New Balance Opens First North America Experience Store
New Balance has opened its first North American Experience Store in New York City’s Flatiron District celebrating the brand’s past, present and future. The store features a Mondo running track and a unique Demonstration Area where New Balance associates showcase the company's domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The store's decor features restored original brick walls and floor-to-ceiling columns and pays homage to the brand's signature grey while introducing modern day technology-based offerings amidst an evolved red and grey color scheme and vibrant product photography. A brand DNA ribbon on the store’s ceiling extends 60 feet from the entrance to the back of the store and takes the consumer through a chronological journey documenting the brand’s history. The store is cross-merchandised to offer head-to-toe brand looks for consumers.
New Balance New York will showcase the company's commitment to domestic manufacturing.
adidas Displays adiZero Rose 2 Signature Basketball Shoe
adidas is displaying NBA star Derrick Rose’s new signature basketball shoe, the adiZero Rose 2. The adiZero Rose 2 signature shoe, designed exclusively for Derrick Rose, features SPRINTWEB to reduce weight and increase comfort, while the SPRINTFRAME external heel counter allows for stability and motion control. The unique herringbone and volcanic traction pattern give optimum grip and pay homage to Derrick’s explosive play. The adiZero Rose 2 will launch in home and away colors and roll out in five additional colors exclusively at Foot Locker and Eastbay.
“Derrick is one of the most iconic and explosive athletes, and we wanted to showcase his signature shoe in a unique way that puts the basketball world on notice,” said Lawrence Norman, adidas Vice President of Global Basketball.
BACARDI Launches BACARDI® OAKHEART Spiced Rum
BACARDI is launching BACARDI® OAKHEART,™ a smooth, spiced rum with a hint of smokiness. Straight from the heart of charred American white oak barrels, this premium, dark rum specialty contains natural flavors and spices. Toby Whitmoyer, V.P. & Brand Managing Director, Rums Category, said, “BACARDI OAKHEART was created to bring together a new generation of rum drinkers -- a generation that lives for adventure, freedom and spontaneity.”
The launch will be supported by the “OAKHEART Challenge,” a program designed to bring the brand to life through a series of events, competitions and ultimate shared adventures to show that BACARDI OAKHEART can stand up to any challenge. BACARDI OAKHEART will be supported with point-of-purchase displays, print and out of home advertising and experiential marketing.
Constellation Wines Introduces Dreaming Tree Wines
Sonoma County winemaker Steve Reeder and world-renowned musician Dave Matthews have introduced The Dreaming Tree wines - a collection of approachable, high-quality wines developed in partnership with Constellation Wines U.S. The Dreaming Tree wines portfolio, founded and harvested in California's wine country, is aptly named after the Dave Matthews Band track, “The Dreaming Tree.” The Dreaming Tree wines offer consumers distinct flavors and aromas unique to California’s North and Central coasts.
The commitment to providing a high-value, environmentally conscious product is an important aspect of The Dreaming Tree brand.
Bottles used for The Dreaming Tree wines are 50% lighter than the average wine bottle, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint.
Samsung Features Interactive Touchscreen Display
Samsung Electronics Canada wanted a unique and innovative concept to deliver strong branding within the retail environment. Holman, a Toronto, Canada-based P.O.P. firm, developed a solution that enriched the consumers experience by allowing them to test the features of the Samsung products displayed and receive product information, all in a fun and interactive way. The display featured a touchscreen device that simulated the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Customers could actually launch different demonstration videos that highlighted all of Samsung's unique features just like they would at home with their actual Galaxy Tabs.
The display showed consumers the best that Samsung had to offer and brought together all Samsung products within an in store environment that was extremely relevant to the customer. The displays were made to be durable and easy to install. All displays were sent to the retailers pre-assembled making the installation at retail simple and cost effective. The displays were rolled out to 150 Future Shops and 78 Best Buy locations across Canada.
P.O.S. Posters Help Launch New iPhone 4
These posters as well as other in-store Point-Of-Sale display materials were created to assist in the launch of the new Apple iPhone 4.
The posters were litho printed full color on a Heidelberg press with a satin coating finish. The posters were printed in multiple languages, kitted and distributed to retail stores across the country. The iPhone 4 posters and in-store materials were printed by Proprint Services, (www.pop-online), a Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Pepperidge Farm Displays Milano Melts™ Cookies
“Since their debut in the 1950s, Milano cookies have undergone a series of flavor evolutions, as we’ve delicately partnered the classic cookie-and-chocolate foundation with flavors such as mint, orange, raspberry and, most recently, strawberry, to create an assortment of tempting varieties,” said Suzanne Goodrich, Business Director at Pepperidge Farm. “This evolution continues with new Milano Melts™ cookies - a fun twist on the cookie-and-chocolate combination.”
Featuring a unique combination of crisp cookie filled with soft, rich chocolate crème, new Pepperidge Farm Milano Melts cookies offer a new sweet escape experience; Dark Classic Crème - a golden cookie with a rich, chocolate heart - or Chocolate Dark Classic Crème, which features a chocolate cookie exterior. Pepperidge Farm has supported the launch with colorful p.o.p. displays.
Sue Bee Honey Launches Sweepstakes Promotion
Sue Bee Honey, America's Honey™, has launched its National “Sue Bee Summer Sanders Sweepstakes” Instant Win promotion with two-time USA Swimming Gold Medalist Summer Sanders. Contestants simply enter an instant win code on suebee.com from specially marked Sue Bee Honey on-pack, peel-off products. Winners could instantly win a trip for two to London.
Retailers are able to obtain a Special Summer Sanders Sweepstakes in-store shipper display, which will include a $1 instant redeemable coupon on selected products with a QR code sweepstakes entry option. Ron Junck, Sioux Honey Association, VP, Marketing, said, “The Summer Sanders Sweepstakes is a great way to build our American-made image and identify Sue Bee Honey as AMERICA’S HONEY.”
Mineral Fusion Cosmetics Displayed At Whole Foods Stores
This Mineral Fusion cosmetic on-counter unit for Whole Foods provides flexibility for testing and merchandising of the product. Fabricated in lacquered white wood, acrylic and injection molded components, the clean lines of the display maintain the modern look of the Mineral Fusion brand. Updatable graphic strips, templates and drawer components allow the display to be easily updated. This display was manufactured in Asia, by RPG, (The Royal Promotion Group,) (www.rpg57.com), a New York City-headquartered display firm.
Sephora Opens State-of-Art Store In Manhattan
Sephora’s new store in New York City’s famed Meatpacking District establishes one of the most modern and transformative beauty shopping experiences in the world. “Our new Meatpacking District store represents the pinnacle of Sephora store design. When developing the plan, we made a conscious decision to intertwine art, music and technology as a way to celebrate the area's distinct artistic heritage and ‘urban cool’ environment,” said Paul Loux, VP Design at Sephora.
Updated fixtures and an open, flowing layout allow for easy navigation of key product areas. This is the first Sephora in the nation to feature a completely Mobile Checkout experience. In addition, in-store iPads will allow clients to quickly access product information, ratings and reviews and QR codes for any item in the store.
Half Pallet Display Outpost Created For K-Cup Products
Ardent Displays & Packaging, Inc. created this half pallet display outpost for K-cups beverage product to be sold near the Keurig beverage machines at retail, to increase product availability and sales. The convenience of locating the refill product near the beverage machines boosted beverage sales per machine.
The melamine and acrylic display structure features litho printed graphic panels in slip-in sign channels for seasonal changes as required. Displays were shipped to retail distribution centers nationwide pre-assembled except for graphic panels. Ardent Displays & Packaging, East Hartford, CT, (www.ardentdisplays.com), created this half pallet display.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Kiosk Placed In Supermarkets
This Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Kiosk provides self-serve coffee to shoppers. The display was produced to expand Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's presence in supermarkets. The display is constructed of a solid wood structure with a solid surface counter top, overhead lighting, direct printed graphics, dimensional lettering signage, cut dispensers and cooler. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Kiosk was produced by Rich Ltd, (www.richltd.com), a display manufacturer located in Oceanside, CA.
Clarks To Bring UK C7 Style To USA
The new Clarks global concept C7 provides a consistent look throughout all Clarks environments; retail, wholesale and outlet venues worldwide. The new design incorporating SMARTWALL creates a fresh and modern style targeted for its core customer as well as a younger group.
The adjustable SMARTWALL lit shelves allows the product to be beautifully displayed regardless of style or coloring. A splash of hot green is used to add to the contemporary feel. As styles change the color can easily be swapped out for a new pallet.
The Smartwall system was developed for Clarks by TC Millwork, of Bensalem, PA.
Stride Rite Joins Sesame Street Family With New Footwear Collection
Stride Rite Children’s Group has introduced the Sesame Street by Stride Rite collection. The collection features tactile hair, arms that hug the foot and a detailed design that truly looks like the character itself that kids and moms are sure to love. The Sesame Street by Stride Rite collection is all about healthy foot development and includes shoe options within the Stride Rite Scientifically Tested Everyday Proven™ (STEP) System featuring Stride Rite’s Sensory Response Technology™ (SRT™).
STEP 1 Robeez by Stride Rite Pre-Walker features ‘best for baby’ comfort, style in ultra-soft flexible leather in three Sesame Street Soft Sole designs: Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster. STEP 2 SRT™ Soft Motion™ Early Walker enables children to better feel the ground, encouraging balance and comfort while learning to walk. STEP 3 SRT™ Toddler Off & Running enables children to better feel the ground beneath them, allowing them to quickly adjust to changes in terrain.
Chevrolet Offers Interactive Wheelstand To Chicago Dealers
Chevrolet was looking for a cost effective, interactive, informational vehicle wheelstand they could offer to their dealers in the Chicago area. These stands, along with its interactive touch screen hardware needed to be secure from theft and tampering. Graphic Resource Group, a Troy, MI-based display firm designed and produced a custom, metal wheelstand that fit under the vehicle tire to securely anchor the unit. A security bracket was engineered to prevent tablet tampering and theft.
Chrysler Group Launches South Miami FIAT
South Miami FIAT opened in Miami, Florida, recently after a three-month renovation project that transformed this former used car dealership into a striking new FIAT Studio. “We are thrilled to welcome South Miami FIAT into our ever-growing family of FIAT Studios in Florida and the United States,” said Laura Soave, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “Miami is a key market for the FIAT brand in Florida and we are well represented with South Miami FIAT.”
With beautiful Italian styling, timeless functionality, fuel efficiency and innovative technology - the same attributes that made the original version an icon - the 2012 Fiat 500 is relevant for an entirely new generation of drivers. The reintroduction of the FIAT brand in North America is led by the modern generation of the Fiat 500, now joined by the Fiat 500 Cabrio.
Trinchero Family Estates Holiday Display
This display was designed in collaboration with Trinchero Family Estates to provide a mass display that had the interchangeability of components and imagery for Halloween, Thanksgiving and the Christmas Holiday Seasons. The display was produced of custom molded foam for the brick columns, sheet metal bases, molded polyurethane for the gargoyles, routed and painted MDF for the header branding arch, with red Christmas ornaments, ghost and fall printed fabric overlays, Christmas wreaths with 6 LED lights and 3 season printed card sets for the columns. The Trinchero Family Estates Holiday Display was created by Harbor Industries, a Grand Haven, MI-based display firm.
Gatorade Displays G Series
Gatorade has powered sports teams for decades as one of PepsiCo's billion-dollar brands. However, having grown beyond its athlete core user and with a higher than average price point, the brand began losing market share in the fragmented sports drinks category. PepsiCo engaged WD Partners, a Dublin, OH-headquartered retail design firm, to help refocus Gatorade on its athlete constituency. The lynchpin for the brand’s revival would be the launch of the G Series and G Series Pro lines.
WD developed in-store merchandising strategies and graphic systems that increase their visibility in the center aisle and highlight product features as well as planograms to maximize product pack out and secure incremental space. The G Series and G Series Pro lines have been rolled out in thousands of grocery, c-store, general nutrition, and sporting goods retailers nationwide.
Valvoline Displays NextGen Motor Oil
Valvoline is introducing NextGen motor oil, a new formula made from 50% recycled oil. NextGen motor oil is better for the environment, with reduced environmental impact compared to non-recycled motor oil. In support of the launch, Valvoline is partnering with Rutledge Wood, co-host of “Top Gear U.S.” on the History Channel and NASCAR analyst for the SPEED Channel, to help raise awareness about the importance of recycling motor oil. Wood will serve as NextGen brand ambassador, making retail appearances. Point-of-purchase displays will support the launch.
Jiffy Lube Helps Drivers Choose Oil Change Schedule
Jiffy Lube has introduced a new approach to oil changes called Oil Change Schedule (OCS), which enables customers to choose when they will return to Jiffy Lube for their next oil change based on vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for their individual driving habits and conditions.
The new approach directly engages customers in the preventive maintenance process by helping them understand what their vehicle manufacturer recommends for oil changes. When customers visit a participating Jiffy Lube service center for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change, they will be given three choices for their new schedule: Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for severe driving conditions, Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for normal driving conditions, or Select an oil change schedule of their own choosing.
Sony Opens New Shopping Experience In Canada
Sony of Canada has opened the first newly branded “SONY” store in Canada. The 2,800-sq. ft. Sony store is a unique destination at which consumers can explore the complete Sony experience, including electronics, games, movies, music, network services and future technologies. Doug Wilson, President, Sony Canada, said, “Our new store concept gives shoppers an opportunity to test and compare the full potential of Sony’s entertainment offerings.”
The new store features products displayed on tables so consumers can interact with them like they would in a home environment. The layout of the store is flexible so it can be reconfigured to highlight specific products, services, or content.
Iittala Brand Displayed In Bloomingdale’s 59th St NYC
Iittala, a Scandinavian design brand from Finland, will be on display at Bloomingdale’s 59th St. Store in New York City, in a gallery showcasing Iittala dinnerware, barware and giftware. Fiskars Home President Jaakko Autere, said, “The 59th street Bloomingdale’s gallery gave us a unique opportunity to showcase the versatility and personality of these timeless Iittala products.”
Each Iittala collection is a work of art designed by a Scandinavian artisan. Iittala designers represented in the gallery range from contemporary artist Klaus Haapaniemi, designer of Korento, to Kaj Franck, a founding father of design in Finland and designer of Teema dinnerware and Kartio glassware. The ability to mix and match Iittala product lines from different designers is one of the cornerstones of the Iittala product range.
Wendy’s Unveils Innovative Restaurant Designs In Columbus, OH
Customers will experience an ultra modern new Wendy's when they visit the two Wendys remodeled restaurants in Columbus, Ohio.
“Columbus is our hometown and we want our customers to be the first to experience one of the four new building designs being tested across the country,” said David Karam, President of North America. “These restaurants are very different from what our customers are used to, and we will learn a lot in the coming months from their comments.” The exterior features a contemporary design with large windows and natural materials. The interior showcases open, bright dining areas, with multiple seating options. The new restaurants were designed by Tesser, a San Francicso-based retail design firm.
McDonald’s Canada Redesigns Restaurants
McDonald’s Canada is undertaking its biggest store-by-store brand transformation in the company’s history. New interior and exterior designs provide the familiarity that customers expect from McDonald's, with a contemporary and more welcoming ambiance. Interiors are inviting and comfortable, featuring bold, new color palettes, with splashes of McDonald’s traditional brand colors. Design features include prominent fireplaces, flat-screen televisions, stone and tile accents, as well as wood tones and colorful wall graphics. Dining rooms are divided into separate eating areas for larger groups, on-the-go customers, families, or for individuals who want to stay and enjoy new amenities such as free Wi-Fi. A prominent new exterior feature is a red ‘blade,’ a central element, which provides an eye-catching home for the corporate logo. The overall design philosophy is to allow flexibility through materials and color so that restaurants can adapt to their local community and demographics, while maintaining brand consistency.
Heineken Displays Noche Buena Winter Seasonal Beer
Heineken USA has launched Noche Buena, a Bock-styled Lager brewed by Cerveceria Moctezuma, S.A., specifically made for the Fall/Winter season. “We are excited to be slowly expanding the availability of Noche Buena, Mexico’s highest regarded seasonal beer," said Paul Smailes, Senior Brand Director for Dos Equis, Heineken USA. “We’re confident this fantastic beer, brewed in limited quantities, will be savored by those consumers looking for an exclusive winter seasonal.”
Dr Pepper Displays Million Dollar Tuition Giveaway
Dr Pepper will give away more than $1 million in tuition money as part of the Dr Pepper Million Dollar Tuition Giveaway. Dr Pepper fans can submit videos online at DrPepper.com to explain why they deserve tuition money for a chance to compete to win various prize levels, including one of five $100,000 grand prize scholarships.
Ten lucky Dr Pepper fans will compete during halftime of four conference championship football games. Selected contest finalists will throw footballs into a two-foot hole in an oversized Dr Pepper can replica. The Dr Pepper fan at each game that successfully completes the most throws in 30 seconds will win a $100,000 scholarship, with the runner-up taking home a $23,000 scholarship prize. The promotion will be supported with an array of in-store displays and promotional materials.
Dairy Innovation Center Identifies Display Opportunities
The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is testing various Dairy Merchandising Solution concepts. The concepts leverage consumer testing that identifies grocery shopping needs as they pertain to meal creation. “The Dairy Merchandising Solution concepts build upon Dairy Department Reinvention best practices that are proven to drive sales. They position dairy and complementary products together to increase sales by addressing shopper needs at various meal occasions,” said John Stephens, Research and Insights committee chair with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. “By introducing total solutions that include dairy and make shopping for meals enjoyable and convenient, the Dairy Merchandising Solution concepts will help enhance consumer engagement.”
Dairy Merchandising Solution concepts being tested include: Breakfast Zone: highlighting quick, breakfast recipes. Fuel Your Day: A snacking area highlighting options for between or with meals. What’s for Dinner: one-stop-shopping for a dinner that’s easy to prepare. Chef's Creation: showcasing restaurant-quality meal solutions. Perfect Pairings: cross-merchandising complementary dairy products in the produce section.
GNC Installs Ultra-Efficient LED Bulbs Over Retail Displays
General Nutrition Centers has installed Lighting Science Group’s high-performance LED bulbs at its corporate owned locations. The ENERGY STAR qualified LED bulbs now lighting GNC retail display shelves are approximately 80% more efficient than the halogen bulbs they replace, are fully dimmable and have approximately 50% more lumens (light output) than competing products.
Not only will each upgraded GNC store see a significant reduction in lighting energy costs as a result of the installation of Lighting Science Group’s LED bulbs, but the stores will also save money on maintenance and cooling costs, since the company’s bulbs will last 50,000 hours and give off very little heat.
First ‘THE MELT’ Restaurant Opens In San Francisco
THE MELT, a new take on the fast casual restaurant business, has opened its first location in San Francisco's Financial District. Utilizing farm fresh local products, all-natural ingredients and innovative technology, THE MELT is the first fast casual restaurant chain focused solely around the classic grilled cheese and soup combination.
As the latest venture of Flip Video founder Jonathan Kaplan, THE MELT uses location-based mobile technology allowing guests to remotely order “combos,” soups, Melts or other items from their computers and mobile phones. Customers can place orders while on the go and pick them up at any MELT location, hot and ready, anytime. After ordering, they will receive a QR code that can be scanned at any restaurant location; this enables customers to skip the line and pick up their freshly-made order within minutes.
Au Bon Pain Launches Cafe Remodel Program
In conjunction with the acceleration of its national expansion strategy, Au Bon Pain, a leader in the fast casual restaurant category, has launched a major cafe remodeling program. Under this initiative, the company has already remodeled a majority of its cafes in the greater New York City area, which is one of the company’s largest markets.
The vibrant cafe remodels include a new sandwich suite and fresh tossed salad station, and layouts have been redesigned to speed service, particularly at the sandwich bar, where a more efficient ordering process utilizing iPads is being tested at several locations. The changes to the cafe have been complemented by menu enhancements, including new distinctive, delicious bakery items such as cupcakes; enhanced beverage offerings; and new soup and sandwich value combos.
Sleep Innovations Unveils Sleep Solutions Center
Sleep Innovations, a market leader in advanced foam sleep solutions, has introduced a new in-store merchandising program. Partnering with TransWorld Marketing, an East Rutherford, NJ-based display firm, Sleep Innovations has developed interactive, modular displays designed to educate the consumer on the benefits and differences of a wide range of sleep products. Sleep Innovations has developed a Sleep Solutions Center that contains a combination of mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows, and extensive educational materials.
“We are reinventing the way consumers shop for their sleep products,” said Lisa Thorstenson, Exec. VP Channel Marketing at Sleep Innovations. “By educating the consumer in-store, they can make informed decisions and purchases that will lead to better sleep.”
FLOR Opens Flagship Store In New York City
FLOR, creator of beautiful and responsible modular floorcovering, is opening its third national store in New York City in the heart of SoHo. The new FLOR store offers consumers the opportunity to experience the beauty and benefits of the FLOR design system in an environmentally-progressive retail space.
Visitors to the new store will be able to experience the range of inspiring colors, patterns and textures available in FLOR’s innovative system of 50 cm (19.7-inch) carpet squares. The store design brings pages to life from the FLOR catalog through inspiring visuals and room vignette extensions that replicate the FLOR designs found within the catalog. Customers are invited to experience just how easy it is to redefine any space by mixing and matching styles to create custom rugs, runners and wall-to-wall designs.
Bernard Griffin Wines Runs Christmas Promotion
Wines Of Washington Promotion, the Marketing Agency, Seattle, created this Back Card for stadium & tray-cut wine case off-premise retail displays. These are designed to attract customers to special off-shelf featuring and end-aisle wine displays. The creative was devised to stimulate consumer take-away of Barnard Griffin wines as the perfect stocking stuffer and housewarming gift for wine lovers during the Thanksgiving through Christmas period.
yellow tail Toasts Its Role For Holiday Season
The new yellow tail campaign portrays consistency in a fresh, hip, and cool tone that the company believes will drive consumer interest through the holiday season. Renato Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer, W.J. Deutsch, which markets yellow tail in the US, said, “Our research showed that because of its exceptional quality for the price, yellow tail is the automatic ‘go-to’ choice for millions of wine consumers. Our consumers told us that we have the right to own the everyday wine occasion, so we created a campaign that does just that in a contemporary, aspirational and fun manner.”
“yellow tail gives consumers a fun way to enjoy wine,” said Mike Burns, Managing Partner, The Burns Group, developer of the brand campaign. “The new campaign takes a fresh approach at bringing this notion to life.” The integrated campaign is supported by point of sale materials.
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