Lexus Promotes Safety & Luxury With Interactive Windows
Lexus was looking for an exciting and innovative way to bring its safety message for the RX 350 luxury SUV to life. Lexus selected MonsterMedia, www.monstermedia.net, a leading provider of patented interactive advertising systems, to use its flagship product, MonsterVision, to make store-front windows interact with passing consumers.
Lexus revealed its MonsterVision ads on retail storefronts simultaneously in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The storefronts are covered by enormous, full motion ads that react to pedestrian movement and engage consumers in a new interactive way that allows them to literally control the ad. The ads allow participants to witness car collisions on huge video displays and "undo" them by interacting with the ads using their own body movements. The safety-focused ads are larger than life, flaunting color, sound and motion at once, communicating the brand's latest safety message, "The safest accidents are the ones that never happen."
"These attention-grabbing ads allow us to really engage our consumers, involve them in the brand, and stress our commitment to style, safety, luxury and performance," said Robin Pisz, National Manager, Lexus Advertising and Media.
7-Eleven P.O.S. Encourages Trial Of New Fusion Energy Coffee
While some retailers have chosen to rev up their coffees with added caffeine, 7-Eleven has taken a more natural approach with the introduction of Fusion Energy Coffee, a fresh-brewed, to-go coffee blended with natural herbal extracts.
Fusion Energy combines 7-Eleven Exclusive Blend coffee with guarana, ginseng and yerba mate, all herbs that are thought to boost energy and sharpen mental alertness. The herbal-enhanced Fusion Energy coffee tastes no different than 7-Eleven's best-selling Exclusive Blend variety, but allows 7-Eleven to now provide customers with an entirely new coffee product. With its introduction of Fusion Energy coffee, 7-Eleven hopes to quench the thirst of young American adults, also the target audience for energy beverages, for hot to-go coffee and performance-enhancing beverages in a single product.
"We know our customers want coffee and energy," said Donald Driver, 7-Eleven Coffee Category Manager. "Our new Fusion Energy coffee offers both."
P.O.S. signage encourages consumers to try the new energy coffee infused with all-natural ingredients.
Harmony Pharmacy Opens At Newark Airport, Revolutionizing Retail Drugstore Experience
Harmony Pharmacy is the first retail pharmacy to open at Newark Liberty International Airport, transforming the way today's on-the-go traveler can seek healthcare and shop in an elegant and service-oriented environment.
Conveniently located in Terminal C at Newark Airport, Harmony Pharmacy will redefine America's retail drugstore shopping experience. From dispensing prescriptions to offering access to an on-site nurse practitioner to providing an exceptional shopping experience, Harmony Pharmacy is bringing together the best aspects of a traditional European pharmacy coupled with a service focused staff to reach today's busy traveler. Harmony Pharmacy also offers a broad array of preventative assistance and screening services, such as flu shots, vaccinations and examinations.
The Newark Liberty International Airport will be the flagship location for Harmony Pharmacy & Health Center and will be open 365 days a year. The Company plans to expand in the coming months to other airport locations as well as non-airport communities.
News America Brings Shelfvision Video To Retailer Shelves
News America Marketing has launched SmartSource Shelfvision Video (SM), the only at-shelf video program available in grocery, drug and mass merchandise stores nationally.
The Shelfvision Video unit measures approximately three cubic inches, is independently powered and attaches directly to the shelf. Its video screen measures almost four inches diagonally. A motion-activated "Teaser" ad captures the attention of customers shopping in the aisle and invites them to push a button to hear more about the product.
"The ability to roll out a video marketing program nationally will give our clients a tremendous competitive advantage," said Jesse Aversano, News America Marketing's EVP of Marketing. "There has been great interest among our clients about leveraging shoppers' at -shelf experience, and we are focused on offering advertisers the most exciting options for maximizing that impact."
For more information, contact News America Marketing, a division of News Corporation, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036; (Tel) 212-782-8145,
(Web site) www.newscorp.com
SANYO Debuts Xacti CG6Digital Video Camera
SANYO has introduced the pocket-sized SANYO Xacti CG6 digital video/still camera for spontaneous recording. For exceptionally clear photos, a new "blur correction with gyro sensor" system effectively corrects unintentional camera shake, while low-light performance lets the CG6 capture special moment s even in candle light alone. "The Xacti CG6 is the perfect choice for capturing video and stills on the go," said John Lamb, Senior Marketing Manager for SANYO Fisher Company's Audio Video Div. "This easy-to-use camera incorporates advanced technologies that produce beautiful results virtually every time."
Hershey Expands Goodness Chocolate Portfolio
The Hershey Company has expanded its Goodness Chocolate portfolio with the debut of Hershey's Antioxidant Milk Chocolate and Hershey's Whole Bean Chocolate. These chocolates join Hershey's Extra Dark Chocolate and Sticks brands in offering consumers great tasting Hershey's chocolate with good-for-you benefits.
Consumers are very interested in the goodness benefits of chocolate, including the antioxidants found naturally in dark chocolate," said Michele Buck, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, The Hershey Company. "This interest is driving explosive growth in dark chocolate. Now, Hershey's Antioxidant Milk Chocolate and Hershey's Whole Bean Chocolate bring the goodness benefits of dark chocolate to the broader milk chocolate category."
Whirlpool Unveils Duet Steam Dryer
Whirlpool has introduced the Duet steam dryer, a first-of-its-kind laundry innovation that relaxes wrinkles and removes odors from clothing, making them ready-to-wear in minutes. The Duet steam dryer boats cutting-edge drying and refreshing technology aimed at meeting the needs of time-pressed consumers; and is the perfect partner to the recently launched Duet HT washer. The Duet steam dryer delivers the benefits of steam technology that relaxes wrinkles and removes odors right inside the dryer, by using the water line from the washer to spray a fine mist on clothes. It uses water vapor to gently penetrate fabrics to lift out odors and relax wrinkles while drying. Clothing comes out refreshed and ready-to-wear.
Home Care By Moen Introduces SecureMount Grab Bar
The new SecureMount Installation System from Home Care by Moen, is set to revolutionize the grab bar industry. The new SecureMount Anchor portion of the system features an innovative design that makes it possible to quickly, easily and securely install a grab bar anywhere on the wall, with one stud, or no studs in about 10 minutes.
"Grab bars have grown to be one of the most widely used bath safety items. But complicated installation can deter homeowners and contractors from installing and fitting them properly," said Kevin Jones, Senior Product/Brand Manager at Home Care by Moen. "The SecureMount Anchor's unique design reduces the most common concerns of conventional grab bar installation, including liability concerns, as well as the time and money it takes to complete such a job."
First Fragrances From Izod To Launch Spring 2008
Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. and Gemini Cosmetics have entered into a license agreement under which Gemini Cosmetics will market fragrances for men and women under PVH's Izod brand. The new Izod fragrances will capture the energy and vitality of the active lifestyle. A men's fragrance will launch in spring 2008 and a women's fragrance will follow shortly thereafter. The fragrances will be targeted for distribution at major department stores and specialty stores nationwide.
1-Day Acuvue Moist Brand Contact Lenses Debut
Twenty years after revolutionizing the contact lens industry with the introduction of the first disposable soft contact lens, Vistakon, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, has launched 1-Day Acuvue Moist brand contact lenses with breakthrough Lacreon technology. Lacreon technology employs a unique process that permanently embeds a water holding ingredient, similar to that found in natural tears, to lock in moisture that lasts throughout the day, offering relief for the most frequent reported complaints of contact lens discomfort.
YoCream Offers Jarritos Frozen Beverage Line
YoCream International has formed an agreement with Novamex to manufacture and sell frozen beverages under the Jarritos brand in the U.S. Jarritos was the first national soft drink brand in Mexico and is an icon in the Hispanic community in Mexico and the U.S. YoCream is now bringing those tastes to the frozen beverage category with the Jarritos Frozen Beverage introductory flavors of Mandarin, Fruit Punch, and Pineapple. The concentrated frozen beverage mixes are available in shelf stable bag-in-box packaging for use in frozen carbonated beverage dispensers and frozen un-carbonated beverage dispensers.
Playtex & Baby Einstein Introduce Feeding Products Line
Playtex Products and The Baby Einstein Company have created a new line of branded cups and mealtime feeding products designed to promote a child's discovery and encourage parent-child interaction at mealtime. The products wee designed by Playtex, with the aid of a feeding specialist to give young children the proper feeding tools to help them master mealtime skills with confidence.
7-Eleven Promotes D. Foster As its First CMO
7-Eleven has named Doug Foster as its first Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to Company President and CEO Joe DePinto. Foster is responsible for marketing, advertising, promotions and corporate communications for 7-Eleven stores' in the U.S. and Canada. In Foster's three-year tenure as the Company's Vice President of Marketing, his successes have included raising the awareness of 7-Eleven and its products, reintroducing consumer promotions, upgrading the visual merchandising and point-of-purchase system and launching marketing plans that helped generate record sales. Most recently, he brought 18 professional teams into a sports marketing initiative as part of the Company's focus on regional activities and products.
Heelys Names Peliotes V.P. Of Mktg.
Heelys, Inc. has named Jim Peliotes Vice President of Marketing. Peliotes joins Heelys with over 17 years of consumer goods marketing experience having held progressive leadership roles in marketing with Kimberly-Clark, Diageo and most recently at Easton-Bell Sports where he served as a Business Unit Manager responsible for marketing, product development and creative services.
Subaru Of America Appoints Mayer Dir. Of Mktg. Comm.
Subaru of America has appointed Kevin Mayer to Director Of Marketing Communications, reporting to Tim Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer. Mayer joins Subaru from Colby and Partners where he was Account Director for the American Suzuki Motor account. Prior to this, he was Director of Advertising and Marketing for Mitsubishi Motors NA.
Simmons Bedding Promotes Oakhill To EVP Of Mktg.
Simmons Bedding Company has promoted Tim Oakhill from Senior Vice President of Marketing and Licensing to Executive Vice President of Marketing.
U.S. Corrugated Purchases Eight Longview Fibre Plants
U.S. Corrugated, Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, has acquired eight corrugated packaging facilities owned by Longview Fibre Company. The facilities will make up Longview's Eastern and Central regions, and are comprised of four full line corrugated plants and four specialty sheet plants.
ChoicePay & Source Technologies Create One-Stop Bill Pay Kiosks
Source Technologies, a leading provider of integrated solutions for managing financial transactions and other secure business processes, has partnered with ChoicePay, an electronic bill payment solutions provider to create a network of self-service bill payment kiosks to be placed primarily in payment centers, convenience stores and supermarkets.
ChoicePay Kiosks will accept cash to pay any local, regional or national billers active on the kiosk. Source Technologies will integrate the ChoicePay multi-biller, bill payment functionality into the Concourse ™ line of self-service kiosks, to enable bill payment for cash paying consumers nationwide.
Price Chopper Launches iSave Today Shopper Program
Price Chopper Supermarkets has started iSaveToday, a 1-to-1 shopper program in all 115 Price Chopper Supermarkets in six Northeastern states, delivering relevant offers and messages to consumers at the start of their shipping trip. Shoppers scan their AdvantEdge (loyalty) card at the iSaveToday dispenser kiosk located at the store's entrance and within seconds receive a sheet of up to eight offers and messages selected for them based on their shopping history.
The iSaveToday dispenser is a purpose-built "coupon dispenser" designed for rapid throughput by moving all thinking and decision-making to intelligent software with knowledge about how each shopper has made prior purchasing decisions. The iSaveToday dispenser is designed to be the first place shoppers go upon entering the store. In addition to its capability of delivering offer sheets at high speed, it houses Price Chopper's ad circulars and streaming video imparting food and health-related information. Price Chopper selected Entry Point Communications (EPC), located in Hartford, CT, to implement the iSaveToday system.
Toyota & Char-Broil Team To Launch 'Grilling Secrets Tour'
Toyota and Char-Broil are conducting a 17-week grilling tour that will visit 210 Lowe's stores nationwide, giving consumers the opportunity to test drive the new Char-Broil TEC Series infrared grill and get a look at the new 2007 Toyota Tundra.
"Cooking on a grill has truly become an art form, and our new grills raise the bar for results-driven chefs everywhere," said Thom Ward, Char-Broil Director of Marketing. "We are proud to partner with a brand that is also committed to quality. Bringing together two tailgating icons for this tour provides consumers with a unique experience."
Malibu Ice Company Debuts Beach Club Ices 'Frozen Cocktails
On A Stick'
Just in time for the Spring Break vacation, Malibu Ice Company has introduced its "Beach Club Ices Frozen Cocktails on a Stick" into Cabo San Lucas, Mexico as part of a distribution agreement with US Foods De Mexico.
The adult liquor pops will initially be available at the Harley Davidson café and Baja Cantina as well as several leading hotels and tour operators. Frozen Margaritas on a Stick will soon become the unofficial welcome gift for arriving tourists to Cabo San Lucas. A Beach Club Ice Freezer cart is being used to store the Frozen Cocktails on a Stick at 20-30 degrees below zero.
ELM Launches P.O.S. Medium
EyeLevel Marketing (ELM), a division of The Billboard Clothing Company, has introduced a new advertising medium that features placing highly visual messages on patented interchangeable panels that attach to employee uniforms. The innovative point-of-sale medium allows consumers to absorb the advertising message; and the advertiser to easily change or display multiple four color advertisements in any language. This new marketing medium is perfect for promotion and branding in retail stores, grocery and drug stores, sports arenas, state fairs, theme parks, indoor/outdoor concerts and race tracks.
For more information, contact Eye Level Marketing, 2423 East 23rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058; (Tel) 323-581-7700, (Web site) www.eyelevelmarketing.com
Van Wagenen Joins bluemedia
bluemedia, a large format and vehicle graphics firm, has appointed Evan Van Wagenen to a Business Development position, in addition to more than doubling its production facility from 8,000 to 17,000 square feet.
Van Wagenen, formerly of the Arizona Lottery, joins the team with more than 10 years of experience in sales and marketing. Headquartered in Tempe, AZ, bluemedia's clients include Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Arizona State University and Clear Channel Communications.
Target Marketing Group Sells Sales Promotion Division
Target Marketing Group has sold its Atlanta, GA-based Sales Promotion Division to InComm, a leading marketer, distributor and technology innovatory of stored value gift and prepaid products. In conjunction with the sale, Target Marketing Group and InComm have signed a strategic alliance to work jointly on various existing and new customers.
Hostess Partners With WHV To Promote 'Happy Feet'
Hostess is tying into the DVD release of the box office hit "Happy Feet" by offering a $3 mail in rebate with the purchase of the Happy Feet DVD and two multipacks of specially marked Hostess products.
The specially marked multipacks will be available nationwide and supported by a national free standing insert and in-store Happy Feet-themed displays.
"Working with Warner Home Video provided another excellent opportunity to partner with an all-family entertainment property that heightens the excitement surrounding the brand that really resonates with our consumers," said Kevin Kaul, Hostess Marketing Director.
IDX Introduces ShopRobotic
ShopRobotic by idX, is a totally new customizable automated retail merchandise delivery system. Unlike other robotic stores, ShopRobotic by idX allows retailers to design the unit to fit within their store environment and to own the vended merchandise, rather than sharing revenue or paying a monthly lease charge. "ShopRobotic by idX is not a retailer," explained Mark Pritchard, Executive Vice President of Strategic Business Development. "It's new technology that offers retailers a better way to deliver merchandise to the consumer." In particular, ShopRobotic offers a solution for handling higher value, high demand items that present difficult security challenges. With ShopRobotic, merchandise is displayed securely in the glass-fronted kiosk and is dispensed when the customer inserts either cash or a credit card. Unit dimensions can be designed based on the retailer's requirements-large to stand out in a free-standing, kiosk-type arrangement or smaller for store environments. It also can be designed in materials to match store decor, including wood, metal, veneer or laminate. For more information, contact idX Corp., 3451 Rider Trail South, St. Louis, MO 63045; (Tel) 314-739-4120, (Fax) 314-739-4129,
(Web site) www.idxcorporation.com
Renaissance Graphics Launches Chromium
Renaissance Graphics has introduced a new proprietary print technology called Chromium ™, which uses multi-color printing, metallization, dimension and texture to create the illusion of depth and reflective luminosity for P.O.P. displays, signage, retail fixtures and architectural decor. The Chromium process involves the utilization of UV inks and serigraphy applied on top of a reflective rigid substrate (aluminum or acrylic/mylar). The aluminum and mylar acts as an internal reflective light source that can be manipulated via white treatment. Texture is achieved via a proprietary silk screen process with four color process added on top. For more information on Chromium, contact Renaissance Graphics, 509 South Cedros #C, Solana Beach, CA 92075; (Tel) 858-792-1020, (Fax) 858-792-1120, (Web site) www.rengraphics.com
Bierson Offers 3D Laminated Components
Bierson Corp., a manufacturer of 3-D laminated components, provides store fixture and P.O.P. display components to designers' specifications. Bierson shapes custom 3-D components using state-of-the-art CNC machining centers featuring automatic tool changers. Nearly limitless shapes and seamless profiles are possible. Bierson then completes the process, membrane pressing the shaped components with 3-D laminates to create the finished piece. Numerous RTF & PET films are offered including wood grains, solid colors, abstracts and metallic patterns in textures and finishes including high gloss, satin and stipple. For more information, contact Bierson Corp., 386 Bateman Drive, Central Point, OR 97502; (Tel) 800-277-7766, (Web site) www.bierson.com
ADDvertisement Introduces ADDscreen
ADDvertisement LLC is an innovative roll down shutter system that not only protects stores, but also offers an amazing opportunity to advertise and provide information. An ADDscreen ® consists of one or more security roller shutters, (partially) equipped with specially developed polycarbonate patented projection panels, one or more projectors and a PC. The ADDscreen ® is able to display publicly viewable information by projecting text, images and video from inside through projection panels, thus creating an externally viewable display while providing the protection a normal steel roller shutter would do. The ADDscreen ® shutter can be placed inside, outside, in front or behind windows and doors and in openings without windows and doors. By using a projector connected to an ADDbox PC with specially developed ADDpoint software, which is connected to the ADDscreen ® network, advertising and/or information is displayed on the ADDscreen ®. The displayed advertising consists of a 10 minute timeslot divided in twenty 30 second advertising slots which are repeated continuously. It is also possible to add an in-store flat panel display to show the same content while the store is open. For more information about the ADDscreen ® product, contact ADDvertisement LLC, 9801 Dupont Avenue South, Ste., 250/408, Dupont Center, Minneapolis, MN 55431; (Tel) 1-888-875-0545 (toll free), (Fax) 952-470-0227, (Web site) www.addvertisement.us
Above All Advertising Offers Flexible Billboard
Above All Advertising, Inc. has introduced the light weight Flexible Billboard, which comes in three configurations. 3 ft wide, 6 ft wide and 8ft wide. The versatile Flexible Billboard may be used for a wide array of promotional applications, including in-store displays, store front promotions, trade show exhibits, promotional and sporting events. The Billboard is collapsible, so it easily folds up for storage and transportation to different promotional events. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Road, San Diego, CA 92126; (Tel) 866-552-3683;(Web site) www.abovealladvertising.net
Great Lakes Offers Spectratech Color MDF
Great Lakes offers Spectratech Color MDF which provides the benefits of brilliant color choices. This creates a variety of potential applications for fixtures and p.o.p. It eliminates the need for skin-deep finishes such as stains and laminates. It can be cut and shaped and offers the ability of removing nicks and scratches easily. It introduces the dimension of depth for new creative possibilities. For more information contact Great Lakes MDF, 300 Commerce Drive, Lackawanna, NY 14218;
(Web site) www.greatlakesmdf.com
Panel Processing Introduces Kor-Board Panels
Panel Processing, Inc. offers Kor-Board light weight panels with honeycomb or foam cores which can give a display project the look of a thick panel with about half the weight. A number of face panels can be laminated to light weight core; painted, woodgrain printed, laminated, thermalfused melamine and HPL. Parts can be cut to size, routed to shape, machined and edge banded. Higher perceived value, lower shipping and handling costs are some of the benefits. For more information, contact Panel Processing, Inc., 9250 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN 46410; 800-433-7l42;
(Web site) www.panel.com
