Garage’s flagship Montreal store has installed an interactive window display. Accessible 24/7, the Garage interactive display consists of a 60” image projected onto an interactive foil affixed to the inside of the window.
Upon touching the screen, a menu of interactive options allows the user to access product information, log onto the Garage Web site and contribute to message board discussion groups. When not in use, promotional videos are displayed.
“Anna Martini, President, Groupe Dynamite, said, “As a retailer catering to young women, this state of the art medium is ideally suited to our market. Our clientele is active online and they will respond favorably to this innovative campaign because it is informative, technologically sophisticated and a lot of fun.”
The interactive window display was created for Garage’s by iGotcha Media, www.i-gotcha.com , Montreal, Canada. “Interactive digital signage is uniquely effective at generating attention at the street level,” said Greg Adelstein, President, iGotcha Media.
Polar Frog Digital Targets Airport Travelers With DVD Burning Kiosks
Polar Frog Digital has placed its DVD burning Kiosks in Raleigh Durham and Burbank airports at The Paradies Shops CNBC's branded stores.
Polar Frog Digital's innovative Manufacturing On-Demand solution is made possible through MediaIgloo, a state of the art solution that allows customers to browse from 1000s of movies and shows from a local source library and customize their own DVD within minutes. MediaIgloo is the first and only end-to-end process using a completely self-contained, self-service customizable burn-to-DVD software solution. Polar Frog Digital has licensed content from more than 50 studios and currently offers more than 5000 unique DVD titles to choose from. MediaIgloo's solution satisfies impulse shopping while expanding product availability and eliminating the need for physical inventories.
"We are very pleased with the consumer responses and acceptance at The Paradies Shops; early traffic and sales patterns indicate with the addition of Major studio content the kiosks will be hugely successful," said Todd Rosenbaum, CEO, Polar Frog Digital. "Our MediaIgloo and related services provide an end-to-end solution for content owners and retailers alike. We offer the convenience of virtual inventories without traditional distribution costs, need for shelve space and satisfy a wider range of consumers."
New DieHard Platinum Battery Designed To Keep Up With Technology
The new DieHard Platinum battery is designed for a longer life than traditional batteries, offers increased levels of safe operation, can withstand extreme heat and cold, and is durable for consumer automotive/marine applications.
"Today, many Americans might be lost without that navigation system, car phone charging and DVD in the back to keep the kids happy on long drives, but these components can be a drain on a traditional battery," said Rick Sawyer, vice president and general merchandise manager of Sears Auto Centers. "With the new DieHard Platinum battery, you'll have the confidence that your car battery will be able to keep up with your life on the road." Sears Auto Centers are the exclusive distribution channel for DieHard Platinum batteries.
Travelzoo UnveilS World's First Interactive Advertising Campaign At An Airport
Travelzoo's new interactive advertising campaign, "What's the Deal with Travelzoo?" has been launched at Las Vegas' McCarran Airport involving large-scale projections that encourage traveler participation. Las Vegas' McCarran Airport has become the first airport in the world to host the Travelzoo campaign featuring breaking news on travel deals.
"We are thrilled to be the first to show consumers the best deals published by Travelzoo in real time, interactive projections," said Erik Qualman, Head of Marketing North America, Travelzoo. "The high impact and large scale of the wall projections and plasma screens are not only memorable for travelers who pass by but it gives them a chance to directly interact with the brand."
In Concourses A and B of Las Vegas Airport, gigantic projections show real time travel deals currently featured on Travelzoo's Web site as travelers walk past. In Concourse D real time travel deals "spin" on Travelzoo slot machines when consumers engage the 8' x 20' advertisement. In Concourse C, travelers can get the chance to star in their own ad as they are projected into two huge interactive plasma screens using immersion technology. This is the first time this technology has been used in advertising anywhere in the U.S. Along with being projected into the plasma screens, travelers are personally greeted by Travelzoo in the advertisement. All five advertisements feature the Travelzoo Top 20(R) ticker which lists real time travel deals published by Travelzoo.
The interactive advertising systems are called MonsterVision and are part of a national advertising network from Monster Media. MonsterVision www.monstermedia.net is patented technology that tracks consumers' body movements, allowing for real time interaction with the display graphics.
Smoothie King Joins Partnership Taking Aim At Childhood Obesity
Smoothie King has joined forces with Partnership for Play Every Day, a non-profit public-private partnership that wants to make sure all America's children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Smoothie King will also support the Partnership's mission with a reward-based program in its nearly 500 stores across the country.
"We founded the company on the ideals of helping people improve their lives through health and nutrition," said Steve Kuhnau, co-founder of Smoothie King. "Joining the fight to combat childhood obesity was a simple choice, and one that we all need to be vigilant about."
Smoothie King is offering "Kings Challenge" play cards in each of its franchised locations for kids to track their daily physical activity. When the tracking card is full, the child can redeem it at any Smoothie King for a free Kids' Kup smoothie. The play card also is available for download at www.smoothieking.com, along with ideas for getting active as a family and information about Play Every Day.
Chrysler To Open First-Ever LEED Gold Certified Dealership In The Country
Tamiami Automotive Group, one of the top volume Chrysler Jeep® dealers in the Southeast, is relocating and expanding to a facility that will be the first-ever 'LEED Gold certified' dealership in the country. LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™, which is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
The new 18-acre dealership, located at 7090 Coral Way, in Miami, is a former Superfund site that Tamiami will transform to LEED ‘Gold’ certified upon completion. "We are reusing land that was contaminated and revitalizing it to build an eco-friendly structure that will cooperate with the environment," says Carlos Planas, Chairman of Tamiami Automotive Group, one of the country's top Chrysler Jeep dealers. “Our plan for the new location is to develop a one-of-a-kind facility, both as a ‘green’ building, and for its innovative approaches as an automobile dealership.”
Slated to open in late 2008, Tamiami Chrysler/Jeep/ Dodge will be one of Florida's most energy-efficient businesses, with numerous water conservation and energy management systems, and a design that relies on natural light rather than artificial.
Starbucks & Hershey To Launch Starbucks-branded Premium Chocolate Products
Starbucks Coffee Company and The Hershey Company plan to create and market a new Starbucks-branded premium chocolate platform in the United States starting this fall.
"Chocolate is the perfect complement to coffee and tea and has long been a part of the coffeehouse experience. We are excited to bring premium chocolate inspired by Starbucks coffee and cafe flavors to Starbucks customers and chocolate lovers," said Gerry Lopez, president, Starbucks Global Consumer Products Group. "Creating a new chocolate platform is another way for us to extend the Starbucks Experience outside of our stores and enhances the coffeehouse experience."
Expert chocolatiers are developing products that translate Starbucks coffeehouse flavors into delicious and distinct chocolate products. The premium platform will combine the highest quality chocolate with Starbucks beverages and cafe flavors, as well as delectable fruits, nuts, herbs and spices. In addition to innovative flavors, this platform will offer new forms and packaging and will be available in a broad range of retail channels such as food, drug and mass merchandise outlets across the United States. The alliance will draw on the premium expertise of Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company. Artisan Confections' unique portfolio consists of some of the world's finest chocolate, including Scharffen Berger and the exquisite truffles of Joseph Schmidt.
Christopher J. Baldwin, Senior Vice President, President North American Commercial Group, The Hershey Company, said, "Hershey's chocolate expertise, distribution and selling capabilities combined with the strength of the Starbucks brand will help transform the high-growth premium chocolate segment. Our product development is focused on value-added chocolate and coffee-based products that will provide consumers with a new experience and accelerate growth in this key segment. Customers clearly value the Starbucks brand, and early customer feedback has been outstanding."
Hallmark Offers The Aflac Duck Sound Chip Birthday Card
Aflac Duck fans won't have to wait for the commercials to hear the unmistakable voice of the popular spokesduck; now they can go to Hallmark Gold Crown stores around the country and purchase a card that features the fan-favorite fowl spouting happy birthday wishes.
"It is an honor to have our Aflac Duck recognized with a Hallmark card," said Dan Amos, Aflac chairman and CEO. "We have been pleased to see the Aflac Duck become one of the most recognizable advertising icons in the country."
"The Aflac Duck is a great addition to our Cards with Sound line," said Hallmark Licensing Marketing Manager Teddi Hernandez. "These cards help people connect in ways that words alone can't always accomplish."
Bang & Olufsen To Provide Customized Audio & Video Options To Local Denver Residents
Bang & Olufsen Cherry Creek, the Denver showroom of Bang & Olufsen, the Danish manufacturer of high end home theaters and custom, multi-room music systems, has partnered with 150 S. Madison, a new Denver, CO-based residential community that offers a new way of living with customized home interiors. The result is a residential nirvana located in the heart of Denver's prominent Cherry Creek neighborhood.
The partnership is significant because it is the only one of its kind in the Greater Denver area and demonstrates Bang & Olufsen's many custom installation capabilities in both the business-to-consumer and business-to-business sectors. Bang & Olufsen Cherry Creek has pre-wired each of the 29 residential units for audio, video, home theater, and home automation and is the sole provider of the audio and video pre-wiring throughout the entire property.
Additionally, each unit at 150 S. Madison includes a $5000 retail credit at Bang & Olufsen Cherry Creek good toward any audio or video purchase of choice.
Hanes Conducts ConfortZone Tour
Hanes(R) recently launched The Hanes ComfortZone Tour, an inventive high-touch mobile marketing initiative focused on making men comfortable. The national tour which, recently kicked off in the Southeast, uses a mixture of interactive elements to expose guys to the Hanes ComfortSoft(R) T-shirts and underwear.
The tour will feature the Hanes Comfort Force, a dynamic team of female brand ambassadors committed to helping guys get into the ComfortZone. Easy-to- spot in the branded ComfortZone SUV, the female foursome will utilize an array of interactive games and giveaways through which guys can experience ComfortSoft product innovation firsthand. The Hanes Comfort Force is scheduled to appear at a variety of guy-friendly events across the country.
"The Hanes Comfort Force is not your average band of brand ambassadors," explained David McBride, director Hanes brand marketing. "Through their enthusiasm and willingness to interact with the crowds, they'll really bring this campaign to life."
Visitors along the route will have the chance to experience the ComfortZone firsthand via: Remote ComfortZones -- Set up outside of sporting events, concerts, race tracks and other places where guys gather, these remote Hanes ComfortZones are the realization of every man's comfort fantasy. Inside, guys will find themselves surrounded by comfy couches, plasma screen TV's, food, drinks, and music, all the necessary ingredients for ultimate male comfort.
South Coast Plaza To Promote Italy As A Brand
South Coast Plaza celebrates "Italy at South Coast Plaza" with a 25-day public exposition from October 4 through October 29, 2007, in partnership with the Italian Trade Commission (ICE). Free and open to the public, "Italy at South Coast Plaza" is a celebration of Italian fashion, art, food and culture. South Coast Plaza retailers and restaurateurs will focus on fashion, food and other luxury goods from Italy and will host special events, Italian fashion previews and trunk shows.
"We're bringing the global allure of Italy to Orange County, California. South Coast Plaza will pay tribute to the great fashions, culture and history of Italy, and provide our guests a glimpse of Italy that they've never experienced," said Debra Gunn Downing, Executive Director of Marketing for South Coast Plaza.
"To promote Italy as a brand, South Coast Plaza is a perfect venue," said Aniello Musella, Italian Trade Commissioner and Executive Director for USA, headquartered in New York. "South Coast Plaza houses more than 30 Italian designer boutiques, a myriad of other retailers, and four major department stores that carry 'Made-in-Italy' products."
Direct from Italy, exhibits highlighting Italian fashion, textiles, culture and art will be on display throughout the shopping center. Two of the exhibits, entitled "FASHIONSET" and "Playing With Textiles," will make their US debuts. Other exhibits will include "Shoes for the Stars," a photography exhibit and an Italian vintage car display. Classic and current Italian films will be shown weekly at the adjacent Regency South Coast Village Theater.
New 80GB PLAYSTATION System Designed For Today's Connected Gamer
Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)has introduced a new 80GB model of its PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system. The new PS3 model is available for a suggested retail price of $599 and is being sold with the popular online-enabled racing game MotorStorm. By featuring an expanded hard disk drive (HDD), the new 80GB PS3 is designed to appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from PLAYSTATION(R)Network. There are currently more than 60 playable games and game-related downloads available through PLAYSTATION(R)Store, with expanded entertainment content coming soon.
Unilever has developed Promise activ(TM) SuperShots(TM) -- the first mini-drink with added natural plant sterols, ingredients that are clinically proven to help actively remove cholesterol. Promise activ(TM) SuperShots(TM) contains two grams of plant sterols per serving in a convenient mini-drink giving consumers an easy way to get natural plant sterols for effective cholesterol reduction. The mini-drink also contains Heart Health Essentials(TM) Omega 3 alpha linolenic acid and Omega 6- and it is a good source of vitamin E.
Heinz® is introducing Weight Watchers® SmartOnes® Anytime Selections™, the first line of hand-held, mini-meals that satisfies hunger and cravings anytime - anywhere. Introduced in two flavors: Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla and Calzone Italiano, Anytime Selections™ are designed as mini-meals for people who want to eat more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. "Eating frequent mini-meals during the day can help keep hunger at bay, prevent overeating and provide the body with a constant energy source," said Idamarie Laquatra, Ph.D., R.D., Director of Global Nutrition at Heinz®.
One-A-Day To Provide Gender Specific Multivitamins To 50+
To help men and women address their individual health concerns, Bayer
Consumer Care, the makers of One-A-Day(R) multivitamins is introducing
One-A- Day Men's 50+ Advantage and One-A-Day Women's 50+ Advantage. These complete daily multivitamins provide nutritional support for individuals over the age of 50 and have specific levels of key vitamins and minerals men and women each need to address their distinct health concerns. One-A-Day Men's 50+ Advantage and One-A-Day Women's 50+ Advantage are available in food, drug and mass retail outlets nationwide.
Late July Organic Snacks Debuts New Line Of Organic Sandwich Cookies.
Late July Organic Snacks has developed a new line of organic sandwich cookies in Dark Chocolate and Vanilla Bean with Green Tea, just in time for picnics, family vacations and back-to-school lunch boxes. Late July's newest offerings are like the sandwich cookies you remember as a kid, but all grown up, delivering outstanding flavor using the finest organic ingredients like dark chocolate and whole grains with unexpected benefits like antioxidants and fiber, giving new meaning to the term "smart cookie." Both flavors come in convenient, grab-and-go single serve sizes and boxes for the whole family. The cookies can be purchased at natural food stores, specialty food stores, and supermarkets across the country, joining an already popular line of crackers and sandwich crackers.
Verizon Wireless & Dooney & Bourke Unveil Mobile Phone Wristlet Case
Verizon Wireless and international fashion brand, Dooney & Bourke, have introduced the Dooney & Bourke Limited Edition Mobile Phone Wristlet, which fits most of today's slim, compact mobile phones like the Chocolate by LG. Cut from Dooney & Bourke's multi-colored signature white "It" fabric, this full-flap clutch with a cash/ID pocket is perfect for those quick trips to the movies, beach or mall. With a magnetic flap closure, sky blue lining and removable natural leather wrist strap, the case offers stylish service and protection for a wireless phone and is available for $49.99 at most Verizon Wireless stores across the country.
Castor & Pollux Offers Go Organic Kit For Pets
Now more than ever, consumers are looking for safe, healthy foods for the four-legged members of the family, and Castor & Pollux makes it simple to choose an organic diet with a new all-in-one kit for cats and dogs. With suggested retail prices of $15.99 and $17.99 for the dog and cat kits respectively, the Go Organic Kit features food and treats from Castor & Pollux' healthy Organix® line, one of the first certified organic food products launched for dogs and cats. Inside the reusable container, pet parents will find everything they need, including both dry and wet food, treats, valuable coupons and information on the benefits of eating organic. PETCO will be the first retailer to carry Castor & Pollux' Go Organic Kit.
"We're always looking for ways to help our customers understand the benefits of an organic diet," stated Rick Rockhill, PETCO's Merchandise Manager, Premium, National & Specialty Dog Food. "The Go Organic Kit gives us the opportunity to offer our customers a simple and cost-effective way to see those benefits, including healthier skin and a shinier coat."
Helio Introduces Video Upload To YouTube In Just Two Clicks
Helio introduced the ability to upload videos shot with Helio devices to a YouTube account with only two-clicks. Available exclusively on Helio service and free-of-charge for Helio All-In Members, this faster and easier upload opens YouTube to near real time publishing, freeing people from their PCs so experiences can be shared as they happen.
"Helio has made it easier than ever to watch and publish videos to YouTube wherever you are, on a nationwide high-speed 3G network," said Sky Dayton, CEO of Helio. "Going even further, we've made it so you can shoot video on your Helio device and publish it to millions of YouTube users, in just two clicks. Taken together, Helio is providing our members with a complete YouTube experience unlike anything on the market today."
"Helio is one of the most innovative mobile services in the business today and by partnering with them we help further our vision of bringing originally created videos to mobile devices," said Chad Hurley, CEO and co-founder, YouTube.
Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce Now Available
New Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce is fat free and low-calorie, making it ideal for people who have to watch their salt intake and a perfect alternative to high-fat condiments.
"Although there is 40 percent less sodium in this version, careful aging allows it to retain the nuanced flavors and quality characteristics of naturally brewed soy sauce, including the elusive 'fifth flavor' called umami," said Ken Saito, president of Kikkoman International.
Luvs Promotes New Bear Hug Stretch Diapers
Luvs, a Procter & Gamble brand, has launched the new "All You Need is Luvs" marketing campaign to coincide with the introduction of Luvs diapers with new Bear Hug Stretch, a premium diaper feature, at no extra cost.
The famous song, "All You Need is Love," will play an important role in the latest advertising execution. The campaign offers a fresh, new approach to keep the brand relevant and top-of-mind with mom as she seeks a diaper that offers premium leakage protection for less cost, a key differentiator from premium priced diapers.
"We are proud of this upbeat new campaign and we hope it gives parents a new reason to try or continue choosing Luvs," said Patrick Kraus, brand manager, Luvs. "In today's world, it can be challenging to provide our families with the best, while also maintaining a budget. We know that new Luvs with Bear Hug Stretch will help families do just that."
The new Luvs Bear Hug Stretch feature and "All You Need is Luvs" tag line will be communicated through national television advertising, direct-to-consumer samples, an Internet marketing campaign, coupons and in-store displays.
Calistoga Launches Sparkling Juice Organic Beverages
Calistoga Beverage Company has introduced a new line of Sparkling Juice Organic Beverages made with Calistoga mineral water to consumers across Northern California. The launch is being supported by a 'Return to Good' marketing campaign in Northern California. The new line of Sparkling Juice Organic Beverages is available in cranberry apple, lemonade, peach passion fruit and black cherry flavors.
"Calistoga believes that all of our products should be all natural or organic," said Chris Canning, Director, Calistoga Beverage Company. "The launch of the organic sparkling juice beverages reinforces this philosophy. The organic juice beverage made with Calistoga Mineral Water complements Calistoga brand water products with the same high quality in a fruit-flavored beverage."
3 Musketeers Extends Brand With Mint Bar Debut
For 75 years, 3 MUSKETEERS(R) Brand has provided a one-of-a-kind light and fluffy chocolate experience to chocolate enthusiasts. Now, the 3 MUSKETEERS(R) Brand is introducing 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT, which offers fluffy mint nougat dipped in dark chocolate.
Michele Kessler, Vice President Marketing, Mars Snackfood US, said, "With the introduction of 3 MUSKETEERS(R) MINT, the first brand extension in 75 years, we are meeting consumer demands by bringing 3 MUSKETEERS(R)' signature light and fluffy texture to the refreshing combination of mint with dark chocolate."
Breyers has introduced Breyers® Double Churn™ FREE, a new fat-free ice cream that tastes so rich and creamy, consumers won't believe it's fat-free.
"We know many Americans are watching their fat and caloric intake and we wanted to offer products that will satisfy their ice cream cravings, while at the same time making it easier for them to meet their nutritional and diet needs," says Brian Goldstine, Director of Marketing, Breyers, Unilever Ice Cream. "Breyers Double Churn FREE is a great option for those people who don't want to miss out on their favorite treat because they are watching what they eat."
Borders Group Adds Two Vice Presidents
Borders Group has named Teresa Wright Vice President, Merchandising, for the company's Paperchase U.S. Div. Myles Romero has been appointed Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Entertainment Alliances. Both are new positions within Borders Group. In her new role, Wright is responsible for product procurement, inventory forecasting, assortment planning, merchandising strategies, visual presentation and marketing activities for gift and stationery items sold through Paperchase branded shops in existing U.S. Borders stores as well as products to be sold in freestanding U.S. Paperchase locations, which Borders plans to open on a limited basis later this year and in 2008. Romero, as Borders Group's new Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Entertainment Alliances, is responsible for all third-party marketing partnerships that Borders engages in. Prior to Borders, Romero served as Director, Ford Global Branded Entertainment, for Ford Motor Company.
Best Buy Promotes J. Gilbert To Sr. V.P.
Best Buy Co. has promoted Julie Gilbert to Senior Vice President. In her expanded role, Gilbert oversees the company's strategy to increase its market share with female consumers, a group that controls an estimated $68 billion of the U.S. consumer electronics market. She continues to lead retail training and leadership development, and maintains her role as head of the award-winning women's leadership forum (WOLF). Gilbert continues to report to Tim Sheehan, Senior Vice President of customer experience creation.
Capcom Names N. Fajors As V.P. Mktg.
Capcom, San Mateo, CA a developer of video games, announced that Nique Fajors
has joined the company as V.P. of Marketing. Fajors will over-see all elements of marketing for Capcom in North America, Fajors had previously served as V.P., Marketing with Atari.
IKS Kiosks Creates Kiosk For Yamaha Exhibit
IKS Kiosks created this trade show kiosk for Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems. IKS upgraded its standard C2. The kiosk has l9 inch touch screen, speakers, and water jetted 24" display topper for video loop. The kiosk was delivered customized to Yamaha in under 6 weeks. For more information, contact IKS Technologies, Inc., 10741 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630; (Tel.) 949-419-6947; (Web site) www.ikskiosks.com
TaxiTech To Provide eTaxi Interactive Touch Screens For NYC Taxi Passengers
TaxiTech, a leading provider of new technology for taxicabs, has been selected by New York City's League of Mutual Taxi Owners (LOMTO) as the preferred vendor to LOMTO's 3,000 taxi owner-members.
The company's product, eTaxi, features not only an attractive 17 inch interactive passenger touch screen, the largest on the market, with entertainment and useful information for passengers, but also enables passengers to pay for fare by credit card.
eTaxi's interactive touch screen provides advertisers the opportunity to target an affluent passenger demographic in a captive environment.
Smirnoff Sends Urban Lifestyle Specialist Around The World For A Year
Smirnoff(R)has launched a global search for 10 consumers to travel the world in pursuit of original nightlife experiences. One lucky person from the U.S. will have the opportunity to join nine others from around the globe - dubbed The Smirnoff Ten - to travel together for one year as they re-trace the worldwide journey of the Smirnoff brand. This adventure will be documented through short films, blogs, photos and other media.
As part of the journey, the crew of globetrotters will travel to Smirnoff Experience events in Moscow, Shanghai, Paris and New York - the four landmark cities in the brand's history. Each Smirnoff Experience event recreates and celebrates the legacy and heritage Vladimir Smirnoff experienced in that city. In addition, The Smirnoff Ten will visit the world's most exciting events, festivals, bars and clubs across six continents.
The Smirnoff Ten will focus on the unique people and the exciting places that are shaping nightlife experiences. Each team member will report their findings back to Smirnoff through short films, blogs, photoblogs and/or articles. The submitted content will be featured on smirnoff.com as well as on websites, TV, radio, and print. As part of this effort, Smirnoff has agreed to a deal with YouTube, which will feature The Smirnoff Ten on a branded channel throughout the year.
