Office Depot Is Featuring SoftwareToGo
Office Depot is launching SoftwareToGo, the first electronic library system to produce CD-ROMs on site at individual retail locations.
SoftwareToGo’s burn-to-order technology enables retailers to offer a vast range of software titles without stock inventory. In addition, SoftwareToGo’s extensive Advanced Security Anti-Piracy (ASAP) feature protects publishers’ intellectual property rights and assures consumers they are getting licensed originals.
SoftwareToGo takes the established benefits of electronic delivery one step further by giving consumers immediate access to physical product at convenient retail locations. Consumers select their titles directly on a Product Preview Station (PPS) touch screen and pay at the retailers’ register. The selected title is then instantly produced onto a CD at the system’s Order Fulfillment Station (OFS). In less than five minutes for the average software title, the finished product, with a full-color package and Certificate of Authenticity, is in the customers’ hands.
Office Depot is looking to SoftwareToGo to multiply and manage its library of software titles. “SoftwareToGo solves a critical management issue for us at multiple levels, from inventory control to product fulfillment to customer service,” said Steve Embree, Executive Vice President of Merchandising for Office Depot. “The system’s burn-to-order technology is an ideal solution that increases our sales potential, reduces our cost and is completely scalable.”
“SoftwareToGo represents a brand new software retailing paradigm with tremendous implications for publishers, retailers and consumers,” said Bruce Newmanm, CEO of Protocall Technologies, a pioneer in secure electronic inventory systems for retailers and developer of SoftwareToGo. “It will forever change the way software is sold.”
Aquafresh Launches Dental Gum & Lozenges
SmithKline Beecham has launched Aquafresh Dental Gum and Dental Lozenges. Aquafresh is the first major toothpaste brand to expand into the dental gum and lozenges segment.
Aquafresh Dental Gum helps clean teeth and fight plaque acids. Aquafresh Dental Lozenges help maintain healthy teeth by neutralizing plaque acids and providing another solution for the consumers who don’t want to chew gum but still want fresh breath and clean teeth at times when they can’t brush.
“We want people to know that it’s important to take care of your teeth,” said Vanda Rosemberg, Brand Equity Manager, SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare. “When you are on the go and can’t brush, Aquafresh Dental Gum and Dental Lozenges are the next best thing.”
Butler Floorstand Displays ‘Cleaner Toothbrush’
The Butler GUM brand of oral care products transforms the toothbrush category with the introduction of the Protect toothbrush, featuring a replaceable head with antibacterial bristle protection.
The antibacterial coating is clinically proven to reduce bacterial contamination on the bristles. The replaceable three-head design makes it easy and convenient to change to a fresh brush every month. When used as directed, each bristle head provides 30 days of continuous protection.
Butler is using floorstand and wing panel displays to promote the launch of the Protect toothbrush at retail.
KeKe Beach Displays Induce Trial
McCormick Distilling is launching KeKe Beach, a unique key lime cream liqueur which combines the flavor of key lime pie with just a hint of graham.
“KeKe Beach uses the sweetness of key lime pie and the consistency of a sorbetto,” said Don Hammond, V.P., Marketing for McCormick Distilling. “We’re going to spark consumer interest with nationwide tastings. Its flavor and versatility are sure to produce generous sales for both off- and on-premise accounts.”
KeKe Beach is available in both 750ml and 50ml sizes with eye-catching counter displays for 50ml bottles at retail stores. KeKe Beach bar kits, games, case cards and stackers all focus on the theme, “Get back to the beach.”
Boulevard Brewing Introduces New Tap Handles
Boulevard Brewing Co., one of the Midwest’s largest regional specialty brewers, has introduced new tap handles for its draft beers.
Since its founding, Boulevard has been located in the same turn-of-the-century brick building on Kansas City’s Southwest Boulevard. A distinguishing feature of the building is its towering chimney. “The chimney is something that many people associate with our brewery and our beers,” said Payton Kelly, Boulevard’s Creative Director. “When we decided to re-design our tap handles, we were keen to capitalize on that association.”
With the help of Century Mfg. Co. of Wichita, KS, Boulevard’s new tap handles are miniature reproductions of the chimney, with special identifying badges for each of the brewery’s five different draft brands.
KutMaster Introduces Cutlery Tool Center
KutMaster, Utica, NY has introduced the Mountain Quest line of value priced pocket knives and tools merchandised on specially designed floor displays functioning as self-service cutlery tool centers.
The entire Mountain Quest line is packaged in clam packs that work on pegboard displays or on the specially designed floor and counter merchandisers. The Company is merchandising these products in value-added combo packs including complementery items such as a compass with a mini tool, a flashlight with a mini tool or a pocket knife with a mini tool. The floor merchandiser is packed 6 deep on the rack with 12 sku’s.
“The floor merchandiser gives the line a home for self-servicing consumers,” said Rick Joswick Jr., V.P., KutMaster Division. “It’s a self-service cutlery tool center for dealers who don’t have any place to put the clam packs.”
Casio Watches Displayed In K-Mart Stores
To create excitement for Casio Watches in K-Mart stores nationwide, Display Technologies, headquartered in College Point, NY, has created these custom, retrofit in-case displays.
The displays, were placed over existing modules in the retailers’ jewelry showcases. The new overlays were created as an economical way of introducing the new watch stands, but retaining the existing displays.
Display Technologies’ custom displays were injection-molded from high-impact polystyrene.
To build brand awareness, the displays feature the Casio name and graphics on a separate printed banner that is placed in front of the connected four-foot display. The display sets up in the field in less than five minutes.
Hardware Nail Enamel Featured In Counter Unit
Hardware Nail Enamel is being displayed in this permanent counter unit to showcase the entire product line. Lasercut green edge acrylic parts nest perfectly, while multiple embossed polished aluminum components are used in facia panels. A clear turntable takes advantage of display case lighting. Exposed “bolts” reinforce the “Hardware” branding.
The Hardware Nail Enamel display was produced by Nikles Design Corporation, Oceanside, NY.
Joe Blasco Introduces Full-Line Tester
This Full-Line Tester was designed to provide a high quality selling center for the Joe Blasco professional cosmetic product line, introduced in the U.S. and Europe.
The display showcases the entire Blasco line in an organized and accessible product arrangement, enabling consumers to shop alone or with a sales assistant. The unit is space efficient, attractive and durable, assuring retail acceptance and long-term placement. A drawer in the base of the unit houses backup stock.
The Joe Blasco Full-Line Tester was produced by Trans World Marketing, East Rutherford, NJ.
Mott’s Launches Clamato Tomato Cocktail Promotion
Mott’s has launched a promotion that’s good news for consumers with friends or relatives in Mexico. With the purchase of one 64-ounce Clamato, consumers will receive a free 10-minute phone card for calls to Mexico or within the continental U.S. affixed to a brightly colored necker. The phone card can be activated using a PIN number found under the Clamato cap.
The promotion will take place in Mexican Hispanic dominated markets.
“This is a great promotion for Clamato and our consumers,” said Omar Garcia, Brand Manager, Clamato. “It gives added value to consumers by being able to keep in touch with friends and loved ones in Mexico, which ties in well with the overall positioning of Clamato as a drink that enhances the time you share with family and friends. ”
Details of the promotion will be communicated through radio tags, on-pack neckers and special case cards at the point-of-sale.
Speedway SuperAmerica Displays ‘Fresh Or Free’ Promo
Speedway SuperAmerica LLC, the gasoline and convenience store giant, is using multiple in-store, point-of-purchase Coffee Street displays in support of its “Guaranteed Fresh Or It’s Free” coffee promotion.
Hansen Group, a marketing and design firm based in Groveport, OH, created an eye-popping ceiling dangler featuring the Company’s in-house coffee brand, Coffee Street, which is available in a range of different drink sizes.
Hoselink Merchandiser Features Hose And Accessories
The Hoselink merchandiser was developed to allow easy end cap display for the retailer without sacrificing shelf space. The 32” X 32” end cap houses 28 coils of 50 ft. Hoselink product along with five of the more popular accessory items. A full color header and graphics illustrates how Hoselink differs from a standard garden hose. The Hoselink garden hose and conversion kits provide consumers with a coupling system that is simple to use, without leaks. The beauty of Hoselink is how easy it is to both attach to the faucet and to a sprinkler. Just lining up the notches and 1/4 turn gives a leak proof seal
Innotek’s Free Spirit Remote Dog Trainer Displayed
Innotek, based in Garrett, IN, is using this free-standing merchandiser to display its Free Spirit remote dog trainer.
The remote dog trainer can be used to reinforce good behavior at ranges up to 500 yards. Featuring a palm-sized transmitter and two-dog capability, the remote dog trainer is Innotek’s newest addition to its Free Spirit line.
The display lets consumers examine as many as three representative Innotek products without loss or damage. A spring-loaded, retractable cable tethers each sample product to the merchandiser.
Klutz Kit Features Floor Display
The Klutz Kit Display is eye catching, expandable and easy to assemble.
The header, with its wavy purple and red design is sure to catch the eye of the consumer. The Klutz “lollipop” seal in the center is spring mounted to add bouncy motion.
The modular design and no tools required fastening system make this piece easy to work with. The display expands quickly by adding a second tier.
There are multi position hooks for various sizes and quantities of merchandise. The Klutz Kit Display is a cheerful addition to any retail environment.
The Klutz Kit Display was created by Liberty Display Group, a Blaine, MN-based p.o.p. display firm.
Staedtler Displays Mars Automatic Pencils
Staedtler, Inc., Chatsworth, CA, has introduced Mars 777 and Mars Star 779 Automatic Pencils in an array of galactic colors that are sure to have universal appeal.
The new line is merchandised on a black styrene counter display with 4-color graphics in an outer space motif.
Three clear cups on the display provide an unobstructed view of the product.
Each sturdy display comes complete with 24 automatic pencils in each of the three colors available (72 pieces total).
Frito Lay & Gateway Run Back-To-School Promo.
Frito-Lay, Inc. and Gateway are driving in-store traffic with this school bus display and “Search For Ploids” promotion.
The promotion auctions 1,000 Gateway Astro PC’s, 10 a day for 100 days, at ePloids.com, the world’s first online auction for kids. Kids collect Ploids found on Frito-Lay multi-packs and bid Ploids online at ePloids.com.
The modular bus and stackable units display multi packs, which are kids and mom’s choice for back-to-school. “The Search For Ploids” promotional graphics are featured on the school bus as well as on Doritos and Cheetos variety packs and 12-sack packs.
New Aleve Cold & Sinus Offers All Day Relief
Bayer Corp’s Consumer Care Division has introduced Aleve Cold & Sinus, the first cold and sinus medicine with the strength to relieve both pain and nasal congestion all day with just one pill.
Jay Kolpon, V.P., Marketing, said, “Now, retailers can give cold and sinus sufferers all day effective symptom relief from nasal congestion and sinus pressure with a single pill.”
Marketing plans call for a national multi-million dollar television and radio advertising campaign, high-value coupon offers in FSIs, direct mail and Try-Me-Free rebates.
The new product will be supported at retail by a full array of eye-catching merchandising and display materials, including special introductory Try-Me-Free gravity feeds and floorstand displays.
Golden Books Launches Marketing Campaign To Support ‘Powerpuff Girls’
Golden Books Family Entertainment (GBFE) has launched an extensive marketing and cross-promotional campaign to support its book line based on “the world’s hippest crime-fighting trio,” The Powerpuff Girls television series on Cartoon Network.
GBFE will participate in a special Powerpuff Girls-themed Subway Kids’ Pack promotion. GBFE has also teamed up with Warner Home Video for a multi-tiered, cross-promotion.
This corrugated merchandiser showcases six different titles in the “Powerpuff” line.
Display Promotes Reader’s Digest’s New Barbie Books
This fun and brightly colored corrugated floor display was designed to provide instant brand recognition as well as merchandise Reader’s Digest’s new collection of licensed Barbie Books in a wide variety of retail channels.
The floor merchandiser features a life size Barbie standee that ships along with the display. Depending on the retail environment, Barbie can be connected to the floorstand, or can be used separately as a standee in another area of the store. The shelves pull out and allow for different configurations for future promotions with the simple addition of an updated header card and another optional standee, a feature that provides cost effectiveness to Reader’s Digest.
The display houses 44 books with eight separate titles in a familiar and inviting Barbie hot pink.
The Barbie Books display was created for Reader’s Digest by Taurus Packaging, Cherry Hill, NJ.
Heineken Sweepstakes Brings Consumers To Hottest Latin Concerts
Heineken En Vivo’s VIP All Access sweepstakes is bringing lucky winners to the Latin Music concert of their choice in VIP All Access style. In addition, consumers have the opportunity to win Music Shopping Sprees, DVD players, and a CD compilation of this year’s Billboard International Latin Music nominees.
Consumers enter to win via tear pads available on- and off-premise. The promotion will be supported by display enhancers, bilingual POS, and local radio spots.
Don Eduardo Promotes Spirit Of Mexico
Don Eduardo Tequilas offer a smoother and more complex taste than almost any other premium tequila brand. This fall, these celebrated tequilas show off their proud heritage and distinctive flavor in a new on- and off-premise promotion.
The colorful Orendain family crest commands attention as the center of the off-premise shelf saver. The Orendain family are the proud creators of Don Eduardo.
The simple hammered acrylic base and wrought iron rail complements the unique Don Eduardo perfectly, and sets the brand apart on the shelves.
The crest pocket holds 25 fact cards highlighting interesting information about Don Eduardo’s rich history and taste.
Brown-Forman Beverages Worldwide, headquartered in Louisville, KY, is the marketer of Don Eduardo Tequilas.
Ford Rolls Out New Look
Ford has launched a new Ford Dealership Identification Program featuring a newly designed sign.
“The blue Ford oval is the second most recognizable icon in the world,” said Jim O’Connor, Ford Division President. “The Ford dealership sign was designed in partnership with our dealers. We believe it conveys the genuine, progressive and smart characteristics that define the Ford brand.”
Ford anticipates the new signs to be installed at all 4,200 U.S. Dealerships by 2003.
H&R Block Launches New Identity Program
H&R Block has adopted a new look to accompany its expanded portfolio of financial services. “Our new logo and brand identity system will allow consumers to immediately recognize all the services our company now offers; taxes, financial planning, investments, and mortgages,” said David Byers, H&R Block’s Chief Marketing Officer.
The logo and branding system was developed with the help of Landor Associates, the San Francisco-based design consultancy.
“The previous H&R Block logo has stood as a trusted symbol of America’s best known tax preparer for 25 years,” said Byers. “With the help of Landor, we developed a brand identity package that borrows on that heritage, but constantly reminds our customers of our transformation from a seasonal business to a year-round financial partner.”
NetPack’s Kiosk Distributes eBooks
NetPack is a new entrant in the eBook industry, with a unique twist: the company’s system lets consumers buy eBooks in a traditional retail environment. A portable NetPack kiosk displays the covers of up to 100 NetPack “special application cards.” The 6” x 7” NetPacks contain a card bearing a secure account number. When customers go home, they can use the account number to download eBooks, software, or other kinds of content from the Web to their PCs. A special keyboard, available separately, allows customers to swipe the card through a card reader, automating the process.
NetPack’s marketing strategy is to put eBooks and other products sold predominantly online directly in the faces of the millions of consumers who are still uncomfortable shopping on the Web.
Yahoo! Auctions And Macy’s Unveil Fashion Auction
Yahoo! and Macy’s Herald Square recently hosted the NYC 2000 Fashion Auction. Through an Internet kiosk at the famous 34th Street windows of Macy’s Herald Square, shoppers could view items and bid along with online bidders around the world on one-of-a-kind dresses and jewelry created by some of the world’s most-renowned designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Halston, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein. In addition, visitors can view more than nine of the original millennium dresses now on display in the 34th Street windows.
Manhattan Bagel Introduces New Store Design
New World Coffee-Manhattan Bagel, has developed a new “MBC 2000” prototype design for its Manhattan Bagel stores, to emphasize its expanded product offering.
As consumers make their way along the redesigned serving counter, eye-catching signage will direct their attention to five departments: bagels, sandwiches, hot coffee, cool blends and catering. The extensive menu is also reinforced through new back-wall menu boards that incorporate product photos. The new stores are also designed with cafe-style seating that encourages customers to linger, ordering traditional menu items as they relax.
The “MBC 2000” prototype was designed by Grid2 International, New York.
Eight O’Clock Coffee Combats “Grinder Phobia”
Eight O’Clock Coffee wanted to take advantage of the increasing consumption of whole bean coffee. It turned to Creative Alliance/AIM, a Southport, CT-based promotion agency to develop an Eight O’Clock marketing blitz.
Creative Alliance/AIM’s Brand Ambassadors invaded key high traffic areas such as commuter stations and shopping malls offering a fresh cup of hot coffee, a coupon and an Eight O’Clock coffee premium.
Brand Ambassadors also scheduled in-store events to enhance Eight O’Clock Coffee’s presence at the point of purchase. “These events were designed to combat ‘grinder phobia’ by showing consumers how easy it is to grind their own coffee using the in-store grinder,” said Nick Lemma, Partner, at Creative Alliance/AIM.
Tweety’s ‘High Flying Adventure’ Released
Warner Home Video has released its direct-to-video film, “Tweety’s High Flying Adventure,” as part of a company-wide initiative to propel the classic Looney Tunes franchise into the new millennium. “Parents and children alike will once again enjoy Tweety in his latest adventure featuring contemporary storylines,” said Mark Horak, WHV Sr. V.P., Marketing.
WHV is launching a multi-million dollar marketing campaign around the Tweety video release and has teamed up with promotional partners, including Wendy’s, Kraft Foods and Six Flags. Additionally, over $200 million in media support from licensed partners, including Smuckers, MCI Worldcom and General Motors, will back the Looney Tunes franchise. Retail support includes 18-, 24-, 36- and 48-unit displays.
Jiffy Lube Features Hot Wheels Service Center
KIDdesigns and Mattel’s Hot Wheels are teaming up with Jiffy Lube for a promotion featuring the new KIDdesigns’ Hot Wheels Auto Tech Service Center toy. A specially decorated Hot Wheels Jiffy Lube car, the Surf Crate, is available at Jiffy Lubes across the nation.
The promotion also includes a $10 savings coupon that can be redeemed towards the purchase of the Hot Wheels Auto Tech Service Center.
The Hot Wheels Auto Tech Service Center has been placed in “try me” display stations in the waiting area of participating Jiffy Lube Service Centers, enticing kids to pretend to service their Surf Crate Hot Wheels car while the family car is being tuned up. The promotion is being supported by signage outside of the Jiffy Lube Service Centers, as well as displays in the stores.
Sears & Levi’s Launch Joint Promotion
Sears Roebuck and Levi’s have launched a marketing campaign surrounding their sponsorship of pop music sensation Christina Agilera’s concert tour. Christina Boutiques, in 650 Sear’s full line stores, will feature tour information and Christina CDs, T-shirts, back-to-school supplies and accessories.
Each week for three weeks a different Christina enhanced CD will be offered exclusively at Sears for $1.99 with any $35 purchaseat select departments. Each exclusive CD contains an instant-win game piece for the national sweepstakes promotion.” One lucky fan and four friends will fly to a Christina concert in California where they will meet the pop star backstage.
Fila Partners With Sports Authority
Fila has partnered with the Sports Authority for the 2000 U.S. Open, which includes a Fila concept shop in The Sports Authority’s store in New York City as well as Fila/U.S. Open product in stores in the surrounding New York area, South Florida and Atlanta.
The Sports Authority will feature point-of-sale materials in key locations, host Fila promotional programs during the U.S. Open. “The Sports Authority’s ventures with key partners like Fila brings additional credibility to our retail message,” said Michael McGuinn, General Merchandise Manager, Sports Authority. “The association with Fila at the U.S. Open is natural based on Fila’s strong tennis heritage.”
Advantium Oven Display Launches New Technology
The GE Advantium Over display is a fully functional display with a stainless steel pullout work surface and storage areas for cooking utensils. The display was designed to draw consumers to the display and communicate the benefits of the new technology to the consumer.
The Advantium is the latest new cooking technology that harnesses the energy of light and bakes, broils, browns, grills and roasts four times faster than traditional cooking methods. Sales personnel use the display to walk consumers through the new technology as explained in the graphics or use the unit for actual cooking demonstrations.
The unit is stained natural wood veneer with overhead and side panel graphics that inform the consumer of the new cooking technology.
The General Electric Advantium Oven has exceeded original sales projections using this display.
The display was created by Harbor Industries, Inc., of Grand Haven, Michigan.
Energizer e2 Battery Introduced
Energizer has launched Energizer e2, its first super premium battery, which marries battery users’ wants and needs with advanced technology and consumer friendly features. Energizer e2, now available in-store nationwide, signifies the company’s commitment to meeting the varied needs of consumers through a full portfolio of quality products. Energizer e2 uses a unique form of titanium compound and new cell construction to unlock additional power giving the batteries longer life.
Energizer e2 represents the single largest new product launch in the company’s history. Approximately 25,000 semi-permanent displays have been placed across the country in support of the launch.
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