Nation’s First ‘Verizon Experience’ Store Opens
The nation’s first Verizon Experience store has opened in Southlake, Texas, presenting Verizon Wireless and Verizon Communications products and services in high-tech, consumer-friendly style.
The 5,000-square-foot flagship store allows customers to play, connect, watch and listen to Verizon Wireless’ and Verizon Communications’ broadband-rich, entertainment-oriented and productivity enhancing wireless and wireline services-in a single store visit.
Verizon’s newest retail environment brings together the services offered by Verizon Wireless and Verizon Communications in a setting where customers can touch and try products, engage dynamic interactive displays and demonstrations, and consult with specially-trained product experts who will accompany customers as they shop for the latest in technology services. The Verizon Experience store will greet visitors with the very latest technology: over-sized, high-definition plasma television screens featuring Verizon’s FiOS TV service; a gaming station and computers enabling customers to test drive ultra-fast FiOS Internet connection speeds over Verizon’s fiber-optic network; 12 digital electronic information screens; multiple touch-screen computers; interactive kiosks and exhibits; a series of intuitive product demonstrations; and a technical support center.
“The ‘Verizon Experience’ store will demystify how technology improves productivity and makes buying decisions simpler than ever by delivering a shopping experience unlike any other among our peers and
competitors,” said Bon Ingalls, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Verizon Communications.
Studio Red Supports Red Motorazr
Motorola and Sprint have introduced the Red Motorazr V3m, a wireless phone developed to support RED, an initiative founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa .
Both Motorola and Sprint will contribute to the fund with each RED Motorazr sold at Sprint. The bold red hue of the Red Motorazr makes a striking statement.
Motorola’s support for RED includes the launch of Studio RED, a series of physical and virtual destinations created to enhance consumers’ mobile experiences.
Studio Red, a place “Where Desire Meets Virtue,” keeps consumers up-to-date on Motorola activities with Red.
Sprint’s NFL Mobile Service Promoted With Reactrix
Sprint has kicked off a new advertising campaign promoting its NFL Mobile Service on the Reactrix Media Network, (www.reactrix.com). The ads are being broadcast by Reactrix on its national media network, an ad medium that makes malls, movie theaters and other public spaces “come alive” with interactive brand experiences.
In an expanded 45-second Sprint ad, consumers will kick teed up footballs on the display area, while being exposed to branded images ranging from a tagline reading, “The Power to Make Every Day Sunday. NFL Mobile, only from Sprint” to branded field stenciling to a Sprintblimp hovering behind the uprights. Each session ends with a call to action, encouraging participants to visit the venue’s authorized Sprint retailer.
“Reactrx’s ability to engage consumers in brand-building activity is a natural for this campaign,” said Anita Bajaj Newton, V.P., Media Integration for Sprint.
PUMA Debuts New Retail Design With New Concept Store
PUMA has launched a new global retail design with the opening of a Concept Store in Manhattan’s Union Square.
The store features a Ship Container concept, where all of the fixture elements are positioned in the space by being mounted on the walls, laid on the floor, or suspended from the ceiling. The modular design contains elements that can be mixed and matched, giving each store the opportunity to create its own individual style.
“With this new design concept, we surprise our customers with fun ways to promote the PUMA-experience in our stores and to thereby increase the brand desirability,” said Antonio Bertone, Group Functional Director of Brand and Marketing.
“The design intent was to imagine a place where the PUMA energy was evident,” said Paolo Lucchetta of RetailDesign SRL, creator of the new store. “I wanted to promote city style in a place that encourages casual shopping.”
Timberland P.O.S. Launches PowerWelt Workboot
Timberland PRO, a leading manufacturer in the work boot category, recently launched a national brand campaign to support the introduction of the PowerWelt Workboot.
The photography is a major element in the ad campaign and captures the realism of the work environments. The OOH and POS messaging strategy introduces the benefits of a revolutionary new leather: “Ever-Guard-It’s leather, It’s tough, It breaths.”
Winsper, a Chestnut Hill, MA-based integrated marketing firm, created the national brand campaign for Timberland PRO’s PowerWelt Workboot.
Red Truck Wines Unveils New Pink Category
Red Truck Wines, known for its popular Red Truck and White Truck blended wines as well as its single-varietals, has introduced Pink Truck, a pink wine blend of Zinfandel, Grenache and Mourvedre.
Line-priced with its hallmark Red Truck and White Truck blends, Pink Truck will reach national distribution in early 2007. With 20% less residual sugar than leading brands, Pink Truck targets consumers looking for a drier, more sophisticated pink wine that still has some of the sweetness they like.
“The pink category is ripe for a new entrant at this higher price point,” said Dan Leese, President of Axiom Wine Company. “Twenty-five million cases of White Zinfandel are sold in the U.S. every year, and consumers haven’t had any new choices to speak of in the category for nearly 20 years.”
JuiceBox Wine Company Launches FreeRange Line
JuiceBox Wine Co. has released seven different premium FreeRange wines, all 2005 vintage, in an innovative three-liter 4BottleBox. The packaging consists of a vacuum sealed bag with a spout, which keeps the wine in and air out, inside of a sturdy cardboard box with a handle on the top.
“We saw the opportunity to bring really good wines into the U.S. in a new, high tech way, and moved quickly to make it happen,” said Jonathan Barr of JuiceBox. “According to industry data, alternative packaging for wine is showing good acceptance in the U.S. and the three liter bag-in-box packaging is the fastest growing format in the U.S.”
The wines will be merchandised in this distinctive shipper display.
Sterling Promotions
First-Of-Its-Kind Wind Power Card Sells At Whole Foods
The Wind Power Card, a first-of-its-kind product, is now selling at Whole Foods, allowing shoppers to purchase wind energy credits at the checkout counter.
Produced by Renewable Choice Energy and introduced exclusively at Whole Foods market stores, the Wind Power Cards enable consumers to buy certified wind energy credits equivalent to a household’s average monthly electricity consumption. Activated on purchase, the cards help support the development of renewable energy nationwide.
“Wind Power Cards offer consumers an opportunity to ensure that the energy they take from the grid is replaced with clean, renewable energy derived from wind power,” said Quayle Hodek, CEO of Renewable Choice Energy.
Bosch Supports Energy Savings Event With P.O.P.
Bosch home appliances is offering a rebate program for its front-loading Nexxt Washers.
The rebates are designed to cover up to ten years of the appliance’s energy costs. The Company is offering a $110 rebate with the purchase of a Nexxt 500, 700, DLX or Platinum Series washer; a $100 rebate on a Nexxt 300 Series washer and an $89 rebate with the Nexxt 100 Series washer.
“This Bosch Nexxt Laundry rebate program communicates that owning one of our efficient products results in long-term savings,” said Franz Bosshard, CEO. “The Nexxt Laundry system has been impressing consumers with its unrivaled energy and water efficiency. And now, it will also pay its own energy bill!”
Bosch will support its Energy Savings rebate program with point-of-purchase materials
Filene’s Basement Uses High Visibility Custom Fixtures
Filene’s Basement needed custom fixtures for two new locations, one opening in Hunts Valley, MD and the other in Boston.
The Boston location required the fixture to be no higher than a glass wall that was 44" high. The fixture was to be used in front of the escalator so it was to have high visibility. It also had to be flexible with different types of merchandise to be presented so a hangbar attachment with peg hooks was used to accommodate the changes in merchandise and seasons. The Hunt Valley, MD location also required the same attributes in its fixtures as they were to be located right on the second floor near the cash wrap, escalator and elevator.
The Filene’s Basement custom fixtures were designed, manufactured and installed by Flair Display, located in Bronx, New York.
Naturalizer Signature Replicates Gallery Showcase
Brown Shoe Co. has joined forces with style expert and TV personality Gretchen Monahan to create the Naturalizer Signature collection of modern, sophisticated heels, wedges and flats from the Company’s flagship Naturalizer brand. Designed with a touch of Naturalizer’s hallmark comfort, coupled with its pricing --$125 to $160- the collection is positioned in the “attainable luxury” category.
The Naturalizer Signature display highlights the new designer footwear collection within Naturalizer retail stores.
By isolating the shelving unit with a silk panel in back, a branded face plate on the surface, and segmenting the unit into smaller curved display cubes, Naturalizer was able to attain the look and feel of a modern gallery showcase.
L’Oreal Launches La Roche-Posay Sensitest Kiosk
L’Oreal USA has added the La Roche-Posay brand into skin care departments in major drug chains. La Roche-Posay is known for products designed to help consumers with rosacea, acne and sensitive skin conditions.
To assist shoppers in understanding what products would work best for them, La Roche-Posay is placing Sensitest Kiosks in drugstores. Consumers answer nine questions and then receive recommendations for La Roche-Posay skin care products. The products are listed in a printout that shoppers can insert into a personal passport for future reference. The Kiosk also contains a scanner that reads a package and gives shoppers all the important information about the product.
NEXXUS Floorstand Conveys ‘Salon’ Image At Mass
Alberto Culver is using this floorstand to introduce the NEXXUS hair care brand, formerly distributed exclusively through Salons, to diverse retail settings including drug store and grocery chains. The display conveys a premium “Salon” image and educates consumers on product attributes.
The floorstand fixture display ships to market fully loaded and assembled. The display holds 30 pieces of all NEXXUS products, and has built-in casters for easy re-location throughout the retail environment. The display uses clear, transparent trays that let the product appear to “float” in air. Steel tubing hidden beneath trays supports a product that is by nature not light. The display also holds educational brochures providing details on the NEXXUS hair care regimen.
The NEXXUS floorstand display was designed, produced and shipped by The Strive Group, with headquarters in Chicago, IL.
Goodyear Tire Stores Get New Look To Boost Sales
Goodyear Tire is giving a new look to its stores nationwide to stimulate a stronger, easy-to-shop retail experience.
In addition to a new store layout, the design introduces new floor and wall display visuals. Goodyear developed new signage, display fixtures, and information cards to help make product benefits easier for consumers to understand and make the tire purchase process less intimidating.
“Goodyear is intensifying its focus on in-store needs of consumers, in conjunction with highly successful product launches,” said Rob Rajkowski, Director of Marketing & Merchandising, Goodyear. “The new design was developed based on feedback from consumers who said they preferred a more informational store environment.”
Goodyear worked with Hitchcock Fleming & Associates, Akron, OH to develop display visuals and Big Red Rooster, a retail design firm located in Columbus, OH.
Alamo Launches Rental Car Check In Kiosks
Alamo Rent A Car is rolling out new self-service kiosks at rental locations throughout the U.S. The new system cuts check in time for customers by about 50% when compared to average counter check in times.
The touch screen kiosk allows customers with an existing reservation to skip the rental counter and check in directly at the kiosk. A receipt sized rental agreement is printed from the kiosk and the customer is directed to his or her rental car on the lot.
The kiosk also allows the customer to review rental information, upgrade to a larger car class, and purchase optional items such as child car seats, GPS unit, Collision Damage Waiver and Pre Pay Gas.
Willy WonkaZoid Video Game Candy Dispenser Launched
Nestle’s Willy Wonka has introduced WonkaZoid, the ultimate combination of the two things tweens love most; candy and video games.
The WonkaZoid is a hand-held, refillable candy dispenser that also features a fun, one-of-a-kind video game that features Willy Wonka characters.
All four varieties of WonkaZoid will be displayed at retailers nationwide.
The colorful WonkaZoid displays are designed to attract the attention of tweens, describe the unique new products, and gain off-shelf feature positioning to support the launch of the new product category.
WaddaJuice Debuts WaddaBlast Healthy Sports Drink
WaddaJuice, a healthy juice alternative for kids, has launched its new line, WaddaBlast, a new healthy hydrating drink specially formulated for active kids.
WaddaBlast is low in sodium and does not include high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners like most current sports drinks.
WaddaBlast comes in Watermelon, Lemonade and Lotta Fruit flavors and contains ElectroVites, a special blend of vitamins and minerals that provides kids with healthier hydration.
WaddaBlast will be sold at retailers’ nationwide from this eye-catching, space efficient display.
Kiosks Promote ifrogz Custom iPod Cases
ifrogz has opened retail kiosks in malls across the U.S. to showcase its custom iPod cases.
iPod owners can visit the kiosks to mix and match to find their own perfect case. ifrogz custom iPod cases give music lovers more than 300,000 possible case combinations.
“We’re happy to have ifrogz iPod cases available at these new locations around the country,” said Scott Huskinson, President, ifrogz. “People love mixing and matching our Wrapz, Bandz and Screenz to create the prefect cases for their iPods. But if there’s anything they like more than building an ifrogz case online, it's building one in person.”
Qwest Bilingual Sales Kiosks Debut At Food City Stores
Qwest has installed Bilingual Sales Kiosks in Arizona Food City locations where visitors can learn about Qwest products, purchase Qwest services and pay a Qwest bill, while grocery shopping.
Qwest customer service representatives at all Food City locations are fluent in Spanish.
“Qwest recognizes that customers are looking to simplify their lives, and allowing them to learn about Qwest services while they’re out for groceries provides tremendous convenience,” said Hector Placencia, Director of Hispanic Markets for Qwest. "We also find that the face-to-face interaction offered by Qwest kiosks makes purchasing all your voice, video and data services in one place even easier.”
Blueant Displays X3 Micro Bluetooth Headsets
Offering the ultimate in portability, the BlueAnt X3 micro is one of the world’s smallest Bluetooth headsets, available in a range of vibrant colors including black, white, hot pink, gold, bronze and red.
Weighing less than one half ounce, the X3 micro is a high quality full duplex headset with adjustable volume control and inbuilt microphones. The X3 micro is compatible with any Bluetooth mobile phone, Smartphone, PDA or Bluetooth enabled PC or MAC.
The headsets will be displayed in this counter display that attracts attention and supports the line’s high tech appeal.
LG Electronics Debuts Cell Phone Floorstand Display
LG Electronics recently developed a new floor display for its cell phones.
The new display echoes the look and feel of the other members of LG’s display family. It is designed to highlight four cell phones and dispense accessory products. The four products are displayed on a “stage” of green-edge acrylic, powder coated steel and brushed aluminum. Lighting effects add drama and visual appeal.
Each individual phone holder incorporates interchangeable graphics. Each phone is tethered with a security cable.Strong LG branding is used throughout.
This display was created by Concept Designs, a Palo Alto, CA-based p.o.p. display firm.
KFC Launches Look Of The Future
KFC has launched a global re-image campaign that contemporizes 14,000 KFC restaurants in more than 80 countries and spans all visual elements from logo to restaurant design, advertising and point-of-sale materials.
The new look logo depicts the Colonel sporting a bright red apron symbolizing the home-style culinary heritage of the brand.
“The Colonel is truly a global icon and we want everyone in the universe to see KFC’s new look of the future,” said Gregg Dedrick, President of KFC Corp.
HoneyBaked Ham Launches Neighborhood Store Concept
The HoneyBaked Ham Co. plans to open new “Neighborhood” concept stores in the Metro Atlanta area as well as in Colorado and Florida, to serve consumers who want quality, ready to eat, convenient meals in portions they choose.
“Today’s busy families require quick meal solutions, but no one wants to sacrifice quality or taste,” said Chuck Bengochea, CEO. “Our new Neighborhood stores combine classic HoneyBaked tastes with fresh and on-the-go convenience.”
Some of the stores’ features include: Glazing galleries where for the first time, consumers will be able to see how HoneyBaked Hams are glazed. Sampling Stations where consumers can taste what’s new, from meats to desserts and in between. Displays offer a selection of gourmet mustards, salsas and spreads. The unique environment provides quick meal solutions in a cozy neighborhood food shop atmosphere.
New Balance Floormat Promotes Cushioning Technology
New Balance wanted a floor mat to prove to consumers at the point-of-purchase why they should choose the ABZORB® shoe line. By offering a ‘try before you buy’ simulation of the ABZORB®, it encouraged consumers to then take off their shoes and walk in the ABZORB® shoe.
The floor mat features a clear vinyl digital printed top. The top is vacuum formed over custom molded polyurethane inserts and permanently adhered to an ABS backer for durability as a floor display. Stores where this floor mat was placed reported that it increased sales of the ABZORB ® shoe.
The New Balance floor mat was created by Heritage Sign and Display, located in Nesquehoning, PA.
db clay Displays New Wallet Collection
Featuring a modern look and feel, db clay has launched its new collection of mixed-medium wallets.
The db clay wallet collection incorporates several completely untapped mediums in the wallet market including a gaffer’s tape canvas, canvas, acrylics, spray-paint, nylon, and thread to achieve a unique design. Custom images, photographs, street art and drawings stand out against the gaffer’s tape canvas to create wallets that are appropriately dubbed Pocket Art.
The collection is on display in Nordstrom, Fred Segal and more than 100 boutiques.
Starbucks Introduces Vending Machines For Hot Lattes
Starbucks has embarked on a joint venture with PepsiCo to offer hot latte and cocoa beverages through the Starbucks hot vending initiative. The Starbucks vending platform utilizes proprietary heat-on-demand technology, developed by PepsiCo, which will offer customers a convenient way to enjoy Starbucks on-the-go.
Gerry Lopez, President, Starbucks Global Consumer Products, said, “With the introduction of these transformative hot vending machines, our customers can enjoy the same high quality beverages that they expect from Starbucks in a way that is customized to their fast-paced lifestyles.”
Each hot beverage will come in a 9 oz. recyclable steel can with an insulating label, designed to keep the beverage warm, and still comfortable to the touch.
Three Thieves Displays New Single-Serve Wine Package
Tetra Pak is teaming up with Three Thieves and Target to provide consumers with unique wine options. With the launch of Three Thieves and Target Wine Cube in the 250-ml Tetra Prisma Aseptic package from Tetra Pak, consumers no longer have to open an entire bottle of wine to enjoy one glass at home with family and friends. This innovative single-serve package is perfect for solo-sipping, cooking and bringing to an outdoor adventure.
"The success of both the Three Thieves and Target wine cube in the 250-ml Tetra Prisma package signals the U.S. market’s increasing acceptance of premium wine in alternative packages,” said Jeff Kellar, V.P., Strategic Business Development, Tetra Pak.
Wendy’s Creates Mom RD In-Store Program
In a continuing effort to make nutrition information available to customers, Wendy’s has paired with the American Dietetic Association to create M-RD, a program that connects parents directly with registered dietitians (RDs) for information and advice on family nutrition.
Wendy’s is placing a new poster featuring nutrition and allergen information in its restaurants. Customers also can obtain free information on family nutrition from three RDs who are also moms, as well as updated product information on the company’s new Web Site at www.Mom-RD.com.
Wienerschnitzel Promotes Philly Cheese Steak Trio
Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog chain, is rolling out its new Philly Cheese Steak Trio.
Comprising the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, the Philly Burger and the Philly Dog, the new menu items provide customers with hearty offerings of premium Philly steak meat by itself or paired with a beef burger or Italian sausage.
“The Philly Cheese Steak Trio is a tribute to our continued goal of providing customers with new and premium products that combine flavors and value,” said Tom Amberger, Vice President of Marketing for Wienerschnitzel. In-store signage promotes the new product offering.
Wienerschnitzel restaurants are supporting the launch of the new Philly Cheese Steak Trio with an array of colorful point-of-purchase materials.
MiracleGro LiquaFeed Display Encourages Product Trial
Scott’s wanted a display that would give consumers the opportunity to “touch and feel” its MiracleGro LiquaFeed. The display also had to be able to endure the “harsh” environment of Home Depot retail garden centers, which often include outdoor locations.
The display was constructed to be durable. The streamlined design featuring curved sides, allowed for minimal interference with the product on-shelf, but still allowed adequate space to communicate key messaging.
The display came with the actual “feeder” tethered to the display backer, making it easy for store personnel to put into place.
This Scott’s MiracleGro LiquaFeed Display was created by New Dimensions, Inc., Melville, NY.
Harden Home Studio Helps Shoppers Select Furniture
The Harden Home Studio is an efficient 1,000 sq. ft. store within a store, designed to help customers choose from a wide selection of the manufacturer’s upholstery and wood furniture styles.
A comfortable workstation that includes catalogs and other shopping tools sits amid a display of wing chairs, dining tables and entertainment armoires.
Each Harden product is poised for tire kicking, test drive and most importantly, for custom design inspiration.
The new Studio concept was conceived by GRID2 International, a New York City-based design firm.
Employing lighted, self-serve information kiosks and easy access to fabric swatches and wood samples, GRID2 deconstructs the selection process into a series of steps, beginning with customer-preferred styling and ending with the furniture’s finishing touches.
HyperScan Game System Hits Store Shelves
HyperScan, manufactured by Mattel, creates a whole new way for tween gamers to play by bringing the best of collector card games and video games together in one easy-to-use system.
HyperScan is a first-of-its-kind hybrid game system that uses RFID technology, allowing players to scan collectible game cards, enhance and modify their game skills and make their video game characters more powerful over time.
Three HyperScan software titles will be available initially.
Hyperscan will be promoted in-store with this unique shelf talker display that explains the game’s new technology.
Electronic Arts Displays New NFL STREET 3 Game
Electronic Arts recently shipped NFL STREET 3 to stores across North America. In NFL STREET 3, gamers can break out of the constraints of traditional gridiron football, take it to the streets and change the game.
NFL STREET 3 lets gamers use the super athletes of the NFL to play football both on the ground and in the air. Once airborne, players can pull off style moves that rack up even more points.
One of the new features in NFL STREET 3 is a new game type called Playbook Elimination, which allows players to tear the page out of an opponent’s playbook if the offensive play ends in a fumble, interception, loss of yards or an incompletion.
Marketing support for NFL STREET includes a wide array of different point-of-purchase materials. NFL Street will be displayed in electronics, toy and game stores across the nation.
Visioneer Displays RoadWarrior
Visioneer, Inc., a leader in intelligent imaging solutions, has introduced the Visioneer RoadWarrior, an easy-to-use yet powerful mobile scanner for handling all the document needs of the business traveler, from expense receipts to business cards and documents.
The RoadWarrior is also an ideal solution for scanning and converting documents into searchable Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files. Visioneer also signed a distribution agreement to bundle Google Search Tools that allow “road warriors” to quickly find documents and maps.
Visioneer is featuring this display at electronics and computer stores.
Watt Stopper Displays Vacancy Sensors
Watt Stopper/Legrand has created the first family of vacancy and occupancy sensors designed for the home.
The new Watt Stopper sensors give homeowners a simple way to save energy by automatically turning lights off in empty rooms, thus making ordinary home lighting more green and eco-friendly.
The sensors replace wall switches in bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways and other rooms. With vacancy sensors, users press the button to turn lights on; with occupancy sensors, lights turn on automatically when someone enters the room. Then after the room is vacant, lights automatically turn off.
This eye-catching corrugated display explains the benefits of the new product in a humorous way. The header asks, “Who Left the Lights On?” and features a cut-out of a young boy.
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