Barnes & Noble Launches In-Store NOOK Boutiques
Barnes & Noble is expanding its in-store NOOK displays to full-service eReading NOOK Boutiques to accommodate this rapidly growing segment of Barnes & Noble's business. The boutiques, which will begin rolling out this summer and through the fall, mark yet another enhancement to the in-store experience which drives book lovers to visit Barnes & Noble stores.
"We entered the eBook market a year ago confident our bookstores would be a huge competitive asset, and a year later, the role of our retail channel in the success of NOOK and eBooks, and the popularity of our in-store eReading features have crystallized this advantage," said William J. Lynch, CEO of Barnes & Noble. "No other company is doing what Barnes & Noble is doing, utilizing its store footprint and innovative technology to add value to the customer's eReading experience - including unique features such as digital eBook lending, free Wi-Fi connectivity, in-store browsing of complete eBooks and exclusive content, and more."
The 1,000 square-foot boutiques will feature demonstration tables and multiple operating NOOK devices for trial. An adjoining wall and large flat panel display will feature video demos of NOOK eBook Readers and display more than 100 accessories, including NOOK covers by popular designers such as kate spade new york, Jack Spade, Jonathan Adler and Lilly Pulitzer. Each NOOK Boutique will be fully staffed by knowledgeable booksellers who will offer book lovers device demonstrations, help customers download Barnes & Noble's free NOOK software to their mobile or computing devices, and provide ongoing support.
Lindeman’s Wines Conducts ‘Great Finds’ Campaign
Lindemans is using JAGTAG 2D mobile barcodes to enhance its in-store marketing and create a more interactive shopping experience. By leveraging JAGTAG mobile 2D barcodes, Lindemans will enable consumers to enter a mobile sweepstakes for the chance to win a weekend getaway to one of five “Great Finds” locations.
JAGTAG mobile 2D barcodes will be featured in Lindemans take-one booklets and point-of-sale materials. Consumers can snap and send a photo of the Lindemans-branded JAGTAGs with any camera phone to automatically enter to win a free trip. Consumers can win a “Great Finds” getaway to one of five unique vacation destinations, including Healdsburg, CA; Sedona, AZ; Mackinac Island, MI; Asheville, NC; and Block Island, RI
BFG Communications, a Hilton Head-based marketing firm, developed the national “Great Finds” campaign.
Evan Williams Bourbon Launches New Campaign
Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon has launched a marketing campaign themed, “Secrets Worth Sharing.”
According to research conducted by Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams, loyal consumers feel they are “in the know” that Evan Williams is the best kept secret in the category.
To bring this process of discovery to a new audience, the creative for the new Evan Williams campaign calls out some of the best kept secrets-such as the “Best Damn Blues Joint in the US” (Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago), or the “Best Lake for Prized Largemouth” (Lake Bienville in Florida) and pays off the assertion with “Some Secrets are Worth Sharing.”
The new campaign will utilize point of sale displays reflecting the “Secrets Worth Sharing” theme.
DR. SCHOLL'S® Custom Fit Orthotic Centers Now In Stores
Merck Consumer Care has introduced Dr. Scholl's® Custom Fit Orthotic Centers to help people find customized solutions for their tired, achy feet. The kiosks use revolutionary FootMapping® Technology to measure arch type and the areas they put the most pressure on to recommend the most appropriate Custom Fit™ Orthotic.
"We've combined state-of-the-art foot measurement technology with consumer-friendly software to make it quick and easy for people to find the Dr. Scholl's® Custom Fit™ Orthotic Inserts that are best for their feet," said Charles Lundy, associate director of Footcare Research and Development at Merck Consumer Care. “For the first time, this smart technology is available nationally and could save you hundreds of dollars compared to other custom orthotic inserts sold at retail stores.”
Spenco Footcare Promotes Bold New Look
Spenco Medical Corp., has launched a bold new look for its performance insoles packaging and supporting merchandising materials. The redesign is the result of a year long effort, which found customers wanted to quickly determine which Spenco product was right for them.
“This new packaging design and merchandising program will allow Spenco customers to quickly find the solution to their foot discomfort,” said Ryan Cruthirds, VP Sales & Marketing at Spenco.
Spenco's updated fifth panel design improves package durability while adding style. The semi-transparent window shows the insole product in the package and invites consumers to open the package to better evaluate the product. The updated packaging will be complemented by an attractive, point of purchase rack system.
Pop-Tarts World Features Interactive Displays
Kellogg Company has opened Pop-Tarts World™ in New York City, the first retail store and café that offers an exciting peek behind the foil and an experience that truly shows off the spirit of all-American fun that has been associated with Pop-Tarts® since its introduction 46 years ago.
Pop-Tarts World™ features interactive displays, entertainment, a diverse café menu inspired by Pop-Tarts® toaster pastries and merchandise.
“From the frosting, sprinkles and delicious flavors to its colorful packaging and one-of-a-kind imagery, the Pop-Tarts® brand has always cultivated an iconic spirit of fun that is beloved by millions of Americans,” said Pop-Tarts® Brand Manager Andrew Shripka. “Our new retail experience brings this fun to life by providing a unique, multi-sensory experience.”
The whimsical store design highlights the entertaining nature of Pop-Tarts® and features a full-service café of more than 30 Pop-Tarts® creations. It also offers a wide variety of merchandise and apparel, interactive touch screen stations featuring Pop-Tarts® games, a “varietizer” that allows guests to create custom-mixed boxes of Pop-Tarts® and a T-shirt customization station where visitors can customize their own Pop-Tarts® T-shirts.
Coca-Cola & Simon Property Group Announce Alliance
Simon Property Group, and The Coca-Cola Co, have announced a multi-year marketing alliance. “This agreement with Coca-Cola underscores the importance of the mall venue for major brands like Coca-Cola to engage important demographic groups,” said Mikael Thygesen, Simon’s CMO.
Thygesen SAID that as an indication of the value of the relationship, Simon, was the first mall operator to feature the Coca-Cola Interactive Video Vender, the latest in touch-screen vending technology.
Beatriz Perez, CMO, Coca-Cola NA, said, “The mall channel represents fertile ground for Coca-Cola to connect with key consumer target groups such as teens. Whether commercializing our interactive vending machines, or collaborating on special events, our marketing partnership with Simon is a great way to build and show our brands.”
Uniliever Launches Smile-Activated Ice Cream Vending Unit
SapientNitro has unveiled the world’s first smile-activated vending machine for Unilever, the world’s biggest ice cream manufacturer of such diverse brands such as Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s, Good Humor, Breyers and Klondike.
Here is how it works: An entertaining “attractor screen” playfully immerses a passerby into the world of augmented reality. Once drawn closer to the machine, the person is prompted for a big smile and the 'smile-o-meter' measures his or her grin. A photo is then taken and with permission uploaded onto Facebook. The consumer can pick out his or her free ice cream by using the touch-screen interface on the vending machine. To create this experience, SapientNitro harnessed the power of the latest technology across a number of realms, including facial recognition, 3G and Facebook.
Kardashian Sisters Display Self-Tanning Gel At Sephora
Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloé Kardashian Odom have unveiled their signature self-tanning gel, Kardashian™ Glamour Tan, the first release from their upcoming Kardashian™ Beauty line. Glamour Tan by Kardashian Beauty is available on point-of-purchase displays exclusively at Sephora stores nationwide.
Glamour Tan is the only self-tanner available containing Imudulin, a key ingredient responsible for stimulating vitamin D synthesis which can aid in lessening the look of lines and wrinkles.
Liliana Brotea, Director of Product Development for Windmill Health Products, said, “Working with the Kardashians has been a collaborative effort to create the best products in the market, with Glamour Tan being a prime example of the quality the Kardashian Beauty line commands.”
rue21 Displays It’s Revert Fragrance
The display for rue2l promoted revert, the specialty retailer’s eco-friendly fragrance. The promotional materials highlighted rue21’s commitment to donate money to a green cause for the promotion.
A variety of in-store POP displays were created including the die-cut “fragrance bar” shown. The promotion was developed for rue21 by Marketplace Communications, Cranberry Township, PA.
BONGO To Be Displayed At Sears And Kmart This Fall
This fall, BONGO junior apparel brand will be available in Sears and Kmart Stores in the U.S. To support the launch, BONGO enlisted Audrina Patridge of MTV fame, to star in the Fall 2010 marketing campaign featuring extensive Sears and Kmart marketing collaterals.
Sears and Kmart will be the exclusive U.S. retailers to distribute a new line of Bongo brand products, which was first made famous in the 1980s by its body-hugging jeans. Bongo has evolved into a leading lifestyle junior brand with extensions into apparel, footwear and accessories.
Dari Marder, CMO, BONGO, said, “In keeping with its young, hot-in-Hollywood history of spokespeople, Audrina was a natural fit for the Bongo brand.”
Candie's Displays Britney Spears Designs At Kohl’s
Iconix Brand Group has collaborated with singing icon, Britney Spears, who has designed her first ever collection of apparel and accessories for its Candie's® brand. The limited edition collection, “Britney for Candie's,” will be exclusively available at Kohl's Department Stores.
The “Britney for Candie’s” collection of apparel, handbags and jewelry will be supported with a national marketing campaign including a television commercial, print ad, outdoor, online as well as being integrated into Kohl’s Fall marketing initiatives. The marketing campaign shows Spears wearing her limited edition collection along with her personal handwritten notes such as, “You'll love these jeans!” and “Love this skirt for dancing…fun & flirty.” The campaign features the tagline, "Designed by me for you!"
IdeaPaint Displays Dry-Erase Paint At Lowe’s Stores
IdeaPaint, creator of high-performance dry-erase paint solutions, has placed its "HOME" product on display at select Lowe's stores. IdeaPaint’s dry-erase paint products transform smooth surfaces into borderless, durable, dry-erase canvases.
“Our retail launch with Lowe’s for our ‘HOME’ dry-erase paint is the culmination of years of work spent spreading the word for IdeaPaint - painting the walls of everyone who would let us,” said Jeff Avallon, co-founder of IdeaPaint.
“Lowe’s commitment to delivering innovative products is exemplified by our new relationship with IdeaPaint. The product brings our customers an innovative paint solution to their home’s organization and décor,” said Bill Fields, Lowe's Vice President, Merchandising. “The product’s ease of use and durability allows kids of all ages to express their creativity in not only the children's rooms but also in the home office, kitchen and beyond.”
Hyde Merchandiser Showcases New Paint Products
Hyde Tools has introduced two patented new technologies for pressure washing and airless spray painting that it is featuring on display in an attractive new merchandiser.
The new merchandiser is a walk-around unit that showcases 12 individual products plus display materials. The unit measures just 23 x 27 and provides space for these patented new technologies developed by Hyde. The HYDE Rapid Valve Transfer Airless Spray System shortcuts many of the time-consuming aspects of professional spray painting. The HYDE Pivot Nozzle Wand, offers a breakthrough in pressure washer comfort and efficiency by incorporating a patented pivoting nozzle. Unique packaging allows customers to get the feel of each product and activate key features like the pivoting nozzle.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Features Counter Display
Tito’s Handmade Vodka is using this colorful dump bin display to attract attention at retail counters. The unit is manufactured from foils hot stamped on sbs. The copper pot still is replicated at the top of the display which reinforces the equity of the Tito brand. The score card clearly conveys to the shopper that Tito has beaten some of the top contenders in the Wine Spirits Enthusiast Review.
The unit is designed to merchandise small 50ml airplane bottles off-premise. With a compact footprint of only 18"H x 7 3/4"D x 9"W, this unit merchandises over 30 bottles. This display was created for Tito’s Handmade Vodka by The Aronson Group, an Englewood, NJ-based display firm.
CIROC Premium Vodka Runs Cabana Contest
CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka, and Sean “Diddy” Combs recently conducted a luxurious, first-class cabana contest.
The contest offered the winner and his or her guests round-trip airfare to Miami, lodging at a premium South Beach hotel, $4,000 in spending, a private yacht complete with gourmet chef, spa treatments, passes to CIROC-sponsored events, and of course, a private poolside cabana.
“CIROC vodka and I want to provide loyal CIROC fans the chance to take over the sexy city of Miami and live like a celebrity,” said Combs, who entered into a strategic marketing alliance with the spirits brand more than two years ago.
To support the contest, the CIROC brand placed cabana-themed point-of-sale materials in select spirits retailers throughout the country.
Paper Jamz Toy Guitars Displayed At Walgreens
Walgreens is featuring an interactive Paper Jamz display to give customers the opportunity to try out the guitar in store.
“We believe Paper Jamz will be the hot new toy and technology for kids,” said Bryan Pugh, Walgreens Vice President of Merchandising.
Produced by WowWee, Paper Jamz instruments are battery-operated guitars and drum sets that feature Active Graphics™ Technology, meaning that music is played based on embedded touch sensors.
Panini America Displays Toy Story 3 Stickers
Panini America, Arlington, TX, is displaying its Official Toy Story 3 Sticker Album/Stickers Collection. The Disney Toy Story 3 album is designed to encourage the fun family-friendly activity of sticker collecting.
The official Toy Story 3 Sticker Album features stickers of the Toy Story series' favorite characters including Buzz, Woody, Jessie and Bullseye and introduces new characters from the movie such as Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear, Buttercup, Trixie and Mr. Pricklepants. The 40-page album features 180 stickers and depicts scenes from the Toy Story 3 movie.
The Toy Story 3 Album and Sticker packets (8 stickers per packet) are available at major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Target and Toys R' Us and retails for a suggested retail price of $1.00.
IdeaPaint Displays Dry-Erase Paint At Lowe’s Stores
IdeaPaint, creator of high-performance dry-erase paint solutions, has placed its "HOME" product on display at select Lowe's stores. IdeaPaint’s dry-erase paint products transform smooth surfaces into borderless, durable, dry-erase canvases.
“Our retail launch with Lowe’s for our ‘HOME’ dry-erase paint is the culmination of years of work spent spreading the word for IdeaPaint - painting the walls of everyone who would let us,” said Jeff Avallon, co-founder of IdeaPaint.
“Lowe’s commitment to delivering innovative products is exemplified by our new relationship with IdeaPaint. The product brings our customers an innovative paint solution to their home’s organization and décor,” said Bill Fields, Lowe's Vice President, Merchandising. “The product’s ease of use and durability allows kids of all ages to express their creativity in not only the children's rooms but also in the home office, kitchen and beyond.”
Hyde Merchandiser Showcases New Paint Products
Hyde Tools has introduced two patented new technologies for pressure washing and airless spray painting that it is featuring on display in an attractive new merchandiser.
The new merchandiser is a walk-around unit that showcases 12 individual products plus display materials. The unit measures just 23 x 27 and provides space for these patented new technologies developed by Hyde. The HYDE Rapid Valve Transfer Airless Spray System shortcuts many of the time-consuming aspects of professional spray painting. The HYDE Pivot Nozzle Wand, offers a breakthrough in pressure washer comfort and efficiency by incorporating a patented pivoting nozzle. Unique packaging allows customers to get the feel of each product and activate key features like the pivoting nozzle.
Nike Opens Santa Monica Flagship Store
Nike has opened its newest retail store in Santa Monica, CA. The two-story, 20,000-sq. ft. location unveils Nike’s new store concept with market tailored product offerings, and the introduction of Nike+ Run Club and team customization services. The store is the first multi-category concept in the U.S. since Nike opened its last NIKETOWN in 1999.
As part of the new NIKEiD team customization concept, Nike is giving team consumers the destination to gear up with their own custom footwear, apparel and equipment. As part of Nike+ Run Club, participants can test-drive the latest Nike footwear and tune into their experience using Nike+, which allows runners to connect their iPod or iPhone to their running shoes to track distance, pace, and calories.
Casual Male Retail Group Opens (DXL™) Superstore
Casual Male Retail Group, a retailer of men’s big and tall apparel, has opened its first Destination XL (DXL), a new men’s superstore concept in Schaumburg, IL.
DXL will offer a wide range of clothing, shoes and products under one roof from CMRG's four existing apparel businesses. The comprehensive selection of products is intended to appeal to various lifestyles across the big and tall market. The DXL stores will offer a collection of good, better and best products merchandised by lifestyle, with a focus on servicing the “end-of-the-rack” department store shopper. The additional square footage of the new DXL concept will carry a vast selection of brands and sizes from value-priced apparel to high-end luxury brands.
The superstore concept was created following research that found that big and tall men are looking for more options in a “one-stop-shop” and are willing to travel longer distances for a place that caters to their specific needs.
Mobilicity Opens Stores
New wireless company Mobilicity has just opened 38 stores in Canada. Every detail of the new retail stores was designed to convey Mobilicity's brand message of unbeatable value coupled with a new approach to wireless.
Mobilicity wanted to create an instantly recognizable design that was clean, fresh and straight forward with emphasis on the colour magenta. The new stores had to have an urban theme and communicate the simplicity of the brand proposition.
DMD Retail Design, (www.dmdltd.com), a Toronto-based retail design firm, created this retail design and fixture program.
Gateway Newstands Co-Branded With Public Mobile Phones
Gateway Newstands retail locations are being co-branded with Public Mobile and will start selling Public Mobile Phones.
Public Mobile signs and/or kiosks will begin opening in Gateway locations in Toronto and Montreal.
Combined with the 66 Public Mobile stores that are already open in Toronto and Montreal, Public Mobile will have in excess of 200 retail locations exclusively dedicated to selling Public Mobile phones in Toronto and Montreal.
“Gateway is the perfect partner. They're everywhere we want to be. Public Mobile wants to make it easy and convenient for customers to own a cell phone. What could be more convenient than making your payment, or buying a new phone on your subway ride home?” said Public Mobile CEO, Alek Krstajic.
“We’ve aligned ourselves with Public Mobile because they understand the importance of providing simple and affordable service,” said Michael Aychental, CEO of Gateway Newstands.
Sharp Interactive Display Features TVs At Best Buy
This end cap fixture for Sharp at Best Buy balances the needs of the brand and the retailer as it fits well within the branded interior of the store while still amplifying the Sharp brand message.
This display features an engaging interactive device that magnifies the pixels on the screen, allowing shoppers to see Sharp’s addition of yellow pixels to the RGB mix for more accurate color representation. This display was created for Sharp by AMD Industries, (www.amdpop.com), a Cicero, IL-based p.o.p display firm.
faceVsion Displays Its HD Products At Fry’s
faceVsion Technology, Fremont, CA, a manufacturer of premium HD video communication products , has broken into the U.S. retail channel with its TouchCam N1 and FVexpress Combo video call/chat products, now on display at Fry’s Electronics, which operates 34 stores in Northern/Southern California, Texas, Idaho, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, Oregon, Indiana, Nevada, and Washington.
To support the rollout of faceVsion products at Fry’s, customers could buy one faceVsion TouchCam N1 and get another free instantly during the introductory period.
faceVsion’s lineup of HD VideoCams are the only currently available video communications products that offer genuine 720p HD video streaming over the Internet and feature advanced hardware H.264 video encoding and a host of other features to deliver a stunning HD experience.
Cost Plus World Market Ties In With ‘Eat Pray Love’ Film
Cost Plus World Market recently partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment's film, “Eat Pray Love,” to license a line of Eat Pray Love products organic to the film's themes, including leather journals, prayer beads, clothing, accessories, and wines from Italy.
As a company whose buyers shop the world - including the key locations of Italy, India, and Indonesia - to bring back unique, authentic, and affordable items to its retail locations, World Market was the perfect choice to partner with Sony Pictures Entertainment. World Market locations highlighted an in-store shop, which featured Eat Pray Love-licensed products as well as items from the retailer's collection, including jewelry from India, gourmet food baskets, incense, mats, lanterns, an Indonesian bench, and an Italian bistro table set.
Customers could enter a sweepstakes in-store for a chance to win a grand prize trip for two to one of the three destinations featured in the film - Italy, India, or Bali; a $1000 World Market gift card, and a private movie screening of Eat Pray Love. . Throughout the promotion, World Market will be sampling The Republic of Tea's Eat Pray Love Tea at select stores. The tea blends flavors from Elizabeth Gilbert's three destinations of self-discovery - succulent blood oranges from Italy, smooth black tea from India, and heartwarming cinnamon from Indonesia.
Jose Cuervo Bottle Replica Displays Platino Tequila
Jose Cuervo is using this Cuervo Platino Bottle Replica display to promote its upscale Cuervo Platino Tequila brand at off-premise retail outlets.
The bottle replica display reinforces the Platino brand’s quality image, and it showcases the Cuervo Platino wooden gift box and the bottle itself. The shelves are welded to the side tube supports for strength and durability. This display was created by Practical Retail Merchandising, (www.practicalretailmerch.com), an Evanston, IL-based p.o.p. display firm.
Heineken CounterGraphics Promote Draught Kegs
This lenticular counter mat displays several images in a limited amount of space to demonstrate Heineken’s new draught keg.
The three-phase lenticular CounterGraphics™ demonstrated the easy use of the Heineken Draught Kegs and maximized the space of the typical counter. The single-word messages changed with the keg images and coordinated with other promotional materials. The GeckoBack™ adhesive used to secure the CounterGraphics™ to cashier counters was easily removed for cleaning and withstood frequent repositioning by periodic cleaning of the adhesive side. Additionally the adhesive also allowed the retailer the options to place the CounterGraphics™ on other surfaces such as windows, doors, mirrors or walls. These lenticular counter mats were created by GroundGraphics, LLC, (www.groundgraphics.com), a Scottsdale, AZ-based display firm.
SUBWAY Launches 'Fiery Footlong Frenzy' With Sony PlayStation
SUBWAY restaurants and Sony Computer Entertainment America have formed a marketing alliance that will offer SUBWAY diners and PlayStation fans the opportunity to instantly win PlayStation prizes. The prizes will total more than $1 million and will be awarded at the rate of one prize per minute during the promotion period.
“This alliance brings SUBWAY consumers another fresh first; the opportunity to experience the new PlayStation Move before anyone else,” said Tony Pace, Chief Marketing Officer, Subway. The Fiery Footlong Frenzy Fueled by PlayStation, will feature SUBWAY restaurants' spiciest sandwiches to date.
Flagship WHOPPER Bar Opens In NY's Times Square
Burger King is opening its flagship WHOPPER Bar in New York City’s Times Square. The new WHOPPER Bar is open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and boasts innovative versions of the WHOPPER sandwich, including the new NY Pizza Burger.
The WHOPPER Bar serves as an “innovation lab” for BURGER KING by showcasing new, creative products alongside standard BURGER KING menu favorites.
“This award-winning restaurant concept epitomizes the HAVE IT YOUR WAY experience and focuses on bringing America’s Favorite Burger to our guests in an even more personalized way,” said John Schaufelberger, BKC’s Sr. VP, Global Product Marketing. “Leading our ‘Bar Favorites’ menu with the NY Pizza Burger demonstrates the type of menu offerings our guests can expect as we continue to showcase new concepts.”
Canadian Mist Launches Black Diamond In U.S.
Canadian Mist Whisky has released “Canadian Mist Black Diamond,” a premium line extension. This richer expression of Canadian Mist is the creation of Canadian Mist Master Blender Steve Hughes, whose signature will adorn the bottle. Canadian Mist Black Diamond is blended at 86 proof and has a higher sherry and rye content to give it a more enhanced flavor.
Hard Luck Candy Flavored Vodka Launches
Grownups now have a new way to enjoy old-fashioned candy favorites, like red fish and root beer barrels, with the launch of Michigan-based Hard Luck Candy Flavored Vodkas.
Hard Luck Candy Flavored Vodka was born at the Hard Luck Lounge in Grosse Pointe Park, Mich, originating as a special candy-flavored infused vodka. After two years in development, Hard Luck Candy Flavored Vodka is now ready to launch its Red Fish and Root Beer Barrel flavors with plans for other flavors which are currently in development.
“Hard Luck Candy Flavored Vodka took years in the making to get the flavors just right, as well as the packaging and distribution and we're so excited to launch this new hometown brand in Michigan with our ultimate goal of taking Hard Luck Vodkas national,” said Mike Mouyianis, Founder of Hard Luck Candy Flavored Vodka.
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