Creative Online Weekly <br> September 05, 2011

Week of September 05, 2011

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Interactive Tesla Store Opens In Denver, Colorado
Tesla Motors has expanded its retail footprint to Park Meadows shopping center outside of Denver, Colorado. In preparation for Model S, the world's first premium electric sedan, Tesla is reinventing how people buy cars with interactive stores designed to entice potential customers. Tesla stores are designed to invite customers to explore Tesla's technology, learn about owning an electric car, and configure their own car in the Tesla Design Studio.
The new Park Meadows store layout engages the customer through a series of hands-on interactive touchscreen experiences. "We are trying to recreate the car-buying experience for the customer," said Tesla VP of Sales and Ownership Experience, George Blankenship. "Locating at Park Meadows will allow us to entice, inform, and engage more people in Colorado than ever before. We want visitors to take time to learn more about the benefits of owning a Tesla and to show them that the technology to go electric exists today." (Web site) www.teslamotors.com

Walmart Featuring This 3-Sided Apparel Merchandiser
Walmart is using these 3-sided merchandisers as an apparel merchandising solution. The merchandisers are constructed of green sustainable products. The displays provide ample space to merchandise apparel in an attractive and eye-catching manner. These 3-sided apparel merchandisers were created by Vanguard Companies with offices in Kansas City, MO and Bentonville, Arkansas. (Web site) www.vanguardpkg.com

Winn-Dixie Unveils Fresh, New Shopping Experience In Aventura Store, Miami
Winn-Dixie Stores has completed its newly remodeled Aventura store in Miami, FL, where guests can now look forward to a dramatically enhanced shopping experience, featuring many new amenities including a cleaner and more modern and attractive setting, hardwood flooring throughout the produce, deli and bakery departments, expanded kosher offerings and a dedicated area offering free Wi-Fi access and complimentary coffee.
"We are excited to deliver on our promise of providing our guests with a fresh, new shopping experience at their Aventura Winn-Dixie Store," said Randy Rambo, Winn-Dixie southern regional vice president. "This store exemplifies our fresh and local strategy and serves as a one-stop grocery destination catering to the needs, tastes and preferences of the surrounding community."
The Aventura store showcases Winn-Dixie's latest design concepts and features a warm, vibrant color palate throughout the store. In addition to the upgraded departments and expanded features, the store's merchandising reflects the needs, tastes and preferences of this diverse community, including expanded kosher departments and freshly prepared foods including Israeli foods, pareve snacks, kosher meats and cheeses, freshly-baked breads and customized specialty cakes.

Chapstick Display Generates Cosmetic Interest
Chapstick wanted a display with a creative merchandising solution to present the brand within the cosmetic category. This display also attracts impulse purchases through its graphics and brand treatment. It provides a selection of flavors and offers ease of shoppability. The small footprint of the unit offers the ability to relocate in other retail categories or platforms. The Chapstick Display was created by Timbar Packaging & Display, Point of Purchase Division, of Hanover, PA. (Web site) www.timbar.com

McAlister’s Deli Deploys New Digital Menu Boards
McAlister’s Corporation, a quick-casual restaurant chain with over 300 McAlister’s Deli locations across the U.S., has chosen WAND Corp., an Eden Prairie, MN-based digital signage firm, to provide an enterprise level Digital Menu Board solution for all McAlister’s Deli corporate and franchise digital sites.
The installation promises to be one of the largest deployments of Digital Menu Boards to date in the United States. “We call it our restaurant of the future,” said Annica Kreider, VP Marketing for McAlister’s, referring to the digital solution program. “It’s been exciting to see the reaction of guests to the Digital Menu Board system.” (Web site) www.mcalistersdeli.com

Margaritaville Introduces Skinny Margarita
Margaritaville Spirits has launched the new Skinny Margarita Ready-to-Drink Cocktail with only 95 calories per serving. This fresh take on a true classic offers a passport to indulge while escaping the calories. The Skinny Margarita is 100% all-natural, sweetened with agave nectar, has 95 Calories and 7.9 Carbohydrates per 4 oz. serving. Point-of-sale materials supporting the launch are headlined, “Greetings From Margaritaville.” The Skinny Margarita is marketed by Gemini Spirits & Wine, Chicago, IL. (Web site) www.geminispiritswine.com

Beam And Courvoisier Launch Courvoisier® Rosé
Beam Global Spirits & Wine and Courvoisier, one of the world's leading cognac houses, has added Courvoisier® Rosé to its portfolio. A smooth blend of Courvoisier cognac and premium French red wine grapes, Courvoisier Rosé is a light and refreshing cognac drink. Courvoisier Rosé provides a smooth alternative to the traditional flavor profiles of cognac, offering consumers a fun, stylish beverage that is easy to drink. Packaged in the iconic Josephine bottle, Courvoisier Rosé's flavor profile features notes of blackberry, black currant and a touch of cherry, complemented by vanilla, honey and vine-peach flavors. For those who typically pair cognac with juice or other mixers, Courvoisier Rosé is the ideal alternative. "We are thrilled to add Courvoisier Rosé to the Courvoisier family and offer consumers a new, fun and refreshing twist on cognac," said Mallika Monteiro, Brand Manager, Courvoisier.

Nintendo 3DS To Offer Free Wi-Fi Access At 25,000 Locations Nationwide
A new alliance with Simon Property Group will provide Nintendo 3DS owners with complimentary wireless connections at nearly 200 Simon™ shopping malls throughout the country. Nintendo 3DS users can also access hotspots at more than 1,000 Best Buy stores. Through an expanded agreement with AT&T, Nintendo 3DS users will have access to nearly 24,000 of AT&T's Wi-Fi hotspots. With these additional locations, Nintendo 3DS users can choose from a wider-than-ever variety of convenient places to connect their systems and enjoy unique downloadable content.
"With thousands of free Wi-Fi access points through our alliances, Nintendo 3DS users across the country can instantly enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences wherever and whenever they like," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "In addition to a strong lineup of games and the ability to view 3D content without special glasses, the system makes it easy for people to connect with their surroundings and each other, even when they're away from home."

JW Marriott Teams Up With Leading Luxury BrandsTo Enhance Customer Experience
Marriott International's world-class luxury hotel brand, JW Marriott, is launching a collection of strategic partnerships with leading luxury brands in nutrition, culinary, art, culture, accessories and wellness as part of a global brand initiative to deliver a deeper luxury guest experience at JW Marriott hotels and resorts around the world. JW Marriott is developing long-term relationships with Christie's, Tumi, Keri Glassman, Aromatherapy Associates and Etude Wines, and borrowing from their expertise in ways that will engage the customer and enhance the brand experience.
The new strategic partnerships were developed in response to extensive research that JW Marriott conducted on its business and leisure consumers. The brand found that these accomplished, sophisticated travelers crave more than the typical luxury hotel. The JW Marriott guest is looking for enriching luxury experiences in areas relevant to their lifestyles, including health & wellness and culinary and cultural trends.
Mitzi Gaskins, vice president of the JW Marriott brand, said, "We know that each partner plays a role in the travel experience of our guests and wanted to deepen the connection by enhancing their stay and speaking to their personal interests."

Carlson And Mortenson To Open Radisson Blu Hotel At Mall of America
Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, and Mortenson, a U.S.- based, privately-held construction services company, have started construction on the 500-room Radisson Blu Hotel that will adjoin Mall of America®. "This is a major milestone in achieving our Ambition 2015 growth strategy, which includes opening landmark Radisson Blu hotels in key gateway cities and destinations in the United States," said Thorsten Kirschke, chief operating officer, Carlson Hotels and president, Carlson Hotels, Americas.
"Breaking ground for the Radisson Blu Hotel is a significant milestone for Mall of America as we move forward with the Phase II expansion of the property," said Kurt Hagen, vice president of Triple Five. "We see more than 40 million visitors annually and are excited that we will soon be able to offer a stay in a high-end hotel that will be the first of its kind to connect via skyway directly to Mall of America." Designed by project architect ESG, the 13-story Radisson Blu at Mall of America will be the first hotel connected to the mall by skyway and will be situated on the south side between Macy's and Bloomingdale's department stores.

TAG Heuer Opens First North American Flagship In Las Vegas
TAG Heuer, the leading Swiss luxury watch brand, will celebrate the opening of its first North American flagship, located within Las Vegas' most prestigious shopping destination, Crystals at CityCenter. The comprehensive 800-square foot lifestyle retail environment will offer timepieces, including boutique-exclusive and limited-edition product not available anywhere else in the U.S. The flagship will also house TAG Heuer fashion items ranging from beautifully crafted, vintage stainless steel cufflinks to the brand's technologically advanced eyewear and fine leather goods.
Designed by renowned architect Eric Carlson, the Las Vegas boutique eschews the formal countertop retail formula in favor of a warm and inviting environment that allows customers to easily interact with the product without pretense. The openness of the space invites visitors to browse at their leisure, engage the expertise of the boutique's sales personnel and immerse themselves in the award-winning world of TAG Heuer.
A hallmark of the boutique's contemporary design is the customized wall niches, which are made of dark zebrawood, finely hand-brushed aluminum, glass and cream leather. Unlike traditional watch vitrines, TAG Heuer's displays are integrated into the store's architecture and showcase timepieces at eye level, ensuring that customers can shop in an effortless and comfortable manner. Several cases celebrate the brand's motor-racing legacy and highlight automotive-inspired collections, such as the legendary Monaco collection. Another niche houses TAG Heuer's women's pieces, including the brand's top-selling Formula 1 ceramic and steel timepieces, and elegant Carrera watches. In designing the store's main façade, Carlson played upon the abundance of natural light that infuses Crystals at CityCenter. A series of bronzed, brushed aluminum vertical slats superimpose TAG Heuer's shield logo, which is back-lit with LED lights. This results in a dramatic, glow-from-within effect that embodies the center's aesthetic and TAG Heuer's design philosophy.
"With TAG Heuer's heritage as a leading luxury brand and its unprecedented commitment to innovative design, opening the first North American flagship at Crystals at CityCenter was an ideal selection for our first branded retail space," said Jean-Christophe Babin, Worldwide CEO, TAG Heuer. "The TAG Heuer boutique offers guests a unique shopping experience that stimulates the senses while the exquisite Las Vegas destination allows us to reach a wide range of American and international visitors."

Noll Surfboards Launches Flagship Store And Lifestyle Brand
Noll Surfboards has opened its flagship store in San Clemente, CA in addition to re-launching one of the first American surf brands, Noll Surfboards, which was founded by Greg Noll in Manhattan Beach, CA, in 1951. The flagship store is also a tribute to the history of the sport, and in that spirit, the Noll Surfboards store is a combination museum, art gallery, event center and local surf shop. Entering this unique surf shop, customers are immediately surrounded by one-of-a-kind memorabilia, hand-crafted wooden surfboards, and freshly designed apparel and gear. In short, they find themselves at the center of surfing history.
The store even contains an active surfboard factory with three shaping rooms in the rear. Inspired by the artisan craft of hand shaping surfboards, the materials used throughout the store are derived from the board-shaping process. The shop is also a unique interactive and multi-media experience. Vintage Noll "Search For Surf" films (Greg was also a pioneer surf-filmmaker), including footage never before seen by the public, is simultaneously played on three strategically placed screens. Meanwhile, cameras located throughout the store (including one in the shaping bays) allows viewers from around the globe to sign on to the Noll website (www.nollsurfboards.com) and see a surfboard actually being shaped. The store showcases Noll Surfboards' new line of authentic surf apparel, which includes unique high-quality, T-shirts, board shorts, rash-guards, and sweatshirts and also features one-of-a-kind garments, handmade on site by in-house designer Koki Nishida.
"Being able to touch and feel the history is a key aspect of our store," said Chris Wagaman, Noll's General Manager. "By making it relevant to today's consumers, we are also giving people the opportunity to take a piece of our collective history home with them. I'm not sure there's another place in the United States (or elsewhere for that matter) where you can have this type of retail experience."

THQ And adidas To Bring miCoach Interactive Training System To Video Game Consoles
International sports brand adidas is collaborating with worldwide video game publisher THQ to bring the popular miCoach interactive athletic training system to video game consoles. Scheduled for release in early calendar 2012, the completely connected interactive experience will feature many of the world's most well-known adidas athletes, including Dwight Howard, Kaká, Tyson Gay, Jessica Ennis, Ana Ivanovic and Eric Berry, who will guide users through a wide selection of sport-specific personalized training programs. Users will also receive real-time feedback on their actual in-game performance during their workouts when wearing a miCoach heart rate monitor (or any ANT+ compatible monitor). For an even more connected gaming experience, the miCoach hardware interacts with THQ's new video game title, allowing users to wirelessly synchronize a miCoach Pacer and miCoach mobile app to Kinect™ for Xbox 360® or PlayStation® Move, incorporating workout data gathered while away from the game.
"We're taking our successful miCoach line and broadening its reach to an even larger audience, who we hope will find motivation and inspiration from adidas and our roster of star athletes," said Simon Drabble, Director of miCoach BU for adidas. "adidas and THQ are creating a remarkable fitness solution that can be with you before, during and after your training workouts," said Martin Good, THQ's Executive Vice President of Kids, Family & Casual Games.

Activision Debuts Wappy Dog, First Video Game Controlled Toy Pet
The next evolution of virtual pets will come to the Nintendo DS™ family of handheld systems this holiday season when Activision releases Wappy Dog, a toy puppy, developed by SEGA TOYS, that interacts with the player through the Nintendo DS™. Each pet is a fully personalized experience, enabling players to customize both the in-game version and physical dog with different colors and accessories. Players communicate with Wappy using commands given through the Nintendo DS™ and he responds both virtually, by wagging its tail among other tricks, and physically, with vocal barks and movements, just like a real pet. One that also sings and dances that is.

New Filtrete™ Water Station Introduced By 3M
A new innovation from 3M, the Filtrete™ Water Station, filters water directly from the tap into four, reusable BPA-free bottles. The Filtrete fast-flow filtration technology filters water in just seconds, much faster than traditional filtering pitchers. The Water Station includes four reusable grab-and-go bottles that are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and feature a leak-proof cap which hold 500 ml of water. Choosing a reusable bottle eliminates the cost and waste of disposable water bottles. The built-in Filter Change Indicator takes the guesswork out of changing the filter since it lets you know when it's time for a replacement.
Michelle Weir, Brand Manager for Filtrete Products at 3M Canada, said, "The new Filtrete Water Station is a really great solution for those looking to eliminate bottled water waste and soaring costs, while still maintaining the convenience of bottled water."

AXE Buzzed Look Cream + SPF 15 Introduced
As we head into a season that honors America and our troops with backyard barbeques and beach parties, AXE Hair is joining the celebration by partnering with Wounded Warrior Project and introducing AXE Buzzed Look Cream + SPF 15, its newest styling product. As part of the debut, AXE Hair is making a donation of $50,000 to the non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The buzz cut, a classic military look that's made a pop-culture comeback, presents a unique challenge to guys looking to protect their scalp without the oily, greasy feel that a traditional sunscreen can leave. AXE Buzzed Look is a lightweight cream which protects guys' scalps from UVA/UVB rays and keeps hair soft and touchable.
"The buzz cut is a practical style that girls love and AXE Buzzed Look Cream + SPF is designed to make it easy for guys to maintain it," said David Rubin, marketing director for AXE Hair. "While we are proud of our latest styling innovation, we are even prouder to be working with Wounded Warrior Project to help make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country."

Disney Store Launches First Fragrance Collection
Disney Store has launched its new fragrance collection, a captivating array of scents and associated products, each inspired by some of Disney's most timeless and beloved characters and stories. The premium personal fragrances, home scents, candles and unique gifts were created in conjunction with some of the world's leading fragrance houses, perfumers and an award-winning design team. The first fragrance in the collection will be available in Disney Store locations nationwide beginning from June 2011 with other fragrances introduced throughout the rest of 2011.

Kingston Digital Transforms iPad, iPhone And iPod Touch Storage Capabilities
Kingston Digital, the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology, is offering the sleek and functional Wi-DriveTM, built to address the ever-increasing storage needs of Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod touch® users. Wi-Drive, a wireless, portable storage solution, allows users to expand the number of documents, images, music and video files they can access from Apple devices. The combination of this storage expansion, file sharing and a rugged portable form factor makes it a perfect companion device. "Wi-Drive is an ideal solution for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users who feel confined by their current storage capacity," said Andrew Ewing, Flash memory business manager, Kingston. "Wi-Drive allows Apple device owners to wirelessly manage document and media files, and choose to share them with others, while on the go for work or pleasure. This unique functionality, combined with the durability of a Flash-based device, will satisfy both casual users and the most discerning technophiles."

Dorcy To Sell Sears DieHard® Brand Products
Sears Holdings has reached a license agreement with Dorcy International, which will allow Dorcy to sell DieHard-branded alkaline/rechargeable batteries and flashlights to retailers in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. "We are pleased to make it easier for customers to have access to our products by entering into a relationship with Dorcy," said Scott Freidheim, executive vice president at Sears Holdings and president of Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard. "This is a thoughtful way for us to leverage our brands, while ensuring that we deliver product that meets DieHard's demanding standards. Through this license agreement, we look forward to expanding the reach of the DieHard brand and the availability of DieHard products through retail channels." The DieHard products to be sold as part of the agreement include AA, AAA, C, D, 9V alkaline and rechargeable batteries.

TOMS Eyewear Introduced
Marking its evolution from a shoe company to a One for One™ company, TOMS has launched a second product line, TOMS Eyewear. Three classic styles of TOMS sunglasses will be offered to customers, and in true TOMS fashion, with every pair purchased, TOMS will help give sight to a person in need through medical treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sight-saving surgery, administered by its first Sight Giving Partner, Seva Foundation. Available at Nordstrom and other select retailers across the U.S., TOMS Eyewear is made in Italy, and each style has an iconic design striping detail.

Tom's Of Maine Introduces Its First-Ever Clinically Proven Natural Whitening Toothpaste
Tom's of Maine has launched New Natural Simply White Fluoride Toothpaste, a new whitening choice clinically proven to whiten teeth with a formula that contains no bleaching agents or artificial flavors. Simply White has also earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, a first for any natural whitening toothpaste. Simply White toothpaste provides daily whitening, cavity protection and fresh breath all in one. Its effective formula combines three naturally sourced silicas that combine to gently remove surface stains.
Ellen Saksen, oral care associate brand manager at Tom's of Maine, said, "We carefully crafted Simply White to gently bring back the natural beauty of your smile and to offer a whitening alternative to products that rely on bleaching. We hope this natural option gives people the confident smile they want backed by our rigorous testing and the acceptance of the American Dental Association."

New Wellness Super5Mix® Small Breed Dog Food Recipes Launched
Wellness Natural Pet Food has launched two innovative dog food recipes in its Super5Mix Small Breed line that will please small dogs with big nutritional needs. Small Breed Just for Puppy Recipe has guaranteed levels of DHA to support healthy brain development in puppyhood, high quality carbohydrates, proteins and fats to keep up with high-energy needs, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, vitamins and minerals to help support healthy growth, and smaller kibble size for more petite mouths and teeth.
Small Breed Healthy Weight Recipe features reduced fat - 26 percent less than Super5Mix Small Breed Adult Health - and lower calories to help achieve healthy weight loss. The unique recipe, created especially for overweight dogs, includes quality proteins - like deboned turkey and salmon meal - to help maintain lean muscle mass, pea fiber to aid in naturally satisfying a dog's appetite, guaranteed levels of L-Carnitine to help reduce overall body fat, and glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health. The two new diets join the existing Small Breed Adult Health Recipe.

Nintendo's Upcoming Wii U Console Features Controller With 6.2-inch Screen
Nintendo has introduced Wii U™, a new console that includes a controller with a 6.2-inch screen. Adding a second screen to the living room creates a multitude of new video game experiences while offering families a variety of options to customize their entertainment. Previously, video games played on a home console have been confined to the TV and offered identical viewpoints to each player in a multiplayer environment. Furthermore, watching TV and playing console games have been completely separate experiences. The new controller removes these boundaries, creating a more dynamic and fluid gaming and entertainment experience.
"Wii U redefines the structure of home entertainment by fundamentally changing how the TV, the game console and the Internet function and interact together," said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. "The experience enabled by Wii U and the new controller takes players deeper into their games, while reaching out wider than ever before to be inviting to all kinds of gamers."

Sassy Partners With Carter's To Introduce Fun Developmental Toys To Carter's Brand
Sassy and Carter's have partnered to introduce innovative, developmental toys bringing purpose and fun to a Carter's branded toy line. The partnership marks Carter's initial foray into developmental activity toys. Additionally, Sassy will be creating giftable plush toys and coordinates that match back to the endearing characters and color palettes found on Carter's, Just One You, Child of Mine and Precious Firsts clothing lines.
"Sassy is very excited to have an opportunity to partner with such an iconic, parent-trusted brand in the young children's industry," said Rick Schaub, President of Sassy. "We are confident that these fun, developmental toys and giftable plush products will provide hours of play and learning for infants." The new Carter's developmental activity toys and giftable plush products are initially being sold at Carter's retail stores with plans to offer these toys and products through major retailers nationwide in 2012.

Looxcie 2 Wearable Camcorder Introduced
Looxcie, makers of the first wearable mobile-connected video cam, has launched Looxcie 2™, its sleek new video cam. With an entirely new design, Looxcie 2 weighs 20 percent less and is almost half the size of the original while maintaining full battery capacity and all video capture and social media sharing features. New attachment accessories provide users with a variety of ways to wear and use Looxcie 2: snugly over the ear, on helmets, caps and more. Looxcie 2 comes in two configurations: up to 10 hours of video storage and up to 5 hours of video storage. The companion Looxcie smartphone apps can be downloaded for free from the Android's Marketplace or iPhone's App Store.

Apple Introduces iCloud
Apple® has introduced iCloud®, a breakthrough set of free new cloud services that work seamlessly with applications on the iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, Mac® or PC to automatically and wirelessly store content in iCloud and automatically and wirelessly push it to all your devices. When anything changes on one of the devices, all of the devices are wirelessly updated almost instantly.
"Today it is a real hassle and very frustrating to keep all your information and content up-to-date across all your devices," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iCloud keeps your important information and content up to date across all your devices. All of this happens automatically and wirelessly, and because it's integrated into our apps you don't even need to think about it-it all just works."

Bang & Olufsen Offers New EarSet 3i In North American Showrooms
Bang & Olufsen, the Danish provider of high end audio and video systems, has launched EarSet 3i in North America, a modern, mobile phone headset which allows for phone use and high quality music enjoyment while on the go. It is developed specifically for the newest generation of Apple devices and is intended for usage with Apple products exclusively. It offers additional functionality, compared to its predecessor - EarSet 3, with a newly featured operation button to navigate through desired tracks, playlists, etc. and also assists with call-waiting features, all with one step functionality and extreme ease-of-use. "We are excited to expand our EarSet 3i offering to the dedicated iPhone/iPad version in two matching colors - black and white," said Zean Nielsen, President of Bang & Olufsen America, Inc. "We believe EarSet 3i will resonate with American consumers, as it offers an unrivaled design and sound quality, which Apple customers are accustomed too."

Sony Introduces PlayStation Vita
Sony Computer Entertainment America has introduced PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita), which will launch in the global market the end of 2011. Derived from the Latin word "Vita," which means "Life," this next generation portable entertainment system enables a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. The PS Vita system incorporates a beautiful 5-inch multi-touch organic light emitting diode (OLED) as the front display and a unique multi-touch pad on the rear. Together with the front touch screen and the rear touch pad, the PS Vita system offers new game play allowing users to interact directly with games in three dimension-like motion, through "touch, grab, trace, push and pull" finger motions. Also, the PS Vita system features two analog sticks which enable a wider range of game genres to be brought into the portable experience. SCEA also revealed that AT&T will be the exclusive service provider in the United States for the PS Vita system.

New Toshiba Thrive Tablet Launches
Toshiba's Digital Products Division is launching the Thrive™ Tablet, its first Android™-powered tablet for the U.S. market on June 13. Powered by the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 21 and Android 3.1, Honeycomb, the Thrive Tablet offers a convenient new way to connect, browse and enjoy videos, movies, games, photos, books and more. From its 10.1-inch diagonal high-resolution (1280x800) multi-touch LED backlit widescreen display2, consumers can enjoy a more complete web experience with fast browsing. The display is enhanced by Toshiba's exclusive Adaptive Display and Resolution+® video enhancement technologies3 to deliver great clarity and sharpness. A comfortable virtual keyboard with Swype™ technology makes typing easy, while a full suite of sensors, including a Gyroscope and Accelerometer, enable fast and smooth 360-degree screen rotation and control.

CKE Restaurants Promotes Haley To CMO
Brad Haley has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer for CKE Restaurants, parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® restaurant chains. Haley joined CKE as executive vice president of marketing for Hardee's in 2000, and added responsibility for Carl's Jr. marketing in 2004.

Graj + Gustavsen Retained by Sherwin-Williams To Develop Consumer Experience For HGTV Collection
Graj + Gustavsen, an integrated branding firm known for building consumer brands, was retained by the Sherwin-Williams Paint Stores Group to develop the branding and in-store experience for an exclusive paint program with HGTV called HGTV® Home by Sherwin-Williams which will be available in stores by June 2011. G+G worked closely with internal teams at Sherwin-Williams and HGTV to create the identity and positioning for the program, as well as the in-store fixture and display system and collateral materials designed to guide and inspire consumers.

Menasha Receives Business Friend Of The Environment Award
Menasha Corporation and its companies, Menasha Packaging and ORBIS Corporation, earned the prestigious Business Friend of the Environment Award for their commitment to sustainable practices. "Menasha and our companies focus on green solutions that help provide profitable and sustainable growth for both our company and customers," said Jim Kotek, CEO of Menasha Corporation. "We are honored to receive this award and will continue to make strides as a socially and environmentally responsible company." (Web site) www.menashapackaging.com

Otto Hektor Joins Schawk Retail Marketing As SVP Account Management
Schawk, a leading provider of brand development and deployment services, has hired Otto Hektor to serve as senior vice president, account management for key accounts within its retail marketing group. Hektor has strategic and day-to-day leadership responsibility for key accounts across all eight of Schawk Retail Marketing's global offices and photo studios. He previously held account leadership roles at TPN, G2Promotional Marketing, and KK&A Integrated Retail Marketing.

Advanced Cabinet Systems Gains FSC Certification
Advanced Cabinet Systems (ACS), a leading manufacturer of high quality plastic laminate casework and millwork, has received certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. "FSC Certification is becoming a must in this industry" said Philip Bowers, ACS company Vice President, "There is a lot of public interest in the green movement and we need to show our clients that we are compliant with the highest social and environmental standards on the market." (Web site) www.advancedcabinetsystems.com

Walls + Forms Introduces Free Standing Slatgrid Displays
Walls + Forms has introduced freestanding slatgrid displays, which can be mounted in a back-to-back configuration to create a display outpost in the middle of a retail space. They can be setup as a freestanding display wall or along existing walls. Their back panel is printed to match the brand message or identity. They are available in a choice of either slatgrid or grid wire merchandising displays.Units ship flat and assemble in minutes. Standard units use slatgrid/grid wire for the main panel. Backlit headers provide optimum branding. Vinyl logos can even be printed on sides for maximum branding potential. For more information (Tel) 972-745-0800, (E-Mail) info@wallsforms.com, visitl; (Web site) www.wallsforms.com

Boston Offers VersaPanel® Light Bulb Comparator Display
Boston Retail's latest advance in VersaPanel® merchandisers is the Light Bulb Comparator table top display for comparison of light sources like LEDs & CFLs. Incorporate signage into this simple switch controlled unit that is scaled to customer requirements and easily powered by a standard 120V outlet. Choose from over 150 powder coat colors. Boston Retail's VersaPanel® is a modular merchandising light display system with worldwide electrical certifications that support a range of standard and custom applications. Achieve greater product display density with amazing operational flexibility. For more information, contact Boston Retail, Mitch DeBonville, VP Sales at (Tel) 1.781.306.4031. (Web site) www.bostonretail.com

Fulcrum Composites Offers Exhibit Panels
Fulcrum Composites, Midland, MI, provides large, curved sandwich panels for exhibits, offering strength and durability at very low weight. The panels have a sandwich construction with lightweight foam cores and durable high pressure laminate skins resulting in a structure that is robust yet extremely light. Vertical edges are aluminum tube for maximum durability, a clean look and minimum weight. Finish can be plain laminate or carpet to allow direct use of Velcro. Panels are joined with hidden, high strength magnets mounted into a carrying strip that ensures maximum flexibility and ease of assembly. Three standard shapes allow a huge variety of display shapes to be produced. For more information, contact Fulcrum Composites, (Tel) 989-636-1025; (Web site) www.fulcrumcomposites.com

Cyclonix Appoints Loren Ellis As Senior Account Executive
Cyclonix, a creator of dynamic brand architecture, has appointed Loren Ellis as Senior Account Executive. Ellis, a 20-year industry veteran, was most recently executive vice president of Velocity Group. Ellis's role will be to work with new and existing clients to create new layers of integrated marketing and customer experience that increase the results of clients' exhibit and event programs. (Web site) www.cyclonix.com

Dry Creek Vineyard Releases 2010 Fumé Blanc With QR Code Technology
The Dry Creek Vineyard family has released its flagship wine, 2010 Fumé Blanc, in a newly designed package incorporating QR code technology on the back label for the first time. Using a smart phone, consumers can download a QR code reader from their app store. Scanning the image immediately takes a prospective buyer to a link featuring a two-minute video of the winery family discussing the new vintage. "QR codes allow us to engage our customers in a more intimate, personal way," said second-generation owner, Kim Stare Wallace. "Imagine standing in your grocery isle and being transported to the vineyard where you hear directly from Dave Stare, the pioneer of Fumé Blanc in Sonoma County. That's a very connective experience."

Fender Launches Hot Rod Amplifier Tune Up Promotion
Knotice, a leading provider of direct digital marketing software and services, is helping Fender Musical Instruments engage shoppers via SMS during its Hot Rod Amplifier Summer Tune Up promotion. Rebate tags with a shortcode are placed on qualifying Fender Hot Rod Amplifier products. After purchasing the product, consumers simply text the call-to-action to a shortcode to fill out and submit a rebate form for free products. Utilizing Knotice's on-demand software Concentri® Mobile, Fender is able to easily connect with consumers on the go, allowing them to quickly submit product rebate information via their mobile device instead of manually filling out a rebate form and sending it through the mail.

Miller High Life Launches 'Give A Veteran A Piece Of The High Life' Program
Miller High Life is partnering with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) for a second year in order to "Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life." The iconic American beer brand will contribute up to $1 million in cash and "High Life" experiences. In 2010, Miller High Life provided thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with memorable, all-American experiences that civilians often take for granted. Now the brand that champions common sense is once again rallying legal-drinking-age beer drinkers to support those who've served by returning specially marked Miller High Life and Miller High Life Light bottle caps and can tabs to participating retail accounts. For each cap or tab returned, Miller High Life will donate 10 cents to IAVA to provide veterans with a variety of "High Life" experiences.
"With the outpouring of support Iraq and Afghanistan veterans received last year through our 'Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life' program, we knew it was important to continue bringing vets unique experiences -- we believe in doing more than just writing a check," said Miller High Life Brand Manager Brendan Noonan. "Americans will be enjoying a beer or two at their summer barbeques, picnics and tailgates, so why not toast to the troops and make it a High Life in support of our nation's veterans?"

Nestle® USA Launches Nestle® Aguas Frescas Ready-To-Drink Beverages
Moving to satisfy the strong demand for products with Hispanic roots, Nestle USA has introduced three authentic flavored aguas frescas drinks in select markets across the United States arriving in stores in time for summer. Based on traditional Hispanic beverages, Nestle® Aguas Frescas are 100 percent natural and formulated with an authentic taste just like homemade. Nestle® Aguas Frescas Jamaica, made from hibiscus flowers and Tamarindo, made from tamarind puree, are an excellent source of Vitamin C; Nestle® Aguas Frescas Horchata is made from rice and cinnamon, and is an excellent source of Calcium.
"Consumers with roots in the Hispanic culture will find that Nestle® Aguas Frescas reminds them of home, of growing up," said Nestle® spokesperson Juan Motta, Head of Domestic Emerging Markets. "It's another way to blend the best of two cultures. Nestle® Aguas Frescas delivers the refreshing and authentic taste of home with the convenience of a ready-to-drink format for the U.S. lifestyle." The beverages are available at chain and independent grocery, mass, drug and convenience stores.
In addition, Nestle® will be deploying a custom-built food and beverage truck, called the Nestle® Aguas Frescas Aguas! Movil that will canvass Los Angeles neighborhoods, parks, beaches, festivals and retail stores providing free samples of all three flavors of the Nestle® Aguas Frescas paired with authentic Mexican street tacos.

Pepsi Offers Fans 14 Chances To Win Refreshing Trip With 'Refresh Your Summer' Promotion
Pepsi is encouraging consumers to add some refreshment to their summer by entering the "Refresh Your Summer" sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 14 grand prize trips. Entrants are eligible to win getaways that include four nights at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, trips to the 2011 PGA Championship, the October races at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Va., and many more experiences.
Fans can enter the "Refresh Your Summer" sweepstakes by visiting participating restaurants nationwide and asking for the "Refresh Your Summer" promotional cup. Each cup features a promotional code that consumers can use to enter the sweepstakes.
"We are excited to help fans refresh their summer with these high-profile, value added offers from our PepsiCo foodservice partners," said Margery Schelling, chief marketing officer of PepsiCo Foodservice. "Pepsi has the greatest fans and we want to reward them with these trips and prizes to help make this a summer to remember." (Web site) www.refreshyoursummer.com

Quaker State to Reward Motorists With Cash Back For Keeping Their Vehicles Longer
The Quaker State Cash Back Bonus Program is designed to reward consumers who use Quaker State® Ultimate Durability full synthetic motor oil, Quaker State® Enhanced Durability synthetic blend motor oil or Quaker State® Higher Mileage Engine™ motor oil with the cash value of their vehicle when they reach 300,000 miles, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Chris Hayek, Quaker State Global Brand Manager, said, "People are keeping their vehicles longer to maximize the value of what may be their second largest investment, and the Cash Back Bonus is being introduced to provide a bonus to them for reaching 300,000 miles with the help of Quaker State specialty motor oil." When Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty participants reach the impressive milestone of 300,000 miles, the Quaker State Cash Back Bonus rewards them with the Kelley Blue Book® Trade-In Value for their vehicle as listed in "Good" condition a value of up to $3,000.

Experienced Mobile Marketing Pioneers Launch Network Of Cell Phone Charging Kiosks Across Country
POWERWAVE Mobile Engagement has developed a new way to deliver targeted messages to captive mobile audiences via a network of cell phone charging kiosks that deliver messages to consumers' phones while they are recharging their devices. Co-Founded by Canadian Mobile Marketing pioneer Bill Brooks, POWERWAVE Mobile plans to use consumer demand for recharging cell phones to deliver targeted messages through the kiosk's Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connections. As consumers wait to charge their mobile devices, POWERWAVE Mobile's Digital LCD screens will transmit interactive branded content to them.
POWERWAVE Mobile's goal is to provide a valuable service to cell phone users, while at the same time providing marketers with access to a captive audience. Marketers will have the flexibility to target consumers one-to-one and to change the messaging accordingly within a short span of time. (Web site) www.powerwavemobile.com

Quaker Chewy Superstar Mobile Recording Studio Hits The Road To Find The Next Young Music Star
The Quaker Chewy Superstar Search is hitting the road on a mission this summer to find music's next young superstar. Parents or legal guardians can bring their future stars aged 8-14 to visit the Quaker Chewy Mobile Recording Studio, which is making stops in New York City, New Jersey, Cleveland, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver and Los Angeles. In partnership with recording artist Nick Jonas, of the platinum selling, Grammy nominated Jonas Brothers, Quaker Chewy will host a contest and the Grand Prize winner will get to record a song produced by Nick Jonas, an online music video, a contract with Jonas Group Management and $5,000 in cash.
"The Quaker Chewy Mobile Recording Studio is a one-of-a-kind studio on wheels," said Bill Fiely, director of Quaker Snack Bars. "By giving parents and kids a unique opportunity to record a performance in a studio, we're nourishing their potential and letting their musical talents shine."

Heineken USA® Selects NMA Group As Agency Of Record
Heineken USA®, premiere beer importer in the United States and subsidiary of Heineken N.V. (Netherlands), has retained the NMA Group, as Heineken's entertainment marketing Agency of Record. NMA Group is tasked with elevating the Heineken brand portfolio within the entertainment industry by initiating targeted outreach and brand integration throughout film, television, entertainment public relations and talent connectivity.

Panasonic Partners With IndoorDIRECT To Provide In-Store Television Solution To Quick-Service Restaurants
Panasonic Solutions Company has partnered with indoorDIRECT to create a reliable, quality in-store television system for quick-service restaurants (QSRs). The solution combines two Panasonic 42" LF20 professional LCD displays and one 32" LRU20 with indoorDIRECT's Restaurant Entertainment Network, which features a magazine-style show with short bites of sports, music, entertainment and lifestyle segments from more than 100 content providers including the NFL Network, VH1 and G4. All new and replacement installations will include Panasonic professional LCD displays, with two in the main dining area with audio capabilities as well as one screen adjacent to the point of sale area.
The system is currently located in over one thousand quick-service restaurants nationwide including Taco Bell, Wendy's, Carl's Jr., Denny's, Hardee's, KFC, and Arby's with 13 million ad exposures per month, making it the largest quick-service restaurant television network in the United States. Over the next twelve months, The Restaurant Entertainment Network, featuring Panasonic professional LCD displays, will be installed in an additional 1,500 quick-service restaurants, located in the top 20 DMAs.

Chrysler Group LLC's Mobile Showroom Embarks On 19-week Tour Across United States
Chrysler Group's all-new lineup of 2011 models are on display during the 2011 Chrysler Road Tour, which recently kicked off nationwide. There are 95 stops on this extensive 19-week tour, an exciting mobile marketing event that provides Chrysler Group employees and employees who work for Chrysler Group suppliers, the opportunity to talk at their place of employment with product specialists about the 2011 Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, and Ram Truck models, as well as the 2012 Fiat 500 model.
"This is a terrific way to discover everything you want to know about our 2011 models without leaving work and in a no-pressure environment," said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of the Dodge Car Brand and head of U.S. Sales. "After employees examine our new 2011 models in this unique mobile showroom experience, they can visit their local dealers to purchase or lease their favorite vehicle." Where space allows it, employees also will have the opportunity to test drive select vehicles.

Big Y Foods Pilots First-Ever Grocery Chain Groupon Offers
Big Y Foods, Incentive Targeting and HaloEffect have teamed with Groupon to bring social buying to the grocery retail industry. Big Y will be the first grocery retailer to offer Groupon deals digitally loaded to shoppers' loyalty cards. Big Y's first Groupon offer, distributed among Springfield, MA subscribers, was for a newly introduced Shellfish Grill Pack, which retails at $39.99 and was offered at a 40% discount for $24. A shopper purchases the Groupon, enters their Big Y Express Saving Club membership number and the Shellfish Grill Pack deal is electronically loaded to the shopper's loyalty card. When the shopper purchases the promoted products at a Big Y supermarket, the deal is automatically credited at check out. With this event, Big Y becomes the first multi-store grocery retailer to run a Groupon deal, and the only retailer of any kind to fully integrate Groupon offers to their loyalty card system.
"As pioneers in loyalty cards for retail, we are excited to partner with Groupon and Incentive Targeting to test social buying with our shoppers," said Michael D'Amour, Vice President of Sales and Merchandising for Big Y Foods, a 61 store grocery chain headquartered in Springfield, MA. "We anticipate that we will attract new customer interest as we explore new avenues in interactive customer marketing." (Web site) www.incentivetargeting.com

EmSense Partners With Fifth Dimension Bringing Neurometrics To Virtual Shopping Research
EmSense Corporation, global leader in quantitative neuromarketing research, has partnered with Fifth Dimension, global leader in virtual store-based shopper research solutions, to provide an integrated product offering that will bring EmSense's Neurometrics to virtual shopping research.
EmSense's neuromeasurement headset, the EmBand™, is seamlessly integrated into the virtual testing environment created by Fifth Dimension, thereby adding to the virtual shopping experience the ability to quantitatively measure the levels of emotional and cognitive engagement that are the key determinants of shoppers' decisions to buy or not buy products at retail. In combination with the vast array of measurements provided by Fifth Dimension, clients will now have the most comprehensive view possible of shoppers' reactions to changes in retail marketing stimuli. (Web site) www.emsense.com

CPG Industry Veteran James Holden To Lead SPAR Canada
SPAR Group, Toronto, CAN, a diversified international merchandising and marketing services company, has selected James Holden to be president of its Canadian division, SPAR Canada Company, bringing to the company several decades of senior management, marketing and sales experience. Holden joined SPAR Group after most recently serving as National Sales Director of Mars Canada. Previously, Holden spent nine years with Campbell Company of Canada (The Campbell Soup Company) in roles of progressive responsibility.(Web site) www.sparinc.com

SeeSaw Connects With Consumers At Zoos And Aquariums
SeeSaw Networks, a leading digital place-based media company, and Animals Inc., a subsidiary of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), have retained SeeSaw as the exclusive advertising sales partner for the place-based video network that Animals Inc. is currently deploying in major market zoo and aquarium destinations in the United States.
Digital screens will be placed primarily in high-dwell, highly interactive areas of the zoos and aquariums and will feature compelling wildlife and other nature related video content. Additionally, venue-specific content will inform and help families get the most out of their visit.
"Advertisers and their agencies are constantly looking for venues with captive viewing environments, where they can connect with hard-to-reach families on the go," said Monte Zweben, Founder and Chairman of SeeSaw Networks. "Animals Inc.'s unique and compelling venues combined with the incredible zoo and aquarium audience demographic will enable SeeSaw to further enhance its leadership position in offering advertisers one of the best ways to connect with moms and families." (Web site) www.seesawnetworks.com

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