New L.L. Kids Store Recreates The Great Outdoors
L.L. Bean Inc. recently opened a new store for kids, next door to its original Freeport, Maine store. The 17,000-square-foot store features an electronic climbing wall that’s programmed to know how an 8-year-old moves; an interactive mountain bike "test ride" that comes complete with jolting handlebars and sound effects; a waterfall and trout pond with windows.
"We’ve really tried to think of all the things kids like to do and see in the outdoors, and then make it come alive in the store,” said Mike Verville, Director of Retail Stores at L.L. Bean. The store was also designed with busy parents in mind.
Built to resemble a traditional Maine sporting camp, the L.L. Kids store features interactive outdoor-oriented displays and a large selection of apparel, footwear and gear for infants to 12-year-olds.
Freeman Introduces salon Textures
Freeman Cosmetics’ is introducing its professionally formulated line of hair care products, salon Textures, at the mass level.
The "lighter than aire" formulations of the salon Textures shampoos, conditioners, hairsprays, spritzer and mousse form a comprehensive line. In contrast to Freeman’s botanically based and designed products, salon Textures personifies the edgy attitude of Generation X.
Nintendo Promotes J. A. Sakaley, To V.P. Merchandising
Nintendo of America Inc. announced that John A. Sakaley has been promoted to Vice President, Merchandising. Mr. Sakaley is responsible for the visual presentation of all Nintendo’s consumer products in the United States and has been the advisor to most of Nintendo’s international markets since 1987. He oversees display and point of purchase design, production and distribution as well as Nintendo’s field merchandising force.
Mr. Sakaley has been a leader in the point-of-purchase industry throughout his career. He was instrumental in the development of the "World of Nintendo" in 1989, the first shop-within-a-shop, in-store concept in the video game industry. The unique Nintendo look created by Sakaley continues today in more that 15,000 stores nationwide. Sakaley has won more than 50 POPAI awards over the last ten years including three display-of-the-year awards, and he has been inducted into POPAI’s Hall of Fame.
Lucasfilm Names J. Ward Director of Mktg.
Gordon Radley, President of Lucasfilm Ltd., announced the appointment of Jim Ward as Lucasfilm’s new Director of Marketing. Mr. Ward heads up a newly formed Marketing Department and will be responsible for the planning, development and execution of the worldwide marketing of all of Lucasfilm’s film and television productions, including the marketing of the new Star Wars prequel theatrical motion picture.
RYKA Names Mktg. Execs. At New Portland Office
RKYA, Portland, OR, marketers of fitness products for women, announced that three athletic footwear veterans have joined the company. The new RYKA team includes Patrice Thramer, Vice President of Product Marketing; Desire Strader, Director of Fitness Marketing and Promotions; and Suzy Cessor, Creative Director.
Ms. Thramer will be responsible for overseeing all product marketing, design and development efforts, as well as building the overall strategic direction of the brand. Ms. Strader will handle all consumer and retail promotions, and manage alliances with fitness organizations. Ms. Cessor will head up product design and oversee the overall image and creative direction of the brand, from graphics and advertising to retail concepts.
The team will work out of the company’s new product marketing and design office located at 735 S.W. 20th Place, Portland, Oregon.
Toys "R" Us Names RTC "Vendor Of The Year"
RTC Industries, Inc. has been named "Vendor of the Year" by Toys "R" Us for its role in the toy retailer’s store redesign program. The RTC concept gives Toys "R" Us stores an entirely new look, from departmental organization to new communications standards for all signage.
For over 45 years, RTC Industries, headquartered in Rolling Meadows, IL, has been a major international supplier of in-store merchandising systems to manufacturers and retailers in all industries.
Henschel-Steinau Promotes J. Maloney To AE
Henschel-Steinau, Inc. has promoted Jennifer Maloney to the position of Account Executive. Ms. Maloney has been working as an Administrative Sales Assistant for the past four years. Her new responsibilities include developing her own client base with major national companies.
Back to Top
To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.
To See other Creative Online Newsletters click here