Home Depot Unveils Its New Color Solutions Center
The Home Depot has unveiled its new Color Solutions Centers, designed to take the guesswork out of selecting paint color. The Color Solutions Center simplifies the color selection process through an enhanced display that includes improved color presentation, inspirational brochures and idea cards, and revolutionary color selection technology. “Our research clearly pointed to customers’ desire for a more user-friendly color presentation system,” said Sophia Schade, Home Depot’s V.P., Merchandising for paint and decor.
Home Depot’s 30-foot Color Solutions Center brings together different paint brands, including Ralph Lauren, BEHR Premium Plus and Glidden, into one display that includes more than 3,000 paint samples. Home Depot introduces the ColorSmart by BEHR kiosk as part of the Color Solutions Center. Customers can browse a collection of inspirational palettes, preview colors in virtual rooms and receive instant color coordination tips with the help of the in-store kiosk. The interactive kiosk also provides practical painting tips and a paint calculator and supplies list.
The lighting surrounding the Color Solutions Center is designed to cast natural light on the color samples. The Home Depot also has simplified the sheen selection process by creating consistency across the different brands.
Here’s how a Color Solutions Center works. A customer is drawn to the Glidden section of the display. She selects a color from Glidden’s Bright and Lively Color Collection, which includes suggestions for coordinating the trim and moldings. Next, she moves to the BEHR part of the display where she pulls an extra large color card. She scans the color card into BEHR’s ColorSmart system. From the video display, she views a virtual kitchen with walls depicting her chosen color along with corresponding hues for the trim, ceiling and floor.
adidas Launches 3-Stripes Apparel Campaign
In-store efforts serve as an integral component of adidas’ new 3-Stripes Apparel campaign, providing consumers the complete brand story within the shopping environment. Concept shops and POP packages have been customized to each of adida’s top retail accounts according to product buy and color.
Ken Barker, Director of adidas Apparel Marketing, says, “Our retail partners have been enthusiastic about our marketing efforts surrounding the concept. We will have unprecedented in-store placement in top sporting goods and department store accounts.”
The Finish Line program featured custom fixturing and graphics in more than 450 doors across the country.
The North Face Opens Prototype Store
The North Face®, a supplier of authentic exploration apparel, footwear and equipment, has opened a new store prototype in New York City, to personify The North Face® brand and celebrate its heritage of exploration. The two level store features 8,000 sq. ft. of selling space.
The store will feature multicultural design pieces from expeditions The North Face® has sponsored to remote areas of Nepal, Thailand, and Alaska. These pieces are intertwined with modern elements that represent the technical aspects of the product line.
“This store will give The North Face® the opportunity to demonstrate our heritage of innovation and offer our extensive range of technically advanced product to a large consumer base of outdoor enthusiasts,” said Mike Egeck, President of The North Face®. “Showcasing our entire product offering will inspire shoppers to join our philosophy to Never Stop Exploring™.”
The North Face® designed this new store concept in partnership with JGA, a Southfield, MI, based design firm.
Polaroid Unveils T690 Instant Digital Prints Kiosk
Polaroid Corp. has introduced the next generation in instant digital printing technology, the Polaroid Instant Digital Prints Kiosk.
The kiosk addresses retailers and consumers demand for fast, simple, high-quality photos. It produces 4x6 digital prints at a rate of one print per two seconds. This speed, coupled with the kiosk’s all- in-one, self-service ATM-like interface, enables a customer to select, print and pay for 24 4x6 photos in less than two minutes.
The revolutionary thermal printing platform, called “Opal,” features a unique, “frozen ink” technology that is the main driver behind the kiosk’s speed.
AT&T Wireless Launches National Kiosk Program
Mercury Online Solutions, Inc., Bainbridge Island, WA, announced that it has successfully launched AT&T Wireless' nationwide Digital Messaging System (DMS), a sophisticated network of in-store displays, with a total of 2,500 digital display screens and interactive kiosks installed and networked in more than 800 AT&T Wireless retail stores throughout the country. “Mercury Online Solutions is helping us set the standard for the next generation of p.o.s. displays and kiosks,” said Michael la Villa, director of store development for AT&T Wireless.
Mercury Online Solutions, Inc. provides the hardware, software, rollout management, monitoring, content management and maintenance for AT&T Wireless’ network of displays. The network combines both “push” and interactive messaging, controlled and delivered through a Web-based network to plasma screens and kiosk-like displays. The content and messages displayed to customers in stores can be updated within seconds.
T-INK Zones Open At Toys “R” Us
T-INK, a new, patented conductive ink technology that replaces buttons, switches, wires and circuits with flat, printed “thinking” ink of any color has burst into the toy industry as a dedicated retail zone at the Toys “R” Us international flagship store in New York’s Times Square. The T-INK Zone at Toys “R” Us Times Square showcases a range of products featuring this new technology, including T-INK interactive inflatable radios, interactive puzzles, playmats, and Magic Vest IR trucks and cars.
T-INK merchandise is available from several leading toy manufacturers, including talking posters by Fisher-Price, and promotional T-INK premiums and tray liners created for McDonald's International. International T-INK licensees include Bandai, Funtastic, and Sandvik Publishing.
Vivendi-Universal’s WarCraft III Video Game Display
This visually striking display manufactured for Vivendi-Universal blends the power, adventure, and excitement of its flagship product WarCraft III. Built from multiple substrates, the design truly engages the gaming enthusiast with its striking fantasy images and ergonomic controls. The versatile modular infrastructure enables the display to easily adapt to a myriad of marketing campaigns and product lines. This provides Vivendi-Universal and the consumer with minimal production costs and a flexible display platform.
The Vivendi-Universal display of the award winning WarCraft III PC game was produced by Rare Design Group, based in. La Palma, CA.
Famous Grouse Conducts “Shoot For Birdie” Promo
The Famous Grouse “Shoot for Birdie” sweepstakes offers consumers the opportunity to win one of two Grand Prize trips to St. Andrews, Scotland for four nights and five days. Trips will include a round of golf with a renowned European PGA golf champion and CBS golf analyst, as well as a visit to The Famous Grouse Experience.
Point-of-purchase materials supporting the promotion include a unique “Shoot for Birdie” display, case/counter cards and shelf talkers. Entry forms for the sweepstakes are inserted in a special Golf Ball On-Pack available on 750 ml bottles of The Famous Grouse Finest Scotch Whisky.
In an effort to increase sales in bars, restaurants and country clubs, bartenders are being offered an opportunity to display branded replica vintage St. Andrew's posters and promotional banners.
Branded messages will also reach golfers at top golf courses around the country. Famous Grouse ads will be displayed on-screen in golf carts.
TSE Sports and Entertainment, New York City, will handle fulfillment for the program.
Sterling Promotions
Woodfood Reserve Conducts Kentucky Derby Promo
Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve, the “Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby,” recently conducted an On- and Off-premise promotion highlighting the distinctive qualities that set this honored bourbon apart from the rest of the pack.
Vibrant three-sided table tents featured a recipe for the perfect cocktail to enjoy during the world’s most legendary horse race -- the Woodford Reserve Ultimate Mint Julep.
In addition, eye-catching case cards detailed the ingredients for the perfect Kentucky Derby event; horses, a television and a bottle of Brown Forman’s Woodford Reserve Bourbon.
Warner Home Video Displays “Kangaroo Jack”
Warner Home Video (WHV) is releasing the $66 million box office hit Kangaroo Jack on DVD and VHS. Mike Saksa, WHV Sr. V.P., U.S. Marketing said, “With DVD special features that will provide kids with hours of laughter, Kangaroo Jack is a must-have family video.”
Promotional support includes a sweepstakes with a grand prize of a family trip to Australia. In addition, consumers who buy Kangaroo Jack will receive a free DVD from a select list when they purchase an additional DVD from the same list
Warner Home Video’s extensive media campaign will target parents, young teens and children with broadcast and print ads.
Kangaroo Jack p.o.p. merchandisers will be available in a wide assortment of DVD, VHS and mixed format configurations.
MGM Studios Displays DVD Collection
This display was designed to convey a high end image for MGM Studios’ DVDs and to hold a maximum amount of titles within a small footprint.
This display is constructed of tubular aluminum with wood grain styrene panels. It can hold up to 350 DVDs.
The unit features a unique pocket pusher system. The pusher pocket continuously pushes product towards the front, giving the display a full/clean appearance.
This display was created for MGM Studios by Acrylic Design Associates, a p.o.p. display firm based in Minneapolis, MN.
Red Stripe Features In-Store Beer Hut
This Red Stripe Beer display replicates the appearance of a Caribbean corrugated tin roof shack. The display, created with distortion printing, helps to convey a tropical look and feel for the Jamaican Lager.
This display uses 80-pound enamel litho-printed four-color process, mounted to B-flute corrugated. “Single Face” corrugated distortion is printed prior to corrugation.
The display features a compact footprint. It is very easily shopped form both sides. Its high-profile Red Stripe banner across the roof is easily spotted by consumers.
This display was created for Diageo by Rapid Display, a Chicago, IL-headquartered display firm.
Triangle Display
Shiner Celebrates Texas Independence
Shiner Bock is celebrating Texas Independence this Spring with a new point-of-sale program that captures the true independent spirit of Texas -- good times, good music and good beer. Called “Celebrate Texas Independence,” the on- and off-premise displays feature bold Shiner Bock yellow branding.
The promotion includes collapsible Shiner Bock camp chairs with carrying cases, Texas-proud pennant strings, as well as counter cards, table tents, posters and life-size standees featuring an attractive, independent songwriter with her Texas state flag guitar.
The Spoetzl Brewery, which markets Shiner Bock, is the oldest independent brewery in Texas.
Jansport Displays Eastpak Backpacks
This temporary floor display was designed to promote EastPak backpacks. The merchandiser had to be impacful and stand alone as an outpost display. In sporting goods channels, it had to take the product off of the wall and into the “racetrack” where customers could easily locate and purchase backpacks.
The display is constructed of direct flexographic “B” flute corrugate, “C” flute corrugate structure, 24 pt. SBS litho printed price point tags, and 1/8 wall black litho wrapped fiber poles.
This display was created for Jansport by Great Northern Corporation, Racine, WI.
Black Diamond Displays Headlamps
Black Diamond Equipment, a leading manufacturer of climbing and backcountry ski gear, is using this display to merchandise its line of headlamps.
The challenge was to create a universal bracket for Black Diamond's line of Performance LightWear. The individual brackets also had to fit on a stand in a tree configuration that accommodates up to four headlamp brackets.
A large cutout on the back of the brackets provides an anchor point for the battery packs of each headlamp. The front of each bracket has a small lip to support interchangeable graphic product information cards. A Black Diamond logo is displayed on each bracket to reinforce branding.
The tree stand has a black melamine base with a zinc-plated cold-rolled steel rod to support the brackets. The height of each headlamp bracket is adjustable and can be secured in any position.
Concept Designs Inc., Mountain View, CA, created the display system for Black Diamond.
Nintendo Promotes “Eternal Darkness” Game
This display dramatically calls attention to the new game “Eternal Darkness,” for the Nintendo Gamecube.
The display was designed to be viewed from all sides and to attract a young consumer. In addition to calling attention to the product and its retail release, the display provides extensive information about the game.
The display was designed for Nintendo by The Corporate Image, based in Seattle, WA.
It was produced by Kell Specialty Products, a point-of-purchase display firm based in Chippewa Falls, WI.
Rayovac & Nickelodeon Run Joint Promotion
Rayovac is partnering with Nickelodeon Online on the “Power Getaway” Instant Win Sweepstakes. Kids have the opportunity to win one of three family vacations to Universal Orlando Resort, the home of Nickelodeon Studios, as well as more than 1,000 other prizes, including Nick.com gift certificates and Rayovac sports bags.
The promotion is featured on specially marked packages of Rayovac Maximum Plus Alkaline Batteries. Special merchandising displays will deliver the Power Getaway Sweepstakes product.
“The partnership with Nickelodeon is an ideal vehicle for reaching primary purchasers,” said Stephanie Udell, Rayovac Brand Manager. “
“We are very excited to partner with Rayovac to create an innovative promotion that enables kids and their families to win through Nick.com,” said Laura Nowatka, Vice President, Promotion Marketing at Nickelodeon.
Nestle Nesquik Launches Vending Initiative
Nestle USA has launched a Nesquik Milk Vending Initiative that addresses schools’ nutritional concerns by providing campuses with the nutrients of milk in an eight-ounce serving of Nesquik ready-to-drink (RTD) flavored milk.
Nesquik’s vending machines are branded with one of the most recognizable characters worldwide -- the Nesquik Bunny. In addition to Chocolate and Strawberry, the flavored-milk options include Fat Free Chocolate, Buncha Banana, Double Chocolate and Very Vanilla.
Andy Hill, Marketing Manager for Nestle Nesquik RTD, said, “There’s a need for more nutritional beverages in schools. Nesquik meets this demand without compromising taste or nutrition.”
In addition to schools, the Nesquik vending program is targeting locations such as sports arenas and amusement parks.
White Cloud Coffee End Cap Display System
White Cloud Coffee is bringing America’s National Parks to retailers with its End Cap Display System.
The eye-catching display features thirty-four bulk bins, sixty-nine facings for its 12-oz. coffees, and thirty-nine facings of 1.75-oz. Bags, to accommodate White Cloud coffees and provide additional space for merchandising accessory items.
The display’s signage reflects White Cloud Coffee’s “Coffee for Every Journey” slogan and is enhanced by the company’s National Parks packaging.
White Cloud Coffee’s display is designed to simplify the product replenishment and to catch the eye of each passing customer.
Cacique Launches Effort To Combat Diabetes
Cacique, a category leader in Mexican-type cheeses and creams, has launched a campaign to address the problem of diabetes in the Hispanic community. The campaign, titled, “Fighting Diabetes Together,” is designed to raise public awareness and educate Hispanic Americans.
“This national campaign represents an important step towards addressing the growing national problem of diabetes in the Hispanic community,” said Maria de Cardenas, Chief Communications Executive for Cacique Inc.
The campaign includes public service announcements, TV and radio ads in Spanish, and p.o.p. displays.
Chiquita Conducts U.S. Soccer Sweepstakes
Chiquita has announced plans for its 2003 summer in-store promotion, the Chiquita U.S. Soccer Sweepstakes. Chiquita will turn one Grand Prize-winning family into VIPs as they travel to the Caribbean to cheer on the U.S. National Soccer Team and meet one of the U. S. National Soccer Team’s top stars: Landon Donovan or Shannon MacMillan.
“Soccer is an ideal platform for a Chiquita promotion because it’s an activity that encourages fitness and brings the family together,” said David Lund, Director of Marketing, Chiquita. “Chiquita is now the official banana and fresh produce of the U.S. National Soccer teams, and our summer program is an extension of this sponsorship.”
To enter the sweepstakes, consumers will be invited to take an entry form from point-of-sale, featuring photos of Donovan and MacMillan.
Duracell Provides Toys R Us With Endcap Unit
Duracell recently provided Toys R Us stores with this 3’ endcap display.
The display is designed to accommodate Duracell’s unique PackOne modules, a gravity feed system that allows easy restocking of multiple, high volume units in minutes. When one module is empty, the retailer pulls the box out of the way and another module falls into place. This means no out of stock appearance or open gaps in the display.
The entire unit with its custom look and feel retrofits onto existing TRU fixtures in less than 15 minutes of set-up time.
The endcap makes great use of the high-impulse space at the retailer’s front end, generating high profits in the space of a traditional gondola.
The Duracell Copper Top battery is portrayed in the injection molded, 3D distortion printed header that tops the fixture.
This display was created for Duracell by New Dimensions, Inc., a Melville, NY-based p.o.p. display firm.
Dacor Counter Display Features Trim Options
Dacor needed to create awareness of the many options available in its Dacor Epicure line of appliances. The line offers unique trim options, but this message was not reaching consumers due to limited floor space at dealers who couldn’t display all finishes.
This counter display utilizes the actual elements of the product, such as a stainless steel handle and control knobs with accents around them. A large Dacor logo is placed at the bottom of the display at a 45 degree angle for brand identification.
This display was created for Dacor by R/P Creative Sales, Inc., a Burbank, CA-based p.o.p. display company.
Michelin And Palm Conduct Joint Promotion
Michelin North America, Inc., and Palm, Inc., have announced a special offer for tire buyers. Consumers purchasing any four new Michelin brand light truck/SUV or passenger car tires will receive a mail-in certificate for a free Palm Zire handheld computer with a retail value of $99. The offer will be promoted through more than 15,000 Michelin retailers in the U.S.
“Michelin strives to provide customers with the best technology. available. We’re accomplishing this by working with Palm,” said Sheryl Henderson, Director of Michelin Brand.
“Companies like Michelin that are bringing the Palm Zire handheld to customers are infusing new growth in the handheld computer category,” said Michael Buhr, Sr. Director, Business Marketing , Palm Solutions Group.
Michelin and Palm will support the promotion with p.o.p. displays featuring the Palm Zire handheld and the Michelin Man.
Roxio Promotes New Software Suite In-Store
Roxio, Inc., has launched an integrated marketing campaign to introduce its Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 software suite.
Roxio and ESPN The Magazine have partnered to conduct the “Save The Day” sweepstakes. The promotion offers consumers the chance to win a grand prize trip to any sports event in a major U.S. city of choice. First and Second prizes include a wireless notebook PC based on Intel Centrino mobile technology and Fujifilm FinePix 3800 digital cameras .
In-store promotions will reach consumers at leading retailers, such as CompUSA, BestBuy, Circuit City, Office Depot, and Staples. Consumers who purchase Roxio’s Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 at participating retail stores will receive a free custom Roxio-branded CD/DVD wallet.
“The launch of Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 will be supported by various marketing promotions designed to build retail foot traffic and sales,” said Scott Steinberg, V.P., Strategic Marketing at Roxio.
Sobe Merchandises Healthy Refreshments Line
PepsiCo is using this merchandiser to support the launch of its SoBe brand of Healthy Refreshments. The merchandiser was created for Pepsico by Display Technologies, College Point, NY, which customized the Serpentine merchandisers from its TechStoc line of pretooled displays.
The SoBe Serpentine Dispenser is an innovative shelf management system that displays cans on their sides while providing automatic stock rotation. It offers a two-row, gravity feed structure, and horizontal modularity, which enables the unit to be expanded across the shelf using as many modular sections as needed.
To maximize consumer awareness for the SoBe brand, the Visi-Slide features the logo on an angular front facing, while the Serpentine is distinguished by the colorful logo on the top row’s front face.
Amstel Light P.O.P. To Feature Monsieur Z
Amstel Light has signed renowned illustrator Monsieur Z to design its creative for point of sale materials in 2003.
Since bursting into the art scene in the late 90’s Monsieur Z has regaled the art/advertising world with his unique combination of retro and modern sensibilities that has made him one of today’s most sought after artists.
“Monsieur Z is a natural fit for the irreverent personality of the Amstel Light brand and our 2003 programs,” said Dennis Peters, Amstel Light Associate Brand Manager. “His contemporary, upscale style will play a great part in our efforts to break through the POS clutter and provide retailers and consumers with visually creative and exciting materials.”
Birdseye/Walls Creates Branded Display Case
Birdseye/Walls is using this branded display case in frozen food sections of supermarkets. Used to highlight a Birdseye/Walls range of frozen herbs, the case had to be strong enough to withstand freezing temperatures.
This display was created for Birdseye/Walls by The Kleerex Group, a point-of-purchase display firm based in Harlow, England. The display is constructed of Eastman Chemical Co.’s Spectar copolyester, which met all the requirements for temperature resistance, food safety and durability. Although metal could meet these requirements too, a 3-mm sheet of Spectar copolyester offered added benefits in terms of aesthetics and processing. The sheet offers high gloss and transparency, and has a range of good forming characteristics.
In-Store Advertising Supports New Tyson Products
Tyson Foods is expanding its product line to include a broad selection of beef and pork items, all under the Tyson brand name. John Tyson, Chairman and CEO, said, “The addition of value-added beef and pork products under the Tyson brand will create a significant brand presence in every sales and distribution channel, and will be supported by a new $40 million advertising campaign.”
Point-of-purchase advertising efforts supporting the new branding initiative include special floor ads to draw attention to Tyson Steaks, Roasts and Chops in the freezer case, as well as ads with SmartSource’s in-store ShelfTalk, Coupon Machine and Recipe Take One programs.
P.O.S. Sign Helps Oakley Increase Awareness
Oakley has used this sign to help introduce its new logo and graphic look, while increasing its brand awareness in a wide array of different types of retail outlets.
The sign is visually unique, resembling the side of an airplane. It provides Oakley with a cost effective tool to communicate a prestige image. The sign is easy to hang with 2 simple hanging hooks, adaptable for 3 different types of ceilings.
This sign was provided to Oakley dealers around the world.
This brand identity program was created for Oakley by Diam, Inc., a Woodside, NY-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Paper Mate Displays Pendulum Pen
Paper Mate has introduced the Pendulum, a new ballpoint pen that adjusts to an individual’s personal writing style.
Leighton Davies-Smith, Director of Writing Systems Development for Sanford, the makers of Paper Mate products, said, “A ballpoint pen is typically held at approximately 55 degrees to the paper, giving the writer a feeling of ‘drag’ as the pen moves across the paper. Pendulum pen’s angled swivel tip results in a smoother writing experience.”
“Pendulum embodies our goal to reinvent the Paper Mate brand, by providing a contemporary and fun writing product with excellent performance,” said Paul Donahue, President, Sanford North America.
This counter display calls attention to the new swivel tip technology and lets consumers test the new pens.
Waypoint Bank Installs Interactive Kiosks At Branches
Waypoint Bank, Harrisburg, PA, is installing a network of interactive kiosks across its bank branches located throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Livewire International, York PA, has been contracted to install the touchscreen kiosks.
Unlike an ATM, which allows financial transactions, the new kiosks are intended to provide information to bank customers regarding services and accounts offered by the bank. Customers who are not sure which product is best for them will be guided through the process by answering simple questions. Detailed information and necessary forms can be printed on demand by the kiosk to allow customers to open accounts at the time it is most convenient to them.
Andrew Samuel, Exec. V.P. of Waypoint, said, “The interactive customer-driven dialog provided by the kiosk will help guide our customers to the product or account that best serves their needs. The kiosk will also promote our Internet Banking initiative by showing how easy and convenient Internet banking can be.”
Terrible Herbst Featuring In-Store CoolSign Network
Terrible Herbst is using CoolSign technology from Adspace, based in Burlingame, CA, to power a network of over 300 digital displays in 90 locations. Terrible Herbst has implemented the CoolSign technology to display dynamic merchandising with full-motion video and graphics across its network of convenience stores and lube service centers.
From a centrally located workstation, AdSpace can instantaneously control the distribution of content for each store’s two 42" plasma screens and two 15" LCD panels.
“We are able to send a specific and unique advertisement to any or all of our locations any time we want,” said Angela Johnson, Marketing Director at Terrible Herbst.
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