Nike has opened its first NIKEiD Studio at Niketown in New York City, giving consumers a more hands-on design experience and the power to design and create footwear, apparel and equipment for themselves. The NIKEiD Studio is a consumer destination for designing, personalizing and customizing Nike performance and sport culture footwear,apparel and equipment.
The Niketown New York location also features a unique touch screen in the front window of the store where consumers will be able to design on the street before an audience. People will be able to email their designs from the touch screen to their friends, to their home computer or even purchase the design inside at Niketown. The screen will display a rotation of shoe designs from around the world that have been made by consumers at www.NIKEiD.com within the past hour. Each shoe posted will have the designer’s name, the name of the creation and their country of origin.
This new permanent installation on the fifth floor of Niketown puts the consumer in control of the design process and extends the NIKEiD experience beyond the computer screen where it has lived at www.NIKEiD.com since 1999.
The NIKEiD business has more than tripled since 2004 with more than 3 million unique visitors going to www.NIKEiD.com every month. Now consumers can walk into a design studio environment and with the guidance of a Nike Design Consultant create a near-endless
array of customized products from 105 key styles and a handful of items that are exclusive to the NIKEiD Studio, such as the Dunk, the Air Max 90, the Air Max BW and the Air Force 25 low.
Yokahama Opens ADVAN® Premium Service Center
Yokahama Tire Corp. has opened its first ADVAN® Premium Service Center at The Tire Man in California.
Jim Mayfield, Director of ADVAN Brand, said, “ADVAN is our flagship line of ultra-high-performance tires and the new Premium Service Centers within tire dealerships are designed to emphasize such to consumers.”
Mayfield said ADVAN Premium Service Centers are part of Yokohama’s commitment to provide unparalleled service and to spotlight the iconic tire line. “From the point-of-sale materials to displays and overall atmosphere; and of course, to the team the consumers will meet, the ADVAN Premium Centers embody luxury service, he said.”
Yokahama tire plans to have several hundred ADVAN Premium Service Centers open across the U.S. over the next year.
SpongeTech Displays Car Care Deliver System For Holidays
SpongeTech Delivery Systems introduced new free-standing
retail point of sale (POS) display units for their SpongeTech Car Care
Deliver System Products for the upcoming holiday season.
These new free-standing POS display units are self-contained displays that will hold up to 12 of the SpongeTech Car Care Delivery System product unit per display. These units are designed to be placed near check-out areas or near end-caps in stores and automotive retail stores can order up to six of these free-standing retail POS units.
SpongeTech is selling these retail POS displays for $240.00 each, which includes 24 individual SpongeTech Car Care Delivery system products, 12 for the disp play and 12 as display restocking units. These new retail POS displays were designed and manufactured exclusively for SpongeTech here in the USA, and should help the company increase its holiday sales given that the company won't need to fight for space on retail store shelves during the holiday season.
SpongeTech Delivery System's CFO Steven Moskowitz, said, "The
holiday sales season should be great for SpongeTech this year as we start shipping our new SpongeTech Car Care Delivery System product point of sale displays. We are a new product vendor for many automotive retail outlets, so getting limited shelf space is always a challenge for new vendors in any type of retail environment, particularly during the holiday sales season. With these new retail POS displays we make it easy for automotive retail outlets to stock our products. Once the automotive retailer has a positive experience with sales of SpongeTech products, we firmly believe it will be much easier for us to compete for limited shelf space in these stores in the future."
Office Depot Offers Disaster Preparedness Strategies For Small Business
Three South Florida companies were named as the grand prize winners of the Office Depot Hurricane Preparedness Contest for Small Businesses, part of the Company's education campaign focused on helping small businesses prepare for a potential disaster. Each of the three winning businesses received a $5,000 Office Depot gift card and a special on-site consultation with a business continuity expert.
"Disaster preparedness is key to business survival," said Jon Toigo, Office Depot Disaster Preparedness Advisor, an IT veteran and author of numerous books on disaster planning and recovery. "These businesses have all experienced crises that put their companies in jeopardy and reinforced their interest in preparing for any disaster."
The Office Depot Hurricane Preparedness Contest for Small Businesses was developed to underscore the importance of readiness planning and demonstrate the availability of simple, affordable solutions to safeguard a company's most important assets: its people and its data.
Rayovac Signs Don Cherry To Relaunch In Canada
Hockey announcer Don Cherry, has become the personality behind the Canadian relaunch for Rayovac batteries.
Cherry will be featured in all aspects of the Rayovac relaunch, including packaging, displays, promotions, advertising and other communications geared towards educating consumers on the value and endurance of the brand.
“Don Cherry is arguably the most likable public figure in Canada, both for his dedication to others and his enduring positive energy both on and off the air,” said Rob Cayer, director, Rayovac Batteries Canada. “His core qualities parallel the message we want to convey to our consumers, that Rayovac is going to be a better value and endure.”
Sears Offers Kenmore Elite High Efficiency Appliance Lines
This fall, Sears is helping consumers attain greener homes without sacrificing appliance performance by rolling out the Kenmore Elite(R) dishwasher with Ultra WashHE technology, and the SteamCare(TM) Washer and Dryer lines, along with a new alliance with the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program. The high efficiency appliances offer significant water and energy savings, while providing unsurpassed cleaning performance and sleek, modern style.
"Consumers understand that small changes made in their homes can have a significant impact on the environment," said Tina Settecase, vice president and general manager of home appliances, Sears Holdings Corp. As part of the initiative, $25 will be donated to the Roots & Shoots Program for every Kenmore Elite dishwasher with Ultra WashHE technology sold between Oct. 28 and Nov. 7, 2007.
Sportline Unveils ThinQ Pocket Pedometer
Sportline, a brand leader in personal fitness monitoring, has unveiled ThinQ, the world's thinnest pocket pedometer, which is now available at sporting goods retailers throughout the country. Available for $29.99 in three hip colors - green, orange and blue - ThinQ is visually unlike any other fitness monitor on the market because it closely resembles a credit card rather than a traditional pager-type pedometer. Measuring only a few millimeters in thickness, this sleek monitor will track steps taken, distance traveled and calories burned while being discreetly hidden vertically in a pants or shirt pocket.
Dan Kinsbourne, V.P. of Marketing for Sportline, said, "The ThinQ is an example of new technology and outstanding design coming together to better suit an individual's fitness and lifestyle needs."
Earnhardt Jr. Launches Big Mo' Candy Bar And Sweepstakes
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is bringing his heavy-hitting brand and high-profile name to the candy business, with the launch of his new candy bar, "Dale Jr.'s Big Mo' " through R.M. Palmer Company. The name Big Mo' is a play off Earnhardt Jr.'s hometown of Mooresville, N.C., and the longtime moniker used for he and his closest friends, the Dirty Mo' Posse.
The milk chocolate candy bar will come in two flavors, creamy caramel and peanut butter. It is scheduled to hit stores nationwide in January 2008. Known for its seasonal novelty candies, R.M. Palmer Co. has been specializing in traditional holiday candies since 1948, but this is the first of its product line to be a milk chocolate everyday candy bar. The making of the Big Mo' bar included numerous taste-tests by Earnhardt Jr.
To coincide with the announcement of the Big Mo' bar, R.M. Palmer Company is launching the "Big Mo'ment with Dale Jr." sweepstakes. Thousands of winners will be awarded great prizes, but the grand prize winner will be treated to his or her Big Mo'ment, which will include lunch with Dale and his JR Motorsports race team, a limousine tour of area race shops, suite tickets to a VIP weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway, and $250 spending money. Fans will be able to enter the sweepstakes by visiting (Web site) www.BigMo-ment.com a Pleasant Prairie, WI-based exhibit firm and typing in the entry code on the inside wrapper of the Big Mo' bar.
Energizer Introduces Energi To Go Portable Power For iPod
The Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod is the first iPod charger to combine the power of Energizer(R) e2(R) Lithium(R) AA batteries and the extreme portability of a compact, cord-free design. It features a patented intelligent control chip that maximizes power transfer to the iPod, and its unique flip design allows iPod owners to use it as a stand while charging and fold it for easy storage. The Portable Power for iPod delivers a considerable amount of extra listening time for iPod users.
"At Energizer, we're always trying to respond to consumers' needs for portable power," said Mike Rivard, Energizer General Manager, New Products. "With the new Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod, you'll know that whether you're on a plane, at a campground, or at any other location without a power outlet, your music will keep going. And it features the kind of design that iPod owners appreciate and expect."
Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod will be available in the iPod accessories sections at mass, drug, consumer electronics, and airport retailers this fall.
Gridiron Milk Introduced
The Midwest Dairy Association has introduced a new Gridiron Milk(TM) branded product line to schools and retail grocery stores for the 2007 NFL season. Omaha, Nebraska- based processor Roberts Dairy Company is distributing the product line in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Gridiron Milk is packaged in 8-ounce plastic resealable containers and features all 32 collective NFL team marks, as well as highlights NFLRush.com, the NFL's interactive website for kids. Gridiron Milk is available year-round in a variety of flavors, including fat-free, 1 percent and 2 percent white; fat- free and 2 percent chocolate; and fat-free strawberry.
Bacardi Introduces Peach Flavored Rum
Bacardi U.S.A, Inc. has launched BACARDI(R) PEACH RED, the newest member of the BACARDI family of flavored rums. BACARDI PEACH RED is infused with the most flavorful part of the peach-the nectar found at the heart which is intense when ripe and features a rich, red hue. BACARDI PEACH RED packaging features a distinctive bright peach cap and a peach logo label design emphasizing the brand's bold red core.
Ocean Spray's New Cranberry & Blueberry 100% Juice Blend Is Antioxidant-Rich
Ocean Spray unites its classic cranberry with the added nutritional strength of blueberry for its latest 100% juice blend, Cranberry & Blueberry. Each eight-ounce glass provides a full serving of fruit and a full day's supply of Vitamin C to help strengthen the immune system. Ocean Spray(R) 100% Juice Cranberry & Blueberry is currently available in supermarkets nationwide for the suggested retail price of $3.59 per 64-ounce bottle.
Nickelodeon's New Npower Brand Offers Consumer Electronics Line For Kids
Nickelodeon and Imation Corp have introduced Nickelodeon's Npower™ brand, an exciting consumer electronics product line. Reflecting kids' comfort and exposure to increasingly sophisticated technology at a younger age and the appeal of the Nickelodeon brand for kids and parents alike, Npower products empower "kids" of all ages to express their personality with technology that's fun, easy-to-use and interactive. The Npower brand delivers the core personalities of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, and The Naked Brothers Band combined with the latest consumer electronics technologies available from Imation. The full Npower line will be available in the electronics section of major U.S. retailers in time for holiday shopping. The Npower brand features more than 20 products including digital cameras and photo frames, multimedia and MP3 players, an LCD TV and a DVD player.
"Kids are gravitating toward technology products at a younger age, and Nickelodeon's power brand represents the first line of consumer electronics truly geared towards them," said Steve Moss, chief marketing officer, Imation Corp.
Pizza Hut Appoints B. Niccol As CMO
Pizza Hut has named Brian Niccol as its Chief Marketing Officer. Niccol was previously the V.P. of National Brand Marketing & Strategy where he helped lead Pizza Hut in 2007 to its highest share level in three years.
Niccol joined Pizza Hut in 2005 as the VP of Strategy. Previously, Niccol spent ten years in brand management positions at Procter & Gamble.
Safeway Promotes Minasi To President, Marketing
Safeway has promoted Michael Minasi to President, Marketing.
Minasi had been serving as Sr. V.P, Marketing. Minasi joined Safeway in 1996, and prior to that held numerous positions with Toys "R" Us.
Nike James John Slusher Vice President of Global Sports Marketing
NIKE has promoted John Slusher from V.P., Sports Marketing for Asia Pacific and the Americas to V.P., Global Sports Marketing. Slusher has been responsible for Nike's dealings with U.S. pro leagues and has led negotiation teams for Nike's sports marketing agreements.
SuunyD Names Shorter Mktg. Dir., FruitSimple
Sunny Delight Beverages Co. has named Davette Shorter to the newly created position of marketing director, FruitSimple, a line of chilled, all natural, pure fruit smoothies currently sold in Arizona. Most recently, Shorter was director, U.S. marketing for L'Oreal's Softsheen-Carson division where she led go-to-market strategies for L'Oreal's traditional retail and OTC channels. Her consumer goods career has included senior marketing positions with Campbell's Soup, Glory Foods, Bath & Body Works and Nabisco.
KOHLER Debuts Innoventions Exhibit At Epcot
Visitors to the House of Innoventions exhibit located in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot(R) at the Walt Disney World(R) Resort will discover ground-breaking products from Kohler and Ann Sacks that create not only an amazing bathroom environment, but incorporate great design and technology as a means to improve the level of gracious living in the home.
"Kohler is delighted to have the opportunity to share our most recent technological advances in the bathroom in a venue as dynamic and interactive as the House of Innoventions," said David Kohler, EVP, Kohler. "Visitors to this exhibit will be able to experience how technology has been seamlessly integrated into ordinary bathroom products such as the shower and toilet without compromising excellent design."
"Kohler's innovative and interesting line of bath products allow anyone to incorporate a spa atmosphere into their own bathroom," said Katie Roser, senior set decorator -- Walt Disney Imagineering. "Our goal with this project is to inspire our guests to try this in their homes."
Jim Beam Bourbon Unveils World's Largest Distilled Spirits Ad
Wrapped Around Rio Hotel In Las Vegas
Jim Beam, along with the RIO All-Suite Hotel & Casino teamed up to unveil the world's largest distilled spirits advertisement, measuring 32,000 square feet and 40 stories, roughly 400 feet tall, on the side of the iconic RIO All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
The ad celebrated the recent Senate Resolution establishing National Bourbon Heritage Month, and preceded the opening of the 16th annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, KY.
"This ad reinforces Jim Beam's ongoing commitment to the history and tradition of bourbon," said Kevin Cooke, regional vice president for Beam Global Wine & Spirits. "And Las Vegas has the highest per capita distilled spirits consumption in the country so it's the ideal place to celebrate the only distilled spirit that's native to America - bourbon."
The Jim Beam Heritage Trailer is also on-site, featuring historical displays and exclusive Jim Beam Racing videos and racing memorabilia from Jim Beam Racing drivers Robby Gordon of NASCAR(R) and Michael Andretti of the Indy Racing League(R).
"Jim Beam may be the largest 'guest' we've ever hosted at our hotel!" said Michael Weaver, Vice President of Marketing of the RIO All-Suite Hotel & Casino. "We're happy to be a part of the Jim Beam celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month. We know our customers will be treated to a once-in-a- lifetime experience."
The larger-than-life ad features an oversized bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon and reaffirms that Jim Beam has been true to its recipe for more than 200 years with the phrase: "Not available in pomegranate." The ad will remain wrapped around the Rio through November.
First Flavor Promotes Peel 'n Taste Flavor Strips & First-Ever, Taste-Driven Advertising Campaign With CBS Fall Series "Cane"
First Flavor has launched its Peel 'n Taste(R) flavor strips and the kick-off of the first- ever taste-driven advertising campaign with CBS Television.
CBS is using the patent-pending, compact and edible Peel 'n Taste(R) dissolving flavor strips to offer readers of Rolling Stone magazine a non-alcoholic Lucia Duque Rum mojito strip. This campaign is part of CBS' preview of the new fall television series "Cane" starring Jimmy Smits. Set in South Florida, the drama will chronicle the intrigues of a large Cuban-American family running the successful Lucia Duque rum and sugar business. Setting a new standard for innovative marketing and brand differentiation, this multi-sensory campaign will directly reach Rolling Stone readers and offer them a unique opportunity to experience "Cane."
"We are extremely pleased with the early success of our Peel 'n
Taste(R) flavor strip technology and its ability to enable consumers to taste the flavor of a wide range of products, in this case, a rum mojito," said Jay Minkoff, President and CEO of First Flavor. "CBS is at the forefront of multi-sensory marketing and, with this first-ever media campaign, is pioneering new ways for companies to interact with their customers. Here, the network has given Rolling Stone readers a reason to pause and make a sensory connection to 'Cane.' This is just the first in a series of innovative, taste-driven campaigns we will be launching this fall and we are very excited about the response our Peel 'n Taste(R) flavor strips are already receiving from national marketers."
Access 360 Media Hires Dornbusch As Exec. Dir., Bus. Dev.
Access 360 Media, an integrated youth oriented media network connecting to over 59MM young adults, has hired Adam Dornbusch as an Executive Director of Business Development. In his role, Dornbusch will develop and manage strategic relationships that successfully build the company's existing retail, mobile and online media platforms. Dornbusch joins the Access 360 Media team from Starz Entertainment Group where he was a senior manager of on-demand programming.
Inwindow Outdoor (Web site) www.inwindowoutdoor.com , a leader in storefront-based outdoor advertising, has launched its large-format interactive video projection platform as a complement to its traditional Storescape ™ product. Working in conjunction with Elle MacPherson Intimates, the company installed its first such advertising campaign at 1035 Sixth Avenue in Manhattan.
Utilizing sophisticated motion detecting Human Locator ™ technology, pedestrians walking past the storefront are now confronted with two life-sized displays that precisely respond to their movement; in this case a video of a reclining woman in lingerie that is revealed only when a passer-by makes gestures to wipe away a virtual black curtain. The projections are incorporated into a larger static Storescape ™ image.
"Increasingly our customers have been asking for digital interactivity and along with our Bluetooth and audio capabilities, the addition of this product allows us to satisfy all their needs. It's a great solution because the billboard-sized Storescape ™ at eye level grabs people and the interactive video component draws them in even farther," said Steve Birnhak, CEO of Inwindow Outdoor.
Konami & Nestle Waters Launch 'Green With Envy' National Promotion For 'Dewy's Adventure' Video Game
Konami Digital Entertainment and Nestle Waters is providing a positive "Green" and health message to children this fall with a promotional partnership surrounding the release of Dewy's Adventure™ for the Wii™ home video game system and the popular Nestle Waters' beverage option for kids, Aquapod™ Natural Spring Water. Through the partnership, Aquapod™ will administer a national contest and sweepstakes offering consumers a chance to win an exciting rain forest/eco-adventure to exotic Costa Rica along with other fabulous prizes, including copies of Dewy's Adventure™.
The program is supported by a multi-million dollar marketing and promotional campaign which includes national print, television, radio advertising, Internet media, coupon offers and in-store point-of-sale messaging. An FSI will run during the first week of the sweepstakes period, reaching 25 million households nationwide with coupon offers as well as the launch of www.aquapodmoms.com website that will provide moms information about the importance of kid's hydration.
CBS Acquires SignStorey; Company To Be Renamed 'CBS Outernet'
CBS Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire SignStorey, Inc., a leader in the distribution of video programming and advertising content to retail stores. SignStorey will be renamed "CBS Outernet" upon closing of the deal in the fourth quarter of 2007.
With digital video displays in more than 1,400 grocery stores in major markets across the United States, SignStorey offers advertisers the opportunity to reach consumers with targeted content that can be customized by region and by daypart. The company's satellite-delivery system enables immediate, customized programming and messaging to each individual system. SignStorey has long-term exclusive contracts with SuperValu (Acme, Albertsons, Jewel and Shaw's), Pathmark, ShopRite and Price Chopper, among others. As CBS Outernet, it will continue to expand its distribution network to other retail locations and shopping environments.
"CBS Outernet will offer our advertisers a tremendous, broad new platform to reach consumers out of their homes," said Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation. "This acquisition is highly complementary with many of CBS's content and advertising sales relationships. As we've seen with CBS's outdoor business, the burgeoning use of digital advertising allows great flexibility in tailoring messaging to consumers, and can be efficiently controlled from a centralized location. At the same time, retail outlets will now have access to CBS's wide array of national and local entertainment, news and sports content from across the Company."
GuacMobile Healthy Eating Tour To Promote Healthy Eating Guacamole Style
Wholly Guacamole has sent the 13ft-tall GuacMobile on the road to promote healthy eating -- guacamole style --bringing awareness towards the good-for-you snack made from fruit. The GuacMobile Healthy-Eating Tour 2007 includes 110 stops in towns and cities nationwide including: New York, Orlando, Denver, Dallas and Chicago.
Each stop is smashed-full of all natural guacamole fun including: nutrition advice, family-friendly recipes, lots of yummy sampling and a super prize wheel. Many don't realize that avocados are super healthy, with the good fats that lower your cholesterol and touting proven oral and prostate cancer-fighting power.
"The GuacSquad is educating folks about vitamin-rich avocados and reinforcing healthy eating habits, says Steve Parnell, President of Wholly Guacamole. "Guacamole is nutritious, so by teaming up with Stacy's Pita Chips we can offer a healthy alternative to traditional dippers, and a snack solution that is easy to swallow."
Easton Hockey And EA Sports Team Up For Co-Branded Promotion
Surrounding Launch Of NHL 08 Video Game
Easton Hockey, makers of the #1 stick and #1 glove in the NHL, announced a two part co-branded promotion with EA SPORTS™ in conjunction with the launch of the new NHL® 08 video game recently. The first part of the promotion was a partnership with The Upper Deck Company that gave consumers who pre-ordered the NHL 08 game a chance to win a variety of prizes such as Easton hockey sticks. The second part consists of a partnership with Rogers Plus and Rogers Video where EA SPORTS™ NHL 08 enthusiasts can enter to win one of 10 Easton equipment packages.
Nomadic Announces New Distributor
Nomadic Display has announced that newly launched Bluewater Exhibit Group of Jacksonville and Tallahassee, Florida, has joined Nomadic Display's global network of distributors. Effective immediately, Bluewater's clients will have full access to Nomadic Display's extensive selection of portable and lightweight modular exhibit and display solutions. Joe Dorety, president of Bluewater Exhibit Group, said, "Our partnership with Nomadic Display enables us to provide the best possible combination of quality products and excellent service to our clients." Bluewater Exhibit Group (Web site) www.bluewaterexhibit.com provides tradeshow marketing strategy, tradeshow design services, exhibit system sales, logistics management services, and outdoor event displays to businesses in northern Florida and southern Georgia.
MC˛ Appts. M. Gallo
Leading experiential communications agency MC˛ has added Marco Gallo to its San Francisco sales team. In this new position, Gallo will develop new business opportunities utilizing the strategic perspective and considerable business experience he developed as a corporate trade show manager. Gallo was most recently with Cisco Systems for six years. As manager, corporate trade shows, he managed a team of eleven trade show professionals supporting both domestic and international events.
MG Design Names New Execs.
MG Design Associates has named Kristopher Malmberg, as Director Of
Integrated Services, responsible for leading the continued expansion of MG Design's Integrated Marketing Services Portfolio. Liese Tamburrino, VP Global Sales and Marketing, said, "Kris has a proven ability to cross-sell broad portfolios of services requiring multi-divisional and multi-national teams across retail, tradeshow, event marketing and corporate interiors markets. He has been leading and driving diverse teams with significant results throughout his extensive career." Kris is joining MG from MICE where he was VP of Sales.
Fox River Utilizes Green Exhibit
Fox River took into consideration green environmental practices for this 20'x30' exhibit, which it used at a recent Outdoor Retailer Show. A water-based wood stain made with low VOCs was used to finish the exhibit. The exhibit features cork for the floor and walls. The cork oaks thrive and regenerate, while never being cut down, which makes them completely sustainable. To represent the Midwest where Fox River socks are knitted and where the natural corn crop starch used for the socks is made, a silo is featured at the center of the exhibit.. The silo was built from recyclable rhythm board. This exhibit was created for Fox River by MG Design (Web site) www.mgdesign.com, a Pleasant Prairie, WI-based exhibit firm.
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