Virgin Megastores Launch MegaPlay Kiosks Nationwide
Virgin Megastores have placed custom-built Virgin MegaPlay kiosks throughout their North American Megastores. The MegaPlay kiosks are the most advanced entertainment preview system in the market today, which will allow customers to ‘try it before they buy it’ by instantly accessing a database of over 2.4 million CD tracks and 10,000 DVD movie trailers, through an easy to use touch-screen interface.
“Holiday shopping can often be stressful and time consuming, so our goal was to create an enjoyable and interactive holiday shopping resource to reward our loyal customers,” said Glen Ward, CEO, Virgin Entertainment Group, NA. “Through the use of the MegaPlay kiosks customers can now search, browse and receive recommendations for the perfect gift for the entertainment enthusiast in their life.”
RedDotNet Kiosks Placed In Rhino Record Stores
edDotNet is helping to take the guesswork out of buying music with the placement of its Kiosks in Rhino Record stores.
At Rhino, customers can swipe the bar code of any CD across a reader at four kiosks. The kiosk enables customers to preview albums by scanning the package bar code or by selecting items via the Dot’s touch screen and dial technology. The Dot delivers sound samples, cover art and product reviews. Over 1,700,000 albums are sampled every week on the RedDotNet system. Customers can scroll through selections at will. The RedDotNet system has samples from 2.5 million album cuts.
With the RedDotNet system, any home entertainment product can be highlighted, including DVD’s, audio books and video games. Dots, about the size of a Frisbee, can be mounted in the product bins, placed on an endcap, installed on a wall or placed as a standalone kiosk.
Sony Introduces PictureStation Photo Finishing System
Sony Electronics has introduced the PictureStation, designed to provide digital camera users with fast, easy-to-use digital photo printing services at retail. The PictureStation comes in a counter top unit and a freestanding kiosk.
The countertop PictureStation system allows retailers to provide personalized behind-the-counter service to customers. The freestanding kiosk allows customers to order their pictures and print them out at one convenient terminal. The PictureStation systems accept images recorded on standard electronic media. The PictureStation will display a preview of each photo on its screen. A touch screen lets the consumers select the pictures they want, the size and the number of prints. A high-speed digital printer in the unit then creates high quality prints immediately.
Applied Science Fiction Testing Self-Service Photo Kiosk
Applied Science Fiction, Inc. (ASF) is testing a self-service kiosk featuring Digital PIC, a dry film processing technology. The Digital PIC system, delivers high quality digital image files as well as prints in less than 10 minutes. Consumers simply drop their exposed 35mm film into the kiosk for automatic film processing, printing and the creation of digital image files.
Users can select the images they want printed and can edit them by removing red eye, cropping and adjusting brightness or contrast before making enlargements.
The Digital PIC kiosk also offers digital camera users a fast and easy way to get prints. Using an easy-to-use touch screen menu, consumers can make enlargements up to 8x10".
RCA Scenium Launched With Innovative Display
The Thomson and RCA Scenium brand of widescreen High-Definition color TVs, DVD players and high-performance home theatre products will be easily identified by consumers, thanks to distinctively designed p.o.p. displays that will be utilized in retail stores around the globe to support the Scenium launch.
“The key to acceptance of a dramatic new design and technology concept is largely based on the comfort level that consumers have when they first view the new products,” said Jim Gateman, V.P. Consumer Communications and Marketing Services Worldwide. “We feel the Scenium range of products will benefit by having a flexible display that projects the aura of a sophisticated yet consumer-friendly breakthrough in home entertainment.”
The display consists of a platform base that defines the required footprint for the retail floor set-up. The backwall, a two piece silk screened acrylic panel holds a circular panel that features the Thomson or RCA Scenium logo. The wall is adjustable up or down, giving retailers the flexibility to maintain a height consistent with the store environment. Included in the display is a free standing banner stand that features the Scenium logo, graphics and a two-sided brochure holder. The display is made primarily of heavy-gauge sheet metal painted with an industrial coating for durability. The quick-set design has no visible electrical cables, all of which are easily connected to installed outlets built into the display.
“We feel the strength of the RCA Scenium retail display design lies in its simplicity, allowing the products to stand out on any crowded retail sales floor and providing the consumer with a clear picture of the advantages offered by the Scenium range,” said Keri Frantom, Director of Marketing Services.
Emigrant Floorstand Highlights Mortgage Programs
This Emigrant Mortgage Floorstand program was designed to feature a selection of collateral that includes brochures, take away postcards and business cards.
The floorstand instantly conveys that Emigrant is a source for home mortages and establishes brand recognition while highlighting special promotional offers. The fixture is constructed out of laminate, MDF and acrylic. The house features printed visuals and architectural model props.
This Emigrant Mortgage Floorstand was created by The Royal Promotion Group, a point-of-purchase display firm located in New York City, NY.
Shaw Display Promotes Carpeting In Minimal Space
This permanent Shaw Podium display was designed to promote an entire carpet line in minimal space.
The unit displays two large carpet samples showing the customer patterns and texture. A smaller sample board mounted at the top of the podium provides the customer with a pallet of colors, which are offered in the product line.
The Shaw Podium display was designed and produced by Harbor Industries Inc., a point-of-purchase display firm located in Grand Haven, MI.
Trident White Launches Mystery Smiles Promotion
Adams USA is launching the celebrity “Mystery Smiles” in-store promotion in support of the expansion of its Trident White sugarless gum line to feature a new spearmint flavor.
The Trident White Spearmint Mystery Smiles Sweepstakes will be prominently displayed on freestanding shippers in food, drug and mass stores. Consumers will have the opportunity to guess the identity of the “Mystery Spearmint Celebrity” and enter for a chance to meet the celebrity as part of a grand prize vacation package. The mystery celebrities were chosen for the promotion because of their stand-out, bright smiles. Consumers can enter the contest via mail-in certificates on in-store displays.
Thomas McPartlin, Director, Dental Care for Adams USA, said, “The new spearmint flavor and the Mystery Smiles in-store promotion will enable us to create even more interest and excitement around Trident White.”
Sterling Promotions
Mike And Ike Display Features New Flavors
Just Born, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, is introducing Mike and Ike Buttered Popcorn and Cherry Cola flavors to its product line. The two new products will be shipped in March 2003 and will be available for a limited time.
A 72-count mixed floor display will help announce the product’s availability in an 8-oz. box. Traditional 2-oz. boxes will be merchandised in a 192-count mixed floor display.
“Mike and Ike is a movie icon as is popcorn, and now fans can watch a film and enjoy that popcorn flavor captured in a Mike and Ike candy,” said Joe Villiano, Assistant Product Manager for Mike and Ike.
Bauer Nike Hockey And Labatt Blue Run Joint Promo.
Labatt Blue and Bauer Nike Hockey have launched a promotional campaign merging the launch of Bauer’s Classic Supreme skate line and Labatt Blue, a classic Canadian pilsner and the third-largest selling import beer in the U.S. The program includes print ads and p.o.s. materials such as case cards, table tents, pennants and banners.
The program also features a consumer contest where consumers can win “The Supreme Hockey Party,” a street hockey party for 50 friends.
“Both brands have strong national product recognition and we found the best way to leverage our brand relationship and reach our target audience is through a dual promotion,” said Devin Kelly, Director of Marketing at Labatt USA. “The joint effort allows Bauer to promote its product through our wide consumer distribution outlets. In turn, Labatt Blue will leverage Bauer’s expertise to get close to the hockey enthusiast.” Troy Mohns, Bauer Nike Hockey’s Brand Director of Bauer, said, “A partnership between Bauer and Labatt Blue will benefit both brands, extending brand messages beyond current channels.”
Moet & Chandon Counter Display Creates Impulse Sales
Schieffelin & Somerset, New York City, has used this counter display to present Moet & Chandon and create impulse sales.
The display is made from clear and frosted acrylic heat bent to form an anti-theft enclosure to house bottles The display features a crushed metal base machined and silkscreened. The Moet logo is prominently featured across the front of the display.
The Moet & Chandon counter unit was designed and produced by Flair Inc., a point-of-purchase display company located in Bronx, NY.
Malt-O-Meal Unveils New P.O.P. System
Malt-O-Meal Co. wanted a p.o.p. display system for its line of value cereals that would accentuate its national brand comparison and value message.
Malt-O-Meal required a 5-tier cereal rack system that would showcase three different package sizes, as well as rail strips and aisle violators to complement the display.
“Our strategy was to group the cereals by package size by creating a color-coded visual display that would attract consumers’ attention,” said Randy Szarynski of Mackey Szar, the Minneapolis, MN-based design firm that created the new package and display system. “The use of colors helps consumers quickly understand the display layout, and how each Malt-O-Meal cereal flavor compares to the national brands.”
Choosing bright green for Malt-O-Meal’s entry level “Tastes Great” display, blue for its “50 Percent More” display and red for its “Super Size” display, each product information panel is bordered with the appropriate size’s color Aisle violators were created using the Cool Blue and Li’l Oaty characters and the Malt-O-Meal logo.
Triangle Display
Seneca Foods Displays Apple Chip Store Pallet
Seneca Foods Corp. needed a custom-sized pallet that not only could support its product safely in shipping, but one that matched the high quality image it was presenting to consumers in its displays. Seneca also required that the pallet be lightweight and easy for retailers to handle.
Chicago, IL-based Excalibur Pallet Group, was selected to manufacture a high quality, custom pallet for Seneca’s Apple Chips. Excalibur customized its HDR Pallet to fit the needed size of 20" x 45". The HDR, normally used for heavier products, was perfect for the desired look.
Kenra Features Banner Promotion
Kenra, a manufacturer of quality hair care and finishing products, recently used an eye catching custom banner promotion to reinforce consumer awareness.
The display was placed in salons, department stores and beauty supply establishments in the U.S. and Canada.
The custom logo imprinted and powder coated banner stands were manufactured by Pinquist Die & Tool Company, Inc., a banner stand manufacturer based in Brooklyn NY, for the Display Link, a p.o.p. firm based in Babylon, NY, which also produced the banners.
Ms. Manicure Display Offers Complete Nail Care
Paris Presents, Inc., Gurnee, IL, is promoting its Ms. Manicure nail care program featured in this 4-cup wire display rack. The eye-catching display promotes impulse purchases of nail files, tools and gifts in only 12" of space.
Each cup item ships filled in a shrink-wrapped, durable plastic cup, which can be placed in the wire display. The display signage features a drawing of Ms. Manicure, a nail care personality and authority on “tips and tools for noticeable nails.” The Ms. Manicure display is designed to offer maximum merchandising flexibility.
The Ms. Manicure line is available at food, drug, mass and specialty retailers nationwide.
Castle X Goggles Launches New Display Program
Castle Sales Co., maker of Castle X brand goggles, wanted to give its independent sporting good retailers a display that promoted its products and allowed for retailer flexibility.
This display incorporates a concaved, laser cut, steel background and a floating brushed aluminum Castle X logo at the top that gives the unit an “extreme sports” type-feel. The display can be mounted on slatwall in any retail environment, from general sporting good stores, to ski resort locations, snowmobile and other powersports equipment retailers, effectively differentiating the Castle X brand from the competition. The display holds a lot of product in minimal space, thus giving dealers a high rate of return.
This Castle X Goggles display was produced by Visual Marketing, Inc., a Chicago, IL-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Velocitor Dinosaur Ammo Display Attracts Attention
This Velocitor Dinosaur Ammo display was produced for the Federal Cartridge Co., to attract attention at gun retail locations.
The display features a six foot tall reproduction of the Velocitor dinosaur together with a shelf for holding up to 100 boxes of 22 gauge rifle shells. The display includes free targets and a sweepstakes entry form for a chance to win one of ten .22 gauge rifles together with an order form for a free CCI Velocitor hunters hat.
The corrugated display has a mounted litho label in a four color process.
The display has helped boost the sale of Federal Cartridge’s CCI 22 gauge rifle shells during hunting season.
The Velocitor Dinosaur Ammo display was produced by Meyers Display of Minneapolis, MN.
Zyliss Debuts European Kitchen Tool Center
Zyliss required a modular merchandising system to display its line of hand-held kitchen tools consisting of both carded hanging and boxed products. Felbro, Inc., a Los Angeles, CA-based display firm, created a contemporary system utilizing modular 2-foot display components that reflected the Zyliss image.
The heart of the display system is the square perforated sheet metal back panel that allows for the display to be merchandised with hooks for carded hanging product or wire baskets to accommodate boxed products. The display system can be utilized as a one-sided unit or additional hooks and baskets can be added to create a two-sided display. Panel bracket connectors can be used to create 4-foot, 6-foot and 8-foot configurations. The display also has casters so retailers can easily move it. The base and printed graphics are Zyliss blue and the display’s metal components are powder coated silver to match the high-tech finish of many of the products.
Black & Decker Features ‘Project Partner’ End Cap
Black & Decker Canada wanted to feature its “Project Partner” tools and accessories in Building Box home improvement stores, a chain of 22 stores throughout Ontario and Quebec.
A three-sided end cap display was produced featuring a front sample ledge where hand tools sit with electrical cords hidden in recessed holes. All shelves are vertically adjustable and are backed with peg-board for product presentation flexibility. The end cap has metal bumper bars for protection from shopping carts. Photo panels are interchangeable to accommodate changing product promotions. Construction incorporated sheet metal, mdf board, and pegboard.
The Black & Decker “Project Partner” End Cap was produced by Creative Displayworks of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
Displays Launch Pepsi ‘Blue’
Pepsi’s new Pepsi Blue, featuring a berry cola fusion flavor and electric blue color is targeted to the next generation of cola drinkers. Special displays featuring contemporary graphics and dimensional lug-ons, grab the attention of the target audience.
The displays were fabricated using 4-color process litho to 200# B-flute corrugated.
The graphics were developed by Pepsi. Rapid Displays a Chicago, IL-based p.o.p. display firm, designed, engineered, printed, mounted, die-cut, assembled and packed the displays.
D. J. Graphics
Kodak Perfect Touch Promoted At Retail
Eastman Kodak Co., has launched Kodak Perfect Touch Processing, its new premium photo processing service, which individually scans and digitally "corrects" each photo. Digital technology is used to improve poorly exposed or backlit pictures giving consumers pictures with more vibrant colors, richer detail and fewer dark shadows. The service will roll out across the U.S. in 2003.
Jeff Wagner, Associate Product Manager for Kodak Perfect Touch, said, “We want to reset consumers’ expectations about processing. By getting their pictures processed with Kodak Perfect Touch processing, they can see the difference for themselves.”
Kodak will support the retail effort with an integrated marketing campaign that includes advertising and in-store promotions. In-store signage shows “twin girl” images so consumers can see side-by-side comparisons of standard processing vs. Perfect Touch.
Charm Kiosks Showcase Jewelry Products
Rembrandt Charms, Buffalo, NY, wanted to place kiosks in jewelry stores nationwide.
The company deployed “Charm Kiosks,” which allow customers to view over 2,600 charm styles; search for particular charms by category, key word or style number; and print photo receipts of the charms they like best.
Each Charm Kiosk features rich colors and a sleek, elegant design to draw in traffic and entice shoppers to search through the charm styles.
The modestly-sized 2'x2' kiosk functions as an artistic accessory for the jewelry stores yet also provides customers with all the information they need on Rembrandt’s charms.
The Charm Kiosk was produced by KIS, a designer and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor kiosks, located in Louisville, CO.
Hanes Display Features New Tagless T-Shirt
Hanes is eliminating those annoying tags from its T-shirts, preventing the need to tuck the tag back in for millions of T-shirt wearing Americans. Now, all Hanes T-shirts will “Go Tagless.”
“We have always put a premium on comfort,” said Terri Thompson, Director of Merchandising at Hanes, a division of Sara Lee Underwear. “What better way to make our all-American favorite-the Hanes T-shirt-more comfortable than to retire that last annoyance-the tag.”
Hanes is using this corrugated display to introduce the tagless T-shirt to consumers nationwide. The display features Michael Jordan, who is the brand spokesperson, wearing a Hanes tagless T-shirt. Michael Jordan is featured in the newest Hanes underwear commercial for the tagless T-shirt.
Pioneer End Cap Displays Meat Snacks
Pioneer Snacks is using this end cap free standing display to accommodate the complete line of Pioneer meat snacks.
The display was designed to appeal to the teen market with bright colors and unique tube graphic supports.
Through the use of modular hooks and trays, this unit satisfied five different plan-o-grams. The open-end design allowed easy placement of hooks and trays.
This Pioneer Snacks wire floor merchandiser was created by Kent Design & Manufacturing, Inc., a point-of-purchase display company located in Grand Rapids, MI.
Keebler Vanilla Wafers And Jell-O Pudding On Display
Keebler is using this display to merchandise Keebler Vanilla Wafer product in a secondary placement in grocery stores. The shelf extender offers customers boxes of Jell-O pudding for shopping convenience.
The three-shelf display is made of wire, sheet metal, and four-color process graphics. It is painted yellow and blue powder paint to match the exact branded colors of the Keebler Vanilla Wafers. The colorful graphics create an inviting image of a prepared dessert using both items offered for sale on the display.
The Keebler Vanilla Wafers and Jell-O Pudding display was produced by SMP Display Design Group, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Chattanooga, TN.
Hawaiian Tropic Brings Aloha Spirit To Retailers
Hawaiian Tropic is bringing the Aloha Spirit to retailers with this six-foot Surf Hut Display featuring a tiki hut header and sides shaped like surfboards.
The display features strong, durable, styrene construction and is easy for the retailer to assemble. It has wheels to be moved to different parts of the store and holds 140 dozen products.
Hawaiian Tropic is using the display to promote new products for the 2003 suncare season, including: Tan2 Max Mousse with Maui Mango Meringue scent, the first indoor mousse available to the mass market; Tan Amplifier Bronzing Spray for instant bronze results; Kids Splash 30 SPF; Ozone Oil Free 50+SPF Sunblock Stick; Cucumber Melon Aloe Vera Treatment; Carrot Tanning Lotion 10 SPF, fortified with Beta Carotene and Carrot Extract; and Hawaiian Tropic Barbie 30 SPF Sunblock Lotion.
Modern Organic Products Features Platform Display
modern organic products required a minimalistic and clean-looking display that would present its organic hair care products in an inviting manor.
Display Link, a Babylon, NY-based manufacturer of temporary and permanent point-of-purchase displays, produced the mop and C-System platforms fabricated in heavy gauge gloss white steel. The sterile appearance and minimalistic shapes of the platforms lend a perfect setting for modern organic products.
TUMS Displays Feature Firefighters In National Promo.
TUMS, a leading antacid brand for heartburn relief, is expanding its product family with the introduction of TUMS Smooth Dissolve antacid/calcium supplements. TUMS Smooth Dissolve chewable tablets feature a unique, creamy texture that dissolves quickly and completely for fast relief of heartburn.
In conjunction with the launch of TUMS Smooth Dissolve, GlaxoSmithKline is launching a cause-related marketing campaign supported via p.o.s. displays. Themed “TUMS Helps Put Out More Fires Than You Think,” the displays feature actual firefighters who have joined with TUMS and the First Responder Institute, a not-for-profit group providing assistance to emergency personnel nationwide, on behalf of the cause-related campaign. TUMS will donate $.10 to the FRI for each TUMS bottle purchased, up to $200,000, to help fire departments purchase equipment.
“TUMS has always been known for quickly putting out the fires within,” said Jeffrey Brown, V.P., Marketing GI/Wellness at GlaxoSmithKline. “And now TUMS will assist firefighters by giving them the tools they need to put out real fires.”
Pemmican Provides ‘Your Low-Fat Lunch Fix’ Promotion
Pemmican Beef Jerky, a brand of ConAgra Foods, Raleigh, NC, recently conducted a “Your Low-Fat Lunch Fix” retail promotion.
The brand is offering an instant redeemable coupon for 25 cents off all 4-ounce Natural Style Beef Jerky and Long Lasting Style Pemmican pouches.
“Your Low-Fat Lunch Fix” graphics are being featured on Pemmican displays and more than one million coupons are included on Pemmican pouches nationwide during the promotion.
“Consumers love meat snacks as an exciting alternative to candy bars and cookies for a quick snack,” said Tina Larson, Promotions Manager for Pemmican.
Red Wing Shoes Features Hunting Boot Display
Red Wing Shoe Co. is using this display to promote its line of Irish Setter Versa Tracks hunting boots.
The display features a stained poplar wood base, 50pt. cardstock backercard, powder-coated steel shoe plate, and a green-edge acrylic feature plate, which contains a silkscreen boot track with two sets of actual cleat samples adhered in place for a full 3D effect of the traction system. A cleat wrench is neatly secured to the acrylic plate to reinforce the boot’s versatility of changing out the appropriate cleats.
A domed Irish Setter logo is prominently displayed on the acrylic plate to reinforce branding. A large silk-screened graphic backercard is interchangeable-allowing for future versions to be inserted. The black powder-coated steel shoe plate suspends the boot in mid-air. The display works in slatwall, slatgrid and countertop environments.
This Irish Setter Boot Display was created by Concept Designs, a p.o.p. display firm based in Mountain View, CA.
‘toto’ Opens As Prototype Airport Retailer
CBR Inc., has opened its latest inspiration for airport retail, ‘toto,’ at the AIRMALL at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Featuring everything that’s ‘in’, or ‘hot’, the 900-sq. ft. specialty gift shop boasts a warm inviting decor. Walls in olive and purple mesh with cherry wood bookshelves and matching display cases. There are high fashion touches such as custom designed accent tables in eggplant, lime and pomegranate. The store’s current gift selections range from Fifties retro to Parisian chic, aviation buff to armchair traveler.
“We are thrilled to be the first stop for another winning concept by this talented group,” said Jay Kruisselbrink, V.P. of BAA Pittsburgh, developer of the AIRMALL.
Arby’s Introduces ‘Restaurant Of The Future’
Arby’s, has opened its prototype “Restaurant Of The Future,” in Allentown, PA. This major initiative is the result of two years of consumer research.
“Arby’s modernization effort is about meeting and exceeding the needs of the customer of the 21st century,” said Michael Howe, President, Arby’s.
The program includes across-the-board changes from restaurant image to technology to enhance the customer experience. New technologies are being utilized to provide faster service, from advanced order confirmation boards in the drive-thru to equipment that toasts a sandwich bun in just eight seconds.
The result is hotter, fresher food in an inviting environment, which features the latest décor.
Quizno’s Subs Unveils New Store Design
Quizno, a Denver, CO-based leader in the upscale sandwich category, has redesigned its restaurants to keep pace with consumer preferences.
The redesign features a softer color palette, using tones of terracotta, blue and plum. The artwork is modern, illustrative and whimsical and the overall environment is much more sophisticated. “Quizno's new décor is a step up from the traditional fast food restaurant, although the convenience of quick-service is still there,” said Stacie Lange, Company Spokesperson.
The redesign program also accommodates several menu enhancements. Quizno’s is introducing an expanded pepper bar and a new beverage station.
Renowned for toasting its subs, Quizno’s is also installing ovens with viewing windows so guests can watch their subs toast.
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