Creative Online

Week of July 20, 1998


Colorful P.O.P. Displays Attract Kids For New MCI PrePaid Shout! Series

In time for the back-to-school season, MCI has introduced its PrePaid Shout! Calling Card for kids. By merging a stylish product design, speed-dial and anti-theft features, the new MCI PrePaid Shout! Card gives children and teens a fun, practical and convenient way to connect with busy parents.

The cards offer MCI Speed Dial Express, allowing kids to pre-program up to six frequently called numbers that are easily retrieved and dialed with the push of a button, one-digit speed dialing, and passcode protection marketed as an anti-theft feature.

The MCI PrePaid Shout! Card comes in four fashionable keytag card holder designs; two are sports related; one features a colorful "Free To Be Me" retro look and the other is a 60's style "Flower Power" design. Images will be refreshed and released periodically to ensure continued appeal and multiple purchases. The printed card holder comes with an enclosed key ring that can be attached to backpacks, sport bags or purses. The Shout! card is available in 15 minute increments giving parents the option to cost effectively recharge the cards anytime.

The Shout! fixture program has been specially designed to offer a merchandising solution for virtually any retail environment. Options include a floorstand and counter unit with irreverent graphics and a slatwall/sidekick insert. Additional point-of-sale materials to help increase retail sales include a graphic clipstrip merchandiser, static sticker and employee button.


New Portico Wine Hits Retail Outlets Nationwide

Sutter Home Winery, a leading Napa Valley, CA-based varietal wine producer, has introduced Portico to its line of premium wines for consumers who prefer a slightly sweeter taste.

Portico, available in three flavors, White Zinfandel with Kiwi Strawberry, White Zinfandel with Peach Mango, and Zinfandel with Raspberry, is expected to provide an intriguing twist to popular White Zinfandel and an approachable red wine for consumers who prefer a slightly sweeter taste.

"For the millions of wine drinkers who have made White Zinfandel the single most popular varietal of the past two decades, Portico offers a new, intriguing wine experience," said Bob Trinchero, CEO of Sutter Home Winery. All Portico wines are available in wine shops, liquor stores, groceries and supermarkets nationwide.


Purple Moon Unveils Promotions To Reach Girls

Purple Moon, Mountain View, CA, announced its aggressive 1998 marketing campaign anchored by promotional partnerships with some of the biggest brandnames in the pre-teen market, including Bonne Bell, Day Runner, Fossil and SeaWorld. These cross promotions will be supported by national advertising and Purple Moon's continued efforts to work with retailers to create dedicated girls' sections.

"Our impressive line-up of marquee promotional partners enables Purple Moon to provide girls with exciting products and special offers from well-known brands that complement our CD-ROM and Web 'friendship adventures," said Kathleen Watson, Marketing Director for Purple Moon.

Purple Moon's partnership with SeaWorld will enable the company to reach girls in one of their favorite summer destinations with a tightly integrated promotion that spans Purple Moon's CD-ROM, Internet and merchandise product lines. During the launch of Secret Paths to the Sea, SeaWorld will sponsor a Secret Paths to the Sea trivia contest on Purple-Moon.com and will provide a grand prize trip for four to Sea World, as well as other sea-themed prizes. In addition, Sea World will sponsor a collection of limited-edition, sea-themed "treasures" that girls can collect and trade on the Purple Moon Web site as part of Purple Moon's Treasure Trove. SeaWorld will also sell Secret Paths to the Sea in its aquatic parks this summer. During the months of August and September, Purple Moon and Day Runner will offer girls an exciting promotion for back-to-school. Girls will receive a purple Day-Runner 4-1-1 student planner, special Purple Moon pen and stickers featuring 13 of the company's popular characters free with the purchase of any of Purple Moon's CD-ROM "friendship adventures." Purple Moon will partner with Fossil to offer a limited-edition Purple Moon watch, free with the purchase of either Rockett's Secret Invitation or Rockett's Adventure Maker. Bonne Bell will continue to partner with Purple Moon in gift-with-purchase promotions.


Nickelodeon Rugrats Talking Alarm Clock Debuts

Now kids can wake up to the sound of TV's biggest babies with the Nickelodeon Rugrats Talking Alarm Clock. The newest addition to the line of Nickelodeon electronics by Long Hall Technologies includes four spunky "wake-up sayings," Rugrats-style. The colorful Rugrats Talking Alarm Clock has a suggested retail price of $24.99 and is available in retail stores nationwide in late August, just in time for back-to-school.


Walt Disney Records Names K. Dekker, Mgr., Promotions

Karen Dekker has been promoted to the position of Manager, Promotions, for Walt Disney Records, announced Mike Bessolo, VP, Marketing for the label. She was formerly Assistant Manager, Promotions. In her new post, Dekker will oversee all national promotion strategy, negotiation and execution on corporate, account specific and synergistic tie-in partner programs for Walt Disney Records. Dekker has been with The Walt Disney Company since 1992, beginning in the promotions department for Buena Vista Pictures Marketing.


Blockbuster Names C. Thomas Director Of Promotions

Blockbuster has named Charlie Thomas to the newly created position of Director of Promotions. Thomas will be responsible for developing national consumer in-store promotions and will report to Curt Andrews, Blockbuster's Vice President of Product Merchandising and Promotions. Prior to joining Blockbuster, Thomas was the Promotions Development Manager at Moroch and Associates, Inc., where he managed regional activity for McDonald's.


Encanto Networks Appoints T. Blaisdell VP Of Mktg.

Encanto Networks, a leading provider of small business e-commerce solutions, has named Tom Blaisdell Vice President of Marketing, responsible for building brand awareness and market presence for Encanto products, and for expanding the company's reach into the small business market. He will also oversee product strategy, product management and marketing communications.

A former Internet entrepreneur and Intuit executive, Blaisdell brings to Encanto broad experience in e-commerce, Internet marketing and the small business market.


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