New Eyewear Combines Sun Protection With Reading Glasses
A combination of tinted sunglasses and reading glasses now makes it possible to not only see in harsh daylight, but protect eyes from harmful UV rays. New Magnivision Sun Readers use the same principles as bifocals. The bottom half of each lens is magnified, while the top half works like normal sunglasses. They are available at CVS drug stores, mass market retailers and supermarkets for $14.95.
KFC Promotes New Grilled Mexi Bowl In Southern CA KFC Locations
Kentucky Fried Chicken introduced its first-ever grilled chicken bowl with south-of-the-border flavors, available exclusively in Southern California KFC locations in response to consumers' ongoing demand for fresh, bold, full-flavored menu items. KFC's new Grilled Mexi Bowl is a combination of authentic flavors with 100 percent all-white breast meat strips marinated and grilled in a blend of herbs and spices. The grilled chicken is combined with Mexican-style rice, jalapeno pinto beans and topped with freshly made pico de gallo all in a convenient bowl.
"KFC is world renowned for its freshly-made flavorful fried chicken, but in Southern California there is also demand for grilled chicken and bold Mexican-style flavors," said Ed Thomas, Co-op President for the Southern California KFC Advertising Association. "Catering to the preferred flavors of local consumers, the new Mexi Bowl and grilled items are the results of a continuing initiative to personalize and expand our permanent menu to better suit our new and loyal customers."
The Grilled Mexi Bowl and other grilled menu items will be supported with television and radio advertisements in addition to in-store point-of-purchase collateral.
Pay By Touch Introduces Reward & Gift Card Kiosk For Self-Service Gift Card Creation
Pay By Touch has introduced its Reward and Gift Card Kiosk. The new self-service kiosks enable retail customers to design, print and purchase personalized gift cards, and obtain loyalty program cards, without merchant personnel assistance.
The Reward and Gift Card Kiosk, powered by Pay By Touch is a stand alone, self-serve kiosk that requires no point of sale (POS) system integration. The Internet-enabled retail kiosk lets shoppers create customized store-branded and third-party gift cards with personalized "to" and "from" names and single or multiple design full-color graphics. The kiosks store an unlimited number of graphics, so multiple merchants or brands can be supported on a single kiosk.
Using a touch-screen, the shopper chooses from multiple designs to match the gift-giving occasion, and chooses the denomination. The shopper then types in both the recipient's and the gift giver's name. Using a credit card, the shopper purchases the gift card directly through the kiosk. A personalized, activated gift card is printed in seconds, along with a receipt.
The Reward and Gift Card Kiosk is currently being piloted by Green Hills Market of Syracuse, New York.
"The Reward and Gift Card Kiosk from Pay By Touch is a hit with Green Hills' shoppers," said Gary Hawkins, proprietor of Green Hills Market. "We love the convenience, and shoppers enjoy being able to add a friend's name as well as their own to each gift card. It brings warmth and personality back into the process."
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High Quality Synchronized Voice and Video Latest video technology Smooth picture with no noticeable delay Easy to Install and Use. Uses existing high-speed Internet connection. No PC needed Operates as easily as a regular telephone. Use existing household phone number Video Messaging 20 minutes of video messaging Designed for the Visual Experience Eye-level screen and camera with self-viewer. Full duplex speakerphone allows hands free conversation One-touch privacy controls for video and audio Picture-based caller ID and phonebook Flat Monthly Service Fee. Talk 24/7 for a low flat monthly fee.
IntelliMat Changes Name To LevelVision
IntelliMat is changing its name to LevelVision to reflect its digital media strategy and its diversity of digital media solutions. "Our extensive patent portfolio covers digital media displays for use on level surfaces and the name LevelVision communicates this distinction," said President and CEO Jim Currie. The company is also introducing two new products: CounterVision™ and IntelliMat® se. CounterVision™ is a smaller, countertop version of the company's IntelliMat digital floor display. The new more powerful floor display is called IntelliMat® se and features considerably faster computer speeds and larger hard drives. The company's Web site is (Web site) www.levelvision.com
McCormick Distilling Introduces Super Premium, Eco-Friendly 360 Vodka
McCormick Distilling Company has introduced "360 Vodka," a Super Premium Brand, designed to compete with the world's finest vodkas. 360 Vodka uses only the finest American grain in the distillation process to ensure that the sensation delivered to the palate is an exceptionally smooth experience with no aftertaste. What sets 360 Vodka apart from all other premium spirits is its commitment to producing and marketing the product in the most ecological friendly manner possible. 360 Vodka will be packaged in a strikingly clean bottle design using 85 percent recycled glass with a unique closure, and a green-friendly packaging. McCormick plans to set aside $1 for every closure returned to the "360 Close the Loop Program" to recognized environmental organizations. All packaging and print materials associated with 360 Vodka are produced in an environmentally friendly manner.
Pathmark Debuts 'Go Fresh, Go Local' Store Concept
Pathmark Stores has introduced a new supermarket concept emphasizing its "Go Fresh, Go Local" branding and merchandising initiatives in a newly remodeled, full-service store located in Kinnelon, N.J.
The plans for the renovation of the 55,400-sq.-ft. store that anchors Kinnelon Mall were designed by the retail division of Colemanbrandworx (CBX), the New York City-based strategic branding, design and consultancy agency, in conjunction with Pathmark. New decor elements include a warm color palette, flooring, fixturing and specialty lighting, as well as an emphasis on department signage and graphics through a new in-store communication system.
"Customers entering the Kinnelon store will be immediately impressed with the new 'Produce Market.'The Kinnelon store features freestanding wooden floor fixtures, specialty lighting and an overall deeply toned warm color palette found on walls, ceiling and flooring treatments. Bounded by a series of familiar refrigerated cases, the department's core is defined by repositionable track head lighting centered over the moveable floor fixtures that serve to elevate Pathmark's extensive produce offering to specialty boutique status. Further enhancing the department is eye-catching signage with photos of fresh fruits and vegetables combined with phrases such as "Just picked," "Farm fresh," and "Vine ripened" to convey the fresh and local message.
Stoli Hotel-Inspired Entertainment Space Opens In Hollywood
Stolichnaya vodka recently opened the inaugural Stoli Hotel, Los Angeles, which will provide L.A. with a month-long entertainment space, boasting a cutting-edge design that rivals the world's most fashionable hotels.
Inspired by the Hotel Moskva, the iconic hotel on Stoli's label, the 10,000 square-foot Stoli Hotel is located in heart of Hollywood and comes complete with all of the amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel.
Invited guests will be greeted by a full-service concierge as they enter the hotel to view the exquisitely designed bar or visit the integrated spa. A series of individually designed guest rooms, inspired by Stoli's full flavor portfolio, will host a range of events. The elit Suite, which pays homage to Stoli's ultra-luxury vodka, Stolichnaya elit, will be open to VIPs only.
"The Stoli Hotel was conceived by drawing upon the brand's roots," said Adam Rosen, Senior Brand Manager of Stolichnaya vodka. "Each facet of the hotel has been carefully selected to incorporate Stolichnaya's authentic heritage, while drawing upon the modern day qualities that top metropolitan hotels possess, including a cutting-edge cocktail culture."
The hotel's design draws from the history of opulence and baroque grandeur of the Russian czars, as well as elements from the Russian artistic and political movement, Constructivism, which championed the arts as a vehicle of social change.
Best Buy & Kodak Team Up To Offer Customers New, Co-Branded Website and In-store Display of KODAK Gallery Merchandise
KODAK Gallery, one of the most popular online photo services with more than 50 million members, and Best Buy have expanded their partnership to launch the Best Buy Photo Center, where customers can send their digital images for storing, sharing, printing and creating unique photo gifts such as personalized greeting cards, calendars, mugs and photo books. These items will be displayed in select Best Buy store locations across the country so that customers can see the merchandise first-hand and be inspired with ideas for being more creative with their own pictures. Best Buy sales associates will be trained to assist customers as they look for ways to get the most enjoyment from their digital cameras and captured images.
"Our presence in Best Buy stores offers shoppers a unique opportunity to see the range and quality of photo products that we offer for personalization and display," said Madhav Mehra, general manager, KODAK Gallery.
Kevin Winneroski, vice president of merchandising for Best Buy Digital Imaging, said, "Best Buy Photo Center brings the best of the web with our customized retail store experience to make storing, sharing and printing digital photos fun and easy." The Best Buy Photo Center and KODAK Gallery retail display will also feature pre-paid cards for product merchandise and services.
Playstation Eye Brings Next-Generation Communication To Playstation 3
Sony Computer Entertainment America is launching the next-generation PLAYSTATION Eye camera this summer. PLAYSTATION Eye is an essential accessory for voice, video chat and online gaming that will enable gamers to enjoy their PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3)Computer Entertainment System experiences like never before. Designed specifically for PS3 and featuring huge advances in USB camera and microphone technology, PLAYSTATION Eye is set to revolutionize the experience of both interactive gaming and online communication on the PLAYSTATION Network.
New Glucerna Products Created For People With Diabetes
Abbott Nutrition is now offering people with diabetes new snack and meal choices specifically formulated for their special dietary needs. Abbott's new and improved line of Glucerna(R) nutrition products includes cereal, shakes and snack bars with great taste, more convenient packaging and new ingredients to help manage blood sugar spikes. The new line of Glucerna products will be widely available by June 2007 in the pharmacy section of retail stores throughout the country.
Ocean Spray Debuts Antioxidant Rich Juice Combos
Ocean Spray is mixing things up by blending cranberries with antioxidant powerhouse fruits, pomegranate and grape. Ocean Spray's new flavors include Cranberry & Pomegranate 100% Juice and Diet Cranberry Grape Juice Drink. For those seeking a healthy boost, new Ocean Spray Cranberry & Pomegranate 100% Juice provides a big fruit taste with no added sugar, artificial colors, preservatives or flavors. New Ocean Spray Diet Cranberry Grape Spray is made with real fruit juice and just five calories per eight- ounce serving.
Popsicle Slow Melt Ice Pops Introduced
Popsicle is introducing Popsicle Slow Melt ice pops, made with a proprietary recipe that makes these ice pops longer lasting than regular pops, giving kids more time to enjoy them and creating less mess for mom. Popsicle Slow Melt Ice Pops are available in three flavors including Cherry, Strawberry/Kiwi, and Lemonade. Popsicle is the first novelty brand to bring Natural Colors & Flavors to its product line-up. Popsicle plans to roll out Natural Colors & Flavors across all regular Popsicle, Fudgsicle and Creamsicle products.
Mattel Unveils Barbie Girls Platform
Mattel has unveiled the next generation of fashion doll play with Barbie Girls™, an unparalleled, hybrid play experience that blends fashion, music and an online virtual world. Barbie Girls™ fuses the best of virtual and real life for a fresh, new experience. Barbie Girls™ first comes to life via www.BarbieGirls.com where girls can create their own virtual character, design their own "room," shop at the mall, play games, hang out and chat live with other girls. In July, Barbie Girls™ will take shape in the real world with a sleek, handheld, 4 ½-inch portable device that serves as a music player and fashion statement-in-one, while also unlocking new content within BarbieGirls.comSM.
"The Barbie Girls™ experience is like no other because girls are in control at every level," said Chuck Scothon, Senior Vice President, Girls, Mattel Brands. "We set out to create a platform that is truly revolutionary to transform how girls interact with music, fashion and the online world. Barbie Girls™ is the result of listening to what girls want, researching how they play and fusing it with the right technology to deliver a completely new experience." The Barbie Girl™ device will be available in July 2007 for an average retail price of $59.99 at major retailers.
CompUSA First Retailer To Offer HP's English-Spanish PC
In an effort to provide Spanish-speaking consumers and small businesses with the latest technology, CompUSA is the first retailer to offer a new English-Spanish computer from HP. This unique PC, the HP Pavilion a1726x PC, enables consumers to select the English or Spanish language to run Microsoft Windows Vista™ Premium operating system when first setting up and booting their computer. The complete HP Pavilion a1726x desktop with Windows VistaTM Home Premium is available for $599.99 at CompUSA's 103 stores and online at Compusa.com.
"We are committed to providing our Spanish-speaking customers with the latest technology and are pleased HP selected CompUSA as the initial retailer to market the new HP Pavilion computer," said Gabriela Villalobos, executive vice president, sales and operations for CompUSA. "This new computer will be beneficial for the millions of Spanish-speaking consumers and small businesses in need of a PC that offers a Spanish version of the Windows Vista operating system."
Mayfield Introduces Milk With Immunity-Boosting Benefit
Mayfield Dairy Farms has launched Nurture by Mayfield, a 1% Lowfat milk and a 2% Reduced Fat milk containing probiotic cultures clinically proven to boost the body's immune system. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that occur naturally within the digestive tract, providing critical support for the body's immune system. However, diet imbalances, antibiotics and day-to-day stress of today's hectic lifestyles can make it difficult for the body to maintain adequate levels of these probiotics. Both Nurture 1% and 2% milks are available in grocery stores that carry Mayfield Milk products.
Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver Launched
New Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver allows homeowners to restore beauty and luster to scuffed, scratched and dull hardwood floors with very little preparation and no sanding. Stronger and more durable than polish, Reviver is a topcoat that restores shine and provides a layer of protection to any unwaxed, polyurethane-finished floor. Available at hardware stores and home centers, Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver comes in a one-quart size.
Sam Pievac Names T. Bills Regional Sales Manager
The Sam Pievac Company has named Tony Bills Regional Sales Manager with an office based in Franklin, KY. Prior to joining SPC, Bills spent 10 years with the Dollar General Corp., serving in various purchasing roles, including Senior Manager of Fixtures and Supplies. SPC primarily serves retailers and brand marketers throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada by providing metal, wire, MDF and plastic retail stores fixtures and POP displays.
4Kids Ent. Promotes Nowicki To EVP Of Mktg.
4Kids Entertainment, a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing, has promoted Rosalind Nowicki from Senior Vice President to Executive Vice President of Marketing and Licensing. A six-year employee of the Company, Nowicki will now head the marketing and licensing division of 4Kids Entertainment.
Baja Fresh Appoints De Lucia Dir. Of Mktg.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, the California-based fast casual fresh Mexican chain, has added Jerry de Lucia as Director of Marketing. De Lucia brings his years of marketing experience from various restaurant chains, most recently employed by Catalina Restaurant Corp., the operators of Coco's and Carrows restaurants, in Carlsbad, CA.
Bonny Doon Names B. Owens Dir. Of Mktg. & Comm.
Bonny Doon Vineyard, based in Santa Cruz, CA, has appointed Burke Owens, Director of Marketing and Communications. Owens was formerly with COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa as director of wine education, retail and restaurant sales and industry outreach. Burke has spent over 20 years in the wine industry, including directing Fine & Rare wine sales at Butterfield's Auctioneers and marketing for Artisan & Estates in Santa Rosa.
Nanonation Expands Management Team
Nanonation, a leading provider of customer experience software for kiosks and digital signage, has added Bryan Fairfield as VP of Sales. Fairfield joins Nanonation after service as Executive Director of Invest Nebraska Corporation. In addition, Brian Ardinger has been promoted to Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer. In the last six months, Nanonation's sales growth has led to over 35% increase in developers, designers and support personnel.
Alcan Names Jimenez Mktg. Coord.
Alcan Composites USA has appointed Andrea Jimenez has to the role of marketing coordinator for the company's graphic display market. Jimenez, is responsible for the company's domestic and international marketing programs, including advertising, collateral literature, market research and web site maintenance for the graphic display industry. Alcan Composites USA offers a wide array of leading rigid substrates for the graphic display market including Fome-Cor®, Structa-Board™, Sintra®, Gatorfoam®, Dibond® and Alucobond®. Jimenez is based at the Alcan Composites USA headquarters in Mooresville, N.C.
BIC Names S. Lanzarotto Dir., Shaver Marketing
BIC Consumer Products USA announced that Susan Lanzarotto has been promoted to Director of Shaver Marketing. Ms. Lanzarotto will be responsible for the strategic direction of BIC's US shaver business, including development and execution of new products, national promotionsd and advertising. Ms. Lanzarotto joined BIC in September 2000 as a Product Manager in the Shaver category. She has been instrumental in the success of the company's BIC Soleil® Shaver portfolio and is currently working with her in-house marketing team on the launch of BIC Soleil® with cartridge refills, BIC's first "system: shaver.
New ABSOLUT VODKA Campaign Presents Life 'In An ABSOLUT World'
ABSOLUT VODKA has launched a global advertising campaign titled "In an ABSOLUT World," which challenges the status quo by presenting a bold and optimistic world view. The global launch is supported by a fully-integrated marketing campaign, including print, broadcast, out-of-home, on-premise promotions and viral activity. The campaign was created by TBWA/Chiat/Day/New York.
"Our consumers are intelligent, and we hope they have a gut reaction that sparks conversations and challenges them to think about their vision of an "ABSOLUT World," said Tim Murphy, Senior Brand Director, The Absolut Spirits Company.
"In an ABSOLUT World" will also be supported by viral elements that will bring the idea to life for consumers. On May 14, ABSOLUT will begin a week of guerrilla activities in New York that will make the city a better place for one week. Consumer activities include rickshaw rides in Soho and the Meatpacking District, music downloads in Union Square, Metro Card giveaways and VIP treatment at select downtown restaurants and clubs, all compliments of ABSOLUT.
Dropcards Launches New Digital Promotions Web Site
Dropcards(Web site) www.dropcards.com
is the first online marketing company to offer clients the ability to manage promotions on its Web site, enabling brands of all sizes to coordinate marketing efforts on the new Dropcards platform from inception to completion of their digital promotions.
Dropcards bear a unique PIN number unlocking access to exclusive digital content and online services which ranges from music downloads, ringtones and movie tickets to audiobooks, informational e-documents or "How-To" videos. Recently, Dropcards powered a promotion with Vitamin Water and Kelly Clarkson. Available only at Wal-Mart, specially marked boxes of Vitamin Water came with a PIN redeemable for "Never Again", a new unreleased song from Clarkson's latest album.
"We are encouraged by the results of the promotions we have developed for Vitamin Water and the many other brands so far," said Bill Grassmyer, who founded Dropcards alongside merchandising industry veteran Tom Corbett. "We spent a lot of time quietly growing the Web site and investing in the design and technology to be able to provide a cutting edge digital portal. The combination of online power with the tangible real world makes for an exceptional promotional tool that is not available to brands anywhere else."
Uniboard Launches Nu Green
Uniboard has launched its first-ever green product, Nu Green, a raw particleboard that contains no urea-formaldehyde. As a leader in its industry, Uniboard is proud to provide a green solution to professionals who want to reduce energy-resource consumption in their projects. Nu Green particleboard is certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) by the Composite Panel Association (CPA). It contains 100% post-industrial wood fibers, protecting trees and avoiding waste disposal. Nu Green is manufactured at Uniboard's facility in Sayabec, Quebec. For more information on Nu Green, contact Uniboard (Web site) www.uniboard.com
Litco Offers Inca Presswood Pallets
Litco International Inc., a leading source of Inca presswood pallets, has launched a "half-size" pallet for the domestic market, a 24-by-40-in. environmentally preferred product that will enhance efficiency and reduce costs for shippers of small loads. The new pallet, half the size of a standard 48-by-40-in. GMA pallet, will fill a large void in the market for less-than-full-pallet loads," said Gary Sharon, Litco vice president. "The only true solution is a half-size pallet that has all the advantages of the full-size product, but takes up half the space, weighs half as much, costs much less per unit and is brand new." For more information, contact Litco International, (Tel) 877-284-5043, 330-539-5433
(Web site) www.litco.com
YCD Offers In-Store Digital Ambience
YCD, (www.ycd.net), a world pioneer in on-site digital ambience solutions, is opening a North American office which will be based in Westminster, Colorado. YCD's digital ambience solutions go beyond digital signage, incorporating a fusion of audio and video content that allows its clients to enhance the customer experience by delivering dynamic programming tailored for the time of day and demographics of each location. Focused on ease of management, deliverability, and affordability, YCD offers a turn key customized programming solution for on-site media, including: strategy consultation, the installation of leading-edge media playback technology, content management, the delivery of market-leading video and audio content, and 24/7 ongoing support. The new office will be led by Jon Young, who joins the company as Vice President of Sales for North American operations. For more information, visit (Web site) www.ycd.net
