Creative Online

CREATIVE Promotion Audit
October/November, 2003



Starbucks & Kraft Introduce Interactive Display Unit

Starbucks Coffee Co. and Kraft Foods, Starbucks’ grocery sales partner, recently introduced the Starbucks Interactive Unit (SIU), a touch-screen display to give grocery consumers insight on the best way to enjoy Starbucks coffee at home. The SIU will be featured in 4,000 grocery stores per year for eight to twelve week rotations.

The SIU’s touch-screen allows consumers to navigate through content areas such as, “Our Coffees,” “The Starbucks Difference,” and “Taste Matcher.” “Taste Matcher” shows consumers which Starbucks coffees best fit their individual tastes. The interactive experience is further enhanced with full-motion video and music.

Dave Sachs, Category Business Director, Kraft Foods, said, “In supermarket tests, the Starbucks Interactive Unit increased shopper visits to our shelf by 200 percent.”

The SIU was engineered by Netkey, Inc., Branford, CT. The Guild Group, White Plains, NY, worked with Starbucks and Kraft to develop the look and content of the interactive display.



Au Bon Pain Cafes Feature Interactive Nutrition Kiosks

Au Bon Pain, a French bakery café chain, is rolling out interactive Nutrition Kiosks that offer customers in-depth ingredient and dietary information about each Au Bon Pain menu item, from sandwiches to baked goods to specialty beverages. Updated to reflect seasonal menu changes, customers can always learn precisely what they are eating by simply touching the kiosk’s screen.

“By adding Nutrition Kiosks to our cafés, we are assisting customers who crave health and nutrition information to make informed meal choices,” said Frank Guidara, CEO of Au Bon Pain.

In addition to general nutrition and ingredient information, the Nutrition Kiosks have a feature that caters to customers with specific dietary needs. On demand, the kiosk can serve up menu items based on several categories, such as meal choices that are lower in sodium, calories, saturated fat, and carbohydrates.



Coca-Cola Expands OBM XT Merchandising Program

The Coca-Cola Co. is rolling out its OBM XT retail display initiative, which leverages occasion-based messaging to drive category growth at the point-of-purchase. OBM XT, which stands for Occasion Based Marketing-Extra, forms an emotional connection with consumers around the occasion they would buy for, linked to key volume periods such as the Christmas selling season or the Superbowl.

Seasonal graphics, which are changed four times a year, feature family and friends getting together and enjoying special times with Coca-Coca brands. Display graphics can be customized for the retailer based on customer demographics, such as targeting the Hispanic market.

A range of display sizes meet different store marketing needs. Cross-merchandising functionality is built into the displays. “The program appeals to retailers looking for ways to drive incremental sales and total soft drink category sales,” said Steve Hyland, Director of Retail Business Solutions, The Coca-Cola Company. “Our marketing objective was to communicate to consumers in a unique way and by occasion.”



Sign Promotes Sauza’s ‘Get Lost. Find Yourself’ Campaign

Allied Domecq is using this twisted metal lighted sign as part of Sauza’s “Get Lost. Find Yourself.” promotion. The sign is meant to emphasize the program’s message of individuality and support its appeal to the 21- to 25-year-old demographic. The sign incorporates Sauza’s “Get Lost. Find Yourself.” message to connect it with other promotional items in the program. The sign utilizes an austere, industrial look to keep the emphasis on the message and to help it blend in with club décor. A special crumpled metallic look helps to draw more attention to the sign.

The Sauza lighted sign was produced by Heritage Sign & Display, located in Nesquehoning, PA.



Johnson & Johnson Displays Acuvue Lenses

Johnson & Johnson is using this family of displays to promote its Acuvue contact lenses.

The displays increase the level of “ask for” brand preference. The displays also support the brand’s high technology and style-oriented image.

The units content is changed frequently to remain fresh and incorporate promotional offers. Specific display units within the family are dedicated to highlighting specialty lenses. A fun interactive display was developed specifically for potential colored lens buyers providing a color recommendation based on style and personality.

The Acuvue Retail Program was created by RTC Industries, a Rolling Meaows, IL-based display firm.



Ensure Display Introduces Reclosable Bottle

Abbott Laboratories is introducing an eight-fluid-ounce reclosable plastic bottle for Ensure nutritionals, a first in the adult nutritional category.

According to the Company, consumer research showed an overwhelming preference for the reclosable bottle versus the existing can. The reclosable cap design provides portability and convenience. It is easy to open and keeps the remaining product fresh. The bottles are available in six-packs and in five flavors: vanilla, chocolate, butter pecan, strawberry and coffee latte.

Ensure in the reclosable bottle will be displayed at grocery, drug stores, wholesale clubs and mass merchandisers.



Covey Run Displays Offer Savings On Premium Wines

Canandaigua Wine’s Covey Run Winery is offering consumers significant savings with its “Welcome To The Vineyards Of Covey Run” $3.00 off mail-in-rebate promotion.

To build on this campaign, Covey Run is conducting a “Fall Harvest in the Vineyards of Covey Run” national in-store promotion. Consumers will receive $2.00 off when they purchase a bottle of Covey Run Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

As part of this promotion, Covey Run is also offering consumers a six-month subscription to Food & Wine Magazine for $6.



Luna Di Luna Wines Runs Holiday POS Campaign

A.V. Imports’ Luna di Luna wine brand has developed a special holiday point-of-sale campaign. Luna di Luna’s wine family will be emphasized with the introduction of a dynamic three-dimensional Christmas tree. Designed for three cases of each blend to be stacked under the tree, the 15 case floor display comes complete with decorations and presents.

Luna di Luna’s holiday case cards and shelf talkers showcase bold Christmas stockings representing the five Luna di Luna colors. The case card features graphics of all five wines as stocking stuffers. Additionally, Luna di Luna offers POS materials for its frosty blue Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio. The winter blue case card features silver stars and snowflakes.

The Luna di Luna holiday POS materials were developed by HLA Marketing Communications, a Tampa, FL-based marketing communications firm.


Sterling Promotions


Fisher-Price Displays Power Touch Learning Systems

Fisher-Price, a subsidiary of Mattel has introduced the PowerTouch Learning System. The launch of the PowerTouch Learning System will coincide with the introduction of a second learning system for younger children, Learn Through Music. Both systems use a combination of technological innovation and popular characters from entertainment to create a “hands-on” learning experience.

The PowerTouch Learning System uses breakthrough technology to provide the most natural way for young children to tap into reading and learning activities. The PowerTouch system uses easy finger touch activation to let children learn reading skills by simply touching words and pictures with their fingers. An interactive alphabet board built into the base of the system further enhances the development of early literacy skills for preschoolers.

Unique interactive displays will help introduce the system to children and their parents.


Outwater Plastics

Franklin Electronic Displays Electronic Dictionary

Franklin Electronic Publishers, Burlinton, NJ, has introduced a speaking handheld electronic version of the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary.

“We have found that more professionals and students are demanding high quality reference solutions in handheld electronic devices,” said Andrew Horsfall, Franklin’s V.P. Sales and Marketing. “This sleek new electronic speaking handheld combines the depth and quality of information Merriam-Webster is known for with Franklin’s latest state-of-the-art handheld reference technology.”

Colorful, space efficient p.o.p. displays help call attention to the new product line.



Mannington Unveils “Coordinations” Display System

Mannington’s new “Coordinations” color wardrobe system is designed to create beautiful, durable flooring that coordinates with existing furnishings and cabinetry. This display is organized by color to help consumers coordinate flooring purchases.

New laminate plank designs featured in the Mannington Coordinations display include: Meridian Cherry, suited for use with lighter cherry cabinetry; Centennial Cherry, a deeper cherry color to complement darker cherry woods; and Georgian Hickory, a slightly more rustic look. The hickory, oak and maple looks are designed to complement a wide range of woods.



Sta-Green & Lowe’s Run ‘Golden Ticket’ Promotion

Sta-Green and Lowe's stores have joined forces for the “Golden Ticket” promotion whereby a consumer who finds a Golden Ticket in a bag of Sta-Green Winterizer or Winterizer Weed & Feed wins a $10,000 Lowe’s Gift Card. Up to 10 lucky winners may find a Golden Ticket each worth $10,000.

In association with the Golden Ticket promotion, Sta-Green will donate a total of $25,000 to the Home Safety Council, founded by Lowe’s and $2,500 to each winner's local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Sta-Green wants everyone to benefit, so with every purchase of Sta-Green Winterizer and Winterizer Weed & Feed, customers receive a mail-in form with details printed on the register receipt for a $2 Lowe’s Gift Card on a 5,000 sq. ft. bag, and a $5 gift card on a 15,000 sq. ft. bag.

Colorful point-of-purchase signage supports the promotion.


Triangle Display


Beiersdorf's ‘Everyday’ Series On Display

This powerwing/floorstand displays Silky Shimmer Lotion and Skin Firming Lotion from Beiersdorf's “Everyday” series. The display’s objective is to offer the consumer moisturizing and skin enhancing lotions in the same vehicle.

The look of the display is reasonably upscale, even though the materials and processes are cost effective. The wing and base are one color plus varnish, direct print flexo. The header is five colors plus aqueous varnish. For the retailer, this display offers maximum flexibility in that it can function as a floorstand or powerwing. Every display promotes the concept of using both products in a “Step 1” and “Step 2” process. This Beiersdorf “Everyday” series display was created by Menasha Display Group, a a p.o.p. display firm based in Philadelphia, PA.



‘Fatigued To Fantastic’ Life-Sized Standee

Enzymatic Therapy is using this display to promote its natural products geared towards women’s health. It features a life-sized standee of a woman “towering” over a skyline to draw attention to the products on display. The headline is “Live Large and Recharged With Fatigued To Fantastic.”

The display, which can be used without the standee, also contains a brochure pocket and an additional lug-on.

The Fatigued To Fantastic display was produced by Great Lakes Packaging, a point-of-purchase display firm based in Germantown, WI.



Battery-Biz Launches National Display Program

Battery-Biz, a premier manufacturer of secondary market rechargeable batteries, has embarked on a national rollout of its extensive product line in retail stores under the Hi-Capacity label. The company's 1500 product SKU line of rechargeable Li-Ion, NiMH and NiCad batteries as well as universal recharging systems is slated for nationwide distribution through retail outlets in Q4, 2003.

Battery-Biz has developed an extensive branding and positioning campaign aimed at users of personal consumer electronics such as camcorders, digital camera, laptop computers and cellular phones.

By introducing new retail packaging and point of sale floor and counter-top displays, Battery-Biz intends to make a big impression upon entering the retail channel.

The display is designed in 2 pieces so that you can use only the top half (the first 12 products) as a counter display or the entire thing as a floor display.



Hilti Featuring Merchandisers In Home Depot

Hilti is featuring this merchandiser in the Home Depot Rental Department to showcase the many quality Hilti tools available for rent by the DIY customer.

Helpful tool specifications and instructions are easy to find, and product storage is convenient and attractive. The display also merchandises and promotes consumables.

This display was created for Hilti by D&S Creative Communications, a Mansfield, OH-based promotion agency and display firm.



Duracell Power Station Appears In Wal-Mart Stores

Duracell created this Power Station, which was shipped to Wal-Mart stores nationwide. The display was designed for three months of use in the fourth quarter as part of Wal-Mart's holiday promotion.

The Power Station features sturdy construction using multi-materials. One of the main advantages for Wal-Mart is that the display arrives at retail fully loaded with nearly 2,000 pounds of batteries. Wal-Mart gives the display optimal placement including positioning in the toy aisle, electronics department, action alley and in the grocery divider alley of stores that have grocery departments.

The Duracell Power Station was produced by New Dimensions Research, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Melville, NY.



SunPass On Display At Eckerd Drug Stores

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise has launched a partnership with Eckerd Corp. to sell its SunPass electronic toll transponder at 590 Eckerd stores throughout Florida. This effort marks the first time that any Turnpike system in the United States has marketed an electronic toll transponder through a private sector retail chain.

The retail availability of SunPass will make it easier for Florida drivers to purchase and begin to use the transponders. In the past, people have said they did not know where to buy a SunPass. The prepackaged SunPass transponders at Eckerd will sell for $25 plus tax.

“Florida’s Turnpike is excited about our partnership with Eckerd Corp. to provide a more convenient way our customers can acquire a SunPass transponder,” said James Ely, Executive Director of Florida's Turnpike.

Complete Indiana Jones DVD Collection On Display

Paramount Home Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd. have released “The Adventures Of Indiana Jones-The Complete DVD Movie Collection.”

The three “Indiana Jones” films, which will only be available as a collection, have been digitally restored and remastered, and sport a new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. A bonus disc loaded with special features was also produced especially for this DVD collection.

The Indiana Jones Complete DVD Movie Collection is being supported by the biggest DVD marketing campaign in Paramount’s history.

Point-of-purchase displays featuring a life-size cutout of Indiana Jones, are available to retailers in many configurations.



Mystery Of The Batwoman On Display

Warner Home Video (WHV) has introduced “Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman” on VHS and DVD.

“Batman is one of America's most beloved heroes and one of Warner Bros. top franchises,” said Jeff Baker, WHV V.P., Non-Theatrical Franchise Marketing.

WHV has launched a national marketing campaign targeting boys 9-14 and men 18-34. Pizza Hut is supporting a Batman Kids Meal promotion offering consumers a $2 instant redeemable coupon off the purchase of any video inside Kids Meals premiums. Mattel is partnering with WHV to promote Batman and the Batman toyline. Ubi Soft Entertainment and WHV are partnering to promote both the video and game through rebates and retail promotions. Riverdeep is promoting the release and the new edutainment CD-ROM game, “Toxic Chill.”

WHV is offering in-store merchandisers in 21-, 36- and 48-unit mixed configurations.



Rainier Beer Conducts Ragtop Sweepstakes

When the Rainier Brewing Company needed to update the packaging for its flagship brand, Rainier Beer, it turned to Object 9, a Baton Rouge, LA-based design firm. Rainier expanded the introduction of the new packaging in its “Ragtop Sweepstakes,” offering a Cadillac Deville convertible as a grand prize.

Washington’s famous Mt. Rainier, for which the beer Is named and retro Rainier beer materials served as the inspiration for the new logo, packaging design and promotion.



Ralphs Promotes Cerveza Caguama Beer

Ralphs grocery chain is promoting its Corporate Label Import Beer, Cerveza Caguama, nicknamed, “The Turtle Beer,” with SmartSource Floortalk from News America Marketing, New York City, a division of News Corporation.

The billboard-sized and strategically placed floor advertisements, headlined, “ I Wanna Caguama. Got Ice? will attract customers’ attention to Kroger’s best-selling private label beer throughout Ralphs, the Western Division grocery stores of The Kroger Company. The floor ads also call attention to Cerveza Caguama’s unique cooler pack.

“The promotion captures a timely opportunity to entice customers at the point of decision making,” said Cory Stauder, National Sales Manager for G.K. Skaggs, Inc., the Irvine, CA-based importer of the Mexican Style Lager Beer exclusively for Kroger.



Talus Conducts “Message In The Bottle Promotion”

Talus, the California winery, is conducting a “Message in the Bottle” promotion, whereby Talus drinkers who find a purple cork in a bottle win a custom passport holder and the chance to win one of five Grand Prizes: an 8-day cruise for two to the Greek Islands on First European Cruise Lines.

“The idea behind the Message in a Bottle Sweepstakes is to add an element of surprise - the purple cork - to an otherwise wonderfully consistent experience,” said Don Enos, Talus Brand Manager.

The Talus Message in a Bottle promotion will be supported with colorful retail case displays.



Moretti Runs ‘OH, For The Love Of Moretti’ Promo

Moretti Italian pilsner is offering consumers the opportunity to save money as they take home their favorite pizza and have the chance to win a trip to Las Vegas by entering the Moretti Vegas Sweepstakes.

Fun, eye-catching point of sale case stackers, shelf talkers, instant redeemable coupons and base wrap accompany the promotion.

“This second wave of the OH, for the love of Moretti! campaign further defines the look of the Moretti brand and gives it a unique voice to cut through the clutter of the beer marketplace,” said Donal O’Sullivan, Marketing Manager for Moretti Brands. “It focuses on the unique place that Moretti occupies as the original Italian pilsner and designator of premium occasions. There is no better accompaniment for Italian food than a Moretti.”

Moretti Italian beer is imported and marketed in the U.S. by Fischer Beverages International, based in White Plains, NY.



Nokia Displays Camera Phone

Nokia required a creative floor stand to promote its new Nokia 3650 Camera Phone in AT&T Wireless retail locations.

The display attracts attention in the store from a compact footprint of just 34” x 9” x 98”.

A total of 950 displays featuring the new Nokia phone with digital camera were shipped for a duration of eight weeks. Tracy Locke Partnership, Dallas, TX, created the graphics for the promotion.

Rapid Displays of Chicago, IL, was responsible for the structural design of the display, as well as pre-production, printing, manufacturing and distribution.



Cellular One Launches New Branding Campaign

Western Wireless Corp. has unveiled a new brand identity under the Cellular One name, which will be executed through an integrated marketing campaign, throughout the company’s 19-state coverage area. Cellular One retail locations, operated by Western Wireless, will kick off the new campaign efforts in all of its company-owned stores and through its indirect dealer locations.

The new brand position for Cellular One will focus on the company’s hometown attributes in its rural markets. “Proud to be the next best way to say hello” is the tag line of the new campaign, which was developed by Publicis Dallas, TX. The brand identity also extends to merchandising materials and in-store displays.



P&G & Pharmavite Launch OLAY Vitamins For Women

Procter & Gamble’s facial moisturizer and cleanser brand OLAY and Pharmavite, a leading vitamin manufacturer, have launched OLAY Vitamins. The affordably priced cosmeceutical line available at mass market retailers is formulated to address women’s inner health and outer beauty needs.

OLAY Vitamins consist of two sublines--seven Beauty Nutrients for skin health/appearance and eight Wellness Nutrients to support a woman’s inner health needs. OLAY Beauty Nutrients support skin structure renewal and cell renewal, and include antioxidants, which are the skin’s best defense against premature aging.

OLAY Vitamins are on display in the vitamin aisle at food, drug, mass, and club stores.



Health On Hand Displays Pocket Health Organizers

Health On Hand has launched a new line of Pocket Health Organizers to help people keep track of critical health information. The organizers serve as reminders of important tests and screenings, necessary vaccinations and information about medications and treatments.

“It sounds so simple,” said Director of Product Development, Taylor Grant. “The fact is, most people know more about their car than they do about their own health. Car dealers tell you when you should have your oil changed, but no one notifies you about your child’s next immunization.”

Health On Hand Pocket Organizers fit in a pocket or purse so they can be conveniently taken anywhere. These organizers are available in Asthma, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Weight Control, Kid’s Health and other versions to help manage chronic conditions. An acrylic counter unit displays the Pocket Health Organizers, which are sold in drug, grocery and book stores.



Try-Foods Features Interactive Display In Wine Aisle

Try-Foods International is using Maitland, FL-based Real Digital Media’s MPX-1 Multimedia Player as an interactive display system in the wine aisle of supermarkets.

Kevin Dunleavy, Exec. V.P., Try-Foods International, said, “Shoppers who are confused by the wide selection of wines that a supermarket offers, scan the bar-code at the bottom of the bottle into RDM’s interactive kiosk and instantly see a description of that wine, view its rating, and get advice on which cheeses, crackers, snacks and other foods go well with that selection. Supermarket managers expect that consumers who use the kiosk will be more satisfied with their purchase, have shopping carts that are filled with higher margin items, and return to that store when more wine is on their shopping list.”

The MPX-1 Multimedia Player is a solid-state, commercial-grade, IP- addressable, video and audio player. Individual players can receive location specific content through remote downloads.



Royal Farms Installs Interactive Kiosk

Foodservice sales increased by 20% at Royal Farm Stores after installing kiosk-based ordering systems developed by InterMedia Kiosks in all itsstore locations throughout Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

Customers can order a variety of foodservice items by using the kiosk’s touch-screen program. The kiosks have enabled Royals Farms to increase average order size and speed of service. “The kiosks build sales and reduce costs because all kitchen labor energies are focused on preparing the order rather than taking it,” said John Kemp, Executive Vice President for Royal Farms.

The kiosks were created by InterMedia Kiosks, based in Owings Mills, MD.



Clarins Features Color/Foundation Condensed Tester

Clarins, a company known for skin care, needed to create impact for its new line of color and foundation products. It wanted a display to communicate consistent branding and be adaptable to different retail configurations.

This unit is molded and painted red with a UV scratch resistant finish for a vibrant metal appearance. Varied levels and side cars create platforms for additional interest and offer maximum display area using minimal space. Brand identity appears on the base and on an interchangeable header. The tester is fully modular with easy to update and replace product modules. A caddy in the base stores additional product.

This Clarins Color/Foundation Condensed Tester was created by Diam International, based in Woodside, NY.



Basic Organics Debuts Rx Balance Display

Basic Organics of Columbus, OH, has developed a line of supplements called Rx Balance that is specifically formulated with vitamins and minerals to be taken with eight of the most commonly prescribed drug classes: blood pressure regulators, gastro-intestinal medications, cholesterol drugs, anti-depressants, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapies.

This Rx Balance Nutrient Depletion Support Center advises consumers on what vitamins and mineral dietary supplements to use when taking a prescription drug.

This acrylic gravity fed display features a free brochure holder.



TaylorMade Fitting Carts Drive POP On To Golf Range

TaylorMade golf has introduced these custom fitting carts to the driving range. Designed for the local golf pro to use as a fitting center, custom sizing and fitting new clubs, this TaylorMade fitting cart puts the brand personality into the buying process.

Karin Lysek, Global Marketing Manager, TaylorMade, said “The key for us is to brand every touchpoint in the golf experience from the pro shop, to the practice range, to the course. These custom carts reinforce all of our branding from the mass media and point of sale.”

The custom fitting cart has a lock down top to secure clubs for overnight storage, and large, custom tires for improved handling.

The displays were created by NIR Inc., headquartered in Portland, OR.


Callaway Display System Features Odyssey Putters

This display system is designed to enhance the look of Callaway’s Odyssey putters. The display allows for easy product removal and replacement. It also provides a great place to practice putting.

The hanging display system has a small footprint. It holds up to 20 Odyssey putters and can easily expand to create a larger retail environment.

The display was produced using silk-screened Komatex, powder coated metal, polypropylene dipped wire and silk-screened logo treatments.

Callaway’s Odyssey Display System was created by The Display Boys, located in Irvine, CA.


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