Primo Water, a national brand of purified, mineral-enhanced bottled water available through bottle exchange at grocery and home stores, has teamed up with Lowe’s and Whirlpool brand coolers making it easier for consumers to drink more water at home.
At more than 1,200 Lowe's stores across the country, consumers can now find fresh-tasting Primo water. Space saving, family sized 3- and 5-gallon bottles come with easy-carry handles and no-spill seals. Primo will provide a free, 5-gallon bottle of water with the purchase of a Whirlpool water cooler. Lowe’s is the first retailer to offer Primo water nationally and will have Primo Recycle Exchanges in its stores.
Robbins Diamonds Opens Superstore In Allentown, PA
Robbins Diamonds is looking to make the experience of shopping for diamonds and fine jewelry both fun and entertaining with the opening of its new Allentown, PA superstore. Part cyber café, part Cirque de Soleil, part art gallery, the 5600 sq. ft. store features far more than beautiful jewelry, welcoming customers into a unique environment of custom-designed artistry, entertainment and fun.
The interior layout, designed by noted international commercial group Grid 3 of New York and built by Livingston, NJ-based RAD Construction Consultants, includes a tranquil water wall and a one-of-a-kind ceiling treatment comprised of hanging, kite-like stretched fabric panels with state-of-the-art computerized LED lighting that produces subtle pastel color changes in the ceiling.
Designed and built by world-renowned "Architecture of the Air" designer Marc Ricketts, the ceiling treatment evokes the constantly shifting light and facets of a diamond. The lighting system was designed by Boston-based Color Kinetics using a unique "color mixing" LED technology that allows versatile color control for different presentations. Both the ceiling lighting and the sculpture wall installation will highlight the store's 45 showcases displaying the many designer collections of engagement rings and wedding bands, as well as the six upholstered round banquettes offering a romantic and private area for couples to choose their rings. As an enhancement to the Robbins Diamonds experience, the store provides such special conveniences as a complimentary bar offering coffee, espresso & refreshments; a lounge area just for kids; and a comfortable lounge for those waiting for their partners while they shop, complete with a large plasma TV and computer kiosk with Internet access.
Kellogg's Uses Sampling Station For New Special K Bar Flavors
Kellogg's is introducing new flavors of its popular Special K snack bars in Australia and wanted to invite customers to try the new products using enticing fully-branded environments set up in several Westfield shopping centers throughout the country. Kellogg's retained Globotech Displays to provide an economical solution with hassle-free set up.
Globotech's SOLO counters created the perfect setting to sample the new Special K bars due to its portability and unique modular configuration. One counter is used to place an LCD screen featuring videos of the products. A larger set includes a back-lit SOLO Light for an eye-catching ensemble. Ample counter space is available to display samples and the brand is prominently displayed so that the message will linger on in the minds of consumers.
Sabian Partners With Vans Warped Tour For $10,000 Drum Gear Giveaway
Sabian, Ltd., a leading cymbal manufacturer, is partnering with the Vans warped tour offering consumers a chance to win a $10,000 credit towards drum gear at participating Sabian retailers.
"Along with the giveaway, Sabian's involvement in the Warped tour will give the brand an off-stage presence that almost matches our onstage presence," said Sabian spokesperson Bill Zildjian. "I am looking forward to the festival, contest and the on-site promotions. On top of that, we get to extend the partnership to our retailers and assist them with bringing customers into their stores."
Sabian is supporting the promotion by appearing at select tour stops, advertising, in-store displays, posters and sponsoring the Warped tour web site.
Apple Launches Free Computer Take-Back Program
Apple recently launched its free computer take-back program, offering U.S. customers environmentally friendly recycling of their old computer when they buy a new Mac. The Apple Store and Apple retail stores will give U.S. customers the option of recycling their unwanted PCs, regardless of the manufacturer. Apple also offers a free iPod recycling program through its U.S. retail stores, providing environmentally friendly disposal of any unwanted iPod and a 10% discount on the purchase of a new iPod.
Embassy Suites Hotels & Build-A-Bear Workshop Team Up For Summer Travel Fun
Families and kids traveling with their Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals this summer will now have a place for their furry friends to sleep when they purchase a Build-A-Bear Workshop Sleep Over Pack as part of the Build-A-Bear Workshop promotion at participating Embassy Suites Hotels across the U.S.
Guests who book the promotion will receive a Build-A-Bear Workshop themed premium at check-in featuring everything a traveling bear might need for a night away from home including a bear-sized Embassy Suites sleeping bag, dental kit with plush toothbrush, floss and honey flavored toothpaste, Embassy Suites Tiny Tees shirt and $5 Bear Buck$ gift card to use at a Build-A-Bear Workshop all in a drawstring carrying bag. There are more than 150 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores located in Embassy Suites Hotel markets.
"Embassy Suites Hotels, like Build-A-bear Workshop, provides outstanding Guest experiences and caters to families' travel needs," said Maine Clark, Founder and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "We look forward to reaching new Guests with the Sleep Over Packs and sharing our interactive experience with kids and families on summer vacation."
PPG Adds Third Olympic Interior Paint
PPG Industries will expand its line of Olympic paints, with the introduction of a third interior product, which will feature a 15-year warranty and more than 1,200 colors. The newest Olympic paint supplements the Olympic line of interior and exterior paints sold exclusively through Lowe's home center stores.
New VEET Brand Hair Removal Creams & Waxes Formulated For Women's Skin Types
VEET Depilatories has expanded its hair removal line-up with the introduction of the first portfolio of depilatory creams and waxes specially formulated to target women's kin types. Women can now personalize their hair removal routine based on their skin type with the new VEET Hair Removal Gel Creams and VEET Ready to Use Wax Strips.
"Women personalize nearly every aspect of their beauty regime," said Jan Wagner, Category Marketing Director, Personal Care, Reckitt Benckiser. "VEET recognized that expanding our product line to include hair removal products based on women's skin needs would offer women superior options in hair removal. We've expanded our portfolio of creams and waxes to offer products with ingredients that specifically target dryness and sensitivity. By doing so, we offer women even more effective and longer lasting alternatives for removing unwanted hair than traditional shaving with a blade."
Trimspa & Lifestyle Beverages Introduce Trim Water
Trimspa is partnering with Lifestyle Beverages to introduce Trim Water, a nutritionally enhanced flavored water. Trim Water is available in four flavors: Passion Fruit/Berry, Lemon/Ginger, Raspberry/Vanilla and Peach/Mango as it initially rolls out and will expand to seven flavors by mid-2006. Trim Water has no artificial flavors, no artificial colors or preservatives, fewer calories and less sugar than most leading popular flavored water beverages, and less caffeine than the leading diet colas. Its nutritional content includes Chromium Picolinate, Hydroxycitric Acid, Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Caffeine. Said CEO and Founder of Trimspa, Alex Goen, "Both of our companies have a common goal-to help people live a healthier lifestyle. Eating healthy, exercising and drinking plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated is an integral part of any weight loss program."
Nestea Brand Makeover Includes Improved Flavors & New Green Tea Product Line
Nestea is conducting a complete makeover of its ready-to-rink iced tea product line with four new products, including improved flavors, the introduction of green teas and the return of the classic Nestea brand. Nestea will be supported with a fully integrated marketing program that includes print, radio and out-of-home advertising, point-of-purchase displays, Web/interactive communications and consumer sampling programs.
New Nestea lemon and diet lemon formulas out-performed the former Nestea Cool varieties in consumer taste tests. Nestea is also responding to consumer demand by introducing a green tea line featuring peach and diet peach flavors.
"Tea drinkers will really enjoy the new Nestea products, and the flavored green teas will certainly appeal to active adults who seek refreshment and healthy benefits in their beverage selection," said Abigail Berens, Nestea Brand Manager, a brand of Beverage Partners Worldwide, a joint venture between The Coca-Cola Company and Nestle. "Fifty years of brand equity and consumer trust-together with new flavors-will make Nestea an even stronger contender in the competitive iced tea category."
Masterfoods Debuts New Candy Items
Masterfoods USA recently introduced new products for its M&M's, Dove, Snickers, Skittles and Starburst brands. M&M's is introducing dark chocolate candies on a permanent basis after the success of its 'Go to the Dark Side' Star Wars Episode III promotion featuring the dark chocolate candies. Dove Sugar Fee Chocolate has been introduced as a total chocolate experience for health-conscious consumers without compromising taste. Once available only during the holidays, Dove Chocolate Covered Almonds will be offered year-round. Also new is Snickers Dark and Snickers Almond Dark for a limited time only. Snickers Xtreme is a new Snickers bar without nougat, but packed with more caramel, more peanuts and chocolate for an intensely satisfying snack. New Skittles Xtreme Fruit Bubble Gum builds on the success of Skittles Original Bubble Gum. Starburst Sour adds new flavors to capitalize on the growing sour market.
Cortaid Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit Debuts For Summer
Johnson & Johnson's Cortaid brand is introducing a Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit as a safe and effective way to treat and remove poison ivy, oak and sumac. Cortaid Poison Ivy Care Removal Scrub contains a patent-pending combination of ingredients that bind to urushiol, the toxin found in poisonous plants, washing it away. In a clinical study, this product effectively removed 94% of all urushiol from the skin-stopping the outbreak in its tracks. If the poison ivy has already started, using Cortaid Poison Ivy Treatment Spray will relieve the pain and itching as well as help heal the rash. Cortaid Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit is available at drug stores, food and mass merchandisers nationwide this summer at a suggested retail price of $35.
THQ Appoints Aniello Sr. V.P. Of Worldwide Mktg.
THQ Inc., a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, has added 20-year interactive industry veteran Robert Aniello as Senior Vice President, Worldwide Marketing. In this role, Aniello will oversee brand development for the Company's growing portfolio of original franchises and market leading licensed properties. Most recently, Aniello served as Vice President, Marketing at JAMDAT/Electronic Arts. Prior to this, he served as Vice President and Director of Mattel Interactive.
Microsoft Names J. Bell V.P. Of Global Mktg., Interactive
Microsoft Corp. has named Jeff Bell as the new Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business, reporting to Peter Moore, Corporate Vice President for the overall Interactive Entertainment Business. The Interactive Entertainment Business includes the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses and is part of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division. Bell joins Microsoft from DaimlerChrysler, where he most recently served as Vice President of Product Strategy for the Chrysler Group.
Diamond Foods Names Burke V.P. Of Mktg.
Diamond Foods has appointed Andrew Burke as Vice President of Marketing. Burke has extensive food industry marketing experience, serving most recently as Vice President of Marketing at Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery. Prior to Gallo, he spent seven years at Kraft Foods where he guided strategic marketing for a broad range of major brands including Jell-O, Altoids and LifeSavers.
Sony Electronics Names Redsun Sr. V.P. Of Corp. Mktg.
Sony Electronics has appointed Stuart Redson as the new Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing, reporting to the Company's Chief Marketing Officer Mike Fasulo. Redsun will be responsible for designing and delivering the brand strategy in support of the Sony U.S. electronics business, coordinating specific marketing plans for such product lines as VAIO computers, Cyber-shot cameras and BRAVIA televisions as well as developing Sony's national advertising and promotional campaigns. Redsun comes to Sony Electronics from mobile service provider Helio, where he served as Executive Vice President of Marketing. Prior to this, he also held high-level brand marketing positions at Motorola, Nike and Gateway.
Dolby Laboratories Appoints F. Modarresse V.P., Worldwide Mktg., Consumer Div.
Dolby Laboratories, a developer of immersive entertainment technologies,, has named Francois Modarresse Vice President of Worldwide Marketing for the company's Consumer Division. Modarresse brings more than 21 years of consumer electronics and digital media marketing experience to the organization. Before joining Dolby, Modarresse headed marketing and business development for SkyStream Networks, an IP video delivery platform manufacturer recently acquired by Tandberg Television.
Holiday Stationstores Taps B. Hooks As V.OP., Of Sales & Mktg.
Holiday Stationstores, a leading convenience store and gas retailer in 12 states, has named Brian Hooks as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Hooks most recently worked as a marketing consultant to Holiday Stationstores and was a former partner with Peterson Milla Hooks Advertising.
Verizon Wireless Names Lowenstein V.P., Mktg.
Verizon Wireless has named Mark Lowenstein Vice President, Market Strategy and Segmentation. Lowenstein will be responsible for directing the company's approach to serving its business and consumer markets. Prior to joining Verizon Wireless, Lowenstein was Managing Director of Mobile Ecosystem, a company he formed to provide strategic counseling to the wireless industry.
Imagine! Print Solutions Promotes J. Briggs To V.P. National POP Sales
Imagine! Print Solutions a Minneapolis, MN-based printing company serving the point-of-purchase industry, has promoted Jack Briggs to Vice President, National POP Sales. He most recently held the position of Director of POP Sales since joining the company in March 2005. Briggs is recognized as an in-store merchandising display product expert and has been extremely successful in directing innovative display solutions.
Ed Schmidt Joins American Screen Art As V.P. Of Sales & Marketing
American Screen Art, headquartered in Knoxville, TN, has named Ed Schmidt Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Schmidt has extensive experience in the sign and graphics industry. American Screen Art is a leading manufacturer of fleet, retail, OEM and POP graphics.
Gas Station TV Launches National Media Network
Gas Station TV (GSTV) has launched its digital television network, which will convert fuel stations nationwide into media centers. An IP-based digital television network, GSTV will deliver relevant and entertaining programming including local news, sports, weather and traffic to refueling motorists. The GSTV network will air on 20" high definition, daylight viewable LCD monitors embedded into gas dispensers.
GSTV has formed partnerships with ABC National Television Sales, which will provide exclusive national sales representation for the network featuring select ABC content; Murphy Oil USA, a leader in the growing U.S. market of gasoline sales at non-traditional locations with 900 stations located in Wal-Mart parking lots; Gilbarco Veeder-Root, the world's largest manufacturer of gas retailer equipment; and Delphi Display Systems, the market leading provider of outdoor digital video display systems.
"We are creating the most valuable, out of home, digital network, with the greatest entertainment value for customers and significant return on investment for advertisers," said David Leider, CEO, GSTV.
The value proposition of GSTV is rooted in the average length of time consumers spend fueling their vehicle. The full-motion video and stereo sound of GSTV will be broadcast throughout the gas station creating a dynamic and immersive media experience for both the consumer and advertisers. For more information, visit (Web site) www.gstv.com
AD-EX Acquires Marathon Exhibits
AD-EX International, a premier global provider of comprehensive exhibition and event marketing products and services, has acquired Marathon Exhibits, a market-leading developer of innovative exhibit environments. Marathon Exhibits, housed in its new facilities at 3233 South 900 East in Salt Lake City, Utah, will now be known as AD-EX International-West. The AD-EX International global headquarters is located in Cincinnati, OH with additional offices in Chicago and Denver. "We could not be more pleased with the acquisition of Marathon Exhibits," said Tim Murphy, President and CEO of AD-EX International. "This merger significantly broadens and deepens the AD-EX client base to encompass services and entertainment as well as consumer products, IT and healthcare. It also enables us to offer the greatest value in the marketplace for services ranging from event planning, exhibit design and fabrication to project management and customer service." Cregg Cannon, founder of Marathon Exhibits, will be the new Managing Director of the AD-EX International-West office.
Cyclonix Creates Exhibit For Exxon Mobil
Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic face-to-face sales, marketing and experiential environments, recently produced a 40' x 40' custom exhibit for Thomson/Grass Valley/Canopus at the National Association of Broadcasters trade show. Cyclonix also created a 30' x 40' custom rental exhibit for Sonic at NAB. For more information, call 800-470-0062 or visit
(Web site) www.cyclonixinc.com
White Castle Exhibit Opens
The first-ever interactive White Castle exhibit has opened at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, GA, offering visitors from around the globe the opportunity to savor a taste of White Castle's 85-year history and intrigue. The temporary exhibit will also honor the longstanding relationship and synergy shared between White Castle and the Coca-Cola Company as White Castle has been serving Coca-Cola beverages since its inception in 1921. The display will feature a staged White Castle storefront with windows serving as display cases filled with historical White Castle and Coca-Cola artifacts from authentic art-glass signs to an assortment of historical burger boxes. Since opening in 1990, World of Coca-Cola has welcomed over 13 million guests from around the world. Guests take a virtual journey from the invention of Coca-Cola by Dr. John Pemberton in 1886 to a spectacular series of interactive exhibits including soda fountains of the past and future where they may sample over 40 domestic and international beverages made by The Coca-Cola Company.
Nomadic Promotes Execs.
Nomadic Display, a leading producer of portable and modular exhibit systems, has promoted Mike Zalles to Vice President of Product Research and Innovation and Lynn Reves to Vice President of Customer and Design Services. In his new role, Zalles will be charged with managing all new product development and introduction as well as overseeing the successful integration of new products into Nomadic Display's manufacturing operations. As Vice President of Customer and Design Services, Reves will manage the day-to-day operations of both the Customer Service and Solutions departments.
Aloft Group Merges With The Willingham Group
Aloft Group, a full-service marketing and branding firm, has merged with The Willingham Group, a Southern California firm specializing in brand promotions. The combined firm, which will go by the name Aloft Group, now offers a truly comprehensive and integrated approach to all marketing programs. The firm has expanded into new offices based in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Coldwater Creek Spa Locations Open
Coldwater Creek, the national retailer of women's apparel, jewelry, accessories and gifts, is testing six Coldwater Creek spa locations, offering a complete menu of spa treatments including massage, facials, manicures and pedicures.
These Coldwater Creek Spa locations average 5,000 square feet, featuring a relaxing setting with soft wood accents and ambient lighting. The day spas are located adjacent to or within close proximity to existing Coldwater Creek retail stores and also carry an assortment of relevant apparel, as well as a line of personal care products for women.
"We believe the day spa concept creates excellent potential for us to cross-market Coldwater Creek retail stores and Coldwater Creek Spa to increase traffic for both concepts and generate transactions in both directions," said Dennis Pence, Chairman and CEO of Coldwater Creek. "Additionally, the high profile inclusion of apparel from our Sport assortment will provide an excellent merchandising synergy, a well as potential for further expanding this part of our collection."
Coldwater Creek caters to women ages 35-60, with average household income in excess of $75,000. The company currently has 174 retail store locations. Based on customer response, the Company will continue to evaluate, test and refine the spa concept.
Tom Ponte Offers P.O.P. Prototyping Service
Tom Ponte Model Makers specializes in creating prototypes and p.o.p. displays. Its services include design and engineering, acrylic fabrication, cnc machining, and vacuum forming. For more information, contact Tom Ponte Model Makers, 25 Pine Street, Rockaway, NJ 07866; (Tel.) 973-627-5906; (Fax) 973-627-5907; (Web site) www.pontemodels.com
Ampronix Introduces Infomaxx
Ampronix Imaging Technology has designed the Infomaxx CF to meet the evolving needs of point-of-sale displays. This unit is a stand-alone device perfect for retail store digital flyers, point-of-sale advertising and digital sign applications. With an integrated Compact Flash Media Station, you can easily load your own videos directly to the display. With the DVI-D input, you can also connect the panel to digital video sources. These units are attractively designed, sleek and thin. For more information, contact Ampronix Imaging Technology, 8697 Research Drive, Irvine, CA 92618; (Tel) 949-428-3976, 800-400-7972, (Web site) www.infomaxxcf.com
Eletech Introduces QuikWave
Eletech Electronics has introduced its QuikWave model EM31 A-X audio repeater with extended device control. EM31A-X is a flash card based MP3 player with a built-in power relay. Through this relay, external devices such as solenoids, motors and lights can be turned on and off at any time in perfect synchronization with the audio playback. One good example is a talking robot with synchronized mouth movement. A single contact closure input is provided for triggering the pre-programmed animation cycle of up to 8.5 minutes. Within this period, the audio and the relay can be independently activated multiple times in any order at any time. No computer or software is required to program or operate the unit. EM31A-X provides stereo, CD quality line output to be amplified by external power amplifiers. Housed in a rugged metal enclosure measuring 6.6" x 3.1" x 1.5", it is built to provide years of reliable service with no required maintenance. Applications include animated point of purchase displays and museum exhibits. For more information, contact Eletech Electronics, Inc., 16025 Kaplan Avenue, City of Industry, CA 91744; (Tel) 626-333-6394, (Web site) www.eletech.com
Strategic Packaging Offers Ballot Box Displays
Strategic Packaging Solutions offers a wide variety of ballot boxes for promotions including counter-top style and floor standing designs. These standard ballot boxes are in-stock and offer customers up to $600 in savings for tooling costs. For a list of current in-stock items, refer to the list on the web site at www.strategicpackaging.com/ballotboxes.asp. Ballot boxes can also be custom designed by Strategic's in-house team with accessories including printed heard cards and tear-off ballot pads. Large-order generic ballot boxes with promotion-specific removable header cards are also available. For more information, contact Strategic Packaging Solutions, Inc., 77 Courtland Avenue, Unit #2, Concord, ON Canada L4K 3S9; (Tel) 905-660-3510, 1-888-261-3338, (Fax) 905-660-3612, (Web site) www.strategicpackaging.ca
