Moviebank Launches DVD/Videogame Vending Machine Concept In U.S.
Moviebank USA, exclusive U.S. distributor of Video System Italia, has launched the first MoviebankUSA DVD/videogame vending location at Houston Street in New York City.
While a new idea in the U.S., video vending machines have been an extremely popular way to rent and/or purchase DVDs, VHS tapes, and videogames in cities around the world for more than ten years. In their free-standing kiosk form, the units provide convenience and added value to apartment and office building lobbies, retail stores, service stations, and commuter stations. Moviebank USA automated video stores, by contrast, are branded video "automats" containing multiple vending machines in a multiplex format. Both concepts provide an easy way for entertainment lovers to rent and/or purchase movies and videogames anytime, day or night. MoviebankUSA markets a full range of video dispensing machines varying in capacity from 1,000 to 5,000 DVDs, roughly the same inventory as a traditional video rental store.
"MoviebankUSA machines require no staff. They're user-friendly, open 24/7 and suitable for placement virtually anywhere," said Stephane de Laforcade, co-founder of Moviebank USA. "Our new flagship retail store at the corner of West Houston Street and West Broadway, in one of New York City's trendiest neighborhoods, will demonstrate the convenience, speed, privacy and sheer fun that makes MoviebankUSA such an original idea."
Intrawest Uses Kiosks To Reach Visitors
Intrawest ski resorts recently turned to Techneos Systems Inc. to help them gather demographic data on their visitors.
Techneos' Entryware software seamlessly integrates survey design and data collection software that replaces paper-based methods. For the resorts, Techneos coupled the software with AlphaSmart Data units, which are durable, portable computers, to allow resort visitors to enter their contact information at kiosks located in public locations. The resorts captured 6,500 individual contacts during the trial phase of the project using two kiosks each at the Blue Mountain and Whistler/Blackcomb resorts. The resorts are currently expanding the use of the kiosks.
Champ Car Themed Soft Zone Installed In Colorado Mall
Limelight Media Group, Inc. of Memphis, TN, has installed the first Bridgestone Presents the Champ World Series Powered by Ford Themed Soft Zone in the Flat Iron Crossing Mall located in Broomfield, Colorado.
The Soft Zone highlights the Centrix Financial Grand Prix of Denver and Champ Car World Series. The Champ Car Themed Soft Zones feature attractive seating and surroundings that reflect the Champ Car theme. The focal point of each area is a full multimedia island display with plasma screens airing content and ads. The island display also includes interactive kiosks that allow patrons to interact with the theme sponsor or advertisers. Limelight plans to install Themed Soft Zones in another 11 malls in 2004.
NASCAR's Dale Jr. & Wrangler Jeans Partner To Promote Wrangler Hero
Wrangler Jeans Co. recently launched a new marketing campaign and partnership with NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt Jr. to promote the new Wrangler Hero brand. The line is the official jean of Dale Jr. and the #8 Dale Earnhardt racing team, and the Wrangler brand logo appears on his car and uniform.
To support Wrangler Jeans products in-store, Dale Jr. appears on POS and is involved in various consumer promotions as well as in TV, print and radio advertising. The Hero line appeals to a younger, fashion conscious male consumer seeking contemporary fits and treatments.
"The campaign portrays Dale Jr. in a very heroic, iconic light," said Craig Errington, Director of Marketing, VF Jeanswear Mass-Market Male Brands. "We utilize him, and racing, as the conduit to communicate a message full of adrenaline and excitement. Combined with the music of Sheryl Crow, the campaign really produces a powerful statement about our new line of products."
Hacker-Pschorr Beer Conducts Oktoberfest Promotion
Brewed in Munich, Germany since 1417 and served at the first Oktoberfest in 1810, Hacker-Pschorr beer is conducting a promotion this Oktoberfest season that will bring the spirit of Munich's big party to retailers in the U.S.
As part of its promotion, Hacker-Pschorr is offering consumer rebates at off-premise accounts for $8 off a case and $4 off every 12-pack. Off-premise accounts will also receive POS materials including case/easel cards, window posters and a consumer promotion for a Hacker-Pschorr hat via a mail-in offer for $9.99. The theme for Hacker-Pschorr's Oktoberfest campaign is "Get Psome." The slogan will appear on POS and apparel.
"The Oktoberfest promotional materials will draw more attention to the brand while the consumer rebate will encourage point-of-purchase trade-up to 12-packs and cases, allowing retailers to realize larger rings as Hacker-Pschorr continues to perform well," said Mary Anschutz, Brand Manager for Hacker-Pschorr at Star Brand Imports.
Electrolux Introduces Trilobite Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Electrolux has introduced the Trilobite, the world's first self-propelled robotic vacuum cleaner. The technologically advanced innovation offers an ultrasound and infrared navigation system, which allow it to calculate the dimensions of a room and the best cleaning path as well as to travel within millimeters of an object without bumping into it or knocking it to the floor. Aside from its advanced mechanics, Trilobite's design is compact and round with pronounced fin-like markings like the prehistoric arthropod for which its is named; it has a distinct reddish-orange hue with a satin finish; and it features a gold-coated, ribbon-like band along the front of its carousel.
Thanasi Foods Introduces Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon Soaked Sunflower Seeds
Thanasi Foods has launched Jim Beam Original Kentucky Bourbon Soaked Sunflower Seeds, a new premium snack food product. The product, available in retail outlets nationwide, is the first to bring the flavor of bourbon to the premium snack segment. The seeds are soaked in Jim Beam prior to roasting in order to obtain the unmistakable flavor of quality bourbon, giving the seeds a slightly sweet and smoky flavor. Jim Beam provides only a flavor element, much like cooking with wine or beer, and there is virtually no remaining alcohol content in the sunflower seeds, according to Justin Havlick, President and CEO of Thanasi Foods.
7 UP PLUS Introduces New Beverage Category Nationwide
7 UP PLUS, a new carbonated beverage, is leading an entirely new category of beverages-the Plus category. Made with real fruit juice, calcium and vitamin C, and sweetened with Splenda brand sweetener, 7 UP PLUS targets consumers looking for both nutrients and fun in their carbonated soft drink.
"Our research indicates there are times when consumers want their favorite soft drinks with the benefit of nutrients," said Randy Gier, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages Executive V.P.-Marketing.
The launch is supported by a national television ad campaign featuring Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa from "Live with Regis and Kelly," and Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis from "Sex and the City," as well as sampling and couponing.
Saks Fifth Avenue Names W. Herbst V.P. Of Visual Mdsg.
Retailer Saks Fifth Avenue has named William Herbst V.P. of Visual Merchandising. Herbst has over 20 years experience in store design, visual display, and graphics. Most recently, he was Exec. V.P., Dir., Visual Merchandising and Store Design for Macy's East.
Diam Intl. Appoints Jean Andre Rougeot CEO & Bill Ecker Chairman
Diam International, Woodside, NY, recently appointed Jean Andre Rougeot to CEO and Bill Ecker to Chairman of the Board. As CEO, Mr. Rougeot will oversee all operating divisions of the Company and report to the Board of Directors. As Chairman, Mr. Ecker will be responsible for strategic initiatives and new product and new category development.
Prior to joining Diam, Mr. Rougeot was President of the Canadian, British and Spanish subsidiaries of Benckiser, before taking over as President of Coty Group Worldwide in 1993. Most recently, Mr. Rougeot was CEO of the Boyds Collection, a leading designer of branded collectibles.
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