Polo Ralph Lauren Launches Interactive Window Shopping
Polo Ralph Lauren, a quintessential luxury lifestyle brand, launched an Interactive Store Window at the Company’s 888 Madison Avenue store in New York City.
Cutting edge technology combined with stunning design created an environment where customers could experience the brand in a new way-by browsing content and products directly on the outside of the store window. Projected on the store window, is a 67" image featuring the latest in touch sensory technology.
Consumers can shop even when the store is closed by clicking on the window glass.
This cutting edge technology was launched in conjunction with the Company’s sponsorship of the 2006 US Open and highlights the stylish Polo Ralph Lauren US Open apparel and accessories created exclusively for the tournament.
“After watching Steven Spielberg's Minority Report, I really wanted to find a way of making that technology a retail reality,” said David Lauren, Senior Vice President Advertising, Marketing & Corporate Communications. “We are thrilled to offer such a unique way for our customers to further explore the world of Ralph Lauren; with this initiative we are reinventing the concept of shopping anytime.”
The Interactive Store Window was produced for Polo Ralph Lauren by Selling
Machine Partners, LLC, (www.sellingmachinepartners.com) an Old Lyme, CT-based interactive marketing firm.
Olay Brand Experience Opens At Kenwood Towne Centre
The global vision of Olay beauty has been brought to life in a freestanding boutique inside the Kenwood Towne Centre in Cincinnati, OH.
Consumers can experience the brand in a new way with interactive tools, product testing and on-site beauty consultations. Also designed as an educational tool for consumers, the Olay Experience will attract new consumers and increase Olay’s customer base.
The Olay freestanding boutique is clearly organized into three categories: cleansing, moisturizing and anti-aging. Merchandise is organized in easy to navigate “coves,” brought to life via photography that glorifies beautiful skin.
Lighting adds warmth and highlights featured anti-aging categories: Definity, Regenerist, and Total Effects.
Beauty images support product presentation and are topped by the Olay equity band to create the essential wall unit. Olay equity colors are freshly reflected in black and white with clean accents of metal and glass.
The Olay black equity band is clearly visible and becomes a stopping element. Gold linear elements are used to 3-dimensionally create the Olay visual identity that is seen in print marketing.
Dual-sided testing allows customers to approach either side of the counter for ease of use. Cleansers and water activated products are positioned by the sink to encourage customer participation.
The Olay Brand Experience was designed by Benchmark, a Cincinnati, OH-based in-store design firm.
Motorola Pilots Robotic Retail Stores
Motorola has launched a pilot program to offer its products to consumers through robotic retail stores.
Leveraging small format robotic stores operated by Zoom Systems, the new retail option will be placed in high traffic locations.
“Continuing our effort to reinvent mobile retail culture and transform the consumer experience, this on-demand retail solution is an interesting approach to the many extensions of our retail strategy,” said Jason Few, V.P., Global Retail, Motorola.
These robotic stores will be branded “InstantMoto” and will be deployed in airports and malls nationwide.
Nokia Flagship Store Opens On NYC’s Fifth Avenue
Nokia has opened a Flagship Store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue, providing an interactive, retail environment dedicated to pairing customers with the perfect wireless device.
The store invites guests to explore its three levels of retail space. Each product is displayed on a backdrop of multimedia displays and color-shifting walls. When a customer picks up a device, the multimedia screen behind the product changes from being part of a continuous band of full-motion graphics, to interactive information listing the features of that device. The second level of the store houses the Nseries Lounge, featuring Nokia’s most advanced wireless devices. The third level houses Nokia’s luxury line of handsets created by Vertu.
“A Fifth Avenue address is synonymous with superior service and an elegant shopping experience, which is what we are delivering in our New York Flagship location,” said Cliff Crosbie, Director, Retail & Trade Marketing for Nokia.
Dr Pepper Display Promotes College Football Challenge
Football fans across the country could compete for two $1 million prizes by participating in the "2006 ESPN College Pick 'em Game," sponsored by Dr Pepper.
The contest featured Mike Golic of ESPN Radio's national talk show, Mike and Mike in the Morning, inviting fans to outperform him in selecting a weekly series of games. Winners from each week will have an opportunity to compete in a preliminary competition at the ACC and Big 12 Conference championship games. The two grand prize finalists from each region will throw for up to $1 million on the field during the halftime of the championship game.
“Dr Pepper is synonymous with college football, and over the past decade we have provided football enthusiasts with some memorable experiences,” said Andrew Springate, V.P., Dr Pepper Brand Marketing at Cadbury Schweppes America. “Through the $1 million challenge, we give fans the once in a lifetime experience of being part of the action at two of the biggest games in college football.”
Daily’s Displays Launch Ready-To-Drink Bloody Mary
Daily’s Ready-to-Drink products and Fruit Mixers, manufactured by American Beverage Corp., is launching a Ready-to-Drink Bloody Mary in a new Bag-in-Box.
To support the launch of the Bloody Mary Bag-in-Box, Daily’s is running a “Get into the Red Zone” promotional display program and consumer sweepstakes. The POS materials help create tailgating themed displays by tying Daily's Ready-to-Drink Bloody Mary's with other popular game day party items such as snack foods and grilling accessories. The sweepstakes offers chances to win a trip to the Ultimate Red Zone in Miami for the big game on February 4, 2007.
Wal-Mart Mexico Launches Digital Signage Network
Group Televisa and Wal-Mart Mexico have launched an in-store media network covering 292 Wal-Mart stores across Mexico.
Consisting of over 5,000 digital signage displays and touchscreen kiosks, the network is centrally managed using FireCast software and media player hardware from WireSpring Technologies, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Content is delivered through large-screen LCD displays in key store locations, as well as touchscreen kiosks in the pharmacy and other areas. Televisa has outsourced the content delivery technology and in-store playback software to WireSpring, to retain its focus on content production and advertising sales.
Sterling Promotions
IntelliMat’s Floor Displays Tested At Toronto-Area Malls
IntelliMat, Roanoke, VA, (www.intellimat.com) is launching a pilot program with The Source by Circuit City to place its digital video signage display mats in stores located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada- area malls.
The IntelliMat is a wireless computer embedded in a thin mat made of a lightweight thermoplastic alloy. With four LCD screens, IntelliMat creates a 30-inch diagonal display with full multi-media capability for lots of color, motion and sound.
The content on the Intellimat's LCD backlit video display can be changed easily and instantly, allowing the retailer to target customers by demographics and day parts. Retailers can highlight specific products or sales, and even broadcast messages.
Verizon Online DSL Displayed At Wal-Marts
Millions of shoppers at Wal-Mart stores can now get connected with Verizon Online DSL when they visit the stores' Wal-Mart Connection Center departments.
“Now that more than half of all new broadband customers are choosing DSL over cable high-speed Internet service, Wal-Mart is the perfect place for us to educate consumers about our DSL services and to sign up customers,” said Mary Yarbrough, Vice President of Channel Development, for Verizon.
Specially trained Wal-Mart Connection Center associates at the stores will help shoppers use an easy, automated ordering system that checks eligibility for Verizon DSL service and then lets them quickly and easily place their order.
OfficeMax Launches “Creation Station”
Responding to the Gen Y “Customization Generation,” OfficeMax is offering a new line of customized back-to-school supplies that allows students to express their unique personalities.
OfficeMax locations now include a “Creation Station,” where students can create their own customized notebooks, quickly and easily. The “Creation Station” is stocked with a variety of covers-including an array of textures, colors and finishes-as well as papers and dividers, offering students an opportunity to take the most ordinary of school supplies-the notebook-and make them extraordinary-in a way that fits their personality best.
“From cell phones to MP3 players to back-to-school supplies, students today are looking for unique ways to personalize everything they own” said Bob Thacker, Sr. V.P., Marketing & Advertising at OfficeMax.
UPS Store Canada Installs Digital Video Signage
The UPS Store in Canada has selected CCi’s Retail Digital Media Solution to provide dynamic digital video signage to reach customers with targeted and branded messages at the point-of-purchase.
“Increasing customer awareness of all our products and services is critical to our mission of being the destination for the best and most convenient small business and individual consumer business services,” said Malcolm Houser, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The UPS Store Network in Canada. “Digital signage is an excellent medium to deliver relevant and timely messages to our in-store customers to further enhance The UPS Store experience and educate them on all we have to offer.”
CCi, a retail automation solutions firm, has partnered with Real Digital Media whose NEOCAST® digital signage solution has been designed to withstand the challenges of the in-store retail environment.
FedEx Kinko’s Launches New Retail Concept
FedEx Kinko's has introduced a new store format designed for superior customer service.
The new FedEx Kinko’s store model is smaller than a traditional center and features more than 700 office products and enhanced pack-and-ship stations. The smaller layout makes it more convenient for customers to handle their printing and shipping needs.
“The new concept is part of our larger vision to give customers more access to our office and print services and the FedEx transportation network,” said Kenneth May, CEO of FedEx Kinko’s. “The expanded office supply offerings and enhanced pack-and-ship capabilities will make FedEx Kinko’s more convenient for small business and mobile professionals.”
Diamond Foods Introduces Emerald Trail Mix
Diamond Foods, which developed a patented process for producing great-tasting glazed snack nuts, is introducing three Emerald Trail Mix products-Breakfast Blend, Berry Blend and Tropical Blend.
All three new trail mix items are wholesome “fuel food” medleys of nuts, fruits and crunchy granola clusters.
“With the heightened awareness of the health benefits of nuts and the quest for trans fat-free food, the climate is perfect for these new emerald products, which are designed to provide delicious guilt-free snacking, anytime, anyplace,” said Michael Mendes, President/CEO of Diamond Foods.
The Emerald Trail Mix will be displayed in this colorful corrugated floor display.
DaySpring Displays Plush Bear Photo Frame
DaySpring Cards is using this corrugated tree display to support the sale of this plush bear with photo frame for $5.97 with the purchase of 3 DaySpring cards.
The objective of this display was to provide a merchandising environment that not only enhanced the plush cuddly bear product, but provided a creative fun home at retail and drew customers in to the promotion.
The tree display was made of corrugate construction utilizing full litho mounted/die cut components. 850 “Know What Bear Floor Displays” were distributed to Christian retail stores in the U.S. The displays were created for DaySpring by Great Northern Corp., a point-of-purchase display firm located in Racine, WI.
Borders Spinner Rack Displays Franklin Electronic Devices
Franklin Electronic Publishers has placed spinner displays at Borders containing Franklin’s electronic handheld editions of best-selling reference works, including the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, the Merriam-Webster Spanish-English Dictionary and The Princeton Review’s Pocket Prep Handheld Interactive Tutor for the SAT & ACT.
The displays are positioned alongside print volumes. The 12x12x72 spinner display is constructed of MDF slatwall and holds 4 facings on a side.
Bill Nasshan, Sr. V.P., Merchandising, Borders Group, said, “The addition of Franklin products to our reference selections underscores our commitment to offering the finest references available, both in print and convenient searchable handhelds.”
Kodak Debuts Digital Printing Center In Supermarkets
Kodak wanted to create a digital printing center that works in a variety of Supervalu supermarket store formats. It also wanted to create a space efficient alternative to its traditional Kodak Picture Maker cabinet which consumes a large footprint in-store and can only handle one customer at a time.
This 4-sided digital printing center island removes Kodak’s printing equipment from its traditional Kodak Picture Maker cabinet, creating savings in floor space. The familiar Kodak graphics and signature color create immediate awareness of the function as a photography destination. The unit is engineered to be modular and can be reconfigured or added onto at store level.
The 4-way Kodak Digital Printing Center was designed and produced by Mechtronics, a White Plains, NY-based p.o.p. display company.
French Rabbit Wines Launch ePods Containers
Boisset America has introduced a line of eco-friendly French rabbit wines and has joined American Forests to help plant trees and restore the ecosystem. The wines, imported to the U.S. exclusively by Boisset America, Sausalito, CA, are vintage-dated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and are packaged in innovative, 1L Tetra Pak containers called ePods, which are completely recyclable and have many other ecological benefits. For every four ePods sold, Boisset America will plant a tree through American Forests, a nonprofit citizens’ conservation organization.
Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset America, said, “We are excited to partner with American Forests. For many years our family has relied on the environment to make wine, and we want to give back and protect it.”
DeKuyper Launches Pucker Strawberry Passion Schnapps
Beam Global Spirits & Wine Company has introduced Strawberry Passion to the DeKuyper Pucker line of sweet and sour schnapps.
“Pucker Strawberry Passion is our response to consumer demand for creative cocktails full of bold juicy flavor,” said Chris Mahoney, Senior Brand Director, for DeKuyper. “Strawberry is among the most popular flavors in the beverage category. In testing, Pucker Strawberry Passion received high marks in purchase intent and is on par with the successful Pucker Sour Apple-best known as a key ingredient in the Appletini.”
Colorful p.o.s. signage themed, “Flirt With A New Flavor,” has supported the launch of the new Pucker Strawberry Passion flavor.
Bridgestone Conducts ‘Live Like A Pro’ Sweepstakes
Bridgestone recently teamed up with Dick’s Sporting Goods and Jet Golf for a Live Like a Pro Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize was a trip for two via a private jet to the WGC Bridgestone Invitational, a PGA Tour-sanctioned golf event held in Akron, Ohio.
The promotion was designed to help increase sales of premium Bridgestone golf ball sku’s.
In support of the promotion, all 263 Dick’s stores placed a large floor display merchandising all four Bridgestone golf ball models and featuring Bridgestone star endorser, Fred Couples.
The display helped increase premium ball sales by 246%, according to Bridgestone.
Head and Penn Feature “DIGI” Inflatables
These “DIGI” Columns (Digital Interchangeable Graphics Inflatables) feature replaceable skins which were created for Head Penn Racket Sports.
The inflatable displays are used at ATP tournaments and events to draw attention to their retail tents.
An 8' Digiboard can show side panels with different graphics which are interchangeable. The Columns replacable skins’ make it easy for Head to update graphics for different Special Event Programs and Tennis Tournaments.
The attention-getting inflatables are lightweight, durable, and easy to transport and set up.
These “DIGI” Inflatables were created for Head and Penn by The Inflatable Marketplace, (www.inflatablemarketplace.com), an El Cajon, CA-based point-of-purchase inflatable firm.
Pratt & Lambert Features New Color Selector Display
Pratt & Lambert has introduced the Never Compromise Color Sample Selector, which provides customers with a two-ounce sample of pre-tinted paint to take home and “test” on their walls.
Samples cover a large two-foot square area, allowing buyers to experiment to ensure paint will match their décor. The Sample Selector offer customers the ability to choose from 288 colors from the Never Compromise Color System palette. Each sample is housed in a container that accommodates up to a two-inch paint brush, which highlights the superior flow and leveling of the paint. Finding samples is easy because every sample is labeled with the color name, color number and a color chip.
FireX House Display Puts Products Under One Roof
To coincide with National Fire Safety Month, Invensys Controls is offering a FireX House display to its electrical wholesale channel distributors, to help boost their sales of FireX smoke and CO alarms. In addition to providing an attention getting way to display products, the program also helps distributors maintain adequate inventory.
The display is a 22 square inch wide, 43 inch tall pallet featuring three shelves and full-color graphics, including faux wood grain finish, a shingled roof and a “chimney” product literature display.
“The FireX House Display is a great way for our distributors to promote brand awareness among both their customers and staff,” said Kathy Ellington, General Manager for Safety Products. “We’re excited to be able to offer this display in time for Fire Safety Month.”
Floor Display Boosts Sales For Sexy Hair Line
Regis Corp. is using this corrugated floor display, featuring glossy graphics to help drive sales of its Sexy Hair product line.
This fully assembled Autoshelf® display enables salon staff to assure proper set-up in seconds. Built-in supports are utilized to withstand heavy product in a small footprint. The patented merchandiser is manufactured using b-flute corrugated with a full litho mount.
The Sexy Hair floor display was created by U.S. Displaygroup, (formerly Arrow Display), located in Newark, NJ.
BIC Displays Soleil Razor
BIC is entering into system shavers with the introduction of BIC Soleil with Cartridge Refills. The new BIC Soleil features a replaceable triple-blade cartridge refill, a soothing moisture strip with aloe and shea butter, a rounded pivot head, rubber guard bar, a longer curvy comfortable handle and an enhanced rubber grip.
“This launch into a new segment is an important milestone in the history of BIC shavers and represents a tremendous opportunity for growth in the category,” said Tamar Bernbaum, Director, Shaver Marketing, BIC Consumer Products USA.
Bic reports that women system shavers presently represent more than 25% of all system dollar sales in the United States.
“Our goal is to drive awareness and trial through an extensive campaign, including point-of-purchase displays and trade promotions,” said Bernbaum.
NASCAR Race Face Sunscreen Launched
Agility Sports has signed an agreement with Rockford-Montgomery Labs, to be the exclusive U.S. distributor of its Race Face branded sunscreen products.
Race Face is the only sunscreen officially licensed by NASCAR and is available in four licensed variations: Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon and an official NASCAR version, each carrying the NASCAR brand bar.
Race Face is available in an 8 oz. bottle with a SPF 15 or SPF 30, Water resistant, UVA/UVB formula.
This colorful counter display will be used to merchandise the line at a wide array of different retailers across the nation.
Beiersdorf Displays Nivea Body Age Defying Lotion
The objective of this pdq display was to achieve mass exposure in a product-launch vehicle for this new Nivea Body Age Defying Lotion.
The design of this 12 piece display incorporates a standard 30" tray, customized with a pop-up gold arc, which follows the lines of the hot stamp gold arc on the product packaging.
All components are litho-lam B-flute corrugated board. Two types of coatings were used; UV for the main display components and aqueous for the gold arc, in order to achieve as much metallic look in the gold ink as possible
The display also has a product tester and 25 informational brochures. The typical in-store format was to put four of these units onto one side of a 4-way gondola, maximizing its impact.
Soon after this product was introduced, another 30" pdq followed, with an on-pack of Q10 Night Crème.
The Nivea Body Age Defying Lotion display was produced by Menasha Display, Philadelphia, PA.
BIC Displays M Series Lighter And Case
BIC is using this counter display to promote the new BIC M series lighter and case, which offers consumers both style and convenience.
The new BIC M series has a polished metal case and is refillable with a mini BIC lighter.
“The new BIC M Series takes the concept of lighter and cases to a new level of style and personalization,” said Sheila Fox, Lighter Brand Marketing Manager for BIC Consumer Products.
The new BIC M Series Lighter and Case will be merchandised in convenience stores, drug stores and mass merchandisers.
Swedish Match Displays New Game Cigars
Swedish Match is using this elegant display mirror to help introduce its new product, Game Cigars.
Swedish Match sent kits to cigar and tobacco shops across the nation which included this mirror. The mirror featured a universal appeal that helps to establish an upscale image for the new Game Cigars.
The mirror conveys the product benefits, “Slow, Smooth and Sweet,” and features the brands distinctive logo.
This piece was chosen over other POP items due to its permanency and high-perceived value.
This display was created for Swedish Match by Heritage Sign & Display, Inc., (www.popsigns.com) a Nesquehoning, PA-based point-of-purchase display firm, that specializes in distinctive signage products.
M&M's Displays Dark Chocolate
M& M's Candies is infusing fun into the red-hot dark chocolate category with the permanent introduction of M&M's Dark Chocolate. Dark Chocolate M&M's were available for a limited time last year.
“We’ve received tremendous interest from consumers to make M&M’s Dark Chocolate a permanent offering,” said Michelle Kessler, V.P., Marketing, Masterfoods USA. “M&M’s fans will love our new M&M's Dark Chocolate Candies because we combine the great taste of dark chocolate with a dose of M&M’s fun!”
Colorful displays helped M&M’s gain feature positioning for the new product line.
John Sanfilippo Displays Fisher Fusions
John Sanfilippo & Son has launched Fisher Fusions, a line of seven new nut and fruit mixes, targeting consumers looking for new snack adventures.
“The Fusions ingredients, names and packaging are designed to transport imaginations and taste buds to various locations like the beach with the Tropical Twist mix, mountains with the Trail Blazer mix and city with the Martini mix,” said Jeffrey Sanfilippo, Executive Vice President, Marketing for John B. Sanfilippo & Son.
Packaging completes the destination theme with a scenic image on each label such as a ballgame for the Cheddar Crunch mix, city skyline for Martini mix, and quiet farm for Country Honey mix.
Colorful corrugated floor displays, with a colorful scenic scene on the header help to convey the new product line’s destination theme.
Cottonelle For Kids Is Launched
Kimberly-Clark Corp., has introduced Cottonelle for Kids, the first combined dry bath tissue and moist wipes systems designed to help parents teach their kids good bathroom hygiene habits.
The launch of the Cottonelle for Kids system will be supported by a multi-million dollar promotional campaign, including in-store displays.
The displays developed for the launch were designed to attract the attention of children and their parents. They feature colorful graphics and a friendly canine companion.
This display holds both Cottonelle dry bath tissue and moist wipes.
Tide Displays Simple Pleasures
New Tide Simple Pleasures incorporates naturally inspired scents into a detergent with amazing cleaning power.
The detergent will be available in three distinct varieties: relaxing Vanilla and Lavender, refreshing Water Lily and Jasmine, and romantic Rose and Violet.
“The demand for fragrant candles, perfumes and room fresheners proves that consumers are actively seeking out ways to incorporate scent into their lives,” said Randall Chinchilla, of Procter & Gamble. “Clearly, this detergent will change the face of fabric care.”
Special corrugated floor displays and counter displays will support the launch of the new Tide Simple Pleasures line. The displays show the new product and a women enjoying the fresh scent of clothing washed with Tide Simple Pleasures.
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