Creative Online Weekly <br> October 24, 2011

Week of October 24, 2011

banners

banners

banners

Kmart Debuts ‘Money Can’t Buy Style’ Campaign
Kmart will debut an unexpected advertising campaign, titled "Money Can't Buy Style," aimed at empowering customers to embrace their individualism when approaching fashion. Rather than focusing on brand names or even trends, the campaign will emphasize self-expression in fashion by featuring 20 real people in a variety of pieces from Kmart collections, selected and styled by each individual.
"Our goal is to get people to look at Kmart apparel differently," said Tara Poseley, president of Apparel at Kmart. "We took a fresh approach in our campaign with a message that truly embodies what Kmart does best -- making the aspirational attainable. We have great fashion that we're not getting credit for today. We hope the campaign will get people to consider us for what is a very compelling brand portfolio." The new campaign with an assortment of print, digital and outdoor advertising.

Nashville Display Introduces 3-Sided Ornamental Wire Display
Nashville Display offers this attractive 3-sided ornamental wire display with l2 shelves, which is a Cook Book Spinner created for Cracker Barrel. The unit is consistent with store décor and provides excellent product presentation and visibility. The display is constructed from wire and metal so all materials can be recycled. The unit provides a center for cook books offering good selection and made consumer shopping easier. For more information, contact Nashville Display, 306 Hartmann Dr., Lebanon, TN 37087; (Web site) www.nashvilledisplay.com

FAO Schwarz Celebrates Smurfs Film With Incredible Product Display, Movie Props And Smurf Week Events
The Smurfs opens in theaters nationwide as the first-ever live action film based on the popular blue creatures from Columbia® Pictures and Sony® Pictures Animation. The legendary FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue store is also prominently featured in an action-packed chase scene in which the Smurfs encounter the evil wizard Gargamel. To celebrate the iconic store's role in the movie, customers can bring the fun of The Smurfs home with an assortment of toys, games and more Smurfy items in a ''blue-tique'' dedicated to The Smurfs. Additionally, to help New Yorkers and visitors relive this silver screen appearance, FAO Schwarz will host daily activities during a special Smurf Week, highlighted by an appearance by Hank Azaria, who plays Gargamel in the film.
"We are excited that a new generation of kids will soon discover the wonder of FAO Schwarz when they see this thrilling sequence featured in The Smurfs," said Richard Barry, Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Learning and Electronics and Entertainment, Toys "R" Us, Inc. "FAO Schwarz will offer the Smurfiest assortment of products that allow kids to recreate the adventure of this family-friendly film."
Gregory Economos, Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment, said, "Beyond developing a fun, action-filled scene that takes place in the store, we're excited that FAO Schwarz will be the destination for a wide variety of products based on The Smurfs."
Customers will find a broad product assortment based on The Smurfs and discover a ''blue-tique'' dedicated to the blue brand inside the Main Entrance of FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue. The main attraction of the ''blue-tique'' will be the Smurfalator, a machine used by Gargamel to extract the Smurfs' magical essence, as well as images from the movie, including preview pictures of the scene filmed in FAO Schwarz.

Adobe Unveils Photoshop & You Experience In San Francisco To Immerse Public In Latest Digital Imaging Innovations
Adobe Systems recently kicked off the Photoshop® & You experience in San Francisco, a place for visitors to explore the innovative world of digital imaging with leading photographers, renowned teachers, industry influencers and the Adobe® Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® and Adobe Photoshop Elements teams.
"The Photoshop & You experience is a celebration of the iconic Photoshop brand and all things related to digital imaging," said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of Digital Imaging products, Adobe. "We're bringing our customers and fans a tangible way to learn from and engage with like-minded imaging enthusiasts. Photoshop & You promises to be a gathering place of imagination, activities, shared learning and inspiration."
The Photoshop & You calendar is jam-packed with exciting product "how-to" sessions, photowalks through San Francisco's vibrant neighborhoods and opportunities for visitors to experience extreme printing firsthand. After a quick photo shoot, guests can visit the Extreme Imaging Lab hosted by popular Photoshop Evangelist Russell Brown to see how Photoshop turns images into works of art through advanced laser engraving and large-format printing. The lab also features a printing station for guests to have their favorite critter letterform, created by distinguished illustrator Craig Frazier, printed on t-shirts. World-renowned photographers, artists and authors such as Bert Monroy, Corey Rich, Robert Seale, Seth Resnick, Brad Mangin, Glen Wexler and Scott Kelby will make special appearances to lead workshops. Designed as a visually rich environment, Photoshop & You also includes a gallery exhibiting the works of celebrated artists. Additionally, a photo studio will be available for guests to try out the newest camera models, and visitors will have a chance to purchase software and limited-edition merchandise in the retail area. Net proceeds from the sales of Photoshop gear will be donated to Adobe Youth Voices, Adobe Foundation's global signature philanthropy program.

space150 Launches Digital Billboard & In-Store Experience For 77kids' Times Square Opening
77kids® and digital agency space150 are turning everyday shoppers into onscreen rock stars. A customized photo booth at the company's brand new flagship store in Times Square snaps a photo of each kid and then inserts their face into a rock video that plays to crowds outside on giant digital billboards.
"Our back to school brand program is all about being a rock star," said Brian Franks, vice president, creative marketing, 77kids by American Eagle. "This concept literally takes that idea and blows it up onto some of the largest, busiest commercial billboards seen in the world today. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch how kids, their friends and their families react to seeing themselves larger than life in front of thousands of people."
The new 77kids store sits in the lower level of American Eagle's Times Square flagship. Shoppers can take one quick photo in a custom booth developed by space150. Using computer vision technology, kids' faces are detected and the camera captures facial details from five angles, dynamically generating a 360-degree view. The images of the child's head are placed on the body of a rock band member, slightly larger than life, then streamed to the billboard and made available to share with friends and family via an iPad kiosk in the store. Up to five kids, friends or family members can be featured in one video.
"This project represents a new wave of digital marketing in the retail category," said Marcus Fischer, president, space150. "Brands today don't just compete on product, it's also the overall store experience that people remember. The rock star videos will certainly stop people in their tracks in Times Square, but we conceived this experience to be shared. Customers can email the video to their friends, or share it on social networks, reinforcing the brand in a fun way to even wider peer audiences."
The digital creative also features custom graphics that turn the exterior digital billboards of the 77Kids store into urban garage doors that appear to open to play the rock videos, as well as the 77Kids bird icon that climbs and moves around on a 25 story-high "chimney" above the store. The exterior is designed as a "fun factory" to engage, captivate and motivate kids on the street and draw them into the rock star dream. Plans are now underway for a tailored version of the Times Square store experience to be rolled out into other 77Kids stores nationwide.

Shaw's Unveils 'nutrition iQ' Color-Coded Better-For-You Food Finder
SHAW'S Supermarkets has launched "nutrition iQ®," an in-store nutrition navigation system exclusive to the New England markets, developed to help customers make better-informed food choices right at the grocery store shelf. Consumers having a difficult time making sense of nutrition guidelines can turn to this program to make healthier food decisions. Developed in collaboration with Joslin Clinic, part of an academic medical center affiliated with Harvard Medical School, nutrition iQ uses color-coded shelf tags and signs on more than 3,200 food items throughout the store. The colored tags highlight key nutrients and health attributes in foods to help shoppers identify healthy food options. For example, dark orange tags highlight whole grain foods and yellow tags point out products that are good or excellent sources of protein. nutrition iQ food products were qualified based off a rigorous and scientific screening process, in which Shaw's evaluated nearly every product found in its stores. The color-coded signs and tags make it easy to spot the items that are better for you, and the website and in-store brochure make it easy to learn more.
Shaw's Registered Dietitian Jennifer Shea, said, "Our goal is to make healthy eating enjoyable. nutrition iQ takes the guesswork out of shopping for nutritious food choices and helps people choose foods that follow the USDA's 2010 Dietary Guidelines. By highlighting the nutrition attributes and health benefits, we can help consumers understand how nutritional factors influence their diet so they know what to buy to give them a better chance of realizing success in managing their health."

Sungevity Promotes Energy Independence And Savings With 'Rooftop Revolution' Campaign
Sungevity, an innovative, customer-centric, residential solar company, is launching Sungevity's residential solar leasing solution in five new states: New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Delaware. Sungevity also is bringing to Northeast consumers the "Rooftop Revolution," a new campaign, anchored in a bio-diesel, solar-powered ice pop truck, which brings Sungevity's unique brand of online sunshine to life by directly engaging consumers at music festivals, farmers markets, minor league baseball games and other fun, events with free, all natural ice pops that symbolize solar energy as the refreshing alternative to fossil fuel.
To round out the "cool down for zero down brand experience" Sungevity's solar-powered ice-pop truck features specially installed iPads that will introduce consumers to the company's innovative iQuote process, the solar industry's easiest and most efficient process for going solar. The "Rooftop Revolution" campaign includes a strong mix of supporting media in a concerted effort to raise awareness about the benefits of solar energy and to generate buzz around the Sungevity brand.
"Sungevity's 'Rooftop Revolution' is a true first in the solar industry and drives directly to what we believe - that going solar is a lifestyle choice that makes dollars and sense," said Patrick Crane, Chief Marketing Officer, Sungevity. "We introduced the most innovative and efficient process to go solar with our online iQuote process, shattered the price barrier of adoption with our solar lease, and recently forged a major partnership with Lowe's, the world's second largest home improvement retailer. Now, with our 'Rooftop Revolution' campaign, we are taking the leadership position in breaking through the last major barrier to adoption - raising awareness around the ease, accessibility and most of all, the affordability of solar energy."

SUBWAY® Chain Introduces Calcium And Vitamin D Fortified Bread To National Menu
In addition to its many healthier offerings, the SUBWAY® restaurant chain has now added calcium and vitamin D fortified bread to its menu, according to Mark Christiano, the SUBWAY® brand's Global Baking Specialist. Now, each 6-inch serving of bread in the 24,000-plus U.S. restaurants provides 30 percent of the daily recommended value of calcium and 20 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin D.
"Now, the calcium included in each 6-inch serving of bread has the nutritional equivalent of one glass of milk," Christiano said. "For years, our high-quality, fresh baked bread has been a signature item for the Subway brand. It is the perfect vehicle to complete the great tasting sandwiches that people have grown accustomed to when they visit a Subway restaurant. Now, we have raised the bar in providing healthier options to consumers by fortifying our bread to include calcium and vitamin D." Fortifying the bread with calcium and vitamin D is only one step in the brand's overall nutrition platform, which includes providing easily accessible nutrition information so consumers can make more informed meal choices.

Walgreens To Convert Or Open At Least 1,000 Food Oasis Stores Over The Next Five Years
In conjunction with efforts by First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America to fight the childhood obesity epidemic and provide better food options and accessible health care to under-served communities, Walgreens is committed to convert or open at least 1,000 food oasis stores across the country over the next five years.
"With more than 45 percent of our stores located in areas that don't have access to fresh food, Walgreens is uniquely positioned to bring more food options to Americans and also provide needed pharmacy, health and wellness services directly in those communities," said Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson.
Walgreens began addressing this issue last year when it initially opened 10 food oasis stores in Chicago neighborhoods identified as food deserts. These stores increased their food selection by up to 60 percent by offering a larger assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and other healthy meal components to help address the need for greater access to affordable, nutritious food. Walgreens also is uniquely positioned among retailers to combine pharmacy, health and wellness services with its food oasis offering in under-served communities. Walgreens offers these residents high-quality, affordable and accessible traditional pharmacy services along with immunization services and in some locations Take Care Clinics, which are professional walk-in health care centers located at Walgreens drugstores across the country with no appointment necessary.

'Office Depot Go Back Smarter Instant Win Game' SnapTag Program Launched To Award $500,000 In Total Prizes This Back To School Season
Office Depot will offer shoppers a chance to win a $100 gift card via the "Office Depot Go Back Smarter Instant Win Game" SnapTag program. A total of $10,000 in prizes will be awarded each day to winners nationwide. To enter to win, a shopper must locate a SnapTag in an Office Depot store, take a picture using any camera phone and text the word "photo" to "SNAPIT" (762748) or send it via email to od@snaptag.mobi. One hundred daily winners will instantly receive a $100 Office Depot gift card code, while remaining participants will receive special coupons to save on a variety of back to school essentials.
"Back-to-school is a bustling time of year for teachers, parents and students, and we're excited to kick off the season with the 'Office Depot Go Back Smarter Instant Win Game' that will help our shoppers offset the cost of their school supplies," said Diane Nick, Vice President of Marketing for Office Depot.

Meijer Marketplace Launches As New Store Concept In Chicago Market
Less than two years after launching its first new format store in the Chicago market, Meijer is delivering another new concept to its Chicago-area customers with the opening of Meijer Marketplace, a more localized grocery store in Melrose Park. At 96,000 square feet, Meijer Marketplace will be about half the size of Meijer's largest supercenters. However, Meijer planners have worked to ensure the store has the benefits of larger Meijer stores, in essence offering a "mini" supercenter concept that provides local customers with a tailored grocery offering along with a broad variety of general merchandise items. Much of the focus on the new store in Melrose Park will be on providing a total grocery shopping experience with fresh quality meats and produce, as well as a wide variety of deli, bakery and pantry items. The new Meijer store will include a targeted focus on Hispanic and Italian foods, providing a new shopping option for the ethnically-diverse community nearby.
The smaller-format store will offer the Melrose Park community the "Higher Standards and Lower Prices" that Meijer customers have come to expect, featuring national and Meijer own brand grocery items, along with a full-service pharmacy offering a variety of national and Meijer brand health and beauty products. The store will maintain a flexible layout that allows Meijer planners to bring in new items based on customer feedback.

McDonald's Commits To Offer Improved Nutrition Choices
McDonald's has made major "Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices" with a comprehensive plan that aims to help customers, especially families and children, make nutrition-minded choices whether visiting McDonald's or eating elsewhere, according to McDonald's USA president Jan Fields. Menu changes underway include the addition of more nutritionally-balanced choices that meet McDonald's reputation for great taste and affordability, along with an increased focus on providing nutrition information that enable customers and employees to make simple, informed menu decisions.
"McDonald's will always try to do the right thing, and we know we can help make a difference in our communities," said Jan Fields, president, McDonald's USA. "The commitments we're announcing today will guide the future evolution of our menu and marketing." McDonald's Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices include: Championing children's well-being: McDonald's will automatically include produce or a low-fat dairy option in every Happy Meal® and promote options that meet the rigorous Council of Better Business Bureaus Food Pledge nutrition standards by Q1 2012. The impact will be an estimated 20 percent reduction in calories of the most popular Happy Meals, also reducing fat in the meal. In 2012, McDonald's will also raise nutrition awareness among children and parents through national marketing initiatives. The company will promote nutrition messages in 100 percent of its national kids' communications, including merchandising, advertising, digital and the Happy Meal packaging. McDonald's will also provide funding for grass roots community nutrition awareness programs.
Expanding and improving nutritionally-balanced menu choices: By 2020, McDonald's will reduce added sugars, saturated fat and calories through varied portion sizes, reformulations and innovations. Starting with the already completed 10 percent reduction in the majority of our chicken items, McDonald's will reduce sodium an average of 15 percent across its national menu of food choices by 2015. Increasing customers' and employees' access to nutrition information: McDonald's will expand new in-restaurant, website and mobile communications, and marketing vehicles, making access to this information even easier. To begin, McDonald's is now making available its first mobile app so customers can access nutrition information on-the-go. Listening Tour: To ensure that the company's ongoing commitments are supporting parents and communities, Fields and McDonald's U.S. executive leadership team will embark on a national listening tour in August. They will hear directly from parents and nutrition experts about how McDonald's can play a role in this important topic. Accountability and Measurement: The company is establishing a Kids' Food and Nutrition Advisory Board comprised of parents and experts in children's nutrition, education and behavior to help develop effective nutrition and active lifestyle marketing messages and programming for kids.

Marvel And LEGO Join To Develop LEGO SUPER HEROES Marvel Branded Collection
Marvel Entertainment has granted LEGO Group the rights to develop a distinct Marvel branded construction toy collection -- LEGO SUPER HEROES, which will bring the characters, vehicles and action of Marvel's renowned universe to the world of LEGO® build-and-play adventure. The LEGO SUPER HEROES Marvel collection's initial construction sets, minifigures and buildable characters.
The LEGO SUPER HEROES Marvel collection will spotlight three Marvel franchises - Marvel's The Avengers movie, and X-Men and Spider-Man classic characters. The first buildable characters in the LEGO SUPER HEROES collection are highlighted by Captain America, The Hulk and Iron Man.
"Our partnership with Marvel helps us continue to deliver some of the best and most constructible Super Hero stories of all time," said Jill Wilfert, vice president, licensing and entertainment for The LEGO Group. "We're thrilled to partner with Marvel to create creative, constructive play sets for builders, fans and collectors alike."
Joann Mclaughlin, Executive Vice President Toys & Hardlines, Marvel Entertainment, said, "This deal solidifies the already robust presence of our characters and the overall Marvel brand in the ever important toy category."

Blue Cross Tests Interactive Kiosk And Health Fairs At Philadelphia International Airport
Independence Blue Cross, in collaboration with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is exploring new ways to enhance consumer health, through two pilot programs available to travelers and employees at Philadelphia International Airport. An innovative kiosk offers health and wellness information 24/7, and a series of free public health fairs are underway to educate and inform consumers about health care topics that matter to them.
Linda Taylor, chief sales and marketing executive at Independence Blue Cross, said, "Through our IBX Healthy Steps kiosk and health fair projects, we are piloting innovative ways to get wellness information in the hands of consumers to help improve their health. Here, travelers may be on a layover or may have some down time at their gate - the health fairs and kiosk offer ways to pass the time productively."
Both of these programs are firsts of their kind and help Independence Blue Cross fulfill its mission to enhance the health of the people in the communities it serves. With the IBX Healthy Steps kiosk, available for use 24/7 and located near Philadelphia Terminal B/C Food Court, participants can: learn how far they walked using a virtual map of the airport - or plan a walk to burn off a meal; get quick responses to questions they may have about health symptoms and other hot health topics; watch brief videos targeted to the concerns of many travelers: stress, relaxation, and nutrition on the go; get a quote for an individual health plan or leave email for a call back from an IBC representative; find answers to health care reform questions.
Reaction to the IBX Healthy Steps kiosk has been positive, according to Taylor. "We designed the kiosk and the health fair series so that people can get great health and wellness information in just a few minutes' time as they stop by on the way to their gate or during their work break," said Taylor. "We are pleased to see they are doing just that and responding positively to what they see and learn."

Dole Teams Up With Six Flags For 'Bananas And Coasters After Dark' Events
Dole Fresh Fruit has teamed up with Six Flags Entertainment, the world's largest regional theme park company, to bring its Go Bananas After Dark™ promotion to Six Flags parks throughout North America. The multi-faceted deal encompasses various in-park, online and experiential integration tactics to increase awareness and consumption of DOLE® Bananas beyond the customary breakfast and lunch.
In support of the partnership, Six Flags has created a unique marketing program promoting DOLE Bananas through a variety of in-park Six Flags Media Networks channels including commercials on Six Flags Television and use of the parks' online/digital out-of-home assets. Park guests will also be able to enjoy DOLE Grilled Bananas topped with whipped cream at food locations in 10 Six Flags parks across North America.
A highlight of the program is the combination of Dole's "Go Bananas After Dark" with Six Flags' "Coasters After Dark" promotions, resulting in special after-hours events at Six Flags St. Louis and at La Ronde in Montreal. Theme park and banana fans who bring a special voucher available at sixflags.com/dole and a DOLE Banana sticker to the Six Flags park on the event date will receive a wristband entitling them to an extra hour of in-park thrills on that night only. Dole is promoting the partnership with special "Go Bananas After Dark" stickers featuring the Six Flags event microsite, a special mobile campaign and in-park "Go Bananas" signage.
"We're thrilled to partner with Dole and offer consumers a fun way to enjoy an exclusive evening at Six Flags, complementing the 'Go Bananas After Dark' campaign," said David McKillips, senior vice president of corporate alliances and partnership marketing. "This program truly delivers quality, value and thrills for our shared family-friendly customers."

Gander Mtn. Offering Zac Brown Band Southern Ground Products In 116 Stores Nationwide
Gander Mountain has formed a unique alliance with GRAMMY-winning and multiplatinum artist Zac Brown Band, as the nation's first retailer to carry Southern Ground products. The three-team partnership includes an arrangement with Soles4Souls, by which the Nashville-based charity will provide seven pairs of shoes to people in need for every exclusive Zac Brown Band hat purchased at Gander Mountain.
"For millions, Zac Brown Band's music is the perfect accompaniment to the 'We live outdoors' lifestyle that Gander Mountain helps provide. It makes perfect sense that Gander Mountain is the first retailer in the nation to carry Zac's great line of Southern Ground products," said Steve Uline, Gander Mountain's executive vice president of marketing.
"Southern Ground represents the things I love most -- family, friends, food, and music," said Zac Brown, front man of the Grammy Award-winning band. "I'm happy to work with Gander Mountain and Soles4Souls, to help bring our Southern Ground products to more people throughout the country, while also being able to help people in need."

The Craftsman® Brand Creates Ultimate Workshop For Automotive Do-It-Yourselfers Inside Petersen Automotive Museum
The Craftsman Experience, the ultimate DIY-playground and production studio that brings visitors and viewers face-to-face with the newest Craftsman tools, is launching a second venue at the historic Petersen Automotive Museum. Over the coming months, the Craftsman Experience - Los Angeles will serve as the ultimate interactive production studio for automotive enthusiasts capturing a series of demonstrations hosted by industry experts to showcase the advantage of Craftsman innovations in automotive repair. The first webcast from Craftsman Experience - LA will feature the rarely-before-seen "Vault" inside the Petersen Automotive Museum, a treasure trove of automotive history.
The successful original Craftsman Experience opened in Chicago and is a unique brand immersion center and social media hub that streams live demonstrations and special events over the Web and serves as the studio for an Internet-based radio station. Consumers in Southern California will have the unique opportunity to register to attend one of several exclusive closed-set productions featuring well-known automotive industry personalities, including American muscle car author and photographer David Newhart, racing legend Vic Edelbrock and DIY expert/handyman Karl Champley.
"Craftsman has deployed a multifaceted approach to the 'Experience' by engaging with our passionate fan base and promoting the brand through a variety of platforms, including online engagement on Facebook, providing robust video content on YouTube, and through in-person activations designed to give DIYers the tools to take their passion to the next level," said Ryan Ostrom, divisional vice president, KCD Brands.

First Walgreens Electric Vehicle Charging Station In Orlando Unveiled
Walgreens has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Orlando, FL. The drugstore chain is working with Car Charging Group, an owner and provider of EV charging stations, to offer convenient and accessible charging sites at eight locations throughout the area. The charging stations will feature two level 2 chargers that are compatible with every EV produced in North America.
"These charging stations in neighborhoods and along major commuter routes will offer quick accessibility for EV drivers who may be worried about where to charge up next," said Walgreens market vice president Marlin Hutchens. "We're pleased to bring this clean and green energy alternative to Orlando. These charging stations will continue to set us apart as a retailer as more people choose greener lifestyles."
Walgreens plans to offer EV charging stations at approximately 800 locations across the country by the end of the year. Major markets to host these sites include Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Select locations in Florida, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington will also receive EV charging stations.

New CLIF CRUNCH And CLIF MOJO Flavors Available Nationwide
CLIF CRUNCH® and CLIF MOJO® are expanding their snack bar lineups with new flavors that are now available at grocery, natural food and mass merchandise stores nationwide. CLIF CRUNCH, the crunchy granola bar made with organic ingredients, has introduced two new flavors, Blueberry Crisp and Chocolate Peanut Butter. CLIF MOJO, a delicious trail mix bar made with 70 percent organic ingredients, has introduced three new flavors that deliver an array of chocolate, nuts and coconut for a crispy, crunchy texture in bars that taste both sweet and salty. CLIF MOJO flavors include Chocolate Almond Coconut, White Chocolate Macadamia and Dipped S'Mores.

Case-Mate's New 'Creatures' Collection Brings Out The Kid In Everyone
Case-Mate®, known for its innovative accessories that protect, adorn and enhance mobile technology, captures the imagination of children and adults with a new collection of six quirky iPhone 4 cases. Inspired by the monsters under the bed and children's make believe, these goofy ghouls, adorable sea creatures and furry friends come to life through vibrant colors, tactile elements and fresh, whimsical designs.
"Our philosophy, 'happiness by design', means we are committed to excellence in design, style and function. We want our cases to bring a smile to your face, they should delight and enchant you but most of all, provide you with something you didn't even realize you wanted," said Erik Attkisson, Case-Mate's Chief Marketing Officer.

Bemis Introduces New NextStep Child/Adult Built-In Potty Seat
Bemis Manufacturing Company, the world leader in toilet seat engineering and design, has improved its innovative NextStep® Child/Adult Built-In Potty Seat™ by adding design features that allow child and adult seats to be easily removed for cleaning or when no longer needed.The revolutionary two-in-one toilet seat accommodates both adult and child users equally. When not in use, the stain-resistant, solid plastic potty seat automatically secures by magnet into a recess in the molded wood seat cover, eliminating the need for adult users to manually lift the child seat. The built-in magnet is just strong enough to secure the potty seat to the cover, but not so strong that a child cannot pull the potty seat down into position. The NextStep seat also features Easy Clean & Change™, which allows the seats and cover to be easily removed for thorough cleaning with just a twist of the hinge caps, while the mounting bolts stay firmly in place.

Trident Global Launches Go Cocktails Sugar Free Cocktail Mixer Products
Trident Global Corp has launched Go Cocktails Sugar Free Cocktail mixer products nationwide, available in four flavors - sugar free Margarita, sugar free Cosmo, sugar free Lemon Drop, and sugar free Appletini. Go Cocktails Sugar Free Cocktail Mixers are conveniently packaged in single serve on-the-go packets.
"We recognized that many are asking for a great tasting, sugar free product that will help them reduce their caloric intake and be convenient to use. That's why we invented Go Cocktails, which is now available for retail sale," said Sabrina Pardue, Go Cocktails. "Go Cocktails mixers have that perfect cocktail taste which meets this demand and will be as innovative for cocktails as Diet Coke was for soft drinks."

Hostess Introduces New Frosted Devil's Food Cake Donettes
Hostess® has introduced new Frosted Devil's Food Cake Donettes, an indulgent addition to its popular line of Donettes, delicious mini donuts available in an assortment of flavors. The moist devil's food cake donuts dipped in a delicious chocolate-flavored coating are now available in grocery and convenience stores across the country. The treats can be enjoyed in four convenient sizes including 10.5oz Dunkie Bags, 11.25oz Dunkie Bags, 12.2oz Sweet Sixteen Dunkie Bags, and 3oz Single Serve sleeves.

Jones Soda Teams With 'So So Happy' Brand For New Line Of Limited Edition Jones Sodas Labels
Jones Soda, a leader in the premium soda category and known for its innovative marketing, and So So Happy, a lifestyle brand known for its whimsical and offbeat characters, have launched a co-branded line of limited edition sodas. Under the partnership, the companies created a collection of four 12-oz glass bottles that each boast one of four signature So So Happy characters, and incorporate the character names into the flavors. The popular characters captured on the bottles are Taco, Waffle, Ozzie, and Tribe, four of the seventy monsters, defenders, robots, and other oddities that make up the full line of quirky and imaginative So So Happy characters. These colorful creatures will adorn Jones' traditional 12 oz. glass bottles, and the flavors include the shocking pink "Give Taco FuFu Berry Soda," the flavor classic "Root Beer for Waffle," the lip-smacking "Ozzie Blue Bubblegum Soda," and the glowing green "Tribe likes Green Apple Soda."
"Both Jones and So So Happy are known for creating fresh, irreverent products that appeal to a wide audience, from younger kids and teens to adults and beyond," said Jones CEO William Meissner. "It was a natural partnership, as both brands support the idea of individuality, and that really comes to life with this new line."

Philips Sonicare Launches AirFloss and DiamondClean To Its Oral Care Product Line
Philips Sonicare has unveiled its new AirFloss, a first-in-class flossing device that effectively cleans between teeth using microbursts of air and water droplets that remove more plaque that brushing alone, without the hassle and mess of string floss. It also debuted the new Sonicare DiamondClean, which takes power toothbrushing to its most sophisticated level yet. It harnesses Philips Sonicare's patented sonic technology to produce a powerful dynamic cleaning action for a difference that users can see and feel. With five brushing modes, users can customize their brushing experience to their needs, including Clean, White, Polish, Gum Care and Sensitive modes.

SanDisk Ultra Solid State Drive Ships To Retailers
SanDisk, a global leader in flash memory storage solutions, has introduced the SanDisk Ultra® solid state drive (SSD) for the retail market. The new SSD can extend the life of desktop and notebook PCs, and offers greater performance, durability and power efficiency than a hard disk drive. The SanDisk Ultra SSD is a convenient drop-in solution for technology enthusiasts looking to upgrade their own PCs for an enhanced user experience. The drive comes in 60 gigabyte (GB)3, 120GB and 240GB capacities.

Purina® Pet Gear Products Launch At Walmart
The oneCARE Company, under a license with Nestlé Purina PetCare Company to use the Purina® brand, has made its line of Purina® Pet Gear products available in Walmart stores nationwide. The line includes products such as training pads and household cleaners. "Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for the whole family, but it can also be a bit challenging for those responsible for housetraining," said Jennifer MacLean, oneCARE's marketing director for pet care products. "We've created several new products, all designed to make pet care simpler and easier allowing pet owners to spend more time, playing and bonding with their pet."

New 2012 Scion iQ Premium Micro-Subcompact Is World's Smallest Four-Seater
Scion's 2012 iQ premium micro-subcompact will begin arriving in dealerships this October. The Scion iQ is only 10 feet long yet seats four people, making it the world's smallest four-seater. Meeting the needs of a new trendsetting generation of urban drivers, the iQ is made possible by intelligent and functional packaging. It is a small car that offers the functionality and comfort that drivers expect from a car twice its size.
"Scion prides itself on being an innovative brand with a lineup of iconic vehicles that set automotive trends," said Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion. "The iQ is the fourth vehicle in the family, and it will define the premium micro-subcompact segment as the choice for new urbanites who want clever transportation without a sacrifice in style or new features."

SMIRNOFF Coconut Flavored Vodka Debuts
SMIRNOFF® has added SMIRNOFF Coconut Flavored Vodka to its Flavors line. Using natural ingredients, Smirnoff Coconut Flavored Vodka packs a tropical zest that transports you to a vacation-state-of-mind with every refreshing tasting sip. SMIRNOFF Coconut Flavored Vodka delivers a smooth and creamy coconut flavor with the aroma of sweet toasted coconut that perfectly complements SMIRNOFF Vodka, triple distilled and ten times filtered.
"Coconut has taken the beverage category by storm, becoming a popular flavor that consumers are calling for," said David Tapscott, Brand Director, SMIRNOFF Vodka. "As the world's most awarded and best selling premium vodka, SMIRNOFF looks to deliver the best value with every liquid that joins our flavors line. SMIRNOFF Coconut follows suit, using natural ingredients that make for an authentic coconut taste." SMIRNOFF Coconut Flavored Vodka is available nationwide at local retailers.

Trex Company Expands Trex Transcend® Brand With Complete Porch System
The Trex Company is now moving beyond the backyard with an integrated system of porch components and accessories. New Trex Transcend Porch Flooring and Railing System brings the superior durability and aesthetics of Trex Transcend, the number one brand of beautiful, high-performance decking and railing materials, to the front of the home. The comprehensive Transcend Porch system includes virtually gap-free floor boards with universal hidden fasteners, coordinating post and railing options and TrexTrim™ beadboard and mouldings. Combine with beautifully crafted Trex Outdoor Furniture™, which now includes rocking chair and porch swing pieces, and the result is a complete, finished look for the front of the home. This is the first fully-packaged system that allows the trade to efficiently and cost-effectively build a complete porch setting, while meeting consumer demand for an eco-friendly, low-maintenance outdoor living space that will retain its beauty for years to come. Ron Kaplan, chairman, president and CEO of Trex, said, "This category is a natural expansion of the Trex Transcend brand, as contractors tell us that they regularly build porches out of composite deck materials because customers are tired of replacing and repairing wood floor boards."

Three New Vegan Wine Selections Now Available In Fourteen States
Family-owned Clos LaChance Winery, San Martin, CA, has introduced a new line of California Central Coast wines, The Vegan Vine, which has eliminated the use of animal bi-products that are common in the wine filtration process. In addition, the brand seeks to educate consumers (vegans and non-vegans) about the use of animal products in winemaking. The Vegan Vine offers three wine selections, including: The Vegan Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, The Vegan Vine Sauvignon Blanc, and The Vegan Vine Red Wine.
"Because the core ingredient in wine is grapes, many people do not realize that a number of animal products are often used in the winemaking process," said Cheryl Durzy, co-founder of The Vegan Vine and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Clos LaChance. "We hope that the Vegan Vine can answer some of these questions and provide a viable option for vegans and non-vegans alike."

Smoothie King Launches Meal Replacement With To Help Lose Fat And Tone Muscle
Smoothie King, in partnership with Nutrition53, unveils its new Lean1 Smoothie, designed specifically to help lose fat, curb hunger and tone muscle. Created to satisfy the increasing demand for accessible, weight loss solutions, the nutritious Lean1 Smoothie is formulated with Nutrition53's Lean1 weight loss formula and combines powerful nutrients to help Smoothie King fans get lean and stay lean with the convenience of a healthy meal replacement smoothie. Lean1 Smoothies are available in 3 flavors - Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry -and are 100% lactose free, contain Omega-3 fatty acids, 17 fruits and vegetables, 3 grams of fiber, specialized herbal extracts that effectively suppress appetite and heart healthy phytosterols in every serving, making them a perfect meal replacement or snack at under 300 calories.

Frosty Paws® Frozen Treats For Dogs Introduces New Frosty Paws Bites
Frosty Paws Frozen Treats for Dogs, manufactured by Nestle Dreyer's Ice Cream, is introducing Frosty Paws Bites Frozen Treats For Dogs. The cold, creamy treats are now available nationwide in the Original (Vanilla) and Peanut Butter flavors with a flavorful Vanilla Yogurt coating. They're a fun way to celebrate the good life dogs and their parents share, one little bite at a time.
"We've made it easier to treat your dog more often," says Diane McIntyre, Brand communications Manager. "One Frosty Paws Bite says 'good dog' in a very cool way." Frosty Paws Bites are available in a 50-count package and can be found in the frozen snacks section of the supermarket.

New DRAMBUIE 15 Made With Finest Selection Of 15-Year-Old Speyside Malts
DRAMBUIE Liqueur has introduced a new premium expression, DRAMBUIE 15, to the United States. DRAMBUIE 15 is a refined, drier expression of DRAMBUIE achieved by the careful selection of old Speyside malts with soft, complex fragrance and flavors to complement the aromas of the secret DRAMBUIE recipe. The resulting drink is designed to appeal to malt whisky drinkers and is perfect for sipping and savoring either neat or over ice. With a price point that exceeds that of DRAMBUIE original, DRAMBUIE 15 will appeal to existing DRAMBUIE customers trading up, as well as to malt whisky experimenters.
"Many DRAMBUIE fans are also frequent scotch buyers, particularly malt whisky enthusiasts. This exciting high-quality product, which emphasizes DRAMBUIE Liqueur's whisky cues, is designed to appeal to their palate, as well as those new to our storied brand," said Cherie Koster, Senior Brand Manager for DRAMBUIE.

Herr's® Introduces Hot Sauce Flavored Ripple Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
Herr's Foods has combined forces again with TW Garner Food Company to create the new Herr's Hot Sauce Flavored Ripple Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, which combine the fresh, great-tasting Herr's Ripple Kettle Cooked Potato Chips with the famous three-pepper zing of Texas Pete® Hot Sauce.
"We are thrilled about our continued partnership with Herr's and we look forward to offering customers that special spicy flavor that is Texas Pete® Hot Sauce," said Steve DeCorte, General Manager-Sales for TW Garner Food Company. "We're sure consumers will welcome the Herr's Hot Sauce Flavored Potato Chips with the authentic spicy taste of Texas Pete built right into a fantastic Herr's Ripple Kettle Cooked Potato Chip."

New OREO® Ultimate Icing And Hershey®'s S'mores Icing Launced
Signature Brands, a leader in dessert decorating products, has launched two new icings, OREO® Ultimate Icing and Hershey®'s S'mores Dessert Icing, made with OREO® and genuine Hershey®'s cocoa. OREO® Ultimate Icing has a rich and creamy taste that is packed with pieces of OREO® cookie, available in two flavors, Original Crème and Chocolate Crème. Hershey®'s S'mores Dessert Icing is made with real Hershey®'s Cocoa and comes in both Traditional and Chocolate Cinnamon flavors. The convenient, squeezable pouch packaging makes it easy to pipe the icing onto any type of dessert for quick and easy treats that look every bit as delicious as they taste.

The Shinwa Grill Introduced In The U.S.
The new Shinwa Grill, made and manufactured by The Sloan Valve Company, Franklin Park, Illinois, is modeled after the Japanese grilling tradition where everyone gathers around beautiful grill tables to relax, socialize and cook food together. Today, everyone can enjoy that experience with the introduction of the Shinwa Grill, a cast iron, flat surface grill surrounded by a bamboo table that seats four to six people. The Shinwa can be put together in minutes without tools and can remain outdoors for the entire grilling season. Cooking on the Shinwa is convenient, easy and healthy. It lends itself to Asian-style cooking -- small pieces of healthy meats, fruits and vegetables cooked plain or simply seasoned or marinated. What's best is that everyone cooks together, eats at a relaxing pace and shares the experience.
"Shinwa means friendship," said Chuck Allen, President of Shinwa Grill. "The Shinwa Grill is more than a grill and more than a table, it is a special dining experience where the social and the sizzle all come together."

Street Surfing Introduces Dual-Directional Casterboard Wave 360
Street Surfing is set to introduce its first dual-directional casterboard for true forward and backward carving - The Wave 360. Building upon the success of its original "Wave," the revolutionary design provides the most versatile range of motion of any casterboard in the marketplace. The revolutionary Wave 360 is the world's first casterboard featuring 360 degree dual-directional technology on a traditional ABS board. Riders of The Wave 360 are able to perform a range of 360 and 180 degree spins that are the basis for new tricks. The lightweight design improves board speed and trick capabilities, while the overall rider experience is greatly enhanced compared to a traditional casterboard.
"The Wave 360 takes board riding to the next level and provides adrenaline charged riders with a high-energy challenge to the traditional Ollie, Kickflip and Fakie," said James Nunziati, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "The launch of The Wave 360 expands the Street Surfing portfolio and provides younger sports enthusiasts with an entirely new world of board riding." Street Surfing will launch The Wave 360 with a fully integrated marketing program including consumer events, in-store interactive monitors and a national television campaign. The Wave 360 will be available through major retailers this fall including Walmart, Kmart, Big 5, Dick's, Sears and Sport Chalet.

Debra Goetz Named Gannett's V.P. Marketing
Debra Goetz has been named vice president of marketing for Gannett Co., Inc. She will be responsible for all corporate marketing efforts, including brand development, consumer and trade advertising, and integrated strategic marketing. "Gannett recently launched its first corporate brand campaign and Debra, with her extensive marketing and advertising experience, especially across platforms, will be invaluable in building on that work," said Maryam Banikarim, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Gannett. Goetz joins Gannett from NBCUniversal, where she was the vice president of integrated strategic marketing.

JWT Acquires US Shopper Marketing Agency, Lunchbox
WPP's wholly owned operating company JWT, the global marketing communications company, has acquired Lunchbox LP ("Lunchbox"), a shopper engagement agency. Founded in 2005, Lunchbox employs 70 people and is based in Los Angeles, with offices in Chicago, Bentonville, AR, and San Francisco. The agency's solutions can be seen online, on mobile devices, through thousands of in-store video displays, as well as in-store via retail television networks and point-of-purchase displays. (Web site) www.jwt.com

Augme Technologies Purchases Mobile Marketing Pioneer JAGTAG
Augme Technologies, a leader in full service mMarketing mobile marketing solutions utilizing patented technology that enables the world's largest brands to plan, build, deploy and track mobile marketing campaigns with their target audiences, has acquired JAGTAG, Inc., a privately held mobile marketing pioneer based in Princeton, New Jersey. Augme will hire all of JAGTAG's employees and the current JAGTAG team will continue to service JAGTAG's business. Since 2007, JAGTAG has enabled brands, agencies and media companies to interactively communicate better with their customers, drive loyalty and increase sales by utilizing 2D barcodes, including JAGTAG's own proprietary codes as well as traditional QR codes, powered by JAGTAG. Augme expects that its combined resources with JAGTAG will create a premier mobile marketing provider for brands, agencies, pharmaceutical/health and media companies. (Web site) www.augme.com

aisle411 Names George Arabian V.P. Bus. Dev.
aisle411, the premier mobile retail navigation service that helps shoppers find what they are looking for and get rewarded for it, has appointed George Arabian as vice president of business development. In this role, Arabian will lead all domestic and international business development endeavors to support aisle411's rapid growth. (Web site) www.aisle411.com

Above All Advertising Offers Inflatable Arches
Above All Advertising designs and produces inflatable arches for retail and event promotions. Inflatable Arches are great for entryways or as a starting line or finish line of a sponsored race. Above All can print files directly onto inflatable arches. Available sizes are10' x 15', 15' X 20, 18' X 20' , and 30' x 40'. Custom arch shapes and sizes available. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 6980 Corte Santa Fe, San Diego, CA 92121; (Tel) 866-552-2683; (Web site) www.abovealladvertising.com

Alcoa Architectural Introduces Aluminum Cladding To Clean Both Itself And Surrounding Air
With its new Reynobond®|Reynolux® with EcoClean™, Alcoa Architectural Products is launching an aluminium cladding panel that cleans both itself and the surrounding air. This means that for the first time there is aluminium cladding that actively generates sustainability and is both economic and environmentally friendly. With the aid of the sun and moisture, the titanium dioxide-based coating renders particles of dirt and smog harmless, thereby contributing to cleaning the cladding itself as well as the surrounding air. Reynobond®|Reynolux® with EcoClean™ is just as easy to process and fit as traditional cladding products. And when the overall costs over a building lifetime are taken into consideration, a façade made up of Reynobond® or Reynolux® cladding coated with EcoClean™ is even more economic. For more information, contact Alcoa Architectural Products, (E-mail) Reynobond.Service@alcoa.com, Reynolux.Service@alcoa.com, (Web site) www.alcoaarchitecturalproducts.eu

Marketing Impact Offers Suction Cup Locking Sign Clip
Marketing Impact has introduced a Suction Cup Locking Sign Clip. This Sign Clip affixes to glass or all types of smooth surfaces to hold signage securely in place. For more information, contact Marketing Impact, 50 Planchet Road, Concord, Ontario, Canada L4K 2C7; (Tel) 905-738-0888; (Web site) www.displaypeople.com

Testrite Introduces Monster Portable Frames
Testrite has introduced Monster Portable Frames for displaying large format graphics. These elegant large format frames with racetrack oval aluminum uprights are sturdy, yet still portable. The frames are top loading (1/4") and ship K.D. for significant savings on shipping costs. The Laser cut nine pound steel bases compliment the modern elegant look. The frames are available in Satin Silver or Matte Black finishes. Custom sizes are available. For more information, contact Testrite Visual Products, 216 South Newman St., Hackensack, NJ 07601; (Tel) 201-543-0240; (Web site) www.testrite.com

T.M. Shea Products Offers POPUPS & POPOUTS
T.M. Shea Products, Inc., offers POPUPS & POPOUTS, custom graphics that are easily mounted on gondola shelving. These custom graphics POP OUT of the shelf without obscuring product visibility. For more information, contact T.M. Shea Products, 984 Livernois Rd.,Troy, MI 48083; (Tel) 248.589.3272; (Web site) www.tmshea.com

Above All Offers Custom Printed Circular Hanging Displays
Above All offers custom printed circular hanging displays which attract attention to an exhibit booth from every angle. Due to their light weight and compact design, circular hanging displays are easy to setup and install. These display mediums are easy to collapse so they can be transported from one place to another. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 6980 Corte Santa Fe, San Diego, CA 92121; (Tel) 866-552-2683; (Web site) www.abovealladvertising.com

Expand Offers Patented Rololight® Integration Products
Expand has become the master distributor for the patented Rololight® Integration product line for the tradeshow market. Rololight® Integration is a universal lighting system that allows any pop-up or custom booth type to be backlit. This patented new lighting system allows a booth to be lit-up from the inside out so graphics can be backlit. The Rololight® Integration lighting system is lightweight and can be rolled-up for ease of transport and storage. Lighting the whole booth only requires one outlet. For more information, contact Expand, 300 Long Beach Blvd., Stratford, CT 06615; (Tel) 800-758-3020; (Web site) www.expandmedia.com

Hill & Partners To Relocate offices Nearby Weymouth, MA
Hill & Partners, a full-service exhibit design firm, will relocate its offices to a newer, larger space in nearby Weymouth, MA, Michael McMahon, CEO of Hill & Partners, confirmed that his 16-year old firm has purchased a property at 25 Mathewson Drive, Weymouth, near the Libby Industrial Parkway. Hill & Partners will occupy the second floor of their new building, expanding their office from its present 2,800 square foot size to more than 6,500 square feet. With the additional office space, Hill & Partners plans to increase its employees from 18 to 25 over the next two years. (Web site) www.hillpartners.com

South Park Exhibits At Comic Con
The Ultimate "South Park" Fan Experience recently opened at the Comic-Con exhibition. Events included: a life-size replica of "South Park" Avenue, interactive stations, photo booth, museum, memorabilia, stage with karaoke, costume and trivia contests, movie screenings, Big Wheel Fan Prix race track, school cafeteria, confessional booth, and ticket giveaways to "The Book of Mormon." (Web site) www.southparkstudios.com

TESTRITE Introduces Podium Storage Cases
TESTRITE has introduced Podium Storage Cases for its Presto Pop-Up exhibit systems. A Laminated Graphic Wrap for the case turns it into an attractive addition to an exhibit booth. The hard plastic cases are available in several different sizes. The cases are on wheels for easy transport. For more information, contact Testrite Visual Products, 216 South Newman St., Hackensack, NJ 07601; (Tel) 201-543-0240; (Web site) www.testrite.com

NIVEA 100 Year House Pop-Up Opens At Grand Central Terminal
Global skincare brand NIVEA has launched the NIVEA 100 Year House in Grand Central Terminal as part of its year-long 100th anniversary celebration. Designed to simulate the experience of walking into a life-sized tin of NIVEA Creme, this highly engaging, interactive and informative experience allows consumers to witness the brand's evolution - a journey that began with an iconic tin of skin creme and evolved into NIVEA's current status as the number-one skincare brand in the world.
"For the last 100 years, NIVEA has been an iconic skincare global brand that is built on the trust of our consumers," says Magnus Jonsson, Vice President of Marketing for Beiersdorf North America. "We're thrilled to offer them the unique opportunity to experience NIVEA's 100 year journey in a fresh, interactive fashion. As we look forward to the innovation of the next 100 years, we're excited to connect with a new generation of NIVEA users."
Upon walking through a large tin of NIVEA Creme to enter the NIVEA 100 Year House, consumers will have the opportunity to engage with the brand like never before via the following unique stations: 100 Years of Skincare Lounge: A chic lounge where consumers can become fans of NIVEA on Facebook, enter exciting Rihanna concert ticket sweepstakes and receive relaxing hand massages. NIVEA Creme 101 Station: A sensorial experience of the history and innovation behind the iconic creme, complete with a replica of NIVEA laboratory elements.Turntable Journey Through the Years Station: An interactive look back through NIVEA's storied 100-year-old history. Skin Education Station: A fun and informative skin analysis that includes tips and product recommendations for your skin type. NIVEA Innovation Station: An exploration of NIVEA's heritage via the 24-hour+ moisturization technology of HYDRA IQ, and a glimpse into NIVEA's future. Consumers will also have the opportunity to record 'NIVEA Moment' video confessionals, sharing their fondest memories of NIVEA, which will be played throughout the space. They will also view exciting content on flat screens throughout the space, all set in a backdrop of iconic brand images throughout the years.

Coca-Cola Signs Worldwide Deal With Music Dealers For Brand/Music Partnerships
The Coca-Cola Company has formalized a partnership with full service licensing company Music Dealers, opening up a new route for emerging talent to break onto the global music stage. Coca-Cola will benefit from Music Dealers' insider industry knowledge and access, while Music Dealers and their global network of emerging talent will benefit from the scale and marketing leverage of The Coca-Cola Company. The agreement between Coca-Cola and Music Dealers includes a guaranteed commitment by Coca-Cola to use the services of Music Dealers to discover and license music from currently trending bands all over the world. More broadly, the deal offers shared value for both partners and signals a brand new model for sourcing and licensing music for global branded programs.
"We are excited about the opportunities that come from partnering the world's most valuable brand with an innovative and game-changing start up and the potential ripple effect that can come of it," said Emmanuel Seuge, Group Director, Worldwide Sports and Entertainment Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company. "Especially for the thousands of emerging artists around the world who are looking for a global platform to launch their music."
"Our values are perfectly aligned - we aim to promote independent artists and share their music with fans around the world," added Eric Sheinkop, Music Dealers President. "The Coca-Cola Company is a great partner who offers solid support to our artists. When artists record a track for Coke, they put significant marketing leverage behind it. The song gets more exposure worldwide than even big artists get from a record label. This arrangement has literally helped artists launch their careers."

Marzetti, Smucker's And Jif Partner With National Apple Month For Display Contest To Promote 'Apple Pairing Party'
National Apple Month (NAM) has teamed up with Marzetti®, Smucker's® and Jif® for a national retail and military commissary display contest with $14,000 in prizes. The 2011 NAM theme, "Host an Apple Pairing Party," aims to capture the imagination of produce managers, pique the palates of consumers, and ultimately increase sales of U.S. apples and apple products this October. Produce managers can visit USApple.org/national for professionally designed banners, posters and a pairing menu that can help them cross-merchandize U.S. apples and apple products with products from Jif®, Smucker's® and Marzetti®.
"The unique point-of-sale materials will help produce managers bring the 'pairing party' concept to life," said Allison Parker, MS RD, director of consumer health and education at the U.S. Apple Association, the nonprofit trade association for the apple industry administering the display contest. To be considered, retail participants must have a display in place at least two weeks. (Web site) www.mercatustechnologies.com

Mercatus And Gladson Partner To Enrich Shopper Experience
The ability of retailers to build profitable customer relationships through smart shopping technology is now greatly enhanced as a result of a new strategic partnership between Mercatus and Gladson whereby Mercatus will use Gladson's comprehensive database of high-quality, up-to-date product information and images for leading CPG products across all of its smart shopping technology applications - including Concierge, Mercatus' innovative on-board shopping cart technology.
Sue Sentell, President and CEO at Gladson, said, "With the depth and breadth of Gladson's database, Mercatus enables retailers to engage shoppers all through the shopping process, regardless of their location." Mercatus uses the Gladson database to deliver the right images and information to retailers, so consumers can view the latest digital versions of store promotions and coupons, or research product prices.
"Gladson's comprehensive database, combined with Mercatus' smart shopping technology, enables retailers to foster personalized relationships that create deep levels of customer loyalty," said Sylvain Perrier, COO of Mercatus. "Gladson allows us to help retailers to enhance the shopper's in-store experience, achieve competitive advantage, boost brand equity and ultimately improve financial performance."

Nearbuy Systems To Develop And Deploy Software Which Allows Retailers To Determine Shopper Location Within 3 Feet
Nearbuy Systems, a leading developer of solutions for the indoor "micro-location" market, has secured a $1 million round of financing led by Motorola Solutions Venture Capital, Eric Schmidt's Innovation Endeavors, and Metamorphic Ventures. The funding will be used to accelerate the development and deployment of Nearbuy System's software into major retail stores.
With what is often described as the "holy grail" of in-store marketing - knowing a shopper's precise location within the store - Nearbuy Systems allows retailers to bring their product promotions to the shopper where it makes the most sense and where most purchase decisions are already being made, within the aisle of the store. With the explosion of smartphones it is now possible for the retailer to connect to the shopper via an opt-in WiFi connection and offer exciting new services like in-store navigation, concierge ("help" button) services, and targeted marketing offers based on the exact location of the shopper.
"Indoor micro-location for shoppers and employees is a compelling solution for retailers. What attracted us to Nearbuy is the location accuracy of their solution coupled with the fact that it utilizes the retailer's existing Wi-Fi and camera infrastructure and can be implemented quickly," said Reese Schroeder, Managing Director at Motorola Solutions Venture Capital. (Web site) www.nearbuysystems.com

Innovative In-Store Retail Promotion Uses Mobile Game App To Promote Nitto And CROSSTEK Line Of Tires
Nitto Tire U.S.A., a leading developer of tires for passenger cars and trucks, has launched an innovative in-store retail and social media campaign that uses a mobile game app to engage consumers in activities that create awareness of its new CROSSTEK tires for trucks, SUVs and CUVs, build brand loyalty and drive sales to participating retailers nationwide.
Consumers can now download the free Nitto CROSSTEK/SCVNGR app for iPhone and Android mobile devices. Once enabled, players who "check in" at any Big O Tires store accumulate points to win a free Nitto Tire lanyard. Players who complete a range of interactive challenges earn more points that qualify them to register to win big prizes, including a Nitto branded Sony PlayStation 3 and the grand prize - a set of KMC wheels and Nitto CROSSTEK tires to fit the winner's vehicle.
"The Nitto CROSSTEK/SCVNGR mobile app promotion is the latest in a series of advanced marketing initiatives designed to reach consumers in new and exciting ways," said Stephen Leu, marketing specialist at Nitto. "Our goal is to engage consumers in fun activities using the mobile technology and social media channels they use throughout their day - including when they are shopping for tires. It's a great way to familiarize consumers with the Nitto brand and the new line of CROSSTEK tires, plus it's a terrific tool retailers can use to drive tire sales." Partnering with Nitto on this unique promotion is TBC Retail Group, the nation's largest vertically integrated marketer of tires for the automotive replacement market. The initial rollout will encourage consumers to visit TBC Retail's Big O Tires stores. (Web site) www.SCVNGR.com

Outwater Plastics

Books

Click On Image To View Digital Edition

September 2011 Issue

July 2011 Issue

May 2011 Issue

March 2011 Issue

January 2011 Issue

November 2010 Issue

September 2010 Issue

July 2010 Issue

May 2010 Issue

March 2010 Issue

January 2010 Issue

November 2009 Issue

Back to Top

To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.

To See other Creative Online Newsletters click here

Home Page | Inside Creative | Advertiser Index | Fax Response | Media Kit | Newsletters| Online Weekly| Library of Ideas | Online Weekly | Linkedin Group| 2011 November Issue|

SUBSCRIBE TO CREATIVE MAGAZINE

The Web Creativemag.com