Nokia has opened its second U.S. Flagship Store on New York City's Fifth Avenue. Featuring the widest selection of Nokia devices available, the NYC Nokia Flagship Store offers an interactive, high-energy retail environment dedicated to educating customers and pairing them with the perfect wireless device.
The New York Nokia Flagship Store invites guests to explore its three levels of retail space, each level dedicated to a different consumer experience. Each product is prominently displayed on a backdrop of multimedia displays and color-shifting walls, yet the myriad of printed point-of-purchase materials so commonly found in most wireless retail stores are noticeably absent. Instead, when a customer picks up a device, the multimedia screen behind the product changes from being part of a continuous band of full-motion graphics, to interactive information with a listing of the features and benefits of that device. On the second level of the store, guests will enter the Nseries Lounge, where they can experience first-hand the power of Nokia's most advanced wireless devices. The third level of the Nokia Flagship Store houses Nokia's prestigious, luxury line of handsets created by Vertu.
"A Fifth Avenue address is synonymous with the best merchandise, superior service and elegant shopping experience, which is exactly what we are delivering in our New York Nokia Flagship Store location," said Cliff Crosbie, Director of Global Retail and Trade Marketing for Nokia. "Óur highly trained and dedicated staff navigates visitors through the wide variety of Nokia wireless devices, learns about their wants and needs, and delivers to them a product that has been tailored specifically for them. It is this kind of customized service that makes the Nokia Flagship Store more of a boutique than a conventional electronics store-delivering the kind of retail experience expected from the upscale stores found on New York City's Fifth Avenue."
IntelliMats Floor Displays Tested At Toronto-Area Malls
IntelliMats is launching a pilot program with The Source by Circuit City to place its digital video signage display mats in 10 stores located in Toronto area malls.
The IntelliMat is a wireless computer embedded in a thin mat made of a lightweight thermoplastic alloy. With four LCD screens, it creates a 30-inch diagonal display with full multi-media capability for lots of color, motion and sound. The content on the Intellimat's LCD backlit video display can be changed easily and instantly, allowing the retailer to target customers by demographics and day parts, highlight specific products or sales, and even broadcast messages at a moment's notice. For more information on IntelliMats, visit the Company's (Web site) www.intellimat.com
Beiersdorf Displays New Nivea Body Age Defying Lotion
The objective of this pdq display was to achieve mass exposure in a product-launch vehicle for this new Nivea Body Age Defying Lotion.
The design of this 12 piece display incorporates a standard 30" tray, customized with a pop-up gold arc, which follows the lines of the hot stamp gold arc on the product packaging. All components are litho-lam B-flute corrugated board. Two types of coatings were used; UV for the main display components and aqueous for the gold arc, in order to achieve as much metallic look in the gold ink as possible The display also has a product tester and 25 informational brochures. The typical in-store format was to put four of these units onto one side of a 4-way gondola, maximizing its impact. Soon after this product was introduced, another 30" pdq followed, with an on-pack of Q10 Night Crème.
The Nivea Body Age Defying Lotion display was produced by Menasha Display, Philadelphia, PA. (Web site) www.menashadisplay.com
DaySpring Crads is using this corrugated tree display to support the sale of this plush bear with photo frame for $5.97 with the purchase of 3 DaySpring cards.
The objective of this display was to provide a merchandising environment that not only enhanced the plush cuddly bear product, but provided a creative fun home at retail and drew customers in to the promotion.
The tree display was made of corrugate construction utilizing full litho mounted/die cut components. 850 "Know What Bear Floor Displays" were distributed to Christian retail stores in the U.S. The displays were created for DaySpring by Great Northern Corp., a point-of-purchase display firm located in Racine, WI. (Web site) www.greatnortherncorp.com
BIC Displays M Series Lighter And Case
BIC is using this counter display to promote the new BIC M series lighter and case, which offers consumers both style and convenience. The new BIC M series has a polished metal case and is refillable with a mini BIC lighter.
"The new BIC M Series takes the concept of lighter and cases to a new level of style and personalization," said Sheila Fox, Lighter Brand Marketing Manger for BIC Consumer Products. The new BIC M Series Lighter and Case has a suggested retail price of $4.49 and is available in convenience stores, drug stores and mass merchandisers.
Dr Pepper Header Display Promotes College Football $1,000,000 Challenge
Football fans across the country recently competed for two $1 million prizes by participating in the "2006 ESPN College Pick 'em Game," sponsored by Dr Pepper.
The contest featured Mike Golic of ESPN Radio's national talk show, Mike and Mike in the Morning, who invited fans to outperform him in selecting a weekly series of games. Winners from each week will had an opportunity to compete in a preliminary competition on December 1 a the ACC (Jacksonville, FL) and Big 12 Conference (Kansas City, MO) championship games. The two grand prize finalists from each region had the chance to throw for up to $1 million on the field during the halftime of a December 2 championship game.
"To many fans, Dr Pepper is synonymous with college football, and over the past decade we have provided football enthusiasts with some memorable experiences," said Andrew Springate, Vice President, of Dr Pepper Brand Marketing at Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages. "Through the $1 million challenge, we give fans the once in a lifetime experience of being part of the action at two of the biggest games in college football."
Martha Stewart-Branded Paint Colors Introduced At Lowe's Stores Nationwide
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Lowe's companies are planning to offer a new Martha Stewart-branded interior and exterior paint color program in early 2007.
Created by the Martha Stewart design team, this comprehensive color palette features a broad spectrum of 350 colors designed exclusively for Lowe's customers and will offer color and idea cards to inspire and support customers who are selecting paint colors to enhance the look of their home.
Robin Marino, President of Merchandising for MSLO, said, "It is an important part of MSLO's strategic initiative to expand our merchandising business segment, which includes home building, home decorating and home improvements."
Martha Stewart Colors extends MSLO's presence in the home improvement category through its relationship with Lowe's and makes the Company's color palette available in a broad distribution channel.
Toys 'R' Us Launches 'Deal Or No Deal' Boutique, Inviting Customers To Play Retail Version of Game Show With Chance To Win $1 Million
Toys "R" Us is launching an aggressive marketing blitz designed to bring the fun and excitement of the NBC game show, "Deal or No Deal," to all of its stores across the country. Through a fully-integrated campaign, Toys "R" Us will invite customers to play a retail version of the Deal or No Deal game in all its stores nationwide through October 28.
"Whether it's an in-store discount or the chance to walk away with $1 million, the Deal or No Deal promotion is a great opportunity for us to translate the show's popularity into the retail arena and create excitement in our stores before the holidays even begin," said Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Toys "R" Us.
"It's the perfect association for us, because our target demographic is families and kids and we are able to reach this audience in exciting new ways through this exclusive promotion with The World's Greatest Toy Store," said David Goldberg, President, Endemol USA.
As part of the campaign, Deal or No Deal merchandise presentations will be featured in all Toys "R" Us retail locations across the country, providing customers with access to a unique assortment of Deal or No Deal licensed games, so that parents and kids can test their own deal-making skills. Throughout the promotion, Toys "R" Us newspaper circulars will include a game piece featuring two briefcases: one for "Deal" and one for "No Deal." Each week, customers can bring their circular to any Toys "R" Us to select either the "Deal"-an automatic 10% off any one item--or take their chances and choose "No Deal"-trying their luck to win $1 million or hundred s of thousands of other prizes including an Xbox 360, MP3 players, and Toys "R" Us gift cards. If the briefcase comes up empty, customers will still receive an in-store discount.
Toys "R" Us Times Square will advertise the campaign in its premier window space and on the world's largest scrolling graphics system, which is seen by 1.5 million people daily.
Unilever Launches New Choices Program
Unilever has introduced a front-of-pack nutritional logo program called Choices The new logo, which will start appearing on products this fall, provides a quick, simple way for consumers to identify food and drinks based on four major "nutrients of concern,"-trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and sugars. Over one-third of Unilever's foods portfolio in the U.S. will qualify for the logo under the brands such a s Ragu, Slim-Fast, Lipton, Skippy, Promise, Hellmann's and Bertolli.
The Choices logo consists of a blue circle featuring a big blue "tick" and a golden sun rising over it, signifying vitality. The words "Eat Smart" or "Drink Smart" in bold letters on the top and the words "Based on U.S. Dietary Guidelines" on the bottom, accompany the symbol. The logo will be supplemented by more in-depth on-pack text, with general dietary guidance and other nutritional information about why a particular product is a healthy choice.
"As a leading global foods manufacturer, Unilever wants to find ways to help make healthier choices easier for consumers-without compromising on taste, product quality or convenience," said Mike Polk, President, Unilever U.S. "We achieve this by improving the nutritional quality of our products and by informing consumers of healthier food choices."
Kodak Picture Kiosks Featured In Wal-Mart Stores
Further strengthening its leadership position in retail digital printing, Eastman Kodak Company has announced a multi-year contract with Wal-Mart for digital photo kiosk equipment and consumables. The deal will add 2,000 Kodak Picture Kiosks to 1,000 Wal-Mart stores across the U.S.
Kodak's new G4 Picture Kiosk platform represents an entirely new category of high performing photo kiosks, with significant improvements in speed, performance, reliability and styling. The G4 Picture Kiosk supports all popular digital media formats (e.g., memory cards, USB drives, CDs/DVDs), digital scanning and wireless printing via BlueTooth and infrared technologies. Inside the attractive kiosk is a high-performance processor that delivers 4x6 prints in as fast as four seconds.
Sol Mate Alternative Energy Drink Launched
The Sol Mate Beverage Group is introducing Sol Mate as the world's first certified organic sparkling mate energy beverage. Harnessing the natural uplifting properties of yerba mate, a centuries-old South American herb, the new craft-brewed lightly carbonated beverage is entering the burgeoning energy drink market as a "no jitters" alternative for health conscious consumers. Marketing has begun to adults 18- to 54-years-old seeking an intelligent alternative to other energy drinks. It is currently sold at Whole Foods Markets nationwide and distributed by Natural Foods Inc. to natural foods stores and conventional supermarkets.
Wild Oats Markets Rolls Out Biodynamic Wines
Wild Oats Markets is adding Certified Biodynamic wines and wines made with Biodynamic grapes to its current selection of domestic, international and organic wines available at Wild Oats stores. Biodynamic is characterized by a connection with the soil, sunlight and rhythms of nature that are unique to each vineyard. "Not only will these unique wines complement our current high quality selection, Biodynamic agriculture is very consistent with the Wild Oats mission of supporting a clean environment while maintaining sustainability," said Kevin Weaver, Category Manager for beer and wine at Wild Oats Markets. Wild Oats' growing selection of Biodynamic wines and wine made with Biodynamic grapes include: Frey, Patianna, Ceago and Cooper Mountain Vineyards.
Freshies Debuts Three New Drink Mixes
Freshies Food Corp., a leading producer of all-natural, non-alcoholic drink mixes, has launched three new flavors: Pomegranate Mojito, Tangerita Tangerine Margarita Mix and Cosmopolitan Cranberry Splash, available at select Whole Foods Market stores, quality liquor retailers and some of the finest restaurants around the country. The additions reflect a new demand for flavors that experiment with more exotic ingredients, according to the Company.
FRS Antioxidant Energy Drink Launched
Dick Lamb, Balance Bar co-founder and CEO of New Sun Nutrition, has launched FRS Antioxidant Energy Drink in the Seattle market, as part of the first phase of a nationwide rollout. FRS is a scientifically formulated healthy energy drink created to provide a sustained energy boost, improved mental focus and powerful antioxidant protection. The patented formula combines quercetin and green tea catechins with seven key vitamin and metabolic enhancers to synergistically increase the level and duration of antioxidant activity in the body. "FRS is the first and only energy drink that helps people naturally fight fatigue, while promoting long term health and wellness," said Lamb.
Lipton Introduces Line Of Premium, Pyramid-Shaped Teas
In response to an increasing consumer demand for premium products and experiences at accessible prices, Lipton is introducing a new line of premium teas. Lipton Pyramid Teas are made with innovative pyramid-shaped, gossamer tea bags that allow the long leaf tea and real pieces of fruit more room to infuse for greater aroma, color and taste. Lipton Pyramid Tea is the first premium tea of its kind offered in mass market retail and grocery stores, according to the Company.
Microsoft Releases Zune Brand
Microsoft has unveiled the first products to be released under its Zune brand, designed to create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. Available this holiday season in the U.S., Zune includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Marketplace music service and a foundation for an online community that will enable music fans to discover new music. The Zune device features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a bright, 3-inch screen that allows users to not only show off music, picture and video, but also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes to truly make the device their own. Zune comes in three colors: back brown and white.
Botanical Labs Introduces Organic Throat Drops
Botanical Laboratories, makers of Symtec brand nutritional supplements, has launched Soothing Organic Throat Drops in three flavors: Lemon Honey, Cherry and Orange. All are fully certified organic by Quality Assurance International, earning the right to display the prestigious USDA Organic Seal. Containing no preservatives, artificial flavors or gluten, these all natural throat drops also contain key immune support ingredients Zinc and Vitamin C.
Tiger Electronics Launches Massively Mini Media Player
Tiger Electronics recently debuted the Massively Mini Media Player, a palm-size, portable and affordable digital multimedia player that allows tweens to listen to music, watch videos and view photos anytime, anywhere. Tweens can visit www.tigertube.com to get tons of cool, free video downloads perfectly sized for the Massively Mini Media Player. Perfect for today's multitasking, mobile kid, the Massively Mini Media Player is a very small and stylish player that allows tweens to access their favorite digital media anytime. Massively Mini Media also includes easy-to-use software that can convert MPEG, AVI and WMV files. If it's photos they're looking for, tweens can download and view JPGS created on most digital cameras. Each Massively Mini unit fits in the palm of you r hand and features 128 MB onboard memory, enough to hold one hour of video, about two hours of music or up to 1,200 photos.
Freeplay Energy Launches Indigo LED Lantern
Freeplay Energy's newest offering, the Indigo LED Lantern, is an ideal lighting option for everyday and emergency use, indoors and out. The Freeplay Indigo LED Lantern integrates two power sources-wall rechargeability and trusted Freeplay wind-up technology for maximum reliability and dependability. Weighing just under a pound, the Indigo is easy to transport, provides up to 70 hours of light on the night light setting with a fully charged battery and offers dual functionality, both radiant and directional task lighting. The Indigo retails for $39.99 and is available at Target and REI retail outlets.
Fisher Price Releases T.M.X. Elmo At Retail Stores Nationwide
On the tenth anniversary of Tickle Me Elmo, Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel, is rolling out the new T.M.X. Elmo at retail stores nationwide. T.M.X. Elmo will tickle kids' funny bones with three interactive giggle spots on his chin, tummy and foot.
"On the tenth anniversary of Tickle Me Elmo, we really wanted to pull out all the stops," said Neil Friedman, President of Mattel brands. "It's ten years later and technology is ten years better. With T.M.X. Elmo, we can tap into Elmo's sweet, fun-loving nature in a way we've never done before."
Zen Vision Widescreen Portable Video, Photo & MP3 Player Debuts
Creative Technology, a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products, has introduced the Creative Zen Vision W portable video, photo and MP3 player. The Creative Zen Vision W features a high resolution, 4.3-inch, 16:9 format, color widescreen TFT display for viewing up to 240 hours of video, tens of thousands of photos and it can carry up to 15,000 songs. "We designed the Creative Zen Vision W with a stunning 16:9-format widescreen and 30GB or 60GB capacity to be the most compelling portable video player and photo viewer on the market," said Sim Wong Hoo, Chairman and CEO of Creative.
myvu Made For iPod Personal Media Viewer Introduced
MicroOptical, a leader in video eyewear for the portable electronics industry, has introduced the myvu Made for iPod edition personal media viewer. Available for $399, the new myvu personal media viewer is compatible with the 30GB, 60GB and the new 80GB Apple iPods with video, and is the perfect solution for viewing movies purchased from the new iTunes ® 7. myvu lets users watch movies, TV shows and videos on-the-go using their iPods with a full-screen viewing experience projected inside the glasses.
RealNetworks Partners With SanDisk For Sansa e200 Series Of MP3 Players
ReallNetworks has teamed with San Disk to embed groundbreaking features in a line of SanDisk's Sansa e200 series of MP3 players this fall in the U.S. The e200s with Real's special Rhapsody DNA platform will ship pre-loaded with over 30 hours of music from hundreds of artists on all four U.S. major record labels, and automatically update with music based on a consumers' tastes and historical preferences whenever they connect to a PC. "We're excited to be working with Real to be the first to offer the Rhapsody DNA on our feature-rich, high-capacity Sansa players with the acclaimed Rhapsody service," said Eli Harari, President and CEO, SanDisk.
Xgaming Offers New Home Arcade Kit
Xgaming, a video game peripheral developer based at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology center in Pittsburgh, PA, has introduced the X-Arcade Tankstick, an industrial-grade desktop arcade system which injects an 80's style arcade machine into the home for under $200. Featuring controls built to handle classics ranging from Pac-Man to Golden Tee Golf, the kit allows casual gamers to relive arcade classics and take control of next-generation games-all from the comfort of their own home. The X-Arcade Tankstick begins shipping with a suggested retail price of $199.
Disney Launches Mix Max Personal Media Player
Disney is introducing the Mix Max personal digital media player, which plays movies on Disney Max Clips-tiny plug & play memory cards containing full-length movies from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. Available in several colorful styles that kids and tweens will love, it also plays digital music, TV shows and digital photos. Priced at less than $100, the Disney Mix Max offers kids the ultimate digital entertainment package-with no computer or downloading necessary.
OSI Restaurant Appoints Bilney Chief Mktg. Officer
OSI Restaurant Partners has appointed Jody Bilney as Chief Marketing Officer of Outback Steakhouse. Most recently, Bilney served as Chief Marketing Officer at Openwave Systems, a leader in mobile data and messaging .
Netgear Names Williams Chief Mktg. Officer
Netgear, a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, has appointed Deborah Williams as Chief Marketing Officer to lead Netgear marketing into the Company's next phase of growth. Williams joins Netgear from Hewlett-Packard, where she accumulated over 21 years of experience in leading global marketing programs.
Hyatt Conducts Mojitos Cocktail Promotion
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts recently conducted a Mojito promotion, offering five new hand made Mojitos-Classic, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Orange and Tropical, in its bars and lounges. Paying homage to the Mojito's Cuban origin, the cocktails are mixed with rum, lime muddled with mint leaves and poured over ice.
To kick-off this latest food and beverage venture, Hyatt has been hosting coast-to-coast Mojito "after-work" parties, offering complimentary Mojito samples.
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is using banners, coasters and posters created by MarkeTeam, to support the promotion in its bars and lounges in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
Sylvan Promotion Offers 25,000 LG Migo Phones
Sylvan Learning Center, a leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages across the U.S. and Canada, has partnered with PageMaster Corp. to provide LG Migo phones with Verizon Wireless service.
Families who enroll with Sylvan will have the opportunity to receive a free LG Migo phone or a Motorola Razr phone for older students when activating Verizon Wireless service. Offered through Verizon, Migo is a kid-friendly, cell phone, providing a fast, reliable communication link between parents and their children. Migo is equipped with GPS tracking capability, a dedicated 911 emergency button and four fast dial keys that parents can pre-program. Sylvan will provide up to 25,000 phones as part of the promotion through December 2006. The promotion will be accompanied by a comprehensive advertising and p.o.s. campaign.
All Things Cling Launches Cling-rite Coupons
All Things Cling Ltd. is introducing the Cling-rite Coupon and Clingers products. Both advertising products can be inserted into newspapers and magazine as a truly unique way of standing out. They are removable and reusable and will not damage surfaces or leave a residue. Cling-rite is an electrically charged printed film. Clingers are low-tack, repositionable/removable pressure sensitive paper or vinyl that does not leave a residue behind. For more information, contact All Things Cling Ltd., 115 Roxborough Lane, Thornhill, ON, Canada L4J 4T5; (Tel) 416-630-3131, (Web site) www.clingers.com.
Renegade Marketing Adds Designers To Creative Staff
Renegade Marketing Group has added the following designers to its creative staff due to strong account growth and recent new business wins: Lillian Coryn, Associate Creative Director; Michael Surtees, Senior Designer; and Phil Ramunno, Junior Designer.
Aspen Marketing Services Names J. Costello To Board Of Directors
Aspen Marketing Services, the largest privately held marketing services company in the U.S., headquartered in West Chicago, IL, has named John Costello, Former Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing of The Home Depot, to the Company's Board of Directors. Throughout his 25-year career, Costello has been involved in some of the most visible business turnarounds and successful marketing campaigns. Prior to Home Depot, Costello served as Chief Global Marketing Officer at Yahoo!
