Starbucks Rolls Out Center Store Café In Grocery Stores
Grocery stores across the country are featuring a new way to purchase Starbucks® packaged coffee and ready-to-drink coffee beverages from the Starbucks Coffee Company -- a “Center Store Café” concept.
Inspired by the belief that coffee is not just a beverage, it is an experience, Starbucks has set out to change that experience within the grocery aisle. This transformation includes creative touches from the design of the shelves to how the coffee is arranged on them.
The new premium coffee aisle fixtures can help elevate the grocery experience for shoppers and can be configured to include wood fixtures, coffee education displays, lighting and more.
In conjunction with the new display concept, Starbucks has introduced Starbucks® Limited Reserve in grocery stores nationwide. These initial offerings are made up of three limited-time-only coffees from each coffee growing region: Latin America, Africa/Arabia, and Asia/Pacific regions.
Applying Starbucks expertise to bring quality beans from each of the world's coffee growing regions, the Limited Reserve line will deliver coffees that appeal to both the discriminating connoisseurs and a typical coffee drinker. The continually changing line will give coffee lovers an opportunity to explore a fine array of rare and distinctive flavors on an ongoing basis.
Other new Starbucks products and initiatives available where groceries are purchased include: Two flavorful mild packaged coffees: the Daily Horizons Blend™ and the Half Caffeinated Breakfast Blend.
Recognizing that dark chocolate is a flavor profile that Starbucks customers enjoy, Starbucks is also rolling out a line of dark chocolate Starbucks® bottled Frappuccino® coffee drinks. The first beverage, available for a limited time, is the Starbucks® Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mocha bottled Frappuccino® coffee drink.
House Of Hoops Is Unique Basketball Retail Experience
NIKE and Foot Locker have opened the doors to House of Hoops by Foot Locker on Harlem's 125th Street, a first-of-its-kind basketball retail experience with Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse exclusively under one roof.
“House of Hoops is a hub for all things basketball and a new home for consumers who live and breathe the game,” said Charlie Denson, President of the Nike Brand. "It's the ultimate basketball store. House of Hoops offers a stellar line-up of performance and basketball inspired footwear, apparel and equipment from the game's biggest names, meeting the needs of the every day player."
As the ultimate consumer experience, House of Hoops flagship stores will feature basketball product available nowhere else in the U.S., including coveted player exclusive footwear. These limited edition personalized performance shoes include the embellishments that All-Star players like Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd and rookie Kevin Durant have on the shoes they lace up on court each night. These styles will be made available for the first time at House of Hoops. At House of Hoops, the Hoops Essentials area gives players the chance to hook up their look from head to toe in the colors of their choice. The VIP Area allows them to read magazines, or check out commercials and behind the scenes interviews with top players-all from leather chairs in front of a 65-inch TV screen. House of Hoops also introduces the Scorer's Table, with special touches like customized t-
shirts and a specialized electronic community board with a ticker posting real-time scores from local high school basketball games, relevant basketball news, and information about upcoming store events.
Under Armour Opens First Retail Store
Under Armour, Inc. has opened its first full-line retail store built to enable consumers to immerse themselves in Under Armour's brand and performance products.
The 4,500 sq. ft. retail space at the Westfield Mall in Annapolis, Maryland, features an immense bronze statue of brand ambassador “Big E,” a “stadium tunnel” entryway, a 120-inch rear projection HD television screen, a 32-inch multi-media touch-screen kiosk containing branded interactive content and educational elements, and a look and feel that represents the collision of athletics, science, industry and performance. Once inside the tunnel entryway, visitors will be engaged by a state-of-the-art and bigger-than-life audio visual experience and will be able to shop a full range of Under Armour performance apparel and footwear.
The Annapolis store marks Under Armour's entry into the branded retail space. Located in close proximity to the Under Armour world headquarters in Baltimore, the new store will serve as a brand touch point with the performance athlete as well as a retail and merchandising pilot center for new brand campaigns to be rolled out to a larger retailer partner community.
“We want the consumer to experience what it feels like to be in an Under Armour commercial,” said Kevin Plank, CEO, Under Armour, Inc. “We’ve built the physical manifestation of the Under Armour Brand. From our perspective, we look to this store to make us a better retail partner, merchandiser and listener to our consumer. As for our consumers, we hope they see the store as an extraordinary and authentic Under Armour experience. It will be like nothing they’ve ever experienced.”
Under Armour selected PlayNetwork Inc., headquartered in Redmond, WA, as the provider of custom music, video and systems integration for the store. “We are thrilled to have PlayNetwork as the integrated media provider for the company’s first store,” said Christopher Hufnagel, Senior Director of Retail, Under Armour.
Hasbro Creates Littlest Pet Shop Pop-Up Store
Hasbro recently opened the doors of a LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs Boutique in New York City. The “pop-up” store experience celebrated Hasbro’s newly-launched LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs (Virtual Interactive Pets), a line of adorable plush pets that each have a unique code to unlock a rich online virtual world for girls to explore and "live" in with their VIPs pets. The LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs Boutique sends girls on an immersive journey that blends real and virtual world activities from playing games and winning cool prizes to exploring the environment and meeting other LITTLEST PET SHOP fans.
Valerie Jurries, Vice President of Marketing for Hasbro's girls brands, said, “Pop-up stores are all about creating the unexpected and that is exactly what we're doing for the avid and loyal LITTLEST PET SHOP girls. The experience will mark the first time that girls can actually step into the LITTLEST PET SHOP world and see it unfold through the eyes of their pets.”
Like its online counterpart, the LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs Boutique allowed girls to venture through the VIPs world participating in various events and collecting or winning “Kibble” currency which could be redeemed in the store for special prizes.
The look and feel of the pop-up boutique environment also mimicked the online world by surrounding girls with vivid colors and sassy elements germane to the LITTLEST PET SHOP brand adding bursts of whimsy and fun to the overall experience . The LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs Boutique also included Internet kiosks where girls could get hands-on play time with the digital plush pets.
Boboli Displays New 100% Whole Wheat Crusts
George Weston Bakeries has launched national promotional merchandising to support its new product, Boboli 100% Whole Wheat personal size crusts.The Boboli 100% Whole Wheat crusts offer the nutritious benefits of whole grains and fiber.
The national promotion developed by promotion agency, TPN, (www.tpninc.com), offers new healthy Boboli recipe take-ones, as well as healthy living tips. The “Build a Better-For-You Pizza” in-store displays feature a child topping a Whole Wheat Boboli crust, while packaging includes an on-pack coupon with additional recipes.
“All Boboli Whole Wheat crusts are an excellent source of fiber and are an easy choice for the entire family,” said Jeff Glauber, V.P., Marketing for Boboli.
ACH Displays ‘Bake For Cure’ Promotion
ACH Food Companies recently launched Bake for the Cure, a yearlong, cause-marketing partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. ACH will donate a minimum of $250,000 to Komen for the Cure, and up to a maximum of $350,000.
Participating Bake for the Cure brands include Spice Islands®, Fleischmann's® Yeast, Karo® Light Corn Syrup, Mazola® Cooking Oils, Mazola Pure® Cooking Spray, and Argo® and Kingsford's® Corn Starch.
Katrina Drake, V.P. Marketing, ACH Food Co., said, “Cause-related marketing programs help us reach millions of consumers with life-saving breast health messages and raising funds that support breast cancer research and community outreach programs.”
Bake for the Cure displays will be featured in grocery stores across the U.S.
New Jelly Belly BeanBoozled Collection Is Displayed
The Jelly Belly BeanBoozled™ collection of jelly beans has been introduced by Jelly Belly Candy Co.
BeanBoozled jelly beans come in 20 flavors, 10 weird and wild flavors matched up with 10 look-alike tasty flavors. Is the black jelly bean Licorice, or is it Skunk Spray? Perhaps the blue bean is Toothpaste flavor, or maybe it’s delicious Berry Blue. You might not know when you will be bamboozled by a weird flavor. A key on the back of each box gives clues to the surprises found inside, but the beans look so similar, every bite will be a surprising dare.
“Is it a candy or a game? BeanBoozled is both,” said Rob Swaigen, Marketing Director, Jelly Belly Candy Co. “Retailers can join in the action by challenging their shoppers to dare to compare.”
Jelly Belly BeanBoozled jelly beans will be displayed in 144-count pre-packed display shippers.
Living Essentials Displays 5-Hour Energy Drink
Living Essentials has unveiled new displays for its 5-Hour Energy, a unique two-ounce liquid energy drink that provides hours of enhanced focus and mental acuity without the crash or jitters associated with canned carbonated energy beverages. Because it requires no refrigeration and has a small footprint, 5-Hour Energy has been a huge success at front end.
5-Hour Energy is being merchandised in a 24-bottle counter rack. This 2-tier rack is designed to allow retailers to merchandise both flavors of 5-Hour Energy in a small space. The wire display takes only 42 square inches of counter space. It comes packed with four 12-packs of 5-Hour Energy, two each of berry and lemon-lime flavors. 5-Hour Energy is also available in a new 120-bottle Dump Bin Display. This floor standing display holds 60 bottles of each flavor.
Sterling Promotions
Moet-Hennessy Featuring l0 Cane Rum Floor Stand
This display was created for Moet-Hennessy USA to merchandise a Super Premium Rum.
The display was constructed of wood, vacuum forming and powder coated steel. It is finished in a super high gloss white piano finish which really stands out in the retail store environment.
The bottles are angled to make the display easy to shop, while conveying the premium nature of the product.
The unit is on casters so that it can be placed anywhere it is needed in the store.
This 10 Cane Rum Floor Stand was created by Flair Display, Inc., a Bronx, NY-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Cruzan Rum Kew West Sloop Attracts Attention In-Store
This Cruzan Rum Key West Sloop is being used as an end cap display enhancer to attract attention and appeal to the free-spirit of the Cruzan Rum consumer.
The unit, which is more than three feet tall, is also being used as an eye-catching window display, and as a back-bar display on-premise.
The display was created for Cruzan Rum by Sterling Promotional Corp., a Rye Brook, NY-based sales promotion firm, in conjunction with Reisigl Associates, Inc., based in Jupiter, FL.
Ariat Displays Western Boots &Apparel
Ariat International, a leading manufacturer of equestrian and western boots, needed a flexible tower display that could accommodate multiple combinations of product within a small space.
Concept Designs, a Palo Alto, CA-based display firm, produced a central powder coated steel frame with custom slat grid panels attached to the front and back. The slat grid panels accommodate many of Ariat's existing branded display elements, including pegs, waterfalls, and shoe shelves.
The compact 2'x2' footprint display is strongly branded with a double sided wood header that combines a silk screened Ariat word mark with a dome label of their "shield" icon.
Reef Denim & Tee Stacker Display
This display was designed to offer a modular unit that blends the cool and casual attitude of the beach and lifestyle. The Reef brand provides authentic, surf inspired designed products.
This display served as a work-horse for the entire program, while occupying a small foot print. Clean lines and simple forms are the basis for the design. Natural materials provide warmth.
This Reef Denim/Tee Stacker display was created by the Carlson Group, Inc., a point-of-purchase display and fixture firm based in Portland, OR.
Viatera Displays New Tile Designs
This display was created to introduce new tile designs and colors and draw the attention of consumers to the product.
The distinctive display holds 24 full size tile samples, 12 on each side, and is constructed from wire, metal and wood. The side panel signs and 4-sided header signs are interchangeable.
The metal parts have a silver powder finish. The display helped obtain new distribution and brought greater attention to the brand.
The Viatera Display was created by Nashville Display, a Lebanon, TN-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Carlon Lamson Displays Wired Chimes
Carlon Lamson & Sessions featured this Wired Chime Kits Display to highlight the range of chimes available for residential use.
The display was required to be interactive to demonstrate multiple sound options. Chimes and buttons needed to be shown in multiple residential environments to give consumers a feel of different settings. The display was required to be easily updateable with new chimes and buttons.
The plastic display is durable for years of use. The large-scale logo creates strong brand building while the easy to read features educate consumers of their available choices. The Wired Chime Kits Display was created by Downing Retail, Copley, OH.
Gibson Guitar Debuts First Robot Guitar
Gibson Guitar has announced the availability of the world’s first guitar with robotic technology, the Gibson Les Paul Robot Guitar, which eliminates tuning problems for guitarists. It automatically tunes to standard A440 tuning. It also allows players to access six commonly used altered tuning presets at the push of a button. With the locking tuner, single string changes or changing the entire set of strings are an automated breeze.
The system consists of five high technology components which are extremely light and do not change the instrument in any way.
The world's 1st run limited edition version of Gibson Les Paul Robot Guitars will initially be displayed at only 400 dealers throughout the world.
Graph Tech Displays New Dealer Support Program
Graph Tech Guitar Labs, a world leading guitar nut and saddle manufacturer, has introduced its first international dealer program providing product buy back options to its network of dealers in over 27 countries worldwide.
“Providing the newest products and offering the ability to return old products for the most up-to-date products increases our customers' inventory turns allowing for greater profits,” said Dave Dunwoodie, President, Graph Tech.
Along with new point of purchase displays and technical support, Graph Tech’s program allows dealers to return old product for new product so that their inventory is consistent with the latest technical advances. “With this new system, the sales channels will benefit by increased sales and no obsolete inventory risk,” said Lee Knowles, dealer and distributor sales manager.
Bacardi Displays Peach Flavored Rum
Bacardi U.S.A, Inc. has launched BACARDI(R) PEACH RED, newest member of the BACARDI family of flavored rums.
BACARDI PEACH RED is infused with the most flavorful part of the peach-the nectar found at the heart which is intense when ripe and features a rich, red hue. BACARDI PEACH RED complements any cocktail including the Mojito cocktail, Daiquiri and even the Martini cocktail.
BACARDI PEACH RED packaging features a distinctive bright peach cap and a peach logo label design emphasizing the brand’s bold red core.
Colorful Display bins for the new product are headlined, “Get Delicious.”
Guinness ‘Surger’ Unit Guarantees Perfect Pint
Guinness Stout has launched the Guinness Surger unit, an innovation using state-of-the-art technology to pour a perfect pint every time.
At the touch of a button, the new Surger unit uses small sound vibrations to release the nitrogen gas in the beer and cause a cascading effect, also referred to as “the surge and settle.”
While the technology behind the Guinness Surger unit seems advanced, it’s quite easy for bartenders to operate. Similar to the draught tap system, the Surger unit releases the gas in the beer, creating the surge and settle that forms the signature creamy head.
“This innovative new technology allows bars and restaurants to serve a great quality Irish favorite in the same way that it is most traditionally enjoyed,” said Randy Carlson, Innovation Director for Guinness.
Nivea Displays Smooth Sensation Products
Nivea wanted to maximize the graphic area and product space for this 24”H by 14”W for Wal-Mart and other targeted national accounts.
The “Sliding Header” achieves maximum graphic impact in a small space without sacrificing product count. When the header is at the top of the display, six units appear across the bottom. When the last unit is purchased, the header slides down automatically, revealing six more units on a top shelf. When the display is shopped half way down, it automatically reappears as fully stocked.
All visible components are full litho-lam Eflute corrugated, printed offset four colors, plus Nivea Blue and a UV coating for sheen.
This display was created for Nivea by Menasha Display Group, Philadelphia, PA.
ChapStick Replica Features Counter Display
This ChapStick display is a clever replica of the ChapStick package.
The compact display unit is versatile, because it can be placed on a counter, hung from a tie strap or be hooked to a wire display up front.
The unit merchandises refill packs of four different ChapStick SKU’s. The display holds a large volume of product in a minimum of space to generate impule purchases at the point-of-sale.
The two-piece injection-molded unit, is sonic welded, with 4-color process product replica graphics attached.
This display was created for ChapStick by Henschel-Stenau, Inc., an Englewood, NJ-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Makro Uses Fastrak Interactive Solutions To Boost Sales
The UK Warehouse Club Chain, Makro, recently used shelf-edge displayers throughout a 20’ inline set for 19 weeks.
The 5.4" LCDs showed a brief educational video about new UK restaurant regulations and specifically how the product would help them comply; the 2.5" screens were used to flash promotional messaging and prices. In addition to the screen technology, to attract shoppers to the display from a distance, shelf-edge Illuminators were used with a 2.5" illuminated ticketstrip for added branding.
The interactive shelf-edge dsiplayers and Illuminators were provided by Fastrak Retail, (www.fastrakretail.com) a Charlotte, NC-based manufacturer of interactive display solutions.
Provo Craft Displays Information Center
Provo Craft. a Spanish Fork, UT-based crafts firm is using this permanent metal display, which features an on-demand video to educate the consumer on the product attributes and advantages of three products.
Battery-operated, the display unit has brackets that easily installs to existing retail fixtures and requires no electrical source. The video operates with a programmable chip that can be exchanged to easily update the promotion.
Consumers simply press a button to view the desired video.
The front panel graphics can be replaced or changed out with a new label.
This Information Center display was created for Provo Craft by Kendal King Group, a Kansas City, KS-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Snapple Displays New Antioxidant Water
Snapple's introduction of Antioxidant Water and LYTeWater takes water to the next level. The Antioxidant Water product line improves energy, helps restore the body and supports a healthy immune system. The zero calorie Snapple LYTeWater line is enhanced with electrolytes and minerals.
“We know that consumers are looking for healthier options that include antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes when choosing beverages,” said Bryan Mazur, V.P., Snapple."
Snapple Antioxidant Water features seven unique flavors inspired by nature’s “superfruits,” including pomegranates and acai berries. The antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes in each flavor provide one of four distinct benefits for the body.
Colorful off-shelf displays will support the launch.
P.I.N.K. Vodka Features Unique Back Bar Display
p.i.n.k. vodka, an ultra-premium imported vodka from Holland infused with caffeine and guarana, is featuring this display to gain attention on- and off-premise.
The display is a replica of the p.i.n.k. bottle, which radiates a pink “glow” when placed on the shelves of a bar.
p.i.n.k. has created a niche where one no longer needs to mix their vodka with an energy drink. No more unpleasant after-taste, no additional calories or carbs...it can be enjoyed on the rocks, mixed with soda, or shaken in martinis.
The p.i.n.k. Spirits Co.will soon introduce p.i.n.k. Tequila, p.i.n.k. Rum, p.i.n.k. Sake, p.i.n.k. White Whiskey, and p.i.n.k. Gin.
Zig Zag Featuring Gravity Feed Display
National Tobacco is using this “Zig-Zag Premium Tobacco Gravity Display” to increase Premium Tobacco sales. The Zig-Zag Display features instant savings as well as highlighting new packaging with “Fresh Seal Metal Cans.” The gravity feed allows for convenient and attractive product placement.
These 200#B corrugated displays were shipped with product in place to convenience stores.
The display was created for National Tobacco by U.S. Display Group, Tullahoma, TN.
Displays Support Zippo BLU Lighter Introduction
Zippo Manufacturing Company, Bradford, PA, has introduced The Zippo BLU butane pocket lighter supported with two in-store point-of-purchase displays.
A 12 piece swivel display has a contemporary look in plexi and metal. The other is a 6 piece wooden display that has a more traditional look in the style of a cigar humidor. The humidor-style showcases six BLU lighters and stores six more. Both displayers are lockable.
The Zippo BLU lighter delivers a hot, consistent, clean-burning blue flame, unlike the traditional windproof lighter which sports a yellow flame fueled by liquid lighter fluid.
The Zippo BLU lighter emits no odor or aftertaste -- attributes particularly sought after by cigar aficionados.
Whole Foods Features Double Sided Chalkboard
Like a favorite gourmet cheese shop, the Artisan cheese department at Whole Foods Market is renowned for selection and service. In order to highlight the Artisanal Cheese of the month and educate shoppers about the featured cheese, Whole Foods chose a double sided chalkboard printed with 4cp artwork.
The chalkboard also featured a wooden base to help it stand erect above the cheese display.
The chalkboard was manufactured by Heritage Sign and Display in Nesquehoning, Pa.
Fresh Harvest Installs Bulk Supermarket Displays
Fresh Harvest Products, a New York City-based organic food products firm, has planned a nationwide rollout of its organic fair trade coffee, supported by marketing, promotion and advertising to coordinate with the rollout.
Dominick Cingari, Chief Operating Officer of Fresh Harvest, said, “The expansion of our products to the national marketplace will greatly increase customers’ brand awareness and the market penetration of our Wings of Nature(TM) line.”
Fresh Harvest recently installed a 5-foot bulk coffee section in a prominent supermarket chain in the Northeast in response to recent market growth for Organic Fair Trade Coffee.
Fresh Harvest ovvers more than 40 different coffee blends.
Handleman-Anderson Promotes Music Products
This 4-sided “billboard” display was created for Handleman-Anderson to help it promote the total music experiences available from Handelman-Anderson through ring tones, concert tickets, CDs, and iTunes cards.
The display was created by Juiced Creative, A Division of Stribling Group, Rogers, AR.
Virgin Megastores Expand Digital Marketing Effort
Virgin Megastore’s West Coast flagship location in Hollywood has expanded its digital marketing technology pilot.
A giant s-curved film strip hangs overhead horizontally and consists of three screens, each rotating movie content on its own schedule. The curved screens display individual trailers of the latest movie releases. For major movie premieres, the system will also support a “media blast” where all three screens can simultaneously display the same content.
“We were looking for a creative way to support our media partners in promoting their top DVD releases,” said Dee McLaughlin, V.P., Marketing, Virgin Entertainment Group.
The digital marketing film strip solution was provided by Epson America, headquartered in Long Beach, CA.
‘Family Guy’ & Subway Run National Promotion
More than 22,000 SUBWAY Restaurants are hosting “Family Guy,” in a variety of fun in-store promotional materials as part of a promotion with 20th Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising.
“Tying in with Family Guy is a great way to be current and connect with young men,” said Tony Pace, Sr. V.P., Chief Marketing Officer, Subway. “We were looking for a way to drive trial and awareness of our new sandwich, The Feast. Leveraging one of the top rated programs on television and using Peter Griffin seemed like a natural fit.”
As part of the Family Guy promotion, SUBWAY Restaurants will feature point-of-sale signage and provide diners with the option of receiving a collector’s cup.
Noodles & Co. Launches Good Balance Campaign
Noodles & Company, the Broomfield, CO-headquartered, globally inspired restaurant serving Asian, Mediterranean and American noodle bowls, soups and salads, has launched its Good Balance educational program.
Ross Kamens, Noodles & Company’s Executive Chef, said, “With the launch of the Good Balance program, we’re teaching guests about our dishes and how to easily satisfy their palate while achieving personal balance in all categories of our menu. Two-thirds of Noodles & Company's menu can be enjoyed for less than 500 calories.
Supportive point-of-sale signage throughout the restaurant will provide nutritional information and give tips on how to manage calories, fat and sodium, and achieve good nutritional balance.
McCormick Displays Revitalize Sefood Dept.
McCormick is charting a course to help retailers revitalize the seafood department by simplifying the shopping experience, adding interest to the seafood section with more visual impact and appetite appeal, and introducing on-trend new products for baking, grilling and steaming.
McCormick has added three seafood sauces; two convenient Seafood Steamer varieties; and a tangy Seafood Rub to its offerings. OLD BAY® is introducing a 30% less sodium Seasoning, a coarse blend Rub and a Seafood Steamer that’s ideal for shrimp and salmon.
New merchandising tools for grocery stores include McCormick Seafood Piers that can be strategically placed in front of the seafood counter to encourage impulse purchases, drive trial and facilitate easier shopping.
Diamond Nuts Runs Promo With Hershey & Eagle
Diamond of California nuts recently partnered with Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk for a baking aisle promotion featuring recipe suggestions and coupons. Coupons for Diamond and Eagle Brand products and a fudge recipe were printed directly on the packages of HERSHEY’S(r) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips.
“Partnering with well-recognized brands that are natural complements to our Diamond nuts and Emerald snack products creates compelling snack and meal solutions that are relevant to both consumers and our retail partners,” said Andrew Burke, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Diamond Foods.
Colorful off-shelf displays support the promotion.
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