Raymarine wanted to create consumer awareness about the Raymarine LifeTag, a personal wireless man overboard system used by boaters. This display allows consumers to interact with the actual LifeTag product. A product holder is designed into the counter unit that allows consumers to touch and feel the actual LifeTag unit and remove it from its position on the display for inspection. The display is designed to take up a minimum of retail floor space. It has a clean sleek look that stands out from the competition in the boating and sports recreation area. The display graphics were printed in English, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, French, Portuguese, German, Spanish and French to communicate with consumers worldwide. This display was created by New Dimensions Research, Melville, NY (Web site) www.ndrc.com
Bigen Hair Color Serves Growing Market In U.S.
HOYU America Co., Ltd., a fully-owned subsidiary of HOYU Co., Ltd., Japan, has expanded the availability of its flagship hair color product line, Bigen(R)(pronounced "big' n"), to US consumers in light of research that reflects a growing demand for a hair color product that specifically meets the needs of the dark and brunette hair market in the U.S.
HOYU America's President/CEO Tomohiro Matano said, "For 102 years Hoyu Co. Ltd., Japan has been researching and perfecting hair color products specifically for hard-to-color dark and brunette hair. Today, Bigen is loved all over the world and sells in more than 70 countries; America's rapid ethnic population growth is driving a natural extension of our distribution to meet the increasing demand for Bigen's unique value to the black/dark hair market that no other product on American soil currently satisfies."
Disney Displays 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Books
Disney Book Group continues to grow its largest publishing program ever for a live action film with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, with close to 2 million books already confirmed to ship to retailers in the U.S.
The Pirates of the Caribbean publishing program continues its rapid growth as a result of its wide appeal - as audiences of all ages connect with the sense of magic and adventure in the films, the books are published for readers at every age - from beginning readers to more advanced chapter books, from storybooks to young adult fiction - and for adult fans, there are gift and collectible titles as well. Books based on the entire Pirates of the Caribbean franchise will be also debut in conjunction with the film's premiere - titles include From Ship to Shore: A Magnetic Book; The Secret Files of the East India Trading Company; Pirates of the Caribbean Poster Book; and The Black Pearl: A Pop-Up Pirate Ship.
Disney Book Group is using in-store displays in support of the Pirates of the Caribbean book program.
Meijer Opens Green Store In Allen Park, Michigan
Meijer has opened a new store in Allen Park, Michigan, which includes features that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
"Meijer has always been an innovator and we are continuing the tradition of serving our customers with the freshest offerings with this green store," said Hank Meijer, CEO and Vice Chairman of Meijer. "This store embodies design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact on the environment and on our customers."
Meijer stores built over the last several years have all included sustainable design features, such as high efficiency lighting and low flow water systems. However, the new Meijer in Allen Park will receive certification as a LEED building (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council.
A comfortable and convenient shopping experience can still be created with systems designed to use less energy. High efficiency light fixtures, as well as advanced heating and cooling systems are all part of the green plan. Locally sourced materials help reduce environmental impact and also support the local economy.
In 2007, Meijer will open a total of five stores and plans to open seven more stores in 2008. All these stores will include many of the green building practices used in the Allen Park store.
Nike & Footlocker To Launch New Basketball Retail Experience
NIKE and Foot Locker expect to open up to 50 "House of Hoops by Foot Locker" retail stores in the United States over the next three years, creating a new brand and community-oriented retail experience celebrating the culture of the game for basketball consumers.
House of Hoops will be a "hub for all things basketball," offering exclusively Nike, Jordan and Converse basketball footwear, apparel and equipment product. The first House of Hoops store is expected to open in early 2008 on 125th Street in New York, converting an existing Foot Locker location in Harlem.
"House of Hoops will give consumers who live and breathe basketball culture a unique retail experience not seen in the market today, offering a selection of the game's most premium athletic footwear, apparel and equipment brands," said Charles Denson, President of the Nike brand. "We're pleased to partner with Foot Locker on this concept. House of Hoops reflects our growth strategy-focus on the consumer, create the marketplace, and deliver elevated brand experiences."
Matthew Serra, Chairman and CEO of Foot Locker, said, "The opening of the House of Hoops stores provides an exciting growth opportunity for our Company in the premium sector of the athletic footwear and apparel sector where we have had a long track record of success."
House of Hoops extends an existing store-within-a-store concept featuring Nike basketball product at Foot Lockers nationwide into an elevated stand- alone retail presence. In addition to New York, House of Hoops stores are expected to open in Las Vegas, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. Most of the stores will be converted Foot Locker locations, although some new locations will be created.
Brunton Vineyards To Expand VinoVenue Wine Lounge In U.S.
Brunton Vineyards, a San Francisco, CA-based wine company, has selected a top contractor in the retail industry, Terra Nova Industries, to execute all contractor services for the global expansion of its San Francisco based wine lounge, VinoVenue. TNI shall work with designers to re-design the existing VinoVenue location and all other new locations moving forward in the expansion of VinoVenue in the US market to 200 locations.
VinoVenue is currently located in San Francisco and has one location. Ron Taylor, President of TNI, said, "The Vino Venue concept is one of the most innovative ideas of the future; not only will it educate wine enthusiasts but also be a place to socialize and be entertained, it will become an icon and lifestyle wanted around the world. Under the leadership of Geno Brunton, Vino Venue will undoubtedly be a huge success."
Wendy's Partners With P&G To Provide Premium Quality Coffee As Part Of New Breakfast Menu
As part of an exclusive agreement with Procter & Gamble, Wendy's Custom Bean by Folgers® Gourmet Selections™ will become a centerpiece of the Company's new breakfast menu and an important component of its beverage strategy.
Wendy's will be the only major quick service restaurant chain to offer a proprietary blend of Folgers Gourmet Selections coffee. The coffee is made with exceptionally aromatic, 100% Arabica beans that are specially blended and slowly roasted for maximum favor.
"As America's largest roaster of coffee, P&G is giving us an exceptional blend that has the taste and aroma to go head-to-head with competitors for the on-the-go breakfast consumer," said Ian Rowden, Wendy's EVP and Chief Marketing Officer.
Wendy's Restaurants will utilize P&G's Custom Café™ brewing technology to deliver a consistently fresh cup of coffee every time. Both regular and decaffeinated coffee will be prepared using the same equipment. This unit provides Wendy's with the flexibility in the future to dispense coffee with varied strengths and flavors to meet regional preferences.
Slim-Fast Launches Protein Snack Bars
To provide consumers with a convenient, portion-controlled, nutritious and indulgent snack option, Slim-Fast is introducing a new line of Protein Snack Bars. Each great-tasting snack bar provides a good source of protein (5 grams) and 15 vitamins and minerals, including the antioxidant vitamins C and E, 15% of daily calcium and a good source B Vitamins in only 110 calories. The new Protein Snack Bars come in three flavors: Whipped Caramel Nougat, Whipped Peanut Nougat and Whipped Chocolate Nougat.
Expanded Line Of Similac Infant Formulas Introduced
Abott has launched an expanded, improved line of Similac(R) infant formulas. The latest additions to the Similac family include Similac Sensitive and Similac Sensitive R.S. -- both designed to address common feeding problems such as fussiness and gas -- and Similac Go & Grow, designed to help older babies get the nutrition they need as solid foods are introduced into their diets.
Said Scott White, divisional vice president and general manager of pediatric products, Abbott Nutrition, "We've expanded the umbrella of Similac products to help address babies' specific needs while supplying the nutritional benefits moms have come to expect from Similac."
New Quaker Mini Delights Offer Snacking Satisfaction
To answer the tummy grumble when the craving hits, new Quaker Mini Delights, mini multigrain rice cakes drizzled in indulgent flavors, feature the perfect combination of great-taste, portion-control and convenience for pure snacking satisfaction.
"We know consumers love to snack and that calorie-conscious women are looking for small steps to keep them on track throughout the day," said Merilee McDougal, Senior Marketing Manager for Quaker Rice Snacks. "New Quaker Mini Delights come in tasty flavors and easy portion-controlled packs to help bridge the gap between meals." Quaker Mini Delights are available in three flavors: Chocolatey Drizzle, Cinnamon Streusel and Buttered Popcorn.
Leaping Lizard Wines Offers New Releases
Leaping Lizard, the fast-growing, 10 year-old label regarded by many in the industry as one of the best values in premium Napa Valley wine, is offering new releases. The new releases, with a suggested retail price of $11.99/bottle, include: the 2004 Leaping Lizard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004 Leaping Lizard Napa Valley Merlot, 2005 Leaping Lizard Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2005 Leaping Lizard Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc and 2004 Leaping Lizard Sonoma County Zinfandel. Leaping Lizard wines are made at Adler Fels' Sonoma County winemaking facility under the direction of head winemaker Harry Parducci, Jr. The line champions regional and varietal signatures in a house style that emphasizes fully ripened flavors, a balanced mouthfeel and great food affinity. "I like to say that Leaping Lizard wines are made with all of the pedigree and none of the pretense of Napa Valley," notes Parducci. "They are meant to be delicious, youthful, exuberant wines, bursting with both flavor and character that literally leap from the glass."
Mobile Edge Partners With Vintage Designer of 'Pulp Fashion' to Create New Lines of Laptop Cases
Mobile Edge, an industry leader in innovative and stylish laptop computer carrying cases and accessories, has partnered with the Chicago-based design firm, Maddie Powers, known for using authentic pulp imagery from the 1940's and 50's, to create two new lines of laptop bags targeted at the younger segment of mobile technology users. The new women's line, CuteBug, offers several fun and sassy styles of laptop carriers that blend the glamour of yesterday's Hollywood starlets with today's mobile lifestyle. The men's line, Dig, offers an array of bags each with a sports pulp icon image on the outside of the bag as well as the actual vintage magazine cover printed on the inside lining. Both lines are scheduled to begin shipping during the summer of 2007.
Polar Debuts New Activity Watch
Polar, a leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, has debuted its newest Activity Watch, which tracks the quality and quantity of daily activity in the form of a sleek and stylish wrist watch. The Activity Watch provides a higher level of value than a pedometer because it measures movement and caloric consumption based on personalized settings to inspire, motivate and guide people to get the most from their daily activities. The new technology features a custom calorie counter, a timed active step sensor and gauges five levels of activity ranging from slow walking, jogging and running - all in an intuitive display that is easy for anyone to use and understand. The Activity Watch is worn on the wrist without a separate chest transmitter and is priced at $199.95.
Verizon Wireless Offers V Cast Song ID For Music Lovers
With Verizon Wireless' exclusive new V CAST Song ID, a music lover can now hear a song, hold the phone toward the music, watch it capture a sample of what they are listening to and within seconds V CAST Song ID will identify the music, and allow them to purchase a matching full-track song, Ringtone or Ringback tone--all right over-the-air from their phone. Customers need a V CAST Music-enabled phone to start identifying recorded music. V CAST Song ID is being heavily supported with broadcast, print and online advertising, as well as through Verizon Wireless Street Team promotions.
Vita Foods & Cadbury Schweppes Produce New Line Of Sauces & Marinades
Vita Foods and Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages are offering a new line of savory soda-flavored sauces and marinades just in time for this year's summer grilling season. The licensing partnership between CSAB and Vita Food Products will introduce flavored barbeque sauce and meat marinades that feature the popular sodas Dr Pepper, 7UP and A&W Root Beer.
SANYO's Submersible Xacti E1 Camcorder Ideal For Active Lifestyles
SANYO has introduced the world's first waterproof camcorder, the SANYO Xacti E1. Ideal for active families, vacationers and water sports enthusiasts, the ultra-compact E1 can record high-quality video and 6-megapixel stills under water to a depth of five feet for up to one hour at a time. Completely self-contained, the E1 requires no bulky, separate underwater housing. The SANYO Xacti E1 will be available in the U.S.A. in eye-catching blue, yellow and white in mid-June 2007 at $499.99.
Boccieri Golf Names A. Pouyat V.P. of Sales & Mktg., Heavy Putter
Boccieri Golf, maker of the Tour-proven Heavy Putter, has named Alan Pouyat Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He will also direct the company's promotional activities, including its PUTTLAB Tour '07 that visits more than 500 golf retail stores in 40 states to analyze golfers' putting strokes and educate them and retailers about the Heavy Putter's game-enhancing technology.
Oshkosh Truck Promotes Stawski To V.P. Mktg. Comm.
Oshkosh Truck Corp. has promoted Ann Stawski to Vice President, Marketing Communications. Stawski was most recently Director, Marketing Communications for Pierce Manufacturing Inc., and Medtec Ambulances, subsidiaries of Oshkosh Truck. Stawski replaces Kirsten Skyba who was named Vice President, Global Marketing for JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Truck company.
A&P Names Palmer V.P., Own Brands
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. has named Douglas Palmer as Vice President of Own Brands. Palmer joins A&P from Safeway where as Vice President of Consumer Brands. An industry veteran with over 20 years of corporate brands experience, he has previously held positions at Ahold USA, Daymon Worldwide, Meijer and Farm Fresh.
UPS Launches Centennial Mobile Tour
The UPS Centennial Tour is a 10-month, 71-city mobile tour featuring multimedia displays, touch screen stations, interactive media showcases and a UPS "challenge," a friendly competition where participants try their hand at loading a UPS car or model airplane. The activities provide an exciting look at the company's 100-year history, helping UPS connect on a deeper level with its customers and employees.
Two teams of event specialists will visit 60 domestic sites during the ten month tour, with each team utilizing three tractor-trailer rigs. As visitors approach the site, they come upon a 14' abstract globe which represents the global nature of UPS and provides a networking focus. The iWall is a map of the world with a multimedia display that slides across it to reveal stories of UPS innovations. In the UPSers display, UPSers making a difference are featured in photos and touch screen interactive stations. A restored antique package car and a brand new #44 NASCAR show car provide an interesting photo opportunity on the tour. Children can enjoy the chance to race toy UPS package cars down a thirty foot track. A video start by NASCAR star Dale Jarrett reminds everyone of the successful partnership UPS has enjoyed with him.
Marshalls Deploys Fashion Police To Drive In-Store Traffic
Marshalls, one of the nation's largest off-price retailers, has deployed teams of Fashion Police, from coast-to-coast, searching for victims of high-priced fashion. While they aren't actually law enforcement officers, that won't stop them from issuing you a summons - to appear in front of a register at Marshalls.
These troops of Fashion Police are armed with citations and handing them out to fabulously dressed people in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco, accusing them of paying too much for their fashions. These citations direct consumers to local Marshalls stores to see if they've won one of thousands of prizes, including a $5,000.00 shopping spree.
While the Fashion Police are on the beat, groups of Deal Divas, sporting oversized price tags on their fabulous Marshalls fashions, are infusing themselves in city foot traffic. These models, wearing the latest spring styles, are also armed with game pieces which they hand out to anyone inquiring about their outfits or price tags. Also as part of the promotion, impromptu fashion shows are breaking out throughout the cities. Fully-functional DJ booths complete with fashionista emcees spout off the latest tips on mixing and matching this season's hottest trends while Marshalls models strut their stuff.
"The Fashion Police, Deal Divas and roving fashion shows are aimed at driving in-store traffic and reinforcing Marshalls' core messaging," said Amy Cafazzo, Marshalls. "This is guerilla marketing at is best: making real connections with people in a fun, approachable manner that gets them excited about our brand".
Adspace Networks Partners With Panasonic For Custom, High-Def Plasma Display 'Smart Screens'
Adspace Networks www.adspacenetworks.com has teamed up with Panasonic to provide new Adspace Mall Network properties with custom-made, high-definition digital advertising plasma displays - called "Smart Screens."
As part of the agreement, 865 Panasonic plasma panels will be installed nationwide in 625 new "Smart Screen" displays in the malls recently added to the Adspace Mall Network. Malls installing the new Panasonic screens include select malls within the General Growth Properties, CBL & Associates properties and Glimcher Realty Trust malls.
Most of the new units will measure 65 inches and have 1080 P resolution- giving the new 'Smart Screens" state of the art high-definition delivery and 17 percent more viewing area than the previous "Smart Screen" model.
Digital 10 Network Partners With State Of Michigan For Explore Channel
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Travel Michigan
have partnered with Digital 10 Network to present the Explore Channel,
which provides engaging, full-motion and stereo sound messages to travelers
visiting any of the 14 Welcome Centers throughout the state. The statewide
digital media channel, available for viewing by all Welcome Center
visitors, offers informative programs at each location. In addition to tourism messages, the digital media channel will display weather, motorist safety information and advertising messages.
The Welcome Center network encompasses 14 locations with a reach of approximately 10 million travelers. For more information, visit Farmington Hills, MI-based Digital 10 Network at (Web site) www.digital10network.com
Gas Station TV Adds ESPN To Engage Sports Fans At The Pump
Gas Station TV (GSTV), a leader in digital gas station media, has added ESPN content to its programming lineup. The agreement makes GSTV the first and only at-the-pump network to feature ESPN programming.
GSTV is an IP-based digital television network that brings news, sports, weather and entertainment content to consumers on dual 20-inch LCD screens embedded in gas pumps in major markets across the country.
David Leider, GSTV CEO, said, "We're driven to provide mobile consumers with the most dynamic and entertaining programming available, while continuously enhancing value for our advertisers and retail gas partners. As the proven leader in sports entertainment, ESPN engages consumers with relevant content that further enhances the experience we're creating for consumers at the pump."
ESPN content on GSTV www.gasstationtv.com will feature the latest sports news and information updates from around the sports landscape. The content will be ad-supported and updated daily.
EK3 Debuts 'Smart Technology' For Restaurant Industry
EK3 Technologies, a global leader in digital merchandising, has announced the next generation of digital signage in the restaurant industry -- narrowcasting. Taking traditional digital signage to the next level, narrowcasting utilizes data from a business to customize messages to a highly qualified audience - its existing customer base.
Nick Prigioniero, president and CEO of EK3, said, "The future of restaurant signage is narrowcasting -- streaming video displays that reach individual users with customized messages just as they're reaching for their wallet."
EK3 designed its inPulse technology and software to not only attract, inform and entertain customers in restaurants, but also to influence consumer buying decisions. It also takes digital signage to a "smarter" level to drive sales by using a variety of factors -- such as inventory levels, local weather conditions, demographics and seasonal factors -- to deliver the right marketing messages at exactly the right time.
OgilvyAction And Einson Freeman Join Forces
Promotion marketing firm Einson Freeman, has merged into OgilvyAction, the brand activation arm for The Ogilvy Group.
"Einson Freeman has a long history of helping clients create innovative ways to activate their brands," said Chief Executive Officer, North America, Jay Farrell, of OgilvyAction. "They have consistently been recognized with the industry's biggest awards for innovations such as the world's first "watch and win" promotion as well as AT&T Wireless' promotion with American Idol which led to the explosion of text messaging in the United States."
With this integration, former Einson Freeman Chief Creative Officer Larry Durst is now Executive Creative Director for Consumer Promotion for OgilvyAction in New York. Former Director of Client Services, Tracy Lanza, is now Director of Account Service for Consumer Promotion for OgilvyAction in New York.
Wendy's & Nintendo Team For Vanilla Frosty & Wii Promotion
Consumers will have a chance to win one of 800 Nintendo Wii™ video game systems as part of a promotion for Wendy's new Vanilla Frosty Float.
"Wendy's and Nintendo are dedicated to creating fun, shared experiences for families," said Wendy's Chief Marketing Officer Ian Rowden. "We're excited that in connection with our newest menu innovation -- the Vanilla Frosty Float -- we're giving consumers an opportunity to win one of the hottest game systems in the marketplace today."
Each Vanilla Frosty Float cup comes with a special code that unlocks a chance to instantly win Wii prizes. Consumers can enter the code at www.FrostyFloat.com to win one of 800 Wii systems, 800 Wii games or 800 Wii Points™ cards that can be redeemed to download classic games from the Wii Shop Channel. Every Vanilla Frosty Float cup provides another chance to win.
"Both Nintendo and Wendy's know the value of offering customers new ways to bring the family together," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "This is an important partnership for us. Wendy's and Wii are enjoyed by every member of the family."
The Frosty Float introduction and Wii promotion will be supported through in-store merchandising and national advertising.
Shaw Woodworks Offers Decorative Inlay Services
Shaw Woodworks Inc. offers services for inlay, a decorative technique of inserting pieces of colored material into wood surfaces to form patterns or pictures, to produce works of branding and signage for P.O.P. The 2lst century simulated inlay application process is affordable and virtually undetectable from traditional inlay, opening up a huge range of possibilities for retail and sports branding. Creative artists at iNlayZ.com have licensed the manufacturing team at Shaw Woodworks to produce durable, well-crafted pieces. For more information, contact Shaw Woodworks, Inc., 800-565-l449 or 705-445-6l90; (Web site) www.shawwoodworks.com
Cyclonix Names P. Gallagher Chief Creative Officer
Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic face-to-face sales, marketing and experiential environments, has named Peter Gallagher Chief Creative Officer. Cyclonix created the role of Chief Creative Officer to fully take advantage of Gallagher's diversified experience which includes design, design management and general management. He was most recently general manager of the southern California division of Pinnacle Exhibits. Prior to this, he was with Cyclonics.
T.M. Shea Offers PowerPillar Floor Display System
TM Shea offers a wide variety of patented impulse and cross-merchandising display vehicles for merchandising off the shelf and on the floor! The PowerPillar floor spinner's unique "lego-system" feature offers a uniform look for flexible promotional floor merchandising for pegged, shelved and bottle product. Retailers are experiencing a $200 incremental increase in sales per week on 30% plus margin products. With only an 18" footprint, it is extremely versatile and can be placed anywhere in the store!, for more information contact TM Shea Products, 984 Livernois Road, Troy, MI 48083. (Web site) www.tmsheaproducts.com
Above All Advertising Introduces The Curbie
The Curbie is an Inflatable innovation in outdoor point-of-sale advertising. Its unique design overcomes signage regulation by allowing the Curbie™ to be mounted in the back of a truck or on any flat surface. The Curbie™ comes equipped with an attachable 1/4 HP ADAT IV blower for easy setup. It inflates in seconds. The Curbie™ has attachment points sewn into its vertical display area for easy attachment, banner changes and/or release of signage. The Curbie™ measures a total of 11ft X 4ft, and has a billboard display area of 92"x58" The Curbie™ can be used at events, in parking lots, store fronts, malls, etc., for more information contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Rd., Suite A, San Diego, CA 92l26. (Web site) www.abovealladvertising.net
