AT&T Launches Interactive Display Program
AT&T's new digital retail program keeps shoppers and customers “in-the-know” about AT&T Products. The objective was to assist with sell through of AT&T’s DSL and Uverse products.
A permanent kiosk was developed with 27" flat screen monitor, 15" touch screen monitor, integrated keyboard, concealed pc with internet connection and interchangeable graphics.
The AT&T EMS Interactive Display Program was launched at AT&T retail locations throughout the U.S. and was created by Performance Rettail Marketing, Bensenville, IL.
Qwest Launches Interactive Retail Kiosks Qwest Launches Interactive Retail Kiosks
Qwest Communications has launched a new generation of interactive retail kiosks. Qwest has unveiled kiosks in shopping centers in Colorado, Iowa, North Dakota, Washington and Arizona, with plans to open additional locations across the company’s 14-state region.
All of the residential and small-business products that Qwest offers, including voice services, Qwest high-speed and fiber-optic Internet services, Verizon Wireless service and DIRECTV® service, are available at the Qwest kiosks, but the goal of Qwest’s new retail strategy is to let consumers experience the very broad set of products and services Qwest offers, and see how these services can be mixed and matched to suit their lifestyles.
Jim Vogel, V.P. at Qwest, said, “The Qwest kiosks show consumers how the right mix of products and services available through Qwest - high-speed Internet, Verizon Wireless, video and voice - can work together.”
Miller Opens ‘Miller Cool Zones’
Nascent Foodservice, the leading distributor of imported products in Mexico, recently partnered with club store chain, Smart and Final De Mexico, with 10 locations in California, for a Miller beer promotion.
Nascent created a store within a store concept called the “Miller Cool Zone,” promoting the Miller beer brand in these Smart and Final outlets.
Sandro Piancone, CEO of Nascent, said, “We are excited to partner with Smart and Final De Mexico by creating a store-within-store concept, the ‘Miller Cool Zone’ for its beer outlet locations. This will enable us to expand the reach of the Miller beer brand and expand Nascent’s relationship with Smart and Final.”
Captain Morgan Launches Original Spiced100 Proof Rum
Diageo has introduced Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum nationwide. The new spirit is available nationwide in a range of sizes from 50ML to 1.75L.
The new blend has a pleasant and robust taste balanced with delicious spices, and is a great alternative for Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum drinkers who are looking for a full-flavored taste.
“Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum offers a hint of vanilla and dry fruits, creating an exceptionally different and smooth taste,” said Nagisa Manabe, Vice President, Captain Morgan. An array of colorful point-of-sale materials will support the launch of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum.
Walmart 'Rock Again AC/DC Store' Launches New Album
AC/DC has joined forces with Walmart for the exclusive sale of Black Ice -- AC/DC's first album in eight years, at all Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations. The band’s AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band(R) Track Pack(TM) video game, will also be sold exclusively by Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Tying into the retail launch of Black Ice, Columbia Records and Walmart plan to give fans even more access to this legendary band. In each of its 3,500 Walmart stores, Walmart created a “Rock Again AC/DC Store” within the store. While the new $11.88 Black Ice CD album holds centerstage, it will be surrounded by new AC/DC apparel, DVDs, past albums, games, and even a social gaming station for fans to try out their rock-n-roll skills on Rock Band.
Walmart also dispatched interactive Black Ice trucks on the streets of New York City and Los Angeles tying into the albums release. Making new stops each day, the trucks fill the air with AC/DC music, and allow players to demo the new AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band(R) Track Pack game on the truck's back stage.
“We've turned up the volume to support what we know is one of this year’s most awaited albums from one of the world's most popular bands,” said Gary Severson, Wal-Mart’s Senior Vice President of Entertainment. “This is the first time in our history where we’ve taken such a
large area within our store to celebrate a legendary band, and we invite fans of all ages to come out with us and get ready to rock.”
Kodak Creates KODAK EXPRESS Experiential Store
Eastman Kodak Co. has unveiled its new “KODAK EXPRESS Experiential Store” design.
The Experiential Store enables participating KEX store owners to offer their consumers a photo-centric shopping experience, rather than just photo services transactions.
John Culverhouse, Marketing Director, Retail Printing Solutions, Eastman Kodak Co., said, “Our Experiential Store redesign, better positions photo retailers to create these environments. These environments leverage the trusted Kodak brand and comprise quality products that fulfill consumers’ needs, and an aesthetic that inspires consumers to do more with their pictures.”
The Experiential Store leverages a broad portfolio of products for 26,000 KEX store locations worldwide. The result is a clean, bright store divided into four retail areas (Shoot It. Create It. Print It. Display It.).
HP Experience Stores Merge Technology & Lifestyle Interests
HP has introduced the new HP Experience that will make it easier for consumers to find, compare, learn about and purchase products and solutions.
Key store highlights include: improved store layout, interactive demos and a clutter-free environment. Experience Zones for Mobility, Digital Entertainment, Digital Photography and Gaming provide enjoyable, tailored experiences, making it easy for consumers to find, compare and interact with the appropriate HP technology for specific lifestyles and interests.
The HP Alternate Experience Centers will cater to the lifestyles of distinct customer segments - women, youth and families, by taking HP technology to locations where these key audiences shop and play.
Sterling Promotions
aVinci Media Displays Photo Movie Software
aVinci Media Corp. is displaying its aVinci® Studio Photo DVD kits in Walgreens stores across the U.S.
Chett Paulsen, aVinci’s CEO, said, “Walgreens customers will be able to buy our DVD kit and use their home computers to create compelling full motion productions, complete with fully licensed popular music that they can view on any television or personal computer with a DVD player.”
The aVinci® Studio Photo DVD kits will be on display in the photo departments of Walgreens stores. Each kit comes with nine different “movie” themes for customers to choose from, including All Occasion, Wedding, Baby, Achievement, and Vacation, to name a few with additional seasonal titles available for download online. The kits include a finished professional quality DVD production that is mailed directly to the end customer.
PopCap Games Displays Bejewled Twist
PopCap Games is displaying its latest hit PC game Bejeweled Twist(TM) at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Target, among other retail chains.
With marketing and point-of-sale support and packaging with production values unprecedented for a casual game title, Bejeweled Twist is poised to quickly usurp its predecessor Bejeweled® 2.
“Support for PopCap products at retail is at an all-time high and continues to grow, with our games currently being carried in over 20,000 retail locations in North America,” said Glenn Drover, Director, Retail Sales. P.O.P. materials include end caps, half-pallets and temporary corrugated displays.
CVS/pharmacy Launches Beauty 360
CVS/pharmacy has launched Beauty 360(TM), an innovative store concept designed to change the way women shop for prestige beauty.
Beauty 360 will be staffed with licensed professionals offering a unique suite of brand-specific signature services including mini-manicures, express facials, hand massages and make-up application. “Innovation Stations” throughout the space highlight product technology while “Play Stations” allow for product testing.
Mike Bloom, Sr. V.P., Merchandising at CVS/pharmacy, said, “Beauty 360 will redefine the beauty shopping experience by providing customers with access to prestige and niche beauty brands and an unparalleled level of service."
The inaugural Beauty 360 location has opened in Washington, D.C. adjacent to CVS/pharmacy stores and can be accessed via a breezeway or a separate store entrance.
Estee Lauder Lab Series Features Interactive Display
The Estee Lauder Lab Series Skin Care For Men product line is using a digital solution comprising LCD screens and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tagged products fully integrated with both signagelive (www.signagelive.com) and traditional retail point of sale, which when picked up, play back video specific to the selected product along with cross-recommendation to other products in the range. In addition, a special tag presented by a Lab Series Consultant turns the screens into a skin scanner enabling a customer’s skin type to be analyzed and suitable products recommended. This RFID P.O.P. solution was created for the Estee Lauder Lab Series products for men by Lime IT (www.lime-it.co.uk), a signagelive Strategic Partner.
ooma Expands Retail Presence With New Displays
ooma, Inc. announced that its ooma home phone system that provides free home phone service will now be displayed at leading consumer electronics stores across the country including Best Buy, Datavision, Fry’s Electronics, Micro Center and J&R.
“We are pleased to offer consumers more retail outlets to purchase an ooma home phone system,” said Aaron Duran, V.P., Retail Sales, ooma.
An ooma system consists of the ooma Hub™ connected to a broadband connection and an existing home phone. The ooma Scout device extends the benefits of the ooma system to additional phone jacks in the home.
Z-Wave Display Brings Green Home Solutions To Fry’s
The Z-Wave-based home management solutions are now available in Fry’s stores across the nation, making it the first retailer nationwide to offer affordable energy savings for the whole home.
Yan Rodriguez, Director, Home Networking & Access with Wayne-Dalton, one of the members of the Z-Wave Alliance, said, “Our offerings at Fry’s will provide consumers with easy to install wireless products that can solve real challenges for today’s busy homeowner including energy conservation, enhanced safety and security, and remote home management from a PC or cell phone, to name a few.”
The Z-Wave display will feature products from three Z-Wave Alliance members -- Wayne-Dalton, Hawking Technologies and GE -- to provide a one-stop shopping resource for Z-Wave-enabled home automation and control solutions.
Platypus Displays Hydration Products
Cascade Designs, a leading marketer of innovative equipment for the outdoor enthusiast, has introduced this floor display to merchandise its Platypus line of hydration products.
The display allows for interchangeable graphic elements, has casters for mobility, and is designed to knock-down for low cost UPS shipping.
The new Platypus Floor Display provides the functionality of slatgrid to allow the use of off-the-shelf peg hooks. The slatgrid panels allow multiple merchandising options, so that retailers can tailor the display to their specific needs. This custom slatgrid is supported in a unique split construction arced frame that is bolted to a MDF base fitted with 4 swivel/locking casters for mobility. By echoing the curvilinear shapes and water-related graphic elements of the Platypus packaging, this display reinforces the brand. This display was created for Cascade Designs by Concept Designs Inc., a Palo Alto, CA based display firm.
Torpedo Shark Display Grabs Consumer Attention
USA Pool & Toy, O’Brien, FL, is placing this 12 piece Torpedo Shark Display in pool stores, zoos and aquariums.
The display features three each of four different style sharks and dolphins for a total of 12 pieces per pool toy display. The 13.75" x 9.25" x 10.5" pool toy display grabs consumers attention and increases impulse purchases.
Kraft Foods Unveils Snack Smarter Display
Kraft Foods created the Kraft Snack Smarter display to attract consumers to the Kraft cheese section. The challenge of this display was that each retail location needed a unique, customized version to work within their store set. The display can expand from a 4' set to a typical 8' set.
The fixture has universal hardware that can work in any type of gondola. The flexible hardware also allows for additional signage (blades) to hang off the side arms to complete a retail environment. The graphic attachment is flexible to provide a customized look to each retailer location. The Kraft Snack Smarter display was created by DB Studios, Inc. (Display Boys), Santa Ana, CA.
Mars Snackfood Counter Unit Displays Dove Chocolate
Mars Snackfood US has announced new flavors of premium DOVE® Chocolate, among the top-selling brands of premium chocolate in the country.
New DOVE® PROMISES® Changemakers combine indulgent chocolate with a convenient sensual experience. Consumers can experience this bite-sized piece of silky milk chocolate or rich dark chocolate from a countertop display that features appetizing swirling chocolate graphics.
Mars is also introducing DOVE® Chocolate Large Bars, now available in two new flavors: Creamy Cappuccino, which is a milk chocolate indulgence with a rich coffee taste, and Mandarin Orange, which infuses dark chocolate with orange flavor.
Pioneer Opens U.S. Retail Store In Phoenix
Pioneer Electronics has opened the doors to its second U.S. store in Phoenix, AZ. The 3,200 sq. ft. store showcases Pioneer’s state-of-the-art products in a comfortable home environment with six vignettes, each featuring unique themes and different technologies, as well as a revamped mobile electronics section bringing an interactive shopping experience to patrons.
“Building upon the immense success of our flagship store in Orange County, CA, Pioneer’s Phoenix store breathes new life into the traditional shopping experience offering enhanced services previously unavailable to customers, helping them build a direct relationship with Pioneer,” said Jeff Hagg, National Retail Manager of Pioneer Stores. “By opening this dialogue with consumers, we can provide specific feedback regarding their interests and needs to product planners and engineers, aiding in the development of new products.”
Verizon Wireless Stores Display New BlackBerry Storm
Verizon Wireless Communications Stores are featuring the new BlackBerry(R) Storm(TM) on display, available exclusively in the U.S. from Verizon Wireless.
The world’s first “clickable” touch screen BlackBerry has been reported to be selling quickly at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.
REI Opens Prototype Store To Test Green Building Concepts
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has opened a prototype store initiative that aims to test retail design and green building concepts, in Round Rock, TX.
The two-story, 32,700 sq. ft. store at University Oaks Shopping Center follows REI’s first prototype location in Boulder, CO. For the store’s design, the co-op has again partnered with Gensler, a design consulting firm. Round Rock is the second REI store to be built using the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Retail rating system.
To lessen the building’s carbon footprint, the green building features include the use of natural lighting and energy efficient systems, a solar heater, sustainable materials and water reduction measures.
Buzzwater Features Wobbler In P.O.P. Campaign
The Buzzwater Company has launched a point of sale campaign using high impact wobblers. The wobbler draws the consumer’s eye to these healthy caffeine enhanced premium natural spring water beverages.
These beverages are enhanced with two different strengths of l00% pure organic caffeine. They are further enhanced with minerals and electrolytes. The two beverage products contain zero calories, carbs or artificial flavorings.
The wobblers have had a large impact on sales of cases of the caffeine enhanced water line. The wobblers were created for Buzzwater Co. by Proprint Services Inc., a Toronto, Ontario-based point-of-purchase display company.
Celsius Develops Floor Display For Walgreens
Celsius, The Original Calorie Burner beverage, developed this floor display for Walgreens stores in New England.
Several in-store promotions will reward consumers for shopping at Walgreens and buying Celsius. These include a chance to win: Bruins “Miss” Conduct promotion which includes 4 Bruins tickets; NCAA College Sports tickets to see the New England area college teams and a College Sixth Man Basketball or Hockey promotion which includes 4 tickets to two customers each month to be “Sixth Man” at a New England University-based hockey or basketball team.
Goody Products Promotes Hair Fashion Accessories
Goody Products recently provided retailers with colorful display headers to promote its lines of hair fashion accessory products in-store.
The headers were made with foamboard printed with four color litho process plus two additional spot colors. The headers were mounted directly to retailers’ gondola displays using double sided tape.
The display headers are economical, durable and easy to install. These display headers were created for Goody Products by U.S. Display Group, a Tullahoma, TN-based display firm.
Walgreens Signage System Promotes Sun Care Products
Walgreens wanted to increase awareness and sales of various sun care products through the use of high impact, signage components. Ease of assembly in-store was a must. These highly sustainable display components are constructed from .030 laminated solid fiber. The two-sided signage panels ship KD and are easily assembled.
The high impact graphics are achieved through offset printing. The signage system is executed in-store in a matter of minutes due to its pre-glued components. The signage panels were positioned above eye level to create the necessary level of visual excitement. The Walgreens Signage System was created by Great Northern Corporation Consumer Packaging and Display, a Racine, WI-based point-of-purchase display firm.
SKECHERS Footwear Opens Flagship Store In San Francisco
SKECHERS USA has opened a high-profile flagship store in the heart of San Francisco’s premier shopping area. The three-floor SKECHERS location is also the Company’s largest concept store at 7,500 sq. ft. The store features 800 unique styles and is capable of housing 20,000 units of footwear and apparel.
The store features modern curved fixtures, two 12-foot by 4-foot LED screens, seven plasma screens, thermo clear panels on the 16-foot ceiling, and a three-dimensional “super block wall” constructed from Styrofoam and plaster.
“Our new Powell Street flagship store has everything we require in a retail location and more,” said Michael Greenberg, SKECHERS president. “It is in a beautiful building that both reflects the brand’s image and furthers its reputation. The consumers that shop for our footwear and apparel in this store will be in for an incredible experience.
Via Spiga Flagship Store Debuts In Soho, New York City
With the opening of the flagship Via Spiga store in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood, Brown Shoe Co. brings to life one of Milan’s most exclusive fashion districts. The Via Spiga Soho store is designed to immerse consumers in the brand’s namesake Via della Spiga, a boutique-filled avenue in Milan.
“We created a shopping environment steeped in the spirit of modern Italian design, and showcase within it multiple categories of Via Spiga accessories for a complete brand experience,” said Rick Ausick, President-Brown Shoe New York Wholesale.
Shoppers are visually transported to Via della Spiga as they step onto stone tiles evocative of the famed avenue’s cobblestones, and take in the oversized image of the store’s namesake street that spans the rear wall. Shoes, handbags and belts are showcased in shop window-style displays surrounding a working fountain.
Domino’s Uses Diffused LED Technology For P.O.S. Signage
Domino’s Pizza has selected Synergetic Media’s proprietary new Lights ‘n Motion animated diffused LED technology for its new 20/20 store branding program.
The pizza chain, with over 8,000 outlets worldwide, has already developed seven new signage models including OPEN, HOT, FRESH, FAST, Order Online, Drive Thru and Phone Number signs, which all use the animation feature to attract consumer attention. The signs are being used in the Dominos retail store interior facing outside with the idea that the lights and animation will call attention to the store’s new look.
Domino’s, wanted to attract a sizable customer base that prefers to pick up their pizza rather than have it delivered. To generate more carry out, Domino’s needed a more inviting look with new in-store signage. Another problem was that Domino’s was no longer permitted to use its neon signage in some states due to environmental concerns. Domino’s turned to Synergetic Media because SMI's proprietary diffused LED technology was ideal for the new 20/20 branding program and a greener solution than neon.
“SMI’s diffused LED signage with its incredible brightness, lower operating costs and energy savings, in addition to being a greener solution, helps us fulfill our new 20/20 in store branding initiative and is an alternative to the inherent problem with neon,” said Gus Kandah, Domino’s Purchasing and Capital Sales Manager.
The SMI Dominos signs include both animated and static modes, and use acrylic encapsulation to give them a crisp, clean “see-through” look. The new signs offer 2,000cd/m2 in brightness while consuming significantly less power than a comparable neon sign. The new technology offers benefits over existing systems including low power consumption, much longer life, very high brightness, true color rendition and the capability to support icon animation.
Chris Bazos, CEO, Synergetic Media, said, “This new technology offers the brightness and visibility retailers need, but with significant cost and feature advantages which make it attractive for marketers seeking to go green.”
Life Fitness Opens Concept Shop In Dick’s Stores
Dick’s Sporting Goods will test an offering of Life Fitness cardio and strength equipment in 20 stores located in the Northeast, represented by a unique “store within a store” shopping experience branded by Life Fitness.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is adding an expanded product line-up to include health-club quality products for the home.
“We are always looking for ways to reach a new customer-base,” said Tim Wild, Vice President of the consumer business for Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation. “This opportunity with Dick’s Sporting Goods allows us to do that, while also assisting Dick’s in expanding upon their existing fitness offering.”
Dick’s will offer an experiential, interactive shopping environment through the Life Fitness “store within a store” concept. This store design features room scenes and lifestyle graphics that put the equipment into everyday living settings.
Suunto Interactive Display Offers Wrist-top Computer Watches
Suunto USA wanted an interactive in-store display for its sophisticated wrist-top watches.
Suunto used the VideoFlyer 064 solid state media player from Digital View, Morgan Hill, CA. The VideoFlyer 064 provides a 6.4" TFT panel with full motion MPEG video and an 8-segment touch screen with programmable playback that mounts on top of the rear panel of the watch display.
The customer can watch the Suunto company video or go right to “Which wrist-top computer is right for you?” and learn which model has the features they’re looking for.
Teutonia Brand Strollers Debut In U.S.
Newell Rubbermaid’s Baby & Parenting Essentials global business unit announced the U.S. introduction of a new line of German-engineered Teutonia(R) brand premium strollers and accessories. Extensive Teutonia consumer research revealed parents shopping for premium strollers prefer a high level of customization, but options in the category have traditionally been limited to cosmetic choices of fabrics and colors. In response, Teutonia created the “Teutonia Customization Experience,” which enables consumers to personalize every aspect of the stroller -- from wheels, to chassis, to fabrics and accessories.
Using an in-store kiosk, consumers use software that guides them through the build, design and accessorize phases. The line offers three seating options, two wheel options, three stroller chassis and more than 40 colors and styles, as well as coordinating accessories like a diaper bag, reversible seat insert, and mosquito net.
Sally Hansen Displays New Lip Lab Line
This display launched the new Lip Lab line in drug outlets. The unit had to be compact and adaptable to various power wing configurations.
The compact design fits in a footprint of less than l.5 sq. ft. Just two sizes fit the power wings of all major retailers.
The unit is easy to update with frames that pop out and trays that slide onto different tracks for taller or shorter products. It ships completely assembled and retailers simply hang it on the existing power wing. The display was created by P.O.P. Displays, Inc., Yonkers, NY.
MATRIX Creates One Stop Shop For Hair Care
MATRIX, a division of L'Oreal, wanted to consolidate all the different Matrix brands into one cohesive Store within a Store environment. A unique branded store-in-store feel was created for Matrix and its products within the opensell environment using a consistent color framing and graphic system. All elements were finished in white with the Matrix logo screened in red.
Elements of the program include: The Header System: a curved profile with the end caps stamped with the Matrix logo. The Ticket Channel System, which is similar to the shape of the header. The Endcap Graphics System features a mobile front panel. A Pull-Out Hair Color Box, which makes finding the right hair color easy. The attributes of each brand are presented graphically on the front of the merchandising box. The Consultation Unit is an interactive kiosk within the gondola wall. This display system was created for Matrix by Array Marketing, a Scarborough, Ontario-based display firm.
Superior Nut & Candy Floor Spinner Display
Superior Nut & Candy is using this floor spinner display to merchandise its line of nut and candy products in grocery stores. The two sided fixed position rotors provide a clear view for a large number of product facings. This display was created by Midway Displays, a Bedford Park, IL-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Tom’s Of Maine Asks Consumers To Take ‘The Natural Challenge’
Tom’s of Maine recently asked consumers to join them in the Natural Challenge, a national program created for people who want to support their health and wellness with natural oral and body care products but have hesitated to try them because they're not sure they’ll work as well as conventional brands.
Taking the Tom’s Natural Challenge(TM) is simple and risk-free. Consumers can find Natural Challenge(TM) special displays at participating retailers across the U.S. These displays will contain a variety of Tom’s effective, natural personal care products, including deodorants, fluoride toothpastes, and toothpastes with whitening. The displays also offer a coupon good for $1 off. If consumers are not 100% satisfied with their Tom’s experience, they can return the product for a full refund.
Virgin Megastores Launch ‘Beatles Boutiques’
Virgin Megastores are teaming with Signatures Network to help celebrate the Beatles by creating Beatles Boutiques in all of the chain's U.S. stores. The Boutique will offer a comprehensive collection of Beatles apparel, accessories, books, CDs and DVDs in specially designed mini-stores inside all the Virgin Megastores.
“As the premier entertainment lifestyle retailer, Virgin Megastores are the perfect home for a complete Beatles Boutique that will offer exclusive fashion items and Beatles-themed products, as well as a deep collection of music and DVDs,” said Maureen Ferguson Lewis, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Virgin Entertainment Group.
KURO Retail Environments Open Nationwide
This store-in-store, brand building environment was recently designed to showcase Pioneer's high-end KURO plasma screen. Drawing inspiration from the brand itself (KURO means black in Japanese) the environment combines an intense color palette with sleek, modern ambiance. Dramatic halo lighting showcases the KURO products against brilliant polished surfaces-an effect which expands the perceived size of the room. Sharp-edged, glossy-black fixtures define the space and underscore the product's premium quality. "We designed and built the environments to reflect the dramatic Intensity of the KURO product, to articulate its advanced technology and to draw the quality driven customer that Pioneer's marketing team targets," said Rob Murphy, chief marketing officer of MC², a Chestnut Ridge, NY-based experiential marketing agency.
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