3D Gaming System Introduced

Nintendo is introducing portable entertainment in 3D - without the need for special glasses with the new Nintendo 3DS™ system, available in either Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue. Nintendo 3DS includes two screens. The bottom touch screen makes use of a telescoping stylus that is stored in the unit itself. The top screen displays 3D visuals to the naked eye. Looking at the screen is like peering through a window into a world where characters and objects have true depth. The system also has a 3D Depth Slider that lets players select the level of 3D they enjoy the most. Each Nintendo 3DS system comes pre-loaded with a variety of fun games, applications and features, such as Nintendo 3DS Camera. Nintendo 3DS comes with six augmented-reality cards, called AR cards. When the two outer cameras are pointed at the cards, they read the cards and superimpose images and animations onto the scene. Developers can also use this technology to add creative new experiences to their games.

OfficeMax And Peter Walsh Bring Order To Workspaces With 'Peter Walsh youoorganized' Brand

OfficeMax and Peter Walsh, renowned organization expert, have launched a new workplace organization product collection under the "Peter Walsh youoorganized" brand. The collection, which features essential products to support everyday organization, ranges from folders and binders to expanding files and a desk set all with a creative twist that makes organization easy, effective and customizable. "Peter's new youoorganized collection builds upon his unique organizational philosophy and helps our customers reduce clutter, work more efficiently, and feel empowered to do their best work," said Ryan Vero, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for OfficeMax.

Old Orchard Brands Introduces Cranberry Naturals Line

Old Orchard Brands is introducing a new line of naturally-sweetened cranberry juice blends, which include only natural ingredients and 40% less sugar than traditional cranberry juice varieties. Cranberry Naturals feature a proprietary blend of Truvia™ brand natural sweetener and just a hint of natural sugar to create a naturally reduced-sugar juice with just 16 grams of sugar-about 50% less than the leading cranberry juice-and 70 calories per eight-ounce glass. Available in six flavors including, Classic Cranberry, Cranberry Blueberry, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Grape, Cranberry Apple and Cranberry Raspberry, the Cranberry Naturals line features no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Popcorn, Indiana Creates First Gourmet Popcorn Chip

In honor of National Popcorn Day, popcorn innovator Popcorn, Indiana, has taken popcorn and chips to a whole new level with the introduction of chip'ins gourmet popcorn chips. chip'ins are air-popped, unleashing all of the healthy goodness of popcorn in a chip. By combining the great taste and healthy benefits of popcorn with the satisfying crunch of a chip, chip'ins are 100% natural, infused with zesty flavors that pop, healthier than fried chips and tastier than baked. The shape itself makes it possible to finally dip popcorn, yet the enticing flavors readily entertain taste buds on their own.

Rainforest Cola Launches In Rexam SLEEK™ Cans

New Rainforest Cola is a unique 100 percent natural, antioxidant soft drink with real cola taste and is the first of its kind, carving out a new category in the beverage industry. Available now in 12 oz. Rexam SLEEK™ cans, it features an exclusive blend of beneficial ingredients sourced solely from the Rain Forest, including Acai, green tea, ginseng, guarana, stevia, natural sugars and kola nut. It tastes great and has only 30 calories. Rainforest Beverages chose to launch their inaugural product in the Rexam SLEEK can because it delivers brand differentiation and helps the beverage stand out on retail shelves. In addition, the company wanted to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability by utilizing the most recycled beverage package in the world. Rainforest Cola is available through select retailers in New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and Wisconsin with plans to drive steady and strategic growth nationwide.

Yankee Candle Launches New QuickScent™ Candle Form

The Yankee Candle Company has launched its new line of QuickScent™ candles, which employ a new proprietary system that includes a quick melting candle and candle holder. Based on extensive research, Yankee Candle developed this new product for consumers that are very busy, but are looking for a quick way to relax and enjoy the moment. QuickScent™ candles are fast-melting candles in a refillable base that provides room-filling fragrance in minutes.

"We are thrilled to introduce QuickScent™ candles to our consumers," said Hope Margala Klein, senior vice president, brand, design and innovation for The Yankee Candle Company. "QuickScent™ candles offer a new and quick way to enjoy all the classic Yankee fragrances our consumers have come to love."

R.W. Knudsen Family Introduces Two New Natural Beverage Lines Sweetened With Truvia Rebiana

R.W. Knudsen Family® and the Truvia™ brand have introduced R.W. Knudsen Family® Light Juices, a new line of juices available in three flavors, blueberry, cranberry and pomegranate, with 45 percent less calories than other superfruit blends. The new R.W. Knudsen Family® Light Juices are naturally sweetened with Truvia™ rebiana, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener made from the best-tasting part of the stevia leaf.

"With the increased attention paid to how many calories are consumed each day through liquids alone, Truvia™ rebiana provides a great tasting natural zero calorie sweetener option to the new R.W. Knudsen Family® Light Juices without compromising on flavor," said Zanna McFerson, assistant vice president, Cargill Health & Nutrition and business director for the Truvia™ enterprise.

Arrow Fastener Debuts New R.E.D. Product Line For Builders

Arrow Fastener is adding four new products in its innovative R.E.D. product line, including: T50 R.E.D.™ Professional Manual Staple Gun and 1" Brad Nail Gun; ET50 R.E.D.™ Electric Staple Gun; The HT50i R.E.D.™ Hammer Tacker and The EBN320 R.E.D.™ Electric Brad Nail Gun. The best-selling manual stapler in the world, the Arrow T50, has been reinvented as the cornerstone of the R.E.D. product line. The new T50 R.E.D. is both 50% easier to squeeze and 40% more powerful.

New Medicated Anti-Bacterial Lip Balm From eos™ Introduced For Flu Season

eos, a personal care brand, has just launched its new Tangerine Medicated Anti-Bacterial Lip Balm Smooth Sphere. This moisturizing, medicated lip balm is 95% natural and delivers anti-bacterial protective powers to help prevent unwanted germs from spreading to your lips and mouth through its natural active ingredient Phenol. Packed with powerful antioxidants, zinc, vitamins C and E, and moisturizing ingredients shea butter and jojoba oil, this lip balm pampers and softens lips while protecting them too. eos Lip Balm Smooth Spheres are available at retailers nationwide including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid stores.

Nature's Pride Introduces New Hearty Wheat With Flax Variety

As consumers continue to add heart healthy products to their diets, Nature's Pride® has expanded its line of 100% natural breads with the introduction of new Nature's Pride Hearty Wheat with Flax, the first 100% natural bread available across the country to be baked using pure olive oil and the first in the Nature's Pride line to provide a good source of Omega 3-ALA, which comes from flax seed. This great tasting variety is also a good source of fiber and provides 22g of whole grains per slice.

"Nature's Pride continues to address the needs of Baby Boomer and Gen-X consumers who are seeking to increase their consumption of ingredients such as fiber, olive oil and Omega-3 that provide nutritional benefits," said Laura Pitlik, Director of Marketing for Nature's Pride.

TRENDnet Ships 450Mbps Wireless Gaming Adapter

TRENDnet has shipped its first to market 450Mbps Wireless N Gaming Adapter, model TEW-687GA, to online and retail partners. The 450Mbps Wireless N Gaming Adapter networks computers, gaming consoles, televisions, and DVRs to the Internet with never before seen 450Mbps wireless connection speeds. Setup is quick and simple, with no drivers to install. A Gigabit Ethernet port maintains high performance wired connections. Advanced Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna technology with three spatial streams per antenna generates a maximum theoretical wireless throughput of 450Mbps.

Under Armour Names Mark Dowley EVP, Global Brand

Under Armour has named Mark Dowley as Executive Vice President, Global Brand and President of International. Dowley has extensive experience with over 20 years of global marketing expertise, including his most recent position as CEO of William Morris Endeavor Marketing. In his new position at Under Armour, Dowley will oversee Brand Marketing, Sports Marketing, Consumer Insights and Strategy.

Walgreens Appoints Graham Atkinson Chief Customer Experience Officer-

Walgreens has appointed Graham Atkinson as senior vice president and chief customer experience officer. Atkinson will be responsible for developing and leading the company's loyalty strategies with a specific emphasis on the customer experience. Most recently, Atkinson was president of Mileage Plus for United Airlines. In that role, he was responsible for improving the effectiveness of the customer loyalty program and extending the reach and impact of the marketing efforts for the program.

VitaminSpice Adds Robert Wilke As CMO

VitaminSpice has named Robert Wilke as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Previously, Wilke owned Wilke Communications, a marketing agency serving a diverse portfolio of national and international clients. Prior to Wilke Communications, he held a number of senior positions in the marketing services business, including CEO of Circle.com, president of Nexus Direct, and EVP at Brann Worldwide.

Perkins Appoints Glenn Drasher To Senior Director Of Marketing

Perkins & Marie Callender's has appointed Glenn Drasher as Senior Director of Marketing - Perkins. Drasher has over 20 years of executive marketing and consulting experience in the restaurant industry including work with Famous Dave's, Buffets and the Carlson Restaurant Group. Cheryl Ahlbrandt, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Research and Development, at Perkins & Marie Callender's to whom Drasher will report, said, "Glenn's arrival signals a continued commitment to the evolution of the Perkins brand."

Seymour Duncan Adds Bill Leigh As Marketing Director

Legendary guitar pickup and pedal company Seymour Duncan has added Bill Leigh as Director of Marketing and Communications. Leigh joined Seymour Duncan in August 2010 as Director of Marketing Communications after leading Bass Player magazine for nearly eight years as Editor in Chief.

GM Announces Marketing Leadership Changes

General Motors has announced leadership changes in its U.S. marketing operations. Chris Perry, is appointed Vice President, U.S. Marketing, replacing Joel Ewanick. Perry will report to Ewanick, who was named Global Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Perry will have responsibility for improving the positioning of the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands and consumer consideration of GM vehicles.

Rick Scheidt, previously Executive Director, Chevrolet Product Marketing, is named U.S. Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing, replacing Perry. John Schwegman, previously U.S.Vice President, Buick-GMC Marketing, is named U.S. Vice President, GMC Marketing. Tony DiSalle, previously Product and Marketing Director, Chevrolet Volt, is named U.S. Vice President, Buick Marketing. Joel Ewanick, Global Chief Marketing Director, said, “These individuals have great track records for leading aggressive and creative marketing strategies.”

Intel Offers LuminAR Product Counter Intel® Atom™

The LuminAR Product Counter,an Intel® Atom™ Processor based technology is an augmented reality based “product counter” that transforms any surface and object into interactive surfaces that blends digital media and information with physical space. This solution enables shoppers to conduct research in store, learn about product features and talk to a virtual expert to get expert advice. “LuminAR lamp” can be placed on any standard product counter. For more information, call 800-548-4725, or visit Intel’s (Web site) www.intel.com

Ford Features Its Largest Exhibit At North American Auto Show

Ford Motor Co. debuted its largest exhibit to date at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Ford area was 25% larger than last year and included 75 vehicles, 22 interactive exhibits and 67 product specialists on hand to answer questions. Visitors were able to learn about new Ford technologies through digital interactions, live games and shows, vehicle simulators and even electric vehicle rides on a specially created, 208-foot-long, elevated track. “For several years now, Ford has been driving the evolution of auto shows. We’ve moved from one-way communication to full-blown two-way communication and total engagement with visitors,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group V.P., Global Marketing, Sales & Service. “Futuristic concept cars and simple narrations about products have been augmented by or replaced with product interaction, hands-on technology displays, conversations with knowledgeable hosts and even games that help visitors understand how Ford is delivering smart, safe, green, high-quality products to fit a wide range of needs.” Ford created an innovative major attraction for the show called “Living Electric.” Hands-on technology displays, digital tutorials and conversations with experts helped people learn how the different types of electric vehicles will fit various lifestyles. Visitors could even take a ride in two electric vehicles - Focus Electric and Transit Connect Electric - on an elevated track on the Ford stand that is 20 feet high, stretched 208 feet in length and is 71 feet in diameter. Additional highlights included: An Explorer Theater where visitors could take a virtual ride in an articulating Explorer and The Focus Experience - an immersive, in-car theater experience that highlights the breakthrough driver connectivity of the all new Ford Focus. (Web site) www.ford.com

Hill & Partners Creates New Polartec® Exhibit

Hill & Partners, a Quincy, MA-based exhibit firm, recently created a custom rental linear exhibit program for Polartec. Polartec has used the exhibit at three national shows on the East and West coasts in addition to two international shows in Prague and Paris. The 10 x 20 exhibit conveys a sense of depth through the creative use of frosted Plexiglas panels with dimensional branding elements and product display areas for Polartec garments. A trapezoid-shaped front reception desk doubled as a conference table and demo counter with storage space. The booth is capped by a ceiling, providing additional structure and dimension. (Web site) www.hillpartners.com

Xi3 Corp. Features Expanded Exhibit At CES

Xi3 Corp. expanded its CES 2011 presence 10-fold to a 1,000-square-foot booth as the public launch point for its initial products built around the Xi3 Computer Architecture, a computer design which breaks up the classic motherboard into three smaller attached boards that can be easily replaced, modified and updated. The result was the creation of the Xi3 Modular Computer™, a fully functional computer running a dual-core, 2.0GHz x86 processor housed in an aluminum case that measures less than four inches per side. "We've also seen a ton of really positive media coverage already from CES, ranging from major national and international outlets and from blogs to vertical market media properties," said Aaron Rowsell, COO of Xi3. "And it wasn't just because we had brightly colored five-foot replicas of the Xi3 Modular Computer spinning above our booth. The interest was in seeing a completely new approach to computing - the Xi3 Modular Computer." (Web site) www.Xi3.com

Matrex Exhibits Names Debbie Kerrigan To Sales Staff

Matrex Exhibits has added industry expert Debbie Kerrigan to its sales staff. Prior to joining Matrex, Kerrigan was the top sales person in the national distributor network for Nimlok Company. In her new position, she will assist Matrex in meeting clients' rapidly changing needs and growing the Matrex client portfolio. (Web site) www.matrexhibits.com

Red Mango Celebrates 100th Store With Introduction Of Dark Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

Red Mango, fast-growing retailer of all-natural probiotic frozen yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies, is saluting its 100th store with a nationwide celebration, introducing its decadent Dark Chocolate frozen yogurt and special pricing for the first 100 customers at all locations across the country.

The first 100 customers at every participating Red Mango location will receive special pricing and collectible gifts. Full-serve locations will offer collectible coupons for a small serving of Dark Chocolate frozen yogurt for just $1 and a free limited edition Mango-flavored Red Mango lip balm. Self-serve locations will give away the free lip balm and distribute collectible coupons good for any flavor of frozen yogurt with toppings for only $0.10 per ounce.

"The public's devotion to Red Mango has been huge, championing the growth of our franchise across America and redefining the way people eat. We wanted to say thank you in the boldest, richest way," said Dan Kim, founder and chief concept officer of Red Mango.

New WineInfoTag Guides Wine Purchase

ImMediaTag, which provides 2D bar code Tags and services for many industries, has launched its new WineInfoTag™. Consumers snap a label-specific WineInfoTag using their smartphones to instantly access wine information. They are then able to make better informed, on-the-spot wine purchase decisions.

Using Microsoft® Tag technology, WineInfoTag provides a colorful image that, when scanned by a smartphone, displays information about a specific wine. Consumers "hover" their smartphones over the Tag to snap the image. They then immediately see label-specific tasting notes, food pairings, reviews, and more. Tag is a new type of Microsoft 2D bar code optimized for displaying information on mobile phones. In order to read a Tag, users first download the free Microsoft Tag Reader. They are then able to snap the Tag, which connects to a microsite to instantly display the type of wine information consumers want to know. Because wineries can update their microsite information according to season, wine release, and new reviews, consumers basically have a live feed to information regarding wines they are considering buying. WineInfoTags can be used on wine menus, bottle hangers, and point-of-purchase displays. (Web site) www.wineinfotag.com

Colle + McVoy Transforms OOH Transit Shelters Into Ovens To Promotes Caribou Coffee's New Hot Breakfast Sandwiches To Cold Minnesotans

Colle + McVoy helped Caribou Coffee launch its new hot breakfast sandwiches this winter in a very warm way that benefitted cold Minnesotans. Colle+McVoy created ovens out of transit shelters, including real heat, to showcase the hot and delectable new menu items.

Costa Farms' O2 For You & Miracle-Gro Partner To Improve Indoor Air Quality With Houseplants

Costa Farms' 'O2 for you: Houseplants with a purpose' program and Miracle-Gro® are teaming up to 'take care of the plants that take care of you'™. Costa Farms' O2 for you program in partnership with Miracle-Gro will build consumer awareness of improving indoor air quality with healthy indoor houseplants.

"We believe the 02 for You message about improving indoor air quality with houseplants is a simple way people can bring green inside," said Tom McLoughlin, vice president, gardens marketing at ScottsMiracle-Gro. "Miracle-Gro products make growing strong and healthy houseplants easy. This partnership links two great brands with a common purpose - people benefiting from improved indoor environments." Costa Farm's partnership with non-profits and corporations is helping to spread the word that indoor houseplants clean the air of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), remove CO2 and provide oxygen, and improve indoor air quality. The partnership entails sharing online content, website links and point of purchase materials that will help educate consumers on the benefits of indoor houseplants.

ECOtality's Blink Network Partners With Sprint

ECOtality, a leader in clean electric transportation with a full range of products for charging electric vehicles (EV), has partnered with Sprint Nextel to ensure connectivity on the Company's Blink™ electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Through ECOtality's new partnership, Sprint will provide the wireless network that will allow ECOtality to monitor and manage the Blink Network, an infrastructure of electric vehicle chargers across the United States, for use by consumers as well as commercial hosts.

ECOtality will install the company's Blink electric vehicle charging stations across the country, and will install nearly 15,000 Level 2 chargers at residential and commercial locations, and over 300 DC Fast Charging ports at public and commercial sites now, and throughout 2011.

"Sprint is proud to provide advanced wireless network services that will allow ECOtality to monitor and manage their Blink Network," said Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint. "In addition, our wireless data network will help process a variety of electronic payments and deliver digital content for advertising and information."

Businesses can take advantage of the advertising opportunities available through the Blink Ad Network, providing ad space on the Blink Pedestal Chargers and Blink DC Fast Chargers. Each Blink DC Fast Charger is equipped with a stunning, daylight readable, 42-inch color LCD display, and a 7-inch LCD touchscreen display on the Pedestal unit. Media content can be both tailored to specific markets and broadcast nationally across Blink Network charger locations. Additionally, the chargers offer retailers the ability to develop coordinated campaigns to display relevant content and promotions, extending the consumer experience from the charging station into their business. (Web site) www.blinknetwork.com

AVT Unveils New Automated Touch Screen Gaming Centers

AVT, Inc. has begun shipments of its new Touch Screen Gaming Centers. These sleek units dispense all types of games from a revolutionary new style vending machine. Equipped with a large 32" Touch Screen Interface, the Gaming Center allow consumers to browse selections, see previews of games, and use a credit card for an instant purchase.

The new machines are at the forefront of Automated Retailing - a segment of both the vending and retailing industries that is growing exponentially. Customers can now view, demo and purchase a wide selection of games at the Touch Screen Gaming Center - quickly, automatically, and securely. AVT's proprietary Smart Technology is also included in the new Centers. This unique suite of advanced systems, hardware and software allows owners and operators to remotely track sales, spot trends, and receive customizable notifications and alerts. (Web site) www.avtinconline.com

Augme AD LIFETM Platform Puts Coupons In Hands Of Mobile Phone Users

Augme Technologies has expanded the delivery of Web-based coupon selection for News America Marketing's online consumer couponing site www.smartsource.com. News America Marketing® produces approximately 165 billion coupons annually through their newspaper insert SmartSource Magazine, their in-store promotions, and www.smartsource.com, which provides a robust selection of consumer packaged goods coupons online. Through the relationship with Augme and its AD LIFE™ mobile marketing platform, SmartSource.com will now be available to mobile phone users across the country.

"We are very impressed with Augme's ability to transition the smartsource.com experience to a mobile device," said Henri Lellouche, Senior Vice President, iGroup, News America Marketing. "Digital couponing solutions where consumers can clip coupons, select samples, or obtain product information via mobile devices are a game-changing promotional tool." (Web site) www.augme.com

TopRight And Major Airlines Create New Direct ConnectTM Advertising Channel

TopRight, a strategic marketing consultancy, has formed a partnership with major airlines that allows them to distribute advertising and promotional offers, which are in the form of a luggage tag, and can be printed in full color with QR codes (Quick Response) or barcodes. The tags, which can feature advertising on both sides, can be segmented by the destination of both domestic and international travelers. A Direct ConnectTM tag delivers an uncluttered, high impact message in a cost effective manner. It is a high-touch medium that has the potential for multiple impressions with a higher income consumer when they are thinking about travel.

This unique and innovative channel allows marketers to reach travelers with highly targeted messages and relevant offers, making it an especially powerful medium for hotels, car rental agencies, restaurants, airport retailers, convention and visitor bureaus and other travel related industries. The Direct ConnectTM program activates thousands of airline system employees to place targeted promotional materials on checked bags in airports throughout North America.

American Express was one of the first advertisers to use this new advertising channel. Their inaugural program promoted the American Express credit card on one million travelers' bags and offered travelers a free checked bag on all flights. American Express recently expanded their test to over 4 million promotional pieces. The program now represents a key component within their fully integrated marketing campaign for acquisition of card members. (Web site) toprightstrategicmarketing.com

Gigunda Group Names GMR Marketing's Terry Spilde Vice President of Ideation and Innovation

Gigunda Group has named Terry Spilde to the newly-created position of Vice President of Ideation and Innovation. Spilde will be responsible for spearheading creative processes agency-wide and will report to Doug Dome, President and Chief Creative Officer of Gigunda. Spilde comes to Gigunda from Omnicom's GMR Marketing, where he was the agency's Executive Creative Director for twelve years and produced award-winning campaigns. (Web site) www.gigundagroup.com

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