This life size Frigidaire floor display was featured to bring awareness to the product through the use of a sweepstakes contest. The display was printed full color, mounted to board, die cut and glued. There was a separate header card created as well as cling vinyls, ballot pads and counter cards. The display stopped customers in their tracks as they marveled over this printed unit. Retailers reported that the number of ballots completed was greater than anticipated and sales of the unit also increased. This Frigidaire floor display was produced by Proprint Services Inc., Proprint Services Inc., 5621 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1B 2T9.
(Web site) www.pop-online.com
New Accelerade Ready-To-Drink On Display In Sports Specialty Stores
Accelerade Ready-To-Drink, a sports drink described as the "holy grail" for serious exercisers because of its proven benefits, has been launched by PacificHealth Laboratories, a nutrition technology company, and Motts LLP, a division of Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages.
The Companies have also launched an aggressive marketing program involving the placement of permanent point-of-purchase displays in leading sports specialty stores. Accelerade, developed by PacificHealth Laboratories, is the first sports drink that contains a patented 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein for improved endurance, enhanced rehydration, faster muscle recovery and less post-exercise muscle damage.
Big League Chew Launches 'Live The Dream' Promotion Honoring
Cal Ripken Jr.
The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is celebrating baseball living-legend Cal Ripken Jr.'s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with the launch of the "Big League Chew Live the Dream" promotion, which features a one-of-a-kind Big League Chew package featuring Cal Ripken Jr.'s signature and caricature likeness to be auctioned online for charity and one grand prize trip for four to this summer's Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown, NY.
Specially marked packages of Big League Chew are also available now for a limited time that give fans an opportunity to share in the excitement of Ripken's induction. In addition to the grand prize, Big League Chew is giving away more than 10,000 prizes including autographed Cal Ripken baseball cards, trips to Ripken baseball camps, memberships to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Nike batting gloves and baseball mitts and free packs of Big League Chew.
Fetzer Debuts Valley Oaks Pinot Noir
Fetzer Vineyards is introducing a new Valle Oaks Pinot Noir sourced principally from the Languedoc-Roussillon growing region in France, priced at $8.99 per 750ml and currently available in national release. John Tichenor, Group Brand Director at Brown-Forman, said," Sourcing the Pinot Noir from France allows Fetzer to meet a seemingly insatiable demand for this varietal."
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Florida Unveils Concept Retail Store
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida has unveiled "Florida Blue," a new concept in retailing geared to assist consumers' navigation of the health insurance market. Located in the St. John's Town Center in Jacksonville, Florida Blue will sell health and ancillary products such as dental and life insurance as well as provide educational and informational seminars for consumers on health care and health coverage related issues.
The Company said the store, one of the first of its kind nationally, is a new concept in the health insurance arena and is one additional component of BCBSF's move to a consumer-empowered retail environment. The Company believes Florida Blue will be a success even if consumers do not sign up for BCBSF products on the spot, because it will expose potential customers to BCBSF's extensive portfolio of products and services in a no-pressure environment and favorable way.
Anheuser-Busch Introduces 180 Red With Goji Energy Drink
Anheuser-Buscch is introducing 180 Red with Goji, a new energy drink with a refreshing, slightly sweet cherry taste balanced with subtle tartness. The Goji berry is a small, red superfood with one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit. The health benefits of Goji berries have been used in Asian culture for thousands of years. This new energy beverage joins two new 180 flavors including 180 Blue Low-Calorie and 180 Sugar-Free Orange Citrus Blast, ideal for adults who regularly use low-calorie and sugar-free products.
Dolce Vita Therabed Pet Beds Debut
Dolce Vita Therabed pet beds, a complete line of heated pet beds in a variety of shapes and sizes for dogs and cats, has been introduced by Bellevue, WA-based ColdHeat, a leading developer of products featuring patented high-efficiency heating and cooling technology. Instinct drives the quest for warmth and comfort in pets, and research suggests that they receive many of the same benefits from heat as those derived by humans. The Therabed Pet beds feature a patent-pending Flat Screen Heater heat-spreading technology that evenly distributes heat throughout the bed to eliminate hot spots, and a proprietary thermal control that limits the heat to keep your pet's body temperature in its normal range.
Diet Pepsi MAX To Launch This June
Peps-Cola NA plans to launch Diet Pepsi MAX, an invigorating zero-calorie cola with extra caffeine and a touch of ginseng. This formulation is specially designed for adults to get them through the day. The product hits stores nationwide in June.
Kodak Offers New Digital Single Use Camera
Eastman Kodak Company introduced its new Kodak HQ Maximum Versatility Single Use Camera, which blends the quality and durability of a Kodak single use camera with a simple, clean and modern design. The new camera, which is 20% smaller than the camera it replaces, extends the single use camera category value in a digital world. According to Kodak, nearly 60% of Americans own more expensive film or digital cameras, but still turn to one-time use cameras when they want to protect their camera or if that camera isn't available.
New Timber Creek Smoking Tray Offers Great Mesquite Flavor On The Grill
Schwan's Consumer Brands is introducing the Timber Creek Smoking Tray, a new product for the outdoor grill that combines the savory taste of mesquite wood in a convenient disposable tray. The 12" x 9" x 1.5" aluminum tray is actually two trays crimped together with 5 ounces of real mesquite wood in between the bottom layers. Smoke flavor rises through the holes in the top tray and season beef, chicken, fish or vegetables with mesquite flavor while insulating and protecting food from grill flare-ups. The tray also eliminates the need to clean the grill grates and is disposable and recyclable.
'Sumseeds' Caffeinated Sunflower Seeds Introduced
Dakota Valley Products, a South Dakota manufacturer and supplier of food products, has introduced Sumseeds, a sunflower seed fortified with caffeine and other energy boosters. Sumseeds are manufactured using a patent-pending process that infuses high quality, roasted sunflower seeds with the ingredients commonly found in popular "energy" drinks.
Oh Boy! Oberto Launches 100 Calorie Jerky Bites
Oh Boy! Oberto has launched its first 100 calorie meat snacks in two varieties: 100 calorie Original Beef Jerky Bites and 100 Calorie Teriyaki Turkey Jerky Bites. These products are available nationally at grocery, mass merchandise, and convenience stores. In addition to portion control products, consumers continue to demand convenient snacks that fit into a healthier lifestyle, according to Mick Taylor, Vice President, Marketing, Oberto Sausage Company.
Nicogel Delivers Smoking Pleasure In Convenient Hand Gel
Nicogel, a new cigarette alternative in the form of a hand gel, is now available in Walgreen's nationwide. With more and more places becoming non-smoking, Nicogel, which contains less than 1/10th of the tobacco found in a single cigarette, is the perfect solution for smokers who are not looking to quit, but looking to experience cigarette satisfaction. In less than one minute, Nicogel is completely absorbed into the hand leaving no residue or odor. "Nicogel addresses a real need for the smokers of today," said Bill Whalen, Chairman and CEO of Blue Whale, a consumer products company that creates products that allow people to use tobacco in alternative ways.
Orbit Launches Mint Mojito And Raspberry Mint Flavors
The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is growing the Orbit franchise with the debut of Orbit Mint Mojito and Orbit Raspberry Mint, the tenth and eleventh flavors of the successful Orbit franchise.
"Mint Mojito provides an exotic cooling sensation that is recognizably different from existing gum flavor profiles, while Raspberry Mint blends Orbit's distinct mint flavor with the brand's first berry flavor offering."
New Tailwind Footwear Brand Launched At Payless Stores
Tailwind, a new fashion-meets-performance footwear and accessories brand, has been launched at select Payless stores. The Tailwind products are driving a new category in the women's footwear market, combining fashion appeal with performance technology. The stylish shoes feature G-Zone, a groundbreaking honeycomb gel that compresses on impact, and come in trend-conscious colors.
"This collection celebrates expressive women who want the comfort and quality of a serious performance shoe combined with the fun of the latest contemporary fashion trends, all at a great value," said Clare Hamill, President and CEO of Exeter Brands Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nike.
Krispy Kreme Introduces Whole Wheat Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has introduced a Whole Wheat Glazed doughnut made with 100% whole wheat that has a sweet caramel flavoring covered in Krispy Kreme's original glaze.
"This sweet treat is an alternative for health conscious consumers with the benefits of 100% whole wheat and only 180 calories," said Stan Parker, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Krispy Kreme.
Kohl's Debuts Chaps Home
Kohl's Corp. and Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. have partnered to introduce the Chaps Home collection in May 2007. The Chaps Home collection will be designed and developed by Polo Ralph Lauren and manufactured by Kohl's. With the launch of Home, Chaps becomes the fist national band that Kohl's carries in every one of its major departments. The initial launch of Chaps Home will feature five fashion bedding collections as well as solid colored sheets, towels and bath rugs, and will be consistent with the high quality, classic style inherent in the Chaps brand.
Circuit City Promotes D. Matthews To EVP, Mdsg. & Mktg.
Circuit City Stores has promoted David Matthews to Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Services and Marketing. "Dave has demonstrated strong leadership in his capacity as President of Circuit City Direct, driving explosive growth in that segment, while improving our position as a multi-channel retailer," said Philip Schoonover, Chairman, President and CEO of Circuit City Stores. "We believe that by asking Dave to lead our merchandising, services and marketing efforts, we have taken the next step in building our multi-channel capabilities by streamlining our organization to make it more responsive to our customers' needs."
Neo Advertising Appoints Henri To Lead Deployment Of New Digital Advtg. Signage Networks
Neo Advertising is gearing up to deploy new digital advertising signage networks in North America and has appointed Jean-Claude Henri as its Executive Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, to lead these efforts. Henri's responsibilities will include developing and implementing the Canada-wide marketing strategy and looking after business development of all Neo Advertising's operations in Canada and North America. Prior to this appointment, Henri was the Vice President and GM Eastern Region of Pattison Outdoor Advertising.
Gap Appoints M. Cape EVP, Mktg, Old Navy
Gap Inc. has named Michael Cape as Executive Vice President, Marketing for Old Navy. Cape joins Old Navy after serving for six years at J.C. Penney, most recently as Vice President, Director of Brand Marketing. He also was part of the leadership team assisting J.C. Penney's turnaround efforts, and helped develop a fashion-forward image for the retailer as it transformed into a contemporary retail brand.
Select Comfort Names Ibach To Lead U.S. Retail Channel
Select Comfort Corp., a leading bed retailer and creator of the Sleep Number bed, has appointed Shelly Ibach to lead the U.S. retail channel, a newly defined position within the company. Ibach joins Select Comfort from Macy's North, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, responsible for merchandising and marketing for all Home businesses.
Sharper Image Promotes Yotnakparian To Sr. V.P., Retail Stores
Sharper Image Corp. has promoted John Yotnakparian to Senior Vice President, Retail Stores. The new retail structure will be organized into three regions-East, Central and West. Reporting to Yotnakparian who heads the retail group, will be: Steve Renzelmann, Eastern Region V.P.; Gary Jellison, Central Region V.P.; Brian Pack, Western Region V.P.; and Cheri Ginsberg, V.P. Retail Operations.
Scientific Learning Names Lindl V.P. Of Mktg.
Scientific Learning Corp., makers of Fast ForWord learning intervention software, has named Jessica Lindl as Vice President of Marketing. Lindl, who most recently served as Vice President of Marketing for educational software developer Riverdeep, brings over 12 years of high-level sales and marketing experience to her new position.
TNS Acquires Sorensen Assoc. To Form Global Shopper Research Business
TNS, a world leader in market information, has acquired Sorensen Associates, "The In-store Research Company," to support the rapid expansion of its successful shopper research business. TNS has also created a global practice, TNS Retail and Shopper Insights, to meet the growing international demand for more sophisticated shopper insights and marketing initiatives. With the in-store expertise of Sorensen Associates, including its revolutionary shopper-tracking technology, TNS is now equipped to offer insights into the full spectrum of the "Shopper Journey"--before shoppers enter a store, as they walk through the store, at the point-of-purchase and after they have selected a product for purchase. With Sorensen's knowledge of shopper behavior in-store, TNS will use its global network to deliver sophisticated shopper research to clients around the world through its new global practice-TNS Retail and Shopper Insights (Web site) www.tns-global.com
Office Depot Launch's 'Official Small Business Of NASCAR' Promotion
Office Depot, is offering small businesses the potential for big exposure through its "Official Small Business of NASCAR" promotion.
The Official Small Business of NASCAR Winner will be unveiled on ESPN's NASCAR Now; a segment profiling the winning business on NASCAR Now later in the year; a visit from NASCAR star Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion in NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup series'; along with a $10,000 small business makeover package.
The Official Small Business of NASCAR winner will have its company logo displayed on the TV Panel for the No.99 Office Depot Ford Fusion driven by Edwards during the Coca-Cola 600 race at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 27. The winning small business also receives the right to use the "Official Small Business of NASCAR" logo for a full year.
Aspen Marketing Promotes C. Lang To COO
Aspen Marketing Services has promoted Cathy Lang to Chief Operating Officer. Lang has served as the Company's Chief Marketing Officer for the past five years. In her new role, Lang will lead the daily operations of Aspen's growing network of offices and capabilities as well as oversee the Company's new business efforts.
Prezenta Introduces New Light Box
Prezenta Presentation Products, a division of EXPOGO, is offering its new injection-molded light box designed to provide safe storage and easy transport for its custom low voltage 50 watt Luma Star Halogen Light, extra bulb, UL approved transformer and 10' 3" cord. Measuring 10" x 4" x 2" and weighing less than two pounds loaded, the boxes can nest on one another for multiple stacking convenience. The unique heat resistant inner compartment also allows lights to be stored hot, eliminating typical cool-down time or additional handling. For more information, call 800-891-1869 or visit (Web site) www.EXPOGO.com
Outwater Offers Flexible Mouldings
Outwater's Orac Décor Flexible Mouldings offer sharply defined details, perfect dimensions, and extremely consistent quality in highly flexible 6'6" straight lengths that enable installers to easily create "on demand" "Bend To Fit" radii at the time of installation to accommodate the curvature of almost any inside, outside or arch radius application without profile deformation or causing excess stress to the mounting surface. Orac Décor Flexible Mouldings do not require priming before painting, faux-finishing or glazing, and are designed to be handled and installed utilizing typical woodworking equipment. For more information, contact Architectural Products By Outwater, LLC, 24 River Road, P.O. Box 387, Bogota, NJ 07603; (Tel) 800-835-4400, 201-498-8787, (Web site) www.outwater.com
POP Solutions Announces JOint Venture With C-nario
POP Solutions, a mobile marketing company with offices in Los Angeles and New York, has teamed up with C-nario, a provider of digital dynamic signage to corporations throughout the world, to create displays that enable a two-way dialog between advertisers and consumers. When merged with digital signage, mobile messaging takes on a whole new personality. It allows targeting consumers when they are only a few steps away from the store and most likely to buy. What's more, the customers' responses inform advertisers of consumer shopping habits and preferences enabling them to alter the message on the video screens to adapt to those preferences. For example, a woman at a mall sees a message on the C-nario based display screen announcing a sale at a shoe store and inviting her to test a response in order to win a discount for that store. She texts her response and via POP Solutions' technology, a digital coupon is sent to her mobile device in the form of a bar code that can be scanned at the store's check out counter. At the same time, in conjunction with C-nario's and POP Solutions' integrated technologies, information is noted about her response, such as what part of the mall she was in when she saw the message, what time of day it was and which ad she responded to and whether a coupon or promotion was redeemed. The information is tabulated and lets the advertisers know which screens and which stores are getting the most action. Displays can then be altered and adjusted accordingly to maximize their effectiveness. For more information, visit C-nario at (Web site) www.c-nario.com
;POP Solutions at (Web site) www.pop-solutions.com
Professional Exhibits Appts. M. Finein To V.P. Sales
Professional Exhibits & Graphics, a leading Sunnyvale, CA-based trade show exhibit company, has named Michael Finein to Vice President of Sales. Finein previously worked in the trade show industry for 14 years and will be responsible for supervising the sales staff in the Company's Sunnyvale and Sacramento facilities as well as developing new trade show strategies for clients.
Mostre Appts. V. Acevedo To Sales Team
Mostre Design, a trade show exhibit manufacturer located in Carlsbad, CA, has hired Varin Acevedo to join its sales team. Acevedo brings with her over 20 years experience in the display industry and will join the Mostre team in building new business both locally and regionally.
Poretta & Orr Promotes Acct. Mgrs.
Poretta & Orr, a global exhibit marketing and event management firm located in Doylestown, PA, has promoted Rick Counihan and Drew Nickerson to Account Managers. Counihan has been with Poretta & Orr for 1 ˝ years and previously held the position of Sr. Project Manager. Nickerson has been with the Company for 1 year and held the position of Sr. Project Manager.
