Cadillac Unveils New Luxury Design For Dealerships
Cadillac is rolling out a new design for its dealerships as part of the brand’s “Defining Moments” customer service initiative.
Designed by Gensler architects, the new showroom layout features open, well-lit displays and a customer lounge with a coffee bar. The design includes contemporary architecture and premium materials, such as English Oakand brushed stainless steel accents.
Suburban Cadillac of Ann Arbor is the first Cadillac dealer to complete the facility makeover. More than 200 Cadillac dealers across the United States have committed to completing a similar image upgrade within the next two years. “The dealer image is another piece in the effort to make Cadillac the new standard of the luxury market,” said Kurt McNeil, VP, Cadillac Sales and Service.
Hyundai Introduces a New Premium Brand
Hyundai Motor America recently introduced a premium line of vehicles to expand its customer base to luxury consumers. Hyundai did not want to create separate dealerships specifically for this premium brand. They wanted a dedicated space within existing Hyundai dealerships. DCI, a Milwaukee, WI-based display firm designed, developed, produced and installed two distinct showroom programs for the Hyundai dealer channel with 345 dealers enrolled in the program. To support the launch of the all-new Equus, and the Hyundai Genesis and Genesis Coupe, DCI created a “showroom-in-showroom” concept to display premium vehicles. This saves dealers a considerable investment in having to build a standalone premium dealership.
The Premium Showroom kits use pillars, brand walls, digital kiosks, flooring and lighting to define their respective areas and create traffic flow to direct consumers to the appropriate space to learn more about the vehicles.
BACARDI Launches New “Together” Campaign
BACARDI has launched the "BACARDI Together" campaign, a multi-media communications approach that includes TV, point-of-sale, out of home, experiential marketing, digital advertising and the “Like It Live, Like It Together” engagement program on Facebook. Toby Whitmoyer, vice president, category managing director, BACARDI rums, said, “The ‘BACARDI Together’ campaign was designed to unify the brand’s product portfolio and consumers across the country. Our goal is to create opportunities to bring people together both online and in real life to celebrate any occasion over a BACARDI cocktail. When consumers see the ‘BACARDI Together’ campaign, they will be able to relate what they see to their daily life and recognize BACARDI has always been, and will continue to be, an invention that brings them together.”
Margaritaville Introduces Skinny Margarita
Margaritaville Spirits has launched the new Skinny Margarita Ready-to-Drink Cocktail with only 95 calories per serving. This fresh take on a true classic offers a passport to indulge while escaping the calories. The Skinny Margarita is 100% all-natural, sweetened with agave nectar, has 95 Calories and 7.9 Carbohydrates per 4 oz. serving. Point-of-sale materials supporting the launch are headlined, “Greetings From Margaritaville.” The Skinny Margarita is marketed by Gemini Spirits & Wine, Chicago, IL.
Argo Tea Cafes Install Digital Menu Displays
Argo Tea, a Chicago-based chain of specialty tea cafes, has installed BrightSign® network-enabled HD1010 digital signage players.
Argo Tea uses the networking capabilities of the BrightSign HD1010 controllers and BrightSign Network Manager to remotely update prices and menu items on the 50 menuboards from its headquarters in Chicago. “Using BrightSign as our menu board presentation has allowed for more flexibility in flavor changes, pricing updates and layout redesigns,” said Simon Simonian, Argo Tea’s Director of IT and one of its founders.
Argo Tea's double-board menu displays use two ultra-compact BrightSign HD1010 media players discreetly hidden behind slim 52- and-55-inch monitors. The menu board for Argo Tea's Signature drinks features looping high-resolution photos showing the Signature drinks with pricing and the calorie count for small-, medium- and large-sizes. The second menu board is a multi-zone display featuring Argo Tea’s loose leaf tea varietals, coffee beverages and SpecialTea Food selection.
McAlister’s Deli Deploys New Digital Menu Boards
McAlister’s Corporation, a quick-casual restaurant chain with over 300 McAlister’s Deli locations across the U.S., has chosen WAND Corp., an Eden Prairie, MN-based digital signage firm, to provide an enterprise level Digital Menu Board solution for all McAlister’s Deli corporate and franchise digital sites.
The installation promises to be one of the largest deployments of Digital Menu Boards to date in the United States. “We call it our restaurant of the future,” said Annica Kreider, VP Marketing for McAlister’s, referring to the digital solution program. “It’s been exciting to see the reaction of guests to the Digital Menu Board system.”
Reese’s & Warner Bros. ‘Green Lantern’ Run Joint Promo
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, in partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment, has launched an on-pack, instant-win promotion around the “Green Lantern,” giving one lucky winner the jet-fighter experience of a lifetime. The Jet-Fighter Experience promotion invites fans to look for a game message on the inside of wrappers of specially marked packages of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. One lucky fan could find an instant-win prize of a ride for two in a fighter-style jet. Second-prize winners will get a “Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters” video game.
“Reese’s perfect pairing of peanut butter and chocolate has long thrilled consumers’ taste buds, and with the ‘Jet-Fighter Experience,’ the brand will be able to thrill fans’ other senses,” said Anna Lingeris, spokesperson for Hershey.
Slim Jim Dare Display Promotes New Flavors
Slim Jim, a ConAgra Foods brand has launched a new line of products called Slim Jim DARE. The spiciness of the flavors escalates from Kinda Hot Chili Pepper to Freakin' Hot Jalapeno and tops out with Really Freakin' Hot Habanero. “DARE presents a challenge to consumers with contemporary and complex flavors,” said Daniel Marple, Brand Director, ConAgra Foods. “It really is a whole new platform for us - spicier flavors, spicier names and even spicier packaging.”
Consumers can find the new flavors on in-store displays. The DARE attitude is captured with a little fun taunting inside the packaging with sayings like “Man up and take the next bite!,” and “You started this dare. Now finish it!,” which portray the fun of the challenge.
butter LONDON™ Nail Brand On Display In ULTA Stores
Consumers can now find their favorite butter LONDON™ products, including cutting edge colour nail lacquers, nail treatments, and pedicure essentials, on display in ULTA stores nationwide. butter LONDON’s™ lacquers are inspired by runway trends, Great Britain, and Rock & Roll.
“We partner with the world's top designers to create custom nail colour palettes, making butter LONDON™ the leader in high fashion and non-toxic nail lacquers,” said Nonie Creme, Founding Creative Director of butter LONDON™. “butter LONDON™ and ULTA are perfect partners,” said Leslie Freytag, President and CEO of butter LONDON™. “Offering an affordable, yet luxurious selection of nail products, butter LONDON™ is high fashion, which serves ULTA’s desire to provide affordable indulgences to their customers.”
Elizabeth Arden Displays Mariah Carey Lollipop Bling
This counter display was created to merchandise Mariah Carey’s Lollipop Bling, three new scents based on candy flavors created by Elizabeth Arden in partnership with the Topps company, which makes Ring Pops. The display supported the launch in multiple shopping environments including prestige department store and "masstige" retail locations such as drug chains.
The lines of the display are reminiscent of an old-world bubble gum vending machine as well as a lollipop, with its curved header and positioning of three sample bottoms at the base of the unit which mimic the look of a Ring Pop. A gravity feed feature for the fragrances is incorporated in the design for inventory control. The Mariah Carey's Lollipop Bling Counter Display was created by Mechtronics, a White Plains, NY-based display firm.
Versatile Basewrap Enhances Produce Displays In Foodland
Foodland is using this colorful Basewrap to promote produce during peak growing seasons. This Basewrap, produced by Proprint Services Inc., a Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based display firm, (www.pop-online.com) on 10pt tag stock and a poly stock that is water resistant and smooth in texture, was the perfect fit. In full four color process plus a special PMS color all printed on one pass of poly stock through the press, Proprint was able to keep the costs low, the turnaround quick and exceed the client's expectations. These rolls were produced in fifty foot lengths with an outer diameter of about one and a half inches which made for easy packing, kitting and distribution across many geographical areas in much smaller boxes than usual.
ChooseMyPlate Banners Displayed In Commissaries
Patrons of Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) stores are quickly getting the message that fruits and vegetables should be half of every meal. Banners displaying the new ChooseMyPlate graphics introduced by First Lady Michelle Obama recently began appearing in U.S. military commissaries throughout the Pacific Northwest. Commissary store directors are the first to promote the updated U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines as a tool to change eating behaviors of enlisted personnel and their families. Joint Base Lewis Commissary Store Director Janet Landon pointed to the plate icon on the banner clearly stating that fruits and vegetables should make up half the diet as key. “The new graphic simplifies everything,” said Landon.
In-Store Display Attracts Visitors To Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden’s only street level location at 5th Ave. and 54th Street in New York City, recently retained McCann Systems to create an in-store display with an audio visual projector to impact visitors walking in on street level as well as attract those walking on 5th Avenue.
McCann’s designers used a flexible, 38" wide by 52" tall, rear projection, acrylic screen by Large Screen Displays, that was formed to match the curvature of the walls. The screen, also a wave like structure becomes part of the wall. Content runs on a continuous loop off a video player, programmed by McCann, to schedule ad campaigns, product photos, and other promotional messages.
Cracker Barrel Features Four Sided Apparel Fixture
Cracker Barrel is using this four sided apparel fixture to merchandise apparel and related items in its stores. The fixture is constructed from metal and wood. The metal parts have a clear finish and the wood parts have a white finish to provide a country appearance, tying in with Cracker Barrel’s Old Country Store environment. This display was created for Cracker Barrel by Nashville Display, (www.nashvilledisplay.com), a Lebanon, TN-based p.o.p. display firm.
Talbots Opens New Design Concept Store
Talbots has opened a new design concept store at the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ. This innovative 5,500 sq. ft. store features an upscale residential feel, five individual rooms for different merchandise stories, and other exciting elements which bring Talbots “Tradition Transformed” brand platform to life.
The Garden State Plaza design concept store pays tribute to the Talbots brand heritage through its personalized and boutique-like shopping environment. Customer research drove many of the features of the store's design, which include a new color palette, a more luxurious fitting room environment, area rugs, marble nesters, étagères, and a brass door. Key features in store are being evaluated for potential rollout to existing stores in support of Talbots’ overall store reimage program.
Michael Smaldone, Talbots Chief Creative Officer, said, “This unique store brings the highest standard of our ‘Tradition Transformed’ platform to our customers and allows us to engage with her through a memorable and more personalized shopping experience that we modeled after a woman’s dream closet.” Talbots worked with Kramer Design Group on architecture, interior design, graphics and merchandising.
Art Of Shaving Launches In Charlotte
Pompei A.D. (www.pompeiad.com), a New York City-based design firm, designed The Art of Shaving’s new store in Charlotte, NC. The new visitor experience for The Art of Shaving, which was acquired by P&G in 2009, revolves around “The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave”; Prepare, Lather Up!, Shave, and Moisturize. A central table explains The 4 Elements, and demonstrates the key elements to the Perfect Shave.
These stores are supported by integrated merchandise; dynamic fixtures and natural materials including stained rift cut white oak, polished nickel and white Carrara marble; graphics and interactive elements. Many stores will also include a barber spa for in-store shaving treatments. “Our redesign of the retail environment showcases the brand and The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave in a way that is compelling without being intimidating,” said Ron Pompei, principal of Pompei A.D.
Patina Floor Design Stores Offer Technology-Driven Experiences
To realize its vision of bringing high-end home design directly to the consumer, Acme Brick partnered with digital technology company [wire] stone to create three unique, technology-driven, in-store experiences that revolutionize the way customers shop for flooring in its new Patina Floor Design Stores.
Judy Hunter, CFO, Acme Brick, said, “One of our goals with Patina was to empower consumers by utilizing modern technology to create advanced visualization tools that take the guesswork out of a design project-allowing customers to confidently select a new surface for their home.”
The showroom incorporates high-resolution, touch-screen displays, driven by software experiences created by [wire] stone, and featured in three visualization centers: The World of Patina touch-screen experience enables customers to find products, learn more about their characteristics, locate them in the store, and view hundreds of room scenes for inspiration. The Floor Creator table provides customers with a 6 by 3 foot area to select and view their tile pattern, color, layout and grout color-it is even able to display the natural tile variation across a large surface area and within a room scene. A separate kitchen vignette contains a built-in, 65-inch, high-resolution display with an interactive Backsplash Gallery that allows customers to visualize more than 50 different backsplash designs and inspirational design boards. Customers control the experience using a separate touch display. This virtual showroom supports Patina's customer service, arming its sales associates with powerful tools to guide customers through the broad array of options, help them identify preferences and facilitate a purchase.
Wonka Creates Rolling End Cap Display
Wonka wanted to feature its premium chocolate in a permanent outpost merchandiser for the Amusement park environment. This display was designed to merchandise the entire Wonka portfolio and it includes an updatable “marquee” area to spotlight new product offerings.
The unit captures the magic and whimsy of Wonka through the use of a variety of permanent materials, colors and textures. The Wonka Rolling End Cap was created by RockTenn, a Winston-Salem, NC-headquartered p.o.p. display firm.
Max Brenner Opens New Chocolate Bar In Boston
Max Brenner has opened a new chocolate bar concept in Boston, MA. Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man, has spread its culture to the United States with locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and now a new chocolate bar location in Boston. Giyora Bar Dea, Chairman of Max Brenner, said, “Our new branch in Boston constitutes another step in the expansion of the Max Brenner brand in the U.S. We believe the local community in Boston will embrace the unique concept of a premium chocolate and food experience.”
Built as a 5,900 sq. ft. single-floor compound, the new chocolate bar in Boston has 175 seats in the dining room and 24 seats in the outside patio. It includes a full-service bar, a chocolate store and a restaurant under the unique MB chain concept, offering chocolate-based food, beverages, desserts and alcoholic drinks.
Beam & Courvoisier Launch Courvoisier Rosé
Beam Global Spirits & Wine has launched Courvoisier Rosé. A smooth blend of Courvoisier cognac and premium French red wine grapes, Courvoisier Rosé is a light, refreshing alternative for those who typically pair cognac with juice or other mixers. “We are thrilled to add Courvoisier Rosé to the Courvoisier family and offer consumers a new, fun and refreshing twist on cognac,” said Mallika Monteiro, Brand Manager, Courvoisier.
Captain Morgan Unveils ‘Life, Love. Loot’ Campaign
Captain Morgan has launched a new campaign that takes its inspiration from the real-life privateer and rum icon, Captain Henry Morgan.
Academy Award-winning director Tom Hooper joined Captain Morgan aboard a 17th Century replica of the Galleon Andalucia to film the three feature film-caliber advertising executions.
“In paying homage to Captain Henry Morgan in our marketing efforts for the first time, we took care to ensure that his portrayal was as authentic as possible,” said Tom Herbst, Brand Director, Captain Morgan USA, Diageo. “As our consumers continue to evolve, we recognized that Captain Morgan himself needed to evolve. Each spot in the ‘To Life, Love and Loot’ campaign showcases a new side of the Captain and reinforces that even today, they can live like the Captain lived.” Point-of-sale displays support the campaign at retail.
Zodiac Pool Systems Displays Target Pool Owners
Zodiac Pool Systems is stepping up promotional efforts to help its dealers promote pool products for the 2011 summer pool season and has launched an extensive consumer campaign supported by new in-store point-of-purchase displays. This sleek floor display merchandises the Polaris® 9300, a new robotic cleaner that has been styled after the Bugatti Italian sports car.
GoPro HD Activity Cameras Displayed In Best Buy Stores
GoPro’s HD HERO cameras are the latest addition to Best Buy’s expanding digital imaging selection in stores. The HD HERO line of cameras capture immersive perspectives during outdoor activities by mounting directly to helmets and other equipment, including bikes, boards and vehicles. GoPro’s products are used to capture and share incredible first person perspectives of their favorite sports activities. GoPros cameras are now available along with a selection of accessories at Best Buy stores.
Lisa Farrell, SVP, general manager portable electronics for Best Buy, said, “GoPro’s HD HERO camera is a natural fit for Best Buy’s growing digital imaging category in that it’s a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers who want to shoot professional quality video directly from their point of view and other never before possible perspectives.”
Warrior Sports Features ideaPro-Pocket-Display In Sports Authority Stores
Warrior Sports, a leader in Lacrosse equipment, was looking to create a unique display as part of a new Lacrosse Shop in Sports Authority stores . They wanted a display that would promote three Pro Strung heads, highlight the difference from the competition and increase brand awareness.
Graphic Resource Group, a Troy, MI-based display firm, created a display and sales fixture with interchangeable graphics and heavy duty construction to highlight these professional Lacrosse heads. Graphic Resource Group also created overhead aisle signs, and in-store graphics to complete the transformation.
Golf Town Stores Revolutionize MA Golf Retail Landscape
Golf Town, Canada’s largest golf retailer, has completed its $25 million U.S. market expansion, and the opening of its first five stores throughout greater Boston.
“We are excited to bring Golf Town’s unique retail entertainment experience to golf enthusiasts throughout New England," said President/CEO Stephen Bebis. “From price to selection, customer service to interactive fun, our new stores beat the competition by offering a new approach to golf retailing that is not currently available to consumers in New England.”
Golf Town encourages its customers to work with its pros to test every option before making a selection. Town’s size advantage enables it to incorporate more interactive opportunities in its stores - like simulators, putting greens and on-site pro shops - which means that Golf Town customers will not have to wait to play even during the busiest days.
‘Sponge Bob’ Sunglasses Displayed At Wal-Mart
This “Sponge Bob” Sunglass Display was produced for Wal-Mart stores. The display was created by Alpak Display Group, (www.alpak.com), a Saddle Brook, NJ-based p.o.p. display company. Alpak pre-assembled and loaded these displays for “one-stop” distribution throughout the Wal-Mart network of stores.
Polaroid Displays New Sunglasses Collection
Polaroid Eyewear has launched a new heritage sunglass collection entitled Best Under The Sun, recreating some of the most iconic Polaroid designs from the 1930s to the 1980s. Each design has been selected as a unique representation of that particular decade and is faithfully recreated with the meticulous detail of the original - in the latest high-tech materials.
“We have created something unique with the Best Under The Sun collection, derived from Polaroid archives, recreated fully using only high premium materials and premium polarized lenses,” said Jerry Dreifuss, Global Marketing Manager at Polaroid Eyewear. “This new sunglass line is drawn from our experience within the industry that dates back to 1937, and features iconic, individual styles for iconic, individual people. Consumers will be able to purchase pieces from the Best Under The Sun collection through major retailers, including the Polaroid Eyewear Store.
Winn-Dixie Unveils New Shopping Experience
Winn-Dixie Stores has completed its newly remodeled Aventura store in Miami, FL, where guests can now look forward to a dramatically enhanced shopping experience, featuring many new amenities including hardwood flooring throughout the produce, deli and bakery departments, and a dedicated area offering free Wi-Fi access and complimentary coffee.
“We are excited to deliver on our promise of providing our guests with a fresh, new shopping experience at their Aventura Winn-Dixie Store,” said Randy Rambo, Winn-Dixie southern regional vice president. “This store exemplifies our fresh and local strategy and serves as a one-stop grocery destination catering to the tastes and preferences of the surrounding community.”
ConAgra Places Destination Centers In Grocery Stores
ConAgra wanted to create an in-aisle destination center in grocery stores to house convenient meals in one place. The objective was to consolidate and segment convenient meals, making it easier to shop, thereby increasing both category and ConAgra brand growth.
In order to properly segment the convenience meals, eye-catching headers were developed. The categories were separated into four key segments: soups, premium flavors, everyday pastas and hearty options. Each header effectively communicated the category using quick copy and appetite appeal photography. An overall header and a floor talk were created to communicate exactly what the destination offered: “Mealtime Made Simple.” Consumers could spot the bold red color of the header and floor talk from various places in the store, helping them navigate the aisles.
Shelf blades reinforce the design of the header and floor talk and also communicate that the meals within the destination are all “single serve” meals. he ConAgra in-aisle destination center was created by Launch Creative Marketing, (www.launchcreative), a Chicago, IL-based promotion agency.
Seattle’s Best Coffee Expands To 50,000 Locations
Seattle’s Best Coffee has expanded to more than 50,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The rapid expansion of Seattle’s Best Coffee, part of Starbucks Corp., was kick-started one year ago when the business unveiled a fresh approach to the coffee category -- a fun, optimistic brand and a business strategy to make premium coffee far more accessible than ever before. Michelle Gass, President, Seattle’s Best Coffee, said, “Now with more than 50,000 places to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of our coffee, we are well on our way to becoming one of the most accessible premium coffee brands in the world.”
By forging strategic relationships with other brands, Seattle’s Best is bringing premium coffee to the places where on-the-go consumers frequent the most. In the past year, Seattle's Best Coffee has become available at BURGER KING, Subway Restaurants, AMC Theatres and on board Delta Air Lines flights. Seattle's Best is testing a store-within-a-store coffee bar concept designed to fit in a small footprint. The first four coffee bars are located in Walmart Supercenters in Canada.
Saladworks Debuts New 3G Design
Saladworks, the nation’s largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept, is implementing a new “3G” store design in all franchise locations. The new model design hinges on increasing throughput to serve customers quickly and efficiently, while emphasizing Saladworks’ “over the top freshness.” By combining sleek architectural design with bright, crisp colors in all new locations, Saladworks has created an environment that is inviting and upscale.
The remodeled design updates the front of the store - offering a clean, fresh atmosphere. The upgrade is not just cosmetic; Saladworks raised the bar on all levels, from the store design and photography to new, state-of-the-art proprietary equipment, uniforms and menus.
WD Nomad™ Displays Rugged Case
WD® has introduced the WD Nomad™ rugged case, a durable case designed to protect My Passport® portable hard drives from drops as high as seven feet, moisture, spills and mishaps associated with active, on-the-go lifestyles. The functional design includes an opening for the drive’s USB connector, so the user can access the drive while it remains in the case. Dale Pistilli, VP Marketing for WD's branded products group, said, “With the My Passport drive and WD Nomad rugged case, owners can rest assured they are doing everything they can to protect their digital lives.”
N700 Lapdesk Interactive Endcap Display Placed In Best Buy Stores
This interactive endcap display launched Logitech’s new Speaker Lapdesk N700 exclusively in Best Buy stores. Logitech wanted to create a permanent, interactive display that educates shoppers on the benefits of the New Speaker Lap-desk, while staying within the cost parameters of a semi-permanent display.
The display is engineered to present the high-end audio features of the N700 Lapdesk by incorporating a second surface printed, touch-sensitive, LED pulsating activation button. A custom control circuit allows for the audio content to be played through the actual N700 Lapdesk that is on display.
With the product featured out of box, sitting under an acrylic lapdesk, the display stops customers in their tracks and quickly communicates how the product is used. This Interactive Endcap Display was created by Darko Inc., a Twinsburg, OH-based display firm.
Lord of the Rings Extended Edition Featured On Endcap Displays
Warner Home Video has released The Lord of the Rings The Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition on Blu-ray in a 15-disc collection.
The set boasts more than 26 hours of additional content, highlighted by the rare behind-the-scenes documentaries created by Costa Botes, the filmmaker given unprecedented access to the set of each production by Lord of the Rings Director, Peter Jackson.
The Lord of the Rings The Motion Picture Trilogy: Extended Edition is featured on endcap displays in Best Buy stores.
“Cars 2” Boutiques Featured At Toys “R” Us
Toys"R"Us stores are helping kids join the “Race Around the World” by creating Cars 2-inspired “racetrack” boutiques in nearly 1,300 toy stores across the globe. These “racetracks” offer the largest assortment of Cars 2 toys, including wood and diecast replicas of Cars characters, R/C vehicles, construction sets, playsets, musical instruments and electronic devices, including special Cars 2 product lines that are available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores worldwide.
Karen Dodge, Sr. VP, Toys"R"Us Chief Merchandising Officer, said, “Toys "R "Us is the ultimate destination for the broadest and most differentiated selection of toys based on characters from Cars 2.” Inviting kids to join a “Race Around the World,” just like in the film, each “racetrack” features images of new characters introduced in this epic adventure alongside Lightning McQueen and his best friend, Mater.
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