Absolute Coatings Interactive Display
Absolute Coatings is using this interactive shelf extender display to help merchandise its floor care products. The compact unit houses a 7" LCD screen. There are five different informative videos the consumer can play by touching the corresponding button on the LCD screen. The buttons blink to attract attention. This Interactive Absolute Coatings Display was created by Flair Display, Inc., 3920 Merritt Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466. (Web site) www.flairdisplay.com
Red Truck Wines Debuts Mini-Barrel At Sam's Club Stores Nationwide
Red Truck Wines' new Mini-Barrel has launched in Sam's Club stores nationwide. With an ingenious trademark- and patent-pending barrel design featuring the iconic wine barrel shape complete with rings, staves, a wood-grain look and burned-in imagery and typography, the Mini-Barrel has a fresh-from-the-winery feel. The 3L Mini-Barrel, which holds Red Truck's Red Wine, is equivalent to four 750ml bottles.
"It's time consumers had the option of a premium quality wine in a format larger than 750ml," said Carol Reber, Vice President of Marketing at 585 Wine Partners which owns Red Truck Wines. "For anyone who's ever visited a winery or wished they could, the Mini-Barrel by Red Truck makes the experience come alive in their own home."
"The Mini-Barrel by Red Truck represents a real breakthrough in both concept and execution," said Dex McCreary, Senior Merchandise Director, Wine and Spirits, Sam's Club. "It is just the kind of quality and value proposition we like to offer our members and it brings an innovative and authentic new design to wine enthusiasts."
Mini-Barrel by Red Truck is being introduced at a time when the consumer is looking to make smart, value-oriented wine purchases. Furthermore, large format packages are widely considered to be more environmentally friendly than glass bottles due to their comparative lighter weight and lower carbon footprint. The Mini-Barrel will be available nationally later in 2009.
Northern Tool Opens State-Of-The-Art Prototype Store
Northern Tool + Equipment has opened a state-of-the-art prototype store in Minnetonka, MN, offering a better display of tools and products, with unique ways to showcase them. The store’s concept is to make the shopping experience hands-on, enjoyable and efficient. It includes an actual customer workshop and a depth of hard-to-find products.
“This store is all about customer experience,” Wade Mattson, V.P., Marketing, said. With 15,000 sq. ft. of store floor to work with, visibility is key and 80% of the floor can be seen from 20 feet inside the front door. Many of the products are surrounded by accessory items for ease of shopping and specially designed showcase shelves display the depth of parts, tools and accessories. Some products are even showcased by in-shelf DVD players. There are a variety of ways for a customer to see and try the more than 15,000 tools and accessories.
Yum! Brands’ KFC And Taco Bell Operate First Green Restaurant
Yum! Brands, parent of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, has opened an environmentally-friendly KFC-Taco Bell restaurant in Northampton, MA.
The restaurant, designed to use 30%less energy and water than a conventional building, also cuts CO2 emissions, reduces waste going to landfills and educates visitors and employees on sustainable design.
The restaurant uses solar energy to preheat fresh air coming into the building which reduces the use of natural gas. Additionally, the restaurant is using a sophisticated lighting control system that maximizes the use of natural light. LED lights, the most energy-efficient available today, were utilized where feasible both inside the restaurant and on signage. Harvested rainwater is used for irrigation. Many of the materials used to build the green restaurant, such as counter tops and building insulation, contain recycled content. The wood used during construction was sustainably harvested. The restaurant composts and recycles waste, including enhanced cooking oil reclamation.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Opens First Health Insurance Retail Store
As individuals and seniors are increasingly faced with purchasing health insurance on their own and small business owners look for health plan options, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania wants to be the first health insurer in the state to open a health insurance retail store. Called Highmark Direct, the new store in Pittsburgh will sell health insurance plans to individuals, seniors and small businesses. The store will also provide informational seminars and educational information about the value-added benefits that Highmark members have access to such as smoking cessation programs, new mother seminars, consultations with nutritionists and more. When a consumer visits the Highmark Direct store, they can meet one-on-one with a Highmark sales associate. The store will also feature self-service kiosks.
“Health insurers are positioning themselves to meet growing demands for health insurance products and information through retail marketing channels,” said Steven Nelson, V.P. of consumerism and retail marketing at Highmark.
Market Street Launches Nutritional Tag Program For Health-Conscious Shoppers
To help recognize National Nutrition Month, Market Street, United Supermarkets' unique market that combines shoppers' everyday grocery needs with specialty items and whole-health/gourmet products, recently launched its new Nutritional Tag program in its six Dallas-Fort Worth locations, including the company's new Market Street location in Plano.
The Nutritional Tags highlight foods meeting gluten-free, heart healthy/diabetes management, lean/low-fat, sugar-free/reduced sugar, and organic standards. The easy-to-understand labels, with corresponding letters and colors, are designed to conveniently lead store guests with special dietary needs to safe, healthy choices. Market Street stores will have signage positioned throughout the aisles to help guests become familiar with the new program.
"The Nutritional Tag program is like shopping with a registered dietitian, helping you select better foods for you and your family," said Alicia Brown, the company's health and wellness marketing manager and a registered dietitian. "We've tagged thousands of food items to give our Market Street guests a wide selection of nutritious items. Health-conscious guests will really appreciate the great steps we've taken to make shopping in our stores as easy as possible."
Majesco Entertainment And Barbara's Bakery Form Marketing Partnership For Puffins: Island Adventure Video Game
Majesco Entertainmentand Barbara's Bakery have formed a marketing partnership to support the upcoming release of Puffins: Island Adventure for Nintendo DS™. Through the partnership, content featuring Barbara's Bakery's popular cereals, Puffins? and Wild Puffs?, will be integrated into the gameplay of the upcoming video game release as "Puffin Tips." Barbara's Bakery will also develop and execute a national instant win game that will take place this spring to coincide with the launch of the video game.
"As we expand our offerings in the casual games space, we continue to explore strategic partnerships that will help raise awareness for our games in unconventional ways," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. "Our partnership with Barbara's Bakery is a perfect opportunity to bring together two related products-Puffins Cereal and our Puffins video game for DS-in a way that makes the experience more fun for the consumer."
"By teaming with Majesco, Barbara's Bakery's Puffins are able to enter into a whole new format for kids to enjoy," said Kent Spalding, Vice President of Marketing for Weetabix North America. "This video game allows us to take the brand beyond cereal, and hopefully will help to increase awareness of puffins among members of the public who can help support the preservation of their species and environment for many years to come."
Barbara's Bakery is hosting a national instant win game for the new Puffins: Island Adventure game. A Puffins: Island Adventure code will be featured on specially marked Puffins? and Organic Wild Puffs? cereal boxes and consumers can then enter the code into the Puffins website to see if they have won a free copy of the game.
GE Launches Suite Of 'Smart' Appliances To Conserve Energy
In the first Quarter of 2009, GE will introduce a suite of "smart" appliances or Energy Management Enabled Appliances. These GE appliances will be enabled to receive a signal from the local utility companies that are participating in tiered rate programs to help consumers manage their peak energy usage. The appliances will receive the control signal that utility rates are high and react based on the appliance's internal programming. Within 10 years, energy management enabled appliances could easily occupy the market space held by ENERGY STAR qualified products today. GE is investing in these appliances today, and - by doing so - will be ready to help consumers use less energy and reduce their utility costs in the future.
Currently most utility company rates are the same throughout the day. However, many utility companies across the country are considering a time-of-use pricing structure so that consumers can avoid using energy during critical peak hours (typically between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and save money.
"At GE, we believe that peak load reduction is the next opportunity in energy saving appliances. We believe that smart, energy management enabled appliances will be the next phase of innovation," explained Kevin Nolan, V.P. Technology for GE. "It's not enough to simply use less power, as ENERGY STAR encourages today, we now need to consume our power more intelligently."
Kmart Partners With WWE To Promote 25th Anniversary Of WrestleMania
Kmart(R) has partnered with World Wrestling Entertainment(R) (WWE) this spring for a multi-channel entertainment marketing promotion supporting the biggest WWE event of the year - the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania.
Kmart stores across the country will feature a front-end product boutique showcasing the best in WWE licensed products including apparel, toys, bedding, entertainment and gaming accessories. In addition, Kmart will offer true value to customers with a Cash Cable promotion. Consumers who purchase $50 or more in WWE merchandise available in Kmart stores will receive $10 off their 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania pay-per-view buy.
"Kmart has been a fantastic retail partner for WWE. This partnership offers WWE fans one more way to purchase merchandise commemorating this historical WWE event," stated Michelle Wilson, EVP, Marketing, WWE. "Kmart is a valued partner whose participation will help make the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania an even bigger success."
Kmart will have extensive online exposure via a microsite at www.kmart.com/wwe, Web banners and e-mail blasts. And, for the first time ever, Kmart will host Live Chats with WWE Superstars. In addition, Kmart is supporting the promotion with a designated 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania circular spread, in-store radio and TV broadcasts, and extensive in-store point-of-sale, including WWE Superstar hanging signs, security shrouds and shelf talkers. To further engage consumers, WWE Superstars will participate in several autograph sessions at Kmart locations throughout the nation.
Whole Foods Market Partners With Teens Turning Green To Launch Project Green Prom
Whole Foods Market in partnership with Teens Turning Green have launched Project Green Prom, a multi-faceted effort to encourage teens around the country to make thoughtful, earth-friendly decisions and purchases around prom season.
"Through Project Green Prom, we hope that teens will realize that small changes in their beauty, fashion, decor, flower and transportation choices can extend beyond prom and into their everyday lifestyle," said Jeremiah McElwee, Senior Global Whole Body Coordinator, Whole Foods Market.
Project Green Prom kicks off nationwide with an online video contest for high school juniors and seniors where contestants can enter to win a complete Green Prom Makeover along with other great prizes including a trip to New York, a one-of-a-kind eco-prom dress by notable fashion designer Bahar Shahpar and eco-shoes by olsen Haus. Teens are encouraged to create and submit creative three-minute videos about how they propose to green their prom.
On April 6th, Whole Foods Market and Teens Turning Green, along with a "prom committee" of judges and participating designers, will announce the grand prize and three runners-up winners at a Project Green Prom launch event at the Whole Foods Market Tribeca store in NYC. The grand prize winner will fly to New York City to participate in the "Prom Day" event and receive an eco-prom dress and shoes, a bevy of natural beauty products, as well as an eco-teen lounge from Pottery Barn Teen(R) and refreshments from Whole Foods Market at prom. Vendor partners supporting the program including jane iredale - The Skin Care Makeup, Burt's Bees(R), John Masters Organics, Weleda, Natracare(R), Organic Essentials(TM), Pangea Organics, Pottery Barn Teen, Seventh Generation(R) and Tropicana(R).
Lacura Skincare Beauty Brand Enters U.S. Grocery Market
Select assortment discount grocer ALDI is bringing one of Europe's best kept beauty secrets to the U.S. as it launches its Lacura skincare in stores across the country. Created by German skincare specialists, this premium line of facial toners and cleansers; facial creams; eye creams and gels; gentle lip balm; and facial masks and peeling gels, has been highly praised by beauty experts and beaten some of the biggest names in beauty in independent consumer testing, according to the company. Lacura also beats competitors on price with products retailing as much as 95 percent lower than big-name brands.
"Our Lacura skincare formulas have won wide acclaim in Europe, so we're thrilled to be bringing them to U.S. consumers," said Joan Kavanaugh, ALDI's vice president of corporate purchasing. "Every product features nature's finest ingredients and the latest skincare research to really nurture the skin. In fact, we use the same hard-working ingredients you'll find behind more expensive labels." Lacura ingredients include bioflavonoids, coenzyme Q10, a special retinol complex, hydrating sea minerals, provitamin B5, aloe vera, vitamins E and C, allantoin and other active extracts. The skincare retails from $1.99 to $4.99.
NESTEA® Introduces Red Tea Pomegranate Passion Fruit
NESTEA® brings an exciting new Rooibos tea to consumers with the launch of NESTEA Red Tea. NESTEA is the first national ready-to-drink ("RTD") tea brand to bring to consumers the natural goodness and antioxidants of red tea combined with the sweet, refreshing taste of pomegranate and passion fruit. NESTEA Red Tea is made from the leaves of the South African Rooibos ("roy-boss") plant. Valued for generations as a source of antioxidants, red tea is also naturally caffeine-free. With only 50 calories per 8 fl. oz. serving, NESTEA Red Tea Pomegranate Passion Fruit contains no artificial colors and all-natural fruit flavors. Consumers will learn about NESTEA Red Tea Pomegranate Passion Fruit and other NESTEA flavors through the NESTEA "Liquid Awesomeness™" marketing campaign launching in April.
Green Fairy Absinth Imported To U.S.
Admiral Imports has been named the exclusive importer of Green Fairy Absinth from the Czech Republic. Absinth, a highly alcoholic spirit derived from several herbs including wormwood, contains the chemical "Thujone" which has been surrounded by myths about its effects. Absinth is typically green from the natural herbs from which it is produced or from additives and became known by the moniker "la Fee Verte" or "Green Fairy" in English. Today, this name is the trademarked brand name of the Czech Absinth imported exclusively by Admiral Imports. "Green Fairy is based on a traditional Czech formula which has made it the Absinth by which all other Absinth is judged," said David Higgins, Director for Green Fairy Absinth. Green Fairy is 60% alcohol by volume and will retail for a suggested $59.
Shedd's Spread Country Crock Now Available With Calcium Plus Vitamin D
Unilever's Shedd's Spread Country Crock(R) Calcium Plus Vitamin D can help make it easier for parents to ensure their families get these important nutrients in their diet. Each serving (equivalent to one tablespoon) of Country Crock(R) Calcium Plus Vitamin D provides 100 mg of calcium, which is 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium, and 80 IU of vitamin D, which is 20% of the DV for vitamin D. That equals as much calcium as a 1-ounce slice of low-fat cheese and four times as much vitamin D as an egg.
Coca-Cola Debuts Gold Peak Chilled Tea
Gold Peak®, the premium ready-to-drink (RTD) tea brand from The Coca-Cola Company, has introduced new Gold Peak Chilled Tea. Available in the brand's popular sweetened and lemon flavors, the chilled multi-serve version will be packaged in a stylish 59 fl. oz. carafe sold in retailers' refrigerated sections. Made with hand selected, high quality tea leaves and pure filtered water, Gold Peak Chilled Tea will complement Gold Peak's existing single-serve 16.9 oz. glass carafe bottles, offered in sweetened, unsweetened, diet, lemon and green tea.
"Gold Peak's new offerings provide classic iced tea pleasure any time of the year," said Andrea Freeman, Director of the Tea Portfolio for Coca-Cola North America. "Gold Peak's real brewed flavor really comes through in this new chilled version." The Gold Peak family of products is available in supermarkets and other retailers nationwide.
AQUAMANTRA(R) Premium Bottled Water Introduces 100% Biodegradable-Recyclable Bottle
AQUAMANTRA Premium Bottled Water is launching a 100% biodegradable-recyclable bottle, available at retail in May. This is welcomed news to both retailers and consumers who have felt the pressure from environmental groups and are concerned about exploding landfills bulging with non-recyclable-compostable plastics. According to ANTRA Founder and President Alexandra Teklak, the AQUAMANTRA ENSO(TM) bottles do not leach plastic, are not PLA, are not oxo- degradable, and is a FDA approved "food grade" PET 1 bottle. These bottles maintain the same properties as traditional PET and can be intermingled with standard PET in recycling streams and programs. When the bottles end up in a microbial landfill, (80% of them are) the bottle will break down within 1-5 years into inert biomass and biogas.
Penta Water Pairs Its Ultra-Pure Water With Packaging Made Of Limestone
The Penta Water Company, dedicated to keeping the environment as pure as its water, is taking the bold step of turning to one of nature's more prolific resources - limestone - for their new packaging. In collaboration with Earth First Packaging, Penta is the first company in the bottle water industry to convert its plastic-based BOPP labels to ThermoStone(TM). By converting labels to this limestone-based product, Penta will enhance its commitment to the environment by utilizing a product that eliminates use of trees, bleach, oil and formaldehyde and greatly reduces use of water during the manufacturing process.
Bell Sports Unveils True Fit Helmet Line
Bell Sports, a preeminent designer of bike helmets and accessories, announced availability of its line of True Fit bicycle helmets, a one-step self-adjusting helmet designed for unparalleled ease and comfort for kids and adults who participate in wheel-sports, such as bicycling, in-line skating or skateboarding.
"The truth about kids and helmets is simple: if a child's helmet is not worn correctly, it is not providing proper protection," said Candi Whitsel, Vice President at Bell Sports. "This is a serious problem that needed a solution, so Bell Sports tapped into our experience and history of making professional-grade helmets to make the best, and easiest, helmet for kids on the market."
EB Performance Launches DynaBites™, Bite-Size Protein Cookies
EB Performance has launched its DynaBites™, Bite-Size Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies, the second product in the company's unique line of nutritious and flavorful snacks. DynaBites follows the launch of the company's PB & Whey Protein Bites® last year, and will be available in select stores this spring. Each bag of DynaBites are preservative-free, are packed with 15 grams of protein and sweetened with organic agave syrup, which is a low-glycemic sweetener.
"The development of this product was the reason we decided to launch EB Performance in the first place. It is the first product of its kind, and fits in perfectly with the growing desire for more healthy, convenient and functional snacks," said Dan Schapiro, co-founder of EB Performance.
New Afrin® Puresea Is Gentle Purified Seawater Nasal Rinse
Schering-Plough has launched AFRIN® PureSea™ Hydrating Nasal Rinse, the only nasal rinse product entirely made of 100 percent purified sea water. Available in the cold/allergy aisle at retailers nationwide, AFRIN PureSea is clinically proven to cleanse nasal and sinus passages of mucus, pollutants, and irritants so users can breathe freely. The sea water in AFRIN PureSea is taken from the Bay of Saint-Malo in France. A gentle and effective nasal rinse, AFRIN PureSea is non-medicated, can be used daily and comes ready to use with a specially designed applicator that fits the shape of the nostrils.
"With consumers becoming more proactive about their health, Schering-Plough recognized the need for a convenient nasal irrigation product that is all-natural and easy to use at home," said Dr. John O'Mullane, group vice president, research and development, Schering-Plough Consumer Health Care. "The composition of the purified sea water in AFRIN PureSea is very similar to that of the human body, striking the right balance of salt, minerals, and elements to effectively rinse nasal and sinus passages with minimal discomfort or stinging."
Maqui Superberry's SuperFruit Energy Powder Added To Line
Novelle International, the first company to introduce Maqui based supplements and the exclusive distributor of the Maqui Superberry line of super-premium antioxidant supplements, has added SuperFruit Energy Powder to the family. SuperFruit Energy Powder joins the Maqui Superberry liquid supplement and vegetable capsules in Novelle's line of naturally pure and scientifically proven products. Maqui is the highest antioxidant superfruit in the world delivering an ORAC-H value of almost double the acai berry and three times pomegranate per 100 grams.
Blue Ice Launches New Organic Wheat Vodka
Blue Ice Vodka, acclaimed for its exceptionally smooth taste and technologically advanced distillation methods using Idaho Russet Potatoes, has launched Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka, the American brand's first line extension since its introduction to the market in 2001. A highly anticipated complement to Blue Ice's hallmark potato vodka, Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka continues the tradition of founder Jim Myerson's commitment to producing premium spirits reflective of the quality and purity of Idaho's natural resources. Handcrafted and quality assured as a kosher and USDA Certified Organic beverage, Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka features a harmonious blend of pristine Idaho water and locally harvested, certified organic winter wheat. Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka is owned by 21st Century Spirits based in Los Angeles, California.
Villeroy & Boch Promotes Constantin von Boch To Marketing Dir.
Villeroy & Boch recently promoted Constantin von Boch to marketing director of the Americas for its Bath and Wellness division. Representing the ninth generation of von Boch leadership within the company, he will now oversee marketing and communications programs, act as a company spokesperson and lead strategic brand development across the nation. He most recently served as marketing director for the company's Mexico-based subsidiary.
CompUSA Appoints Enas Raynor VP Business Dev.
CompUSA has appointed Enas Raynor as its new Vice President of Business Development. Raynor most recently held a variety of senior executive positions with Circuit City, Inc. and has a deep background in electronics retailing. Gilbert Fiorentino, Chief Executive of Systemax Inc.'s Technology Products business, which includes CompUSA, said, "The appointment of Ms. Raynor is a particularly strong strategic move for us. Her background in spearheading new concepts in electronics retailing makes her the perfect fit for CompUSA, as we continue to roll out our revolutionary Retail 2.0 concept across all our stores."
SKYE Names New Huggins V.P. Sales & Marketing
SKYE International, developer and marketer of next-generation electric tankless water heaters, has appointed L. Fred Huggins as the Company's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining the Company, Huggins was the Vice President Sales and Marketing of Noble Innovations, a company that is developing a competing line of electric tankless water heaters.
Admiral Imports Names Mark Tucker Director, Marketing
Admiral Imports has appointed Mark Tucker to the position of Director of Marketing. Tucker will be responsible for the marketing activities of all brands in the portfolio. Tucker brings 10 years of wine marketing experience to Admiral Imports and has worked previously with Mionetto USA as their Marketing Manager.
Southern Wine & Spirits Appoints Kevin Fennessey SVP MKtg.
Southern Wine & Spirits of America has appointed wine and spirits industry veteran, Kevin Fennessey, to the newly created corporate position of Senior Vice President-Marketing. Fennessey, who brings almost 30 years of experience in the U.S. wine and spirits industry to his new position, was previously with The Absolut Spirits Co. as its President and CEO, where he focused on brand building and brand acquisitions.
Global Vehicles USA Names Max Butler V.P. Marketing
Max Butler has been named marketing vice president of Global Vehicles USA, the distributor for Indian auto maker Mahindra & Mahindra, which is in the process of launching its first vehicles in the U.S. Butler joins Global Vehicles following 17 years of marketing for Saturn vehicles, employed by three advertising agencies in Atlanta, most recently Deutsch LA.
Advanced Beauty Systems Names Matt Smith V.P. Of Marketing
Advanced Beauty Systems, one of the fastest growing marketers of bath, hair and skin care products for the mass market, has named Matt Smith as vice president of marketing, a newly created position. Smith will develop and manage all aspects of marketing and sales including strategy, innovation, brand development, and business development. Smith joins Advanced Beauty Systems from Dr Pepper Snapple Group, where he most recently served as a director of brand marketing for the company's 7UP, Sunkist, Canada Dry and A&W brands.
NXT Nutritionals Appoints Joshua Rosenbaum Director of Marketing
NXT Nutritionals Holdings, a developer and marketer of proprietary, patent-pending healthy natural sweeteners, food and beverage products, has appointed Joshua Rosenbaum, Director of Business Development & Marketing. As founder of Green Light Productions, Inc., where he had served as President since 1996, he guided both start-ups and established businesses with marketing strategy and positioning, branding, design and production.
Starmount Names Richard Trask V.P. Of Marketing
Starmount, a leading provider of end-to-end solutions for the integrated digital signage and retail services industry, has named industry veteran Richard Trask as Vice President of Marketing. Trask will spearhead Starmount's new integrated digital signage initiative.
In-Store Experience Introduces Flex-Media
In-Store Experience has introduced Flex-Media,™ which combines modular merchandise displays with integrated eye-level digital signage and in-store multimedia. “Typical in-store digital signage programs consist of a wall-mounted TV screen,” said Scott Carter, SVP Sales & Marketing. “Flex-media™ allows the message to be brought down to the consumer level.”
The system allows clients to substitute components, refresh the video content and outer graphics, and service the unit in just moments. “With a heightened focus on sustainable resources, we built a system that allows retailers to maintain the core unit, and simply change the ‘skin,’ said Chris Anderson. President. “That way they are not sending an old display to the landfill, and we only need to send new graphic panels to the store, saving gas and carbon emissions.” For more information, contact In-Store Experience, (Tel) 203-221-4777.
(Web site) www.instorexperience.com
PromoPak Direct's Offers Merch'N'Decker®
PromoPak Direct's Merch'N'Decker® is a mobile merchandising system that provides innovative in-store placement with "clean floor" appeal and maximum reusability. The Merch'N'Decker gets your product off the shelves and into the purchasing path of consumers. It is applicable for a variety of store types (c-stores, club, grocery, cash&carry) and makes the heaviest of products mobile. It will accommodate over 400 lbs of product and sets up in less than a minute. The Merch'N'Decker can be custom designed to your products and marketing message and is great for beverages, bagged products, or pet food, to name a few. For more information, contact PromoPak Direct, Inc., 1212 Naper Blvd., Suite 119- 321, Naperville, IL 60540; (Tel) 630.346.5511. (Web site) www.promopakdirect.com
George P. Johnson Announces Partnership With Spinifex Group
Experience marketing agency George P. Johnson (GPJ) has formalized a long-standing partnership with design and communications agency The Spinifex Group. Strategically, the union advances GPJ's mission to elevate the level of content and media created within event and experience marketing and shared across the marketing mix. Operationally, it further ties the Spinifex Group into GPJ's worldwide creative studios, creating an ecosystem of original content creation, development and activation across multiple marketing channels in real-time. Based in Sydney, Australia with an office in Los Angeles, Calif., Spinifex originates rich, immersive digital and traditional media for globally-recognizable brands, public exhibitions and institutions. (Web site) www.gpjco.com
American Water Works Co. Offers Green Exhibit Booth
American Water Works Co. recently unveiled a new ‘green’ exhibit booth at the National League of Cities (NLC) Congress of Cities and Exposition in Orlando, Fla. Working with EWI Worldwide, a Livonia, MI-headquartered exhibit firm, American Water’s green approach was two-fold: materials and ecological impact. Wall and counter materials are made of recycled materials. The lighter weight materials chosen, including fabric, aluminum framing and various wood core types will not only save money in shipping and transportation expenses, but also resulting in reduced carbon emissions. At the end of the display's life cycle, the components are separated and recycled. (Web site) www.ewiworldwide.com
DSA Phototech Offers Value Line
The new “Value Line” lightbox from DSA Phototech combines high quality, all aluminum construction and aggressively low price points. The new Value Line lightbox is available in both a silver and black anodized finish with 9 standard sizes up to 48" x 96". The Value Line lightbox is also available in custom sizes and finishes. Backlit graphic change outs are quick and easy. For more information, contact DSA Phototech, 16961 Central Ave., Carson, CA 90746; (Tel.) 800-327-3723. (Web site) www.lightboxes.com
Green Mountain Coffee's New Revv Promoted In Convenience Stores Nationwide
Green Mountain Coffee's new high octane revv™ coffee is an extra bold coffee that is now being sold in convenience stores for those with a drive for something more. It delivers 27% more coffee and 27% more kick. Revv was designed to appeal to the same consumers who made energy drinks the fastest growing beverage category in the U.S.
"We believe that revv's extra bold flavor and bold look on the coffee island will draw a whole new audience of coffee drinkers," said T.J. Whalen, VP of Marketing at Green Mountain Coffee, "and it will knock the socks off our loyal customers who drink their coffee on the go."
To support the roll-out, Green Mountain Coffee® is offering free, eye-catching Point of Purchase materials, including revv-branded airpot wraps, pump toppers, posters, counter mats, pole signs and counter signs promoting a revv snowboard sweepstakes.
DIAZIT INTRODUCES 32" HD LCD DISPLAY SHOE POLISHER COMBO
Diazit Company, Inc's. Signage Division has introduced a 32" HD LCD Stand Alone Display built into a mechanized shoe polishing system. This new advertising shoeshine combination offers sponsors an avenue to advertise their brand or product while providing a free shoeshine to the viewer. The HD LCD screen can be mounted either in the portrait or landscape orientation. The built in media player implements a Compact Flash (CF) smart card loaded with JPEG, MPEG, or DIVIX files providing multiple high-resolution, full color still images or video with sound. No Internet or network connections are required to operate this sign.
The combination of vibrant high-resolution advertising with a free shoeshine will attract advertising sponsors and patrons as well and is ideal for trade shows, health and fitness centers, casinos, banks, hotel lobbies, and any business with walk in traffic. For more information, visit the Diazit. (Web site) www.diazit.com
Quay Vodka, Imported To U.S. By Bravado Imports
Bravado Imports is introducing Quay Vodka, an ultra-premium, artisan-crafted Mediterranean spirit, to select U.S. markets. President of Bravado Imports, Dave Sheckart, said, "This will be the only Mediterranean vodka that I am aware of in the United States." Quay Vodka is made by a master distiller and in smaller quantities than most vodkas resulting in all the qualities of a fine spirit: ultra smoothness, complexity, that round-the-mouth feel and a flawless finish. Both the vodka and its bottle are crafted to venerate the Mediterranean and inspire feelings of luxury and culture. Also, in keeping with its name, Quay's towering bottle features a nautical blue color reminiscent of the Mediterranean waters.
Wienerschnitzel Introduces Big Original Chili Dog As Part Of New 'Der-licious' Campaign
Continuing its bold steps to assert its leadership position in the hot dog segment, Wienerschnitzel has launched its Big Original Chili Dog in the hot dog chain's 353 stores in 12 states. The new product offers 84 percent more meat than the Original Chili Dog and is part of The World's Largest Hot Dog Chain®'s "Der-licious" campaign, celebrating the return of its once-famous "Der" and a commitment to premium meats and sausages, fresh ingredients, made-fresh-daily chili and select toppings.
The Big Original Chili Dog and 'Derlicious' campaign launches are being supported by TV, radio, print and in-store advertising collateral as well as a digital media program featuring a Wienerschnitzel Facebook fan site. The campaign, developed by DGWB Advertising of Santa Ana, CA, goes beyond the company's celebrated irreverence to bolster its hog dog segment supremacy. Alluding to competitors that may choose not to follow Wienerschnitzel's lead in grilling its hot dogs, the 30-second TV spots conclude with the line, "You Don't Bring a Microwaved Wienie to a Chili Dog Fight."
"Wienerschnitzel has been the leader in hot dogs for almost 50 years - but rather than resting on our laurels, we're stepping it up a few notches with bold new products, promotions and a new commitment to quality and the simple things our customers want," said Tom Amberger, vice president of marketing for Wienerschnitzel. "We're also not afraid to call out those distinct advantages that only the world's largest hot dog chain can offer, such as menu variety, value, a hot dog legacy and commitment to grilled dogs and fresh-made-daily chili. These are the essence of Wienerschnitzel - and especially our new 'Der-licious' campaign."
Maritz And Welcome Real-time Partner Launch POS Rewards Program
Maritz and Welcome Real-time have formed a partnership to launch the Maritz Real-Time Rewards(TM), which delivers behaviorally-driven marketing incentives and rewards at the retail point of sale on existing POS hardware.
Retail customers can receive special targeted offers, such as discounts or free merchandise, and accrue and redeem points for purchases at checkout. All of the offers are delivered through the customer's receipt, and redeemed at the POS terminal without the hassle of paper coupons or online redemption. The program drives in-store traffic and additional sales through promotions and rewards that are valuable and convenient for their customers.
The partnership leverages the joint expertise of Welcome Real-time, a global provider of real-time payment card marketing programs that attract and retain customers, and Maritz, which manages loyalty programs for seven of the top 10 banks and credit card companies. "Maritz Real-Time Rewards helps retailers eliminate the waste and expense of hit-or-miss promotions, increases same-store sales and offers customers exactly what they want, when they want it - which is right now," said Thad Peterson, director, Maritz Real-Time Rewards. "At a time when retailers need to increase traffic and sales in their stores, Maritz Real-Time Rewards can be a lifeline for many retailers."
Outwater Plastics
