Creative Online

Week of Nov. 18, 1996


Blockbuster & Sprint Offer Free Internet Access Software

Sprint and Blockbuster Entertainment Group have teamed up to offer free, customized internet access software that will eventually allow users to buy Blockbuster products online.

The Sprint Internet Passport Blockbuster Edition software is being distributed through point-of-sale displays at Blockbuster’s more than 3,200 video and music stores. It includes a direct link to Blockbuster's Web site as well as links to other entertainment-oriented sites.

The software, to be distributed via CD-ROMs, also includes an electronic white pages for the U.S. and a store locator, which enables users to find the nearest Blockbuster video or music store. Sprint Internet Passport - Blockbuster Edition uses a highly customized version of Netscape Navigator Internet client software.

Consumers do not need to be Sprint long distance customers to use the software. Sprint’s service is free for the first month. Thereafter, Sprint will charge $19.95 a month for unlimited access or $1.50 per hour for timed usage. Sprint and Blockbuster anticipate distributing 1.5 million CD-ROMs at Blockbuster stores.


Oscar Mayer Creates Lunchables Deli-Carryouts

Oscar Mayer Foods is extending its Lunchables kids brand to an adult version with the introduction of Lunchables Deli-Carryouts.

Each of the six varieties comes with everything needed to build deli-style sandwiches, including a soft bagel or six-inch sub roll, lean deli-style meats, cheese and a sauce side dish and dessert. Three of the six Deli-Carryout combinations were created using low fat or fat free meats and cheeses.

"Lunchables Deli-Carryouts fits perfectly with today’s eating trends," said Bob Drane, Oscar Mayer V.P., New Product Development.

Each of the varieties features favorite brand names like Lender’s Bagels, Kraft cheeses and sauces, Jell-O Brand Fat-Free Chocolate Pudding, Mott’s Applesauce and Keebler cookies.

Oscar Mayer studies show that one in three adults don’t have time to make their lunch during the week and two out of five skip lunch more than twice a week.


Footaction Promotes T. Cincotta To V.P. Marketing

Footaction USA, the Dallas-based athletic specialty retailer has promoted Tim Cincotta to V.P. Marketing, a new position at the company. Cincotta had been the V.P, Advertising and Sales Promotion for Footaction since 1992.

In his new position, Cincotta will oversee advertising, visual merchandising public relations, promotions, and special events.


ITT Names T. Barreca Director, Merchandising & Retail Development

Thomas N. Barreca has been named Director, Merchandising and Retail Development for ITT Corp., the New York-headquartered lodging, gaming, and media, entertainment company.

Mr. Barreca joins ITT from Turner Broadcasting’s Hanna-Barbera Cartoons Inc., where he was V.P., Hanna-Barbera Enterprises.

In this newly created position, Mr. Barreca will direct merchandising and retail sales strategy for ITT, including new methods of capitalizing on ITT’s major brand names, and coordination of retail merchandising activities.


Shiseido Acquires Helene Curtis Professional Division

Shiseido International has entered into a definitive agreement with Helene Curtis,, an operating unit of Unilever U. S., to purchase certain assets of Helene Curtis professional products business in the U. S. and Canada.The purchase will bolster Shiseido’s presence in the U.S. hair salon field.


Henschel-Steinau, Inc., Establishes Website

Henschel-Steinau, Inc., a leading designer and producer of point-of-purchase displays based in Englewood, NJ, has established a website featuring many of its award winning displays as well as its stock display systems. The address is www.hspop.com.


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