Best Buy Mobile Stores Test New Approach To Retailing
Best Buy and U.K. retailer Carphone Warehouse (CPW) are piloting a mobile phone-exclusive store concept at nine locations throughout Manhattan.
Branded Best Buy Mobile, the stores improve on the U.S. mobile retail experience by providing a broader selection of products and carrier options, supported by knowledgeable and impartial store associates.
“Our goal is to bring real choice to New Yorkers,” said David Sprosty, CEO of Best Buy Mobile. “The Best Buy Mobile experience delivers a wider assortment of handsets and carrier networks, combined with specially trained, impartial mobile phone specialists and convenient locations across Manhattan. It’s a whole new level of service that personalizes the shopping experience for people who want control over how mobile technology integrates into their lifestyles.”
New Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores averaging approximately 1,000-square-feet each are now open near Union Square, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Terminal and on the Upper East and Upper West sides of Manhattan.
Another four stores operate within existing Best Buy stores in fully renovated “stores-within-a-store.”
R.sole Store Showcases Art And Entertainment
R.sole, a retail store that sells high-end special edition sneakers and custom-made shoes, recently opened in St. Louis, MO, combining a gallery-inspired configuration with an urban nightclub aesthetic.
The dark rectangular 1,972 sq. ft. retail space resembles a hip art gallery as each collectible sneaker is displayed like a museum piece. Niche wall display units are backlit by color-changing LED lights that showcase a series of rotating merchandise display panels. Recessed LED floor tiles highlight special merchandise.
The front windows were covered in translucent vinyl with geometric cutouts, allowing passer-bys only a glimpse of the interior. “We decided to use a non-sell, selling strategy because it would appeal to serious collectors and also act as a lure for other customers,” said Vlad Zadneprianski, of Tobin+Parnes Design Enterprises, designer of the store.
Dark gray finishes are used throughout, imparting the attitude of a hip, exclusive nightclub.
There are plans for additional R.sole store openings in Memphis, TN and other Midwest markets.
UNIQLO Global Opens New York Flagship Store
UNIQLO, Japan’s popular apparel retailer and a worldwide leader in casual wear, has opened a 36,000 square foot global flagship store in New York’s SoHo district.
UNIQLO celebrates its opening with true Japanese hospitality, putting customers first and treating everyone with kindness as they get to know the new collection, made according to the Japanese tradition of exacting quality. The UNIQLO collection offers contemporary sportswear and accessories for women, men and children.
Cingular Opens Flagship Store In Latino Community
Cingular Wireless has unveiled its largest retail store in the Los Angeles region, achieving its goal of reaching Latino consumers with its state-of-the-art wireless products.
The store, located in Huntington Park, is the most modern and technologically advanced store in the Los Angeles region with interactive stations where customers can test Cingular's latest products. All the sales associates can assist customers in English and Spanish and the store has committed to becoming an active member of the local Latino community.
According to Cingular’s research, Latinos lead all other
U.S. consumers in almost every wireless category: they use more minutes, make more long distance phone calls, text message more often and download more ring tones than the general population.
The Latino consumer market is the fastest growing segment in the U.S. and is expected to be
worth $1-trillion dollars by 2010. This new Huntington Park Location is one of more than 510 Bilingual Cingular Stores in Latino Markets nationwide. The stores are a key element in Cingluar’s strategy to reach the Latino market.
Dr Pepper Hunt For More Promotion Launched
Dr Pepper is hiding 23 gold coins worth a collective $1.7 million as part of the Dr Pepper Hunt For More promotion.
One lucky consumer could win $1,000,000 by solving clues and finding a special gold coin hidden in a secret location. In addition to the $1,000,000 gold coin, 22 other gold coins, redeemable for amounts varying from $10,000 to $250,000, will be hidden in various locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Clues revealed online each day will provide hints to help Dr Pepper fans/detectives locate the money. The clues will test consumers' knowledge of geography and world events. Each Dr Pepper Hunt For More Gold coin will have a unique code and toll-free number on the back so the winner who finds the coin can call to claim the prize.
Special in-store displays support the promotion.
Life-size Standee Promotes Socko’s Hogan Energy
Pop culture icon Hulk Hogan has partnered with Bliss Beverage to launch “Hogan Powered By Socko” energy drink. Hogan Energy cans as well as point-of-sale standees feature the life-size image of Hulk Hogan.
Hogan Energy powered by Socko is fortified with Taurine, vitamins B12, B6 and Horny Goat Weed for enhanced endurance while increasing mental awareness without unwanted carbohydrates. Entertainment and marketing company Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment, responsible for branding Socko on a global level through non-traditional based marketing initiatives, approached Hogan to market the energy drink.
Chanel Introduces Interactive Counter Design
Chanel is introducing a new, high-concept specialty counter design at Saks Fifth Avenue stores in New Orleans, Boston and Columbus. The new counter design will have more of a boutique feel than the open island design.
Fixtures in the installation have been created to appear more like residential furniture than a standard retail environment. All of the chairs, stools and lighting were custom made to reflect Chanel icons. Quilted chairs, crystal lighting, tweed fabrics and other iconic design elements draw the shopper into the world of Chanel. The design creates a hands-on, interactive environment to experience Chanel makeup, skincare and fragrance.
Moving away from traditional counter design, makeup, skincare and fra
grance will all have designated areas within the “store within a store” space. Inspired by the makeup studio in Paris, a high lacquered table inset with tweed upholstered stools displays all Chanel color collections and serves as an interactive product display and application area for clients. The space will also feature a separate vanity area and dressing table for private, makeup artist applications. A separate seated skincare area allows for skincare specialists to diagnose a client’s skincare needs and take them through the range. A fragrance bar features best-selling Chanel fragrances on a sleek, illuminated shelf for another interactive, hands-on experience. There will also be a “luxury library” on one wall that houses the best-selling products that customers can simply grab and purchase. There are also LCD panels that will display current advertising images and movies such as the Nicole Kidman/No 5 campaign.
Sterling Promotions
Hawaiian Tropic Displays New Duo Packs
Hawaiian Tropic has introduced the Duo Pack, offering two complementary products in one simple package.
To drive sales for the Duo Pack, Hawaiian Tropic has developed a 36 piece sidekick display that will showcase all three Duo Pack products including Ozone Sport Sunscreen SPF 45+ with a Zone Guard Spot Protection SPF 65+; Oil Free Sensitive Skin SPF 50+ with a Sensitive Skin Lip Balm SPF 45+; and Instant Island Glow Daily Moisturizer with a Tinted Lip Gloss SPF 15.
The display was created with peg inserts in order to hold up the Duo Packs for the consumer to see and allows easy accessibility. The new, bright orange sidekick includes a header designed to show all three Duo Packs, both together and apart. The header calls out, “2 in 1 Suncare,” to attract consumer attention.
BIC Soleil Citron Shaver Introduced
BIC is extending the BIC Soleil line with the introduction of the BIC Soleil Citron shaver this spring.
The triple-blade shaver offers consumers the same great shave that they have come to expect from the BIC Soleil brand, and also features a pivot head, citrus scented handle and four modern colors that will appeal to women who enjoy expressing their individual style.
The launch for the new BIC Soleil Citron shaver will be supported with special corrugated displays designed to attract attention and gain premium in-store display space.
This display features all of the Solei shaver varieties -- Soleil, Soleil Twilight, and Soleil Citron. The displays also feature the Bic Comfort 3 Advance men’s shaver.
Goodtimes Installs Dynamic Digital Storefront
Goodtimes Skate Shop, located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California, has installed a dynamic digital storefront from Epson, a supplier of value-added p.o.s. solutions.
The newly installed four-by-five foot digital display illuminates the storefront with extreme skate boarding video, attracting attention and creating sales lift while increasing the store's brand recognition and improving the overall shopping experience.
“The skateboarding industry is very visual, and our target audience is increasingly more tech-savvy,” said Brad Block, Owner of Goodtimes Skate Shop. “It’s crucial that we continue to attract the younger generation. The digital storefront gives us an edge.”
“Goodtimes Skate Shop is an ideal example of how retailers can utilize digital marketing technologies to reinvent and differentiate themselves to compete more effectively,” said Bud Weist, V.P., Epson Sales and Marketing, System Device Group.
Shimano Introduces Bicycle Component Displays
Shimano USA sought to unify its brand presence in the independent bicycle channel with a comprehensive display system.
A unified system incorporating Shimano’s silver and blue color scheme was utilized throughout all of the elements, with the Shimano logo prominently silkscreened on each piece. Giving bicycle dealers these useful display tools has not only elevated the Shimano brand, but increased the overall visual appeal of the stores as well.
The comprehensive display system was designed and produced for Shimano by Concept Designs, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Palo, Alto, CA.
XE Mobile Displays Nokia 6061 Phone
XE Mobile, a new pay-as-you-go wireless service designed to meet the lifestyle needs of the youth and college age market, has introduced the Nokia 6061 clamshell phone. This is the fist Nokia 6061 handset offered for the prepaid user and XE Mobile carries the only red model available in the U.S.
“XE is excited to offer this one-of-a-kind handset to its members-the color, look and feel fits well with our band and target market. XE is committed to offering the best products in the market place and will continue to offer handsets no other pay-as-you-go service is offering,” said Mark Ghermezian, President and CEO of XE Mobile.
An array of p.o.p. materials will help XE Mobile reach its target market of young consumers in the store.
Bell Standee Increases Traffic & Sales
This Bell standee was placed in all store locations to grab consumers' attention with its construction and message.
The six-foot tall standee is very unique in its construction from multiple litho printed panels to the mounting and die cutting and finishing to ensure a 3-D look.
There were several panels that were litho printed on a 40" six color Heidelberg press. The panels were then mounted to corrugate and die cut to shape.
Each shape was then further mounted to corrugate to stand out from the overall background piece.
The display was part of a multiple print run in two languages that included tent cards, wobblers, cling vinyls and posters.
This Bell Standee was created by PROPRINT Services Inc., (www.pop-online.com) a Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based point-of-purchase display firm,
PotatoFinger Chips Displayed At Whole Foods Markets
PotatoFinger Snack Foods, Inc. has begun placing its PotatoFinger potato chips flavor line up in select southeast Whole Foods market locations, following a successful test run in the Atlanta market.
“As part of our strategic expansion program, we're delighted that thousands of customers shopping at Whole Foods will now have the opportunity to enjoy our chips,” said Leon Stoltz, PotatoFinger’s CEO.
Made without any hydrogenated oils or trans fats, PotatoFinger chips are a healthier snack alternative. PotatoFinger Potato Chips are available in select grocery chains, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, airports and specialty shops throughout the U.S. Marketed as “always sassy and fresh,” PotatoFinger potato chips are displayed with the tagline, "Chips with Attitude!"
This wire display will help support the line extension.
KA-ME Noodle Box Meal Displays Offered To Retailers
To capitalize on the growing market for Asian foods and consumer demand for convenient meal solutions, Liberty Richter Inc., Saddle Brook, NJ, has introduced KA-Me Noodle Box meals that are authentic as well as ultra-easy to prepare.
Consumers can mix, heat and serve right in the box and the meal is ready in two minutes with no water needed. The products are shelf-stable for up to one year.
Liberty Richter is offering retailers this 48-count shipper display, which includes 12 units each of Pad Thai, Peanut Satay, Teriyaki and Szechuan Noodle Boxes.
The space-efficient display helps sell the product to consumers and provides secondary merchandising capabilities.
Palm Opens Flagship Retail Store In New York
Palm’s new flagship retail store has opened in Manhattan's Rockefeller Center, featuring Palm’s entire portfolio of smartphones, handhelds, mobile managers and accessories as well as live demonstrations and activations on three major U.S. carriers. The new flagship store is Palm’s largest store to date.
The Palm Retail Store provides the Company with a way to introduce Palm smartphones and handhelds beyond Palm’s core customers of mostly business professionals to a broader group of consumers. Palm Retail Stores have succeeded at expanding Palm’s visibility with young adults, moms and active seniors. With the introduction of fun colors for the new Treo 680 smartphone, Palm has a great draw for this expanded audience.
“New and loyal customers can experience simple, mobile computing up close, in-depth and across our full product line at Palm Retail Stores,” said Tim Roper, Vice President, U.S. region for Palm. “Specifically by opening a retail store in Rockefeller Center, we have the opportunity to capture the attention of pedestrians who frequent this famous location so they can see for themselves how powerful yet easy to use our products are.”
Clean lines, sleek accents and bold graphics depicting the Treo lifestyle greet visitors to the Rockefeller Center Retail Store location. Expert associates help guide visitors to the Palm mobile solution that best meets their unique needs.
M&M’s World Retail Store Opens In Times Square
M&M's World New York, a larger-than-life, “candy-coated” retail store dedicated to the colorful, chocolate fun of all things M&M's, has opened its doors in New York's Times Square.
A 25,000 square-foot retail chocolate experience, M&M's World offers tourists and New Yorkers alike the opportunity to purchase unique and exclusive M&M's brand and character plush toys, apparel, and thousands of other items as well as the chance to create their own one-of-a-kind M&M's custom-blended color mixes, selecting from among 22 milk chocolate and peanut M&M's colors.
The store will offer several fun M&M's-themed “only in New York” experiences, including: the world's largest display of M&M's, featuring a selection of more than 1 million milk chocolate and peanut M&M's.
The character Blue in a homage pose to the disco beat of Saturday Night Fever. A 21-foot Miss Green M&M's version of Lady Liberty. An M&M's color mood analyzer, to identify for guests which M&M's color best suits their daily mood.
“Our M&M's World New York store will surprise and delight visitors with its unique shopping experience,” said John Hugh,
President of Mars Retail Group, maker of M&M's. “Throughout our New York store, customers will be immersed in a sound and light experience that reflects the fun and flavor of all things M&M's.”
Preloaded ZVUE MP3 Player Is Displayed
HandHeld Entertainment has introduced the ZVUE MP3 Player, the Company’s first MP3 player in selected Wal-Mart stores and InMotion Entertainment stores throughout the U.S.
At a suggested retail price of $69.95, the ZVUE MP3 player is an MP3 player with a bonus as it comes pre-loaded with 30 of the top hits of 2006.
The ZVUE will be featured in-stores in special permanent displays, headlined, “Music Your Way,” which explain the benefits of the new ZVUE MP3 players.
QRS Music Unveils Story & Clark Power Center Program
QRS Music Technologies, a leader in marketing pianos, piano-based audio and multimedia products, has introduced its new Story & Clark Power Center Program. The program focuses on sell-through by creating a unique environment and total shopping experience to stimulate and engage customers.
The Power Centers help customers envision the experience of owning a Pianomation® system by demonstrating how it can be integrated with all the other elements of their entertainment system.
Along with a Story & Clark grand piano equipped with Pianomation® and Qsync™, the Power Centers include a large format, 42" plasma screen TV, surround-sound stereo equipment, impactful merchandising aids including posters and a CD software display, in a living room setting that includes a couch and several chairs, creating a realistic home environment.
“A grand piano is a big investment,” said Tom Dolan, CEO, QRS. “Customers feel better about purchasing a piano from a dealer where the buying experience matches their per.
Wal-Mart Introduces Neighborhood Market Design
Wal-Mart has opened its newly designed store in Tulsa, OK based on its Neighborhood Market concept.
The Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is the Company's youngest store concept, providing consumers the Wal-Mart value in a smaller, “neighborhood” store format that brings grocery, pharmacy and health and beauty together. Wal-Mart plans to open 15 to 20 new Neighborhood Market stores over the next year.
“Our health and beauty department has probably undergone the most dramatic change within the store,” said Pam Kohn, Sr. V.P, Neighborhood Markets. “We want our female customers to feel this is a place in their store created especially for them.”
With concave fixtures, wider aisles and new towers that can display the latest trends in health and beauty, the redesign creates a more personal experience for the shopper, who may need time to study new products and consider their purchase. Signage and product placement work together to help customers better identify selections.
As Wal-Mart continues to bring consumers more healthy choices in food, such as increased selections in organics and produce, the grocery area in the Neighborhood Market now features a new layout that highlights these efforts and
accentuates freshness.
The new bakery has a fresh, “warm” feel next to the new streamlined deli area and fresh produce is placed along vertical fruit baskets. Throughout the store, earth-toned colors with natural woods define each store department to create a “store within a store” feel. Along with the wood trim, photography highlights selections and departments in the store.
Audio Spotlight Promotes 'Murder By The Book'
The Audio Spotlight® directional sound system from Holosonic Research Labs, (www.holosonics.com) was recently deployed in retail outlets to promote a new Court TV television series, Murder By The Book.
Court TV used the Holosonics Audio Spotlight to “beam” messages directly to the ears of individual shoppers making it sound as if someone, a “Mystery Whisperer,” was speaking directly to them. As customers shopped store shelves, they passed motion sensors installed near the Court TV displays that triggered subtle, targeted messages delivered via an Audio Spotlight speaker disc.
During the month long campaign, the Audio Spotlight system delivered more than 100,000 messages directly to individuals without generating unwanted noise.
Rand McNally & Disney Promote Adventure Guide
Rand McNally and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts are co-promoting Rand McNally’s first Family Adventure Guide and Interstate Atlas.
The Family Adventure Guide is a family-geared atlas, featuring maps and information of interest to anyone traveling with a family. Introductory copies of the book will include a free Pocket Guide to Disney parks along with a chance to win a free trip for four to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort in the Magical Family Vacation Sweepstakes.
“Rand McNally and Disney are two of America’s most iconic brands,” said Kendra Ensor, V.P., National Travel at Rand McNally. “Our collaboration shows our commitment to helping families create easy-to-plan vacations. Since Disney is the number one destination for families, it seemed logical to include a Pocket Guide to Disney with the atlas.”
Co-branded p.o.p. displays will advertise Rand McNally’s Magical Family Vacation Sweepstakes and the Family Adventure Guide.
Country Living Specialty Food Collection Launched
Hearst Brand Development and Heritage Family Specialty Foods are introducing the Country Living Specialty Food collection, a signature line of gourmet specialty foods.
The products will be distributed at gourmet, gift and specialty food stores throughout the U.S. and the premium positioning of the Country Living brand will be reflected in both product packaging and point-of-sale materials.
“The Country Living Specialty Food Collection will offer Americans a delicious way to enjoy the homemade flavors of country living,” said Michael Moss, V.P.,Marketing, Heritage Family Foods.
Reese’s Display Features NASCAR’s Kevin Harvick
This brightly colored display was developed to promote Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and a chance to win a day with NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick’s pit crew and the Reese’s Racing team.
The display addresses Hershey Co.’s need to make use of existing case packs while promoting the message of a contest. Four-color litho mounted graphics tie in the colors and logo’s of the Reese’s Racing brand to promote the brand recognition.
The unit is a one-piece design that has a built-in easel that allows for a one-step set up. This design was made to fit within a 10' x 10' footprint.
Creating bright colored graphics and a photo of Kevin Harvick targeted not only fans of Kevin Harvick and the Reese’s brand, it enticed racing fans in general.
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Racing Display was produced by Menasha Display, Inc., (www.menashadisplay.com.).
Stick Scents Displays ‘Reed Diffusers’
Beauty Bureau, a Dallas, TX-based home fragrance company is bringing its Stick Scents to the drug store channel.
Beauty Bureau’s founder, Maryann Mihalopoulos, started her business in 2001 after a trip to Greece where she first experienced reed diffusers.
Stick Scents will feature a selection of six fragrances, at drug stores, mass market stores and at Borders Stores.
NYC Color Endcap Conveys Upscale Look
Del Labs is using this Endcap display to merchandise its NYC Color Line in CVS stores.
This display utilizes MDF and black low pressure laminate for dramatic in store impact along with colorful injection molded 3 dimensional logo letters with interchangeable side and header graphic areas to send the “Beautiful and Smart” message.
The combination of injection molded product pods, pusher trays and hooks allows the product layout to be arranged by classification for shopabilty in the space efficient small footprint unit. Informational graphics and flip up bullnose extrusions communicate the product message. The display conveys an upscale attitude.
This display was created for Del Labs by Retail Solution Center, a Freeport, NY-based p.o.p. display firm.
Miele Fixture Spotlights Products In-Store
Miele is using this fixture to spotlight houseware products at dealers and company stores. The fixture easily converts into many different shelf and hook configurations for versatility and one has a large drawer for storage. Two low voltage halogen lamps on the top display light the display.
The display, which is on casters for mobility has a colorful Miele header that provides strong brand identity.
This display was created for Miele by Dan Lipman & Associates, Inc., (www.danlipman.com) a Locust Valley, NY-based p.o.p. display firm.
RAM Forest Products Uses ‘End-Cap TV’ Digital Signage
RAM Forest Products recently increased sales of deck accessories by more than 50% in Home Depot Canada using MediaTile’s Digital Signage End-Cap TV solution.
RAM Forest Products worked with MediaTile Canada (www.mediatile.com) to create a multi-media campaign called “Create The Deck Of Your Dreams.” The campaign was deployed on end-caps in Home Depot stores to promote home deck projects.
“Using MediaTiles we were able to deploy an in-store broadcast network that dramatically increased our product sales. Our integrated in-store approach provided us with maximum exposure, and sales lift, so much so that we will significantly expand the program with more integrated end-cap displays utilizing the MediaTile platform,” said Keith Knowling, CEO, RAM Forest Products. “MediaTile’s system eliminates the need to install a network in each Home Depot location-we simply use the ‘cellular internet’ integrated into each display.”
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