Preverco Offers Infocenter 2.0 To Display Product Offering
Preverco, a leading manufacturer of high-end, hardwood flooring, offers its new Infocenter 2.0 for retailers. The tool, which shows the complete product combination possible from Preverco, includes a new illuminated Preverco logo, 6 swing wings to hold samples, a unique back wall full of color swatches, and graphics to help tell the story of the different combination of grades, width, product technology, and finish available.
The display includes any combination of up to 36 sample boards and 13 informational graphics explaining Preverco's product offering. The Back wall panel features up to 64 color swatches of all species and colors available and several room scenes help illustrate the product's appearance and performance in the home.
Also available for Preverco's Infocenter 2.0 is a new dress-up kit which can be installed on any Preverco display rack to enhance the presentation of the unit. The dress-up kit features two black wood frame sides with brackets and screws for one or two racks and a Preverco logo header. The Infocenter 2.0 is easily assembled and all Preverco components can be quickly installed to provide consumers with a comprehensive impression of Preverco's extensive product offering.
EZ Yard Sign Line Utilizes Less Display Space
EZ Yard Sign, a division of English Emprise, marked the introduction of its EZ Yard Sign product line.
The complete EZ Yard Sign solution consists of two components; a uniquely designed 3-piece metal yard sign support-frame along with the retail customer's choice of a wide variety of long-lasting, weather-resistant poly- bag material yard signs. Innovative and appealing packaging design, evident throughout the entire product line, presents an opportunity for the retailer to create a high impact "EZ Yard Sign Design Center" that utilizes less display space than traditional signage products while offering an improved "customer-friendly" sign-shopping experience.
"Retailers have given us an overwhelmingly positive response to our product and its attractive, flexible display possibilities," said Ted Jackson, Founder and President of EZ Yard Sign.
Converse Promotes Weapon Of Change Campaign In Support Of (PRODUCT) RED
Common, Grammy award winning hip-hop artist and actor, will be the face of Converse (PRODUCT) RED. The Fall 2007 advertising and point-of-sale campaign is entitled "Weapon of Change" featuring irreverent messages and bold illustrations encouraging consumers to be optimistic rebels and become agents of change.
"This campaign embodies the spirit and soul of Converse (PRODUCT) RED. Common is an outstanding partner who has inspired a generation of musicians, poets, aspiring actors and children through his work. We want to inspire Converse people everywhere toward this kind of energy and creativity - to become agents of change," said Dave Maddocks, Chief Marketing Officer, Converse.
The Converse (PRODUCT) RED Weapon will be available nationwide exclusively at Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports.
Mumm Display Features 3D Graphics
This Mumm Champagne display features attention-grabbing three-dimensional graphics. AP Graphics is the exclusive U.S. distributor of a three dimensional relief printing process known as AP3D. This printing process is a more dynamic alternative to flat one dimensional printing, and can be used in a myriad of ways including point-of-purchase displays, case cards, standees, full size posters, backlit signage, counter cards and danglers. This Mumm display was created by AP Graphics, 250 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013 (Web site) www.apgraphicsinc.com
Haagen-Dazs 'Sweet Suite' Opens At San Francisco's Hotel Triton
Haagen-Dazs(R) ice cream has partnered with San Francisco's Hotel Triton and local Bay Area interior design firm Marsh & Clark Design to create the ultimate in sweet accommodations for guests: the Haagen-Dazs "Sweet Suite."
The luxurious "Sweet Suite" is a custom-designed room that offers hotel guests a unique and whimsical escape, indulging the senses in flavor and Haagen-Dazs style. Themed hotel suites are not new to the Hotel Triton, a boutique Kimpton hotel in San Francisco's bustling Union Square. The hotel was one of the first to invite celebrities to design their own suites. However, the Haagen-Dazs "Sweet Suite" stands apart as the first room at the Hotel Triton to be stylized by a brand.
"Our challenge in bringing the Haagen-Dazs 'Sweet Suite' to life was to incorporate the simple and classic style of the iconic Haagen-Dazs brand, as well as use colors and textures throughout the design to evoke the comfort and coziness associated with enjoying ice cream," said Stephanie Filbrandt, owner of Marsh & Clark Design. Bathed in vanilla and caramel colors, the true artistry of the "Sweet Suite" is in the details, from "flavored" candles in chocolate, vanilla and dulce de leche, to the bed's handcrafted headboard shaped like the Haagen-Dazs cartouche, to a waffle-textured bed throw, to a specially-made plush Haagen-Dazs bath robe. The room's main attraction is a custom designed ice cream cabinet filled with both classic Haagen-Dazs flavors and new releases. Appropriately called the "Sweet Spot," the cabinet is stocked with bowls, scoops and spoons and, best of all, guests can enjoy as many complimentary pints as they desire.
Burton Snowboards To Open Chicago Flagship Store
Burton Snowboards stakes its claim today in the Midwest with the announcement that it will open a flagship Burton retail store in the Gold Coast shopping district of Chicago in late fall, 2007.
The Burton store, which will be located at 56 E. Walton Street in downtown Chicago, will feature all the latest gear from the Burton family of brands, including Burton snowboards, boots, bindings, outerwear, lifestyle apparel and luggage; ANON sunglasses and goggles; R.E.D. protective gear; Analog clothing and Gravis shoes and accessories.
At over 8,000 square feet, the Burton store will showcase a wide selection of products in a multi-floor, townhouse-style building including an entire floor dedicated to women. The primary partners on this project include Tres Birds Workshop Architects of Boulder, Colorado and Chicago's own Turner Construction Special Projects.
"There are definitely a lot of opportunities to grow the sport in this part of the country, and the new Chicago store is one of the ways that we can show more people what snowboarding is all about," says Laurent Potdevin, Burton's Chief Executive Officer. "The spacious, multi-floor design of the Chicago store will tell the story of snowboarding in a way that draws in new and lifelong riders alike."
The Chicago store joins a growing number of Burton stores worldwide, including its flagship store at the company's Burlington, Vermont headquarters; a store at the Burton European Headquarters in Innsbruck, Austria; its first urban location in New York City's SoHo district; and the most recent addition in Tokyo, Japan.
Golf Galaxy Opens GolfWorks Store-In-Store
Golf Galaxy, an interactive golf superstore, has remodeled or newly built all 69 of its stores to include The GolfWorks store-in-store department, which caters to the hobbyist and professional golf clubmaker.
The GolfWorks offers golf clubmaking and repair components such as grips, shafts, and clubheads as well as tools and supplies to give do-it-yourself clubmakers everything they need to build or repair clubs. Educational courses on beginning and advanced clubmaking are held monthly in every store. The GolfWorks also offers a full-service repair and upgrade department staffed by GolfWorks specialists who provide in-store repair and upgrade services for all golfers.
New 'Energy Store' Featuring Energy Saving Equipment Debuts In South Florida
A totally new concept of retail store has opened in Hollywood, Florida called The Energy Store. It is one of only a handful of stores like it in the country and certainly the first one of its kind in South Florida. The Energy Store offers a wide variety of energy-saving and renewable energy products and solutions for sale to people who are interested in saving energy, saving money and saving the environment.
This unique retail location features solar panels, chargers, inverters and incredibly efficient appliances like washers that use less than 3 cents of electricity. They offer refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners that run on solar panels and deep cell batteries, as well as, environmentally-friendly, non-metallic hot water heaters that are guaranteed for as long as you live in your home.
The Energy Store manufactures their own line of energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs called "PhotoClear" that are quicker starting and more pleasingly color balanced to a whiter white, similar to that used in television studios (3200K). They have built roofs inside the store where customers can see how actual products such as solar panels, daylighting tubes and attic fans actually look and work when installed and, they will assist you with the design and installation of renewable energy systems. They carry a line of extremely quiet, portable, 'smart' generators that use less fuel and adjust themselves to the energy load. The Energy Store is certainly not stuffy. They display 'Energy Art', like lighted moving water pictures, highly unusual designer candles that never burn out and Chinese fiber-optic silk flowers that blink and bring you good luck. They also sell clever contemporary buttons and bumper stickers and 'eco-chic tee shirts that are clay-dyed and made of organic cotton and have beautiful pictures and funny slogans.
Anheuser-Busch To Distribute Vermont Spirits High-End Vodkas In The Northeast
Anheuser-Busch will become the master U.S. distributor for Vermont Spirits including the Vermont Gold, Vermont Gold Vintage and Vermont White super-premium vodkas, which are regional brands available in the Northeastern United States. Vermont Gold and Vermont Gold Vintage are the only vodkas on the market that are distilled from maple sugar. Anheuser-Busch is in the process of testing a limited portfolio of premium spirits in targeted markets in the Northeast, and the deal gives Anheuser-Busch's distributors handcrafted, high-end vodkas to compete in the growing and profitable spirits market.
Majestic Brands Launches California Cooler Nationwide
Majestic Brands is introducing California Cooler, a wine refreshment beverage made from wine, fruit juice and infused fruit flavors. Well known as the originator of the wine cooler category in the 1980s, California Cooler's reformulated and repackaged formula is rolling out nationwide just in time for summer to supermarkets, convenience and liquor stores. The initial fruit flavors resonate with the casual California spirit and include Coastal Citrus, Pomegranate Berry, Cranberry Grapefruit and White Peach.
"Most wine- and spirit-based beverages switched to malt during the '90s because of taxation and state-to-state shipping restrictions," said Jason Kane, Majestic President and CEO. "The new California Cooler, in contrast, will be the only nationally available brand to use real wine and juice as well as infused natural flavors."
All-Natural SoyJoy Nutrition Bar Launches Nationwide
SoyJoy, an all-natural nutrition bar made with whole soy and real fruit, has been launched as a healthy alternative to the usual snack fare. SoyJoy nutrition bars come in four fruit flavors: Apple, Berry, mango Coconut and Raisin Almond. To give the public a chance to try SoyJoy, vans will crisscross the nation and spread the "real food" message by giving away millions of SoyJoy bars to commuters and shoppers at high-traffic hot spots. SoyJoy, made by Pharmavite, can be found in the nutrition bar aisle of most grocery, drug, mass and health food stores.
Stash Tea Introduces Green Tea Powders
Stash Tea introduces green tea powders made for mixing with cold water and enjoying as healthy on-the-go drinks. The refreshing flavors are Green, Mint, Blueberry, and Lightly Sweetened Green, all 100% natural. Stash Tea products are available in grocery stores and specialty retailers.
Personality Series Mirror Mints Debut
Little i, a next-generation company known for designing and manufacturing gourmet mints and gums, is taking the brand global while introducing a new product, Personality Series Mirror Mints, available in five personalities: Spoiled Rotten®, Hottie®, Flirt®, Cute™ and High Maintenance®. When she slides open these fun tins, that employ a bit of attitude, she'll find a mirror inside and premium sugar-free peppermints sweetened with Splenda. The stylish tin and mirror make it easy for women to be trendy, apply and check lip gloss, and freshen their breath with a sugar-free mint. It's a one ounce, self-improvement kit for the girl on the go!
Globe7 Launches USB Phones With 1 Year Unlimited Calling
Continuing its expansion into the Wireless Internet Phone Market, Globe7 launched two new USB phones with a value based calling plan that is sure to make consumers take note. $120 is the total consumer outlay. Customers can make unlimited calls to 25 countries for one year. The most popular destinations are featured in the Globe7 Plan, including USA, Canada, China and Singapore. Said Chief Executive Officer Venkat Meenavalli, "Globe7 has once again blazed the trail toward value driven communications within the consumer market. Our new technology and our new features are our latest offering toward establishing Globe7 as the premier VoIP provider in the world."
Famega Vinho Verde Rated Perfect Summer Wine
Famega Vinho Verde, a crisp, dry, refreshing white wine, from the renowned wine-growing region of northeastern Portugal, has been introduced to the U.S., just in time for summer. While its citrus essence and tinge of apple tartness make Famega big on flavor, its alcohol content of only 9.5% makes it naturally low in calories. Famega is the perfect white wine for summertime entertaining --from picnics in the park to parties on the patio to bashes at the beach. Famega Vinho Verde is imported by Admiral Imports, Cedar Grove, NJ.
Voodoo Tiki Tequila, Ultra Premium Tequila to be Marketed by Admiral Imports
Admiral Imports of Cedar Grove, NJ has announced it will become the national importer for Voodoo Tiki Tequila, an Ultra Premium Tequila, imported from Mexico. Voodoo Tiki Tequila is made from 100% Weber Blue Agave which is the best quality you can get for 100% Anejo tequila. Produced in the Jalisco region of Mexico, Voodoo Tiki Tequila has outstanding packaging with a hand -blown glass Tiki replica inside each Platinum Silver, Reposado, and Anejo bottle. The brand was developed originally by writer/director, John Taddeo to be one of the most innovative ultra premium tequilas on the market. Michael Zeiger, President of Admiral Imports says that "this is an exciting time for our company. We have been making many strategic moves to enhance our portfolio of remarkable fine wines and spirits and Tiki Tequila will be an outstanding fit for our company as we move forward to become one of the top niche players in the wine and spirits industry. We look for unique products that are premium and have consumer engagement and surely Tiki Tequila has that. We are proud to represent them on a national basis." The brand will be rolling out to new markets during the balance of 2007.
Tiki Tequila has a Blanco (soon to be renamed Platinum Silver),
Reposado, and Anejo tequila as part of the portfolio and exciting tequila infusions that are winning awards for both packaging and taste. The uniqueness of the brand is its packaging as well as the super-premium quality of the tequila. No expense has been spared to produce one of the best tasting tequilas on the market. "Since consumers buy package first, they need to have the quality inside the bottle to bring them back time and time again. "Voodoo Tiki Tequila has both," as stated by Dan Lasner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Admiral Imports.
Admiral Imports represents fine international brands such as Iceberg
Vodka, Iceberg Gin, Velho Barreiro Cachaca, Pig's Nose Scotch Whisky, Sheep Dip Scotch Whisky, Famega Vinho Verde, Royal Oporto Port Wines, Quinta dos Aciprestes wines, Quinta de Bacalhao wines, Quinta de Pancas, Tishbi Vineyards of Israel, Villa Dante Italian Wines, Casa Rey Argentina Wines and more.
UpStage By Samsung Wireless Phone Introduced By Sprint
Sprint and Samsung have launched UpStage by Samsung, the first U.S. wireless phone designed with a revolutionary form factor that optimizes music capabilities with the look of a phone on one side and an MP3 player on the other. Operating on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, UpStage by Samsung provides easy access to Sprint's exclusive multimedia content, including Sprint Music Store with quick over-the-air music downloads. UpStage by Samsung is available at Sprint retail stores.
"The UpStage by Samsung is all about innovation and making mobile music easy," said Oliver Valente, Sprint's Senior Vice President of Product Development. "Sprint is pleased to offer this revolutionary phone on our powerful high-speed network."
"Samsung is proud to introduce this groundbreaking union of voice, form and music to the Sprint Power Vision phone lineup," said Peter Skarzynski, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Samsung. "UpStage is packed with high-profile music access, messaging and multitasking capabilities, in an ultra-slim, unique design with a very reasonable price point."
kajeet Introduces First Pay-As-You-Go Cell Phone Service Created For Tweens
kajeet has launched a new pay-as-you-go cell phone and wireless service made from a tweens' point of view. kajeet offers a full array of voice, text, picture and instant messaging services that allow on-the-go kids to stay connected to family and friends and to communicate in their own style. kajeet customers have no long-term contracts, no activation fees, no termination fees and no roaming or extra long distance charges. kajeet offers a selection of full-featured phones, in stylish colors and with music ringtones. The kajeet service is available nationwide at Best Buy and Limited Too stores.
Champion Introduces New Line Of Additives And Lubricants
Federal-Mogul's Champion® brand has introduced an extensive line of advanced performance additives and lubricants. Champion is the "Performance Driven" brand of spark plugs and other leading automotive products. The new Champion additives and lubricants line includes eight exclusive formulas engineered to enhance the performance and reliability of passenger cars, light trucks, sport utility vehicles, motorcycles and other applications.
"Throughout its history, the Champion name has been synonymous with innovation and race-winning performance," said Brian Tarnacki, Director of Marketing - Brand Strategy, Aftermarket, Federal-Mogul. "These new performance additives and lubricants will build upon Champion's positive brand image by helping vehicle owners achieve peak performance and years of trouble-free operation."
Mercedes-Benz Appoints Cannon V.P. Of Mktg.
Mercedes-Benz USA has appointed Steve Cannon to Vice President of Marketing. Cannon was most recently principal for The Richards Group. In his new position, Cannon will be responsible for marketing communications, market research and product management of the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands.
Marvel Ent. Announces Mktg. Appts.
Marvel Entertainment has appointed Joann McLaughlin to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Merchandising, and Susan Fields as Vice President, Merchandising. McLaughlin and Field's new positions reflect Marvel's objective to expand the focus of its licensing operations on product merchandising and design in an effort to position the company and its licensees for growth across all categories at retail. In their new roles, they will be responsible for managing all aspects of merchandising, with McLaughlin focusing on hardline categories in the United States and toys, games and related items internationally, and Fields focusing on softlines in North America.
Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro Names Zafer-Fredericks Sr. Brand Dir.
Austin, Texas based Magic Brands, LLC owner of Koo Koo Roo Chicken Bistro, has appointed Catherine Zafer-Fredericks Sr. Brand Director of Koo Koo Roo. Matt Pannek President & CEO of Magic Brands, said, "Her passion for great food, healthy life styles and service makes her the perfect leader to carry this brand forward."
Store Kraft Launches "INCOMPASS" Smart Fixtures
Store Kraft, a leading supplier of retail store fixtures and display systems, has introduced INCOMPASS, a new line of "smart fixture" inventory visibility solutions from its 5Stat division that takes RFID beyond supply-chain tracking to real-time inventory. The solution, powered by GlobeRanger's iMotion Edgeware platform and high-frequency tags from Texas Instruments, is currently in pilot implementations for several leading retailers nationwide. "This new capability offers retailers up-to-the-minute information on what display items are in stock and which are drawing the most attention, enabling them to better optimize merchandising practices and increase sales," said Store Kraft CEO Gary Cook. "By developing this technology through the manufacturing sector, we have effectively 'un-stacked' the margins of hardware suppliers, making item-level RFID more affordable and accessible to end- users." INCOMPASS leverages GlobeRanger's iMotion platform, along with an RFID tag attached to each retail item. The transponder, which incorporates ISO/IEC 15693 silicon from Texas Instruments packaged in different form factors to accommodate various sizes of tagged items, can be placed behind wood, metal and plastic fixtures without hampering data exchange. For further information,visit (Web site) www.storekraft.com or
(Web site) www.5stat.com
Magnetic Attractions Introduces MagneCote
Magnetic Attractions has introduced MagneCote(R) a lighter weight magnetic sheet that can be printed, cut and bound-in like paper. MagneCote offers high quality printing with excellent color reproduction, ideal for promotional opportunities. It may be die-cut perforated, laminated as well as bound into, tipped onto or otherwise inserted in traditional paper-based print media. It has been used for couponing and inserts with success. For more information, contact Magnetic Attractions, 2700 Angier Avenue, Durham, NC 27703 (Web site) www.magneticattractions.com
CeeLite & Eastman Announces Agreement
CeeLite™, the world's first commercial manufacturer of Light Emitting Capacitor (LEC) technology, and Eastman Chemical Company have signed an agreement to manufacture CeeLite LEC panels using Eastman's patented Encapsulation Technology and Spectar copolyester. This partnership will allow CeeLite LEC panels to provide versatile lighting solutions for a variety of outdoor applications, ranging from advertising on buses and billboards, to retail window signage, street signage and sports and entertainment mobile merchandising. CeeLite needed to enhance the traditional flexible films originally used for the LEC panel surface with a system that would provide optimal barrier properties to withstand outdoor environmental conditions, including moisture, heat and humidity. CeeLite turned to Eastman for its Encapsulation Technology, which uses Spectar copolyester as the transparent substrate to encapsulate a variety of images, textiles, botanicals and natural inclusions, along with Light Emitting Capacitor (LEC) panels, for architectural and surface lighting applications. "The balanced features of Eastman's Encapsulation Technology will allow CeeLite customers to use our products in new applications to transform any surface into a light source," said Gabrielle Santulli, marketing director, CeeLite. "This will provide a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional lighting sources, since CeeLite LEC panels consume minimal quantities of electricity relative to incandescent, neon and florescent lights." For additional information, product samples or to locate an Authorized Distributor, visit the CeeLite Web site at
(Web site) www.ceelite.com
For more information about Eastman and its products, visit (Web site) www.eastman.com
YCD And Philips Launches YCD's MuVi
YCD has joined with Philips 3D Solutions to develop a turnkey 3D solution built upon YCD's MuVi™ (Music Video) system and RadioPoint™ content management and delivery platform, using the unique 3D displays from Philips. The solution comprises full integration between YCD's MuVi platform and Philips 3D screens. With Philips 3D displays, viewers can experience amazing out-of-screen 3D effects without the need for special 3D glasses. Moreover, it has a wide viewing zone that allows multiple persons to experience 3D at the same time. The 3D MuVi player will be available to clients as an end-to-end managed solution for their 3D display needs. Additionally, MuVi makes it extremely easy to use, so that managing 3D content is simple and straightforward, enabling the user to add 3D texts, 3D RSS, 3D flash, ads, logos or other 3D layers in real-time. "3D is the new exciting marketing tool for retailers to attract consumers' attention in media rich environments such as shopping malls," says Jos Swillens, CEO of Philips 3D Solutions. "Integration of Philips 3D displays with YCD's MuVi platform offers retailers a simple and easy-to-use way to manage their 3D content in their large networked display infrastructure." For more information contact YCD (Web site) www.ycd.net
Bowman Appoints T.Metcalf As Project Manager
In response to its continued growth, Los Angeles, CA-based Bowman Design Group has added Teri Metcalf as Project Manager. In this newly created role, Metcalf will be responsible for customer relations and project delivery. Metcalf has eleven years industry experience and most recently held the title of senior account manager at MICE DisplayWorks.
Crest Whitestrips Daily Multicare Satisfies The Need For Speed At
Giants Stadium
In celebration of the first of its kind five-minute a day tooth whitener, Crest Whitestrips Daily Multicare recently transformed the Giants Stadium parking lot into a sleek raceway where visitors were offered five-minute rides down the track in luxury sports cars.
Crest Whitestrips understands that it can feel like life is moving a million miles an hour. With that in mind, they have introduced their new tooth whitener that takes only five-minutes a day so that now you can whiten in the shower or even while riding in the car.
John and Ashley Force were also on hand at the event to meet with visitors, sign autographs and talk about how they feed their own need for speed in just five minutes on and off the track. John Force is the most prolific winner in drag racing history with 122 NHRA tour victories and 14 series championships and his daughter Ashley, a new and upcoming Nitro Funny Car female racer, has won five NHRA national events.
