Levi’s Tests New Scanner That Recommends Jeans
Levi’s is testing the Intellifit System electronic body scanner in five of its stores to help consumers select the best fitting pair of jeans. When a fully clothed person steps into the cylindrical glass booth, the Intellifit System scans the person in 10 seconds and prints out recommended sizes and styles of Levi’s Jeans based on his or her measurements.
“With so many styles and brands available, it’s easy to understand why consumers struggle to find truly great fitting jeans,” said Emily Hood, Levi’s Brand Fit & Garment Dev. Manager. “We’ve been perfecting the fit of jeans and continue to use the latest technology, like the Intellifit System, to provide the best overall range of jeans.”
Antonio Banderas “Spirit” Fragrance Is Introduced
The new “Spirit” capitalizes on the trend of selling in the mass market for the Antonio Banderas prestige fragrance.
Displays ranging from counter units, merchandisers, power wings, end caps and shelf management systems were produced to address the individual needs of 24,000 plus retailers. The high volume of displays produced allowed the displays to be produced cost effectively.
The launch was reported as one of the most successful fragrance introductions of the year.
All displays were designed and manufactured by The Royal Promotion Group, a New York City based point-of-purchase display firm.
Sprint Introduces New Store Design
Sprint has unveiled a new store design aimed at changing the way consumers shop for communications services in retail stores.
The newly redesigned Sprint Stores, launching throughout 2005, mix cutting-edge design and customer-friendly programs to make shopping for communications services a unique and Zen-like experience.
“When you purchase a wireless phone, you’re really making a long-term investment in a communications partner, so Sprint created a retail concept that embodies the customer-centric attitude and consultative shopping experience that customers expect,” said John Mickey, Vice President, Sprint Store Management. “We’ve created a concept that breaks the mold of the traditional telecom retail store.”
Existing Sprint Stores are implementing convenience-driven improvements such as In-Store Repair; eTicket software that allows store staff to more quickly assess and manage handset issues; and a designated Host to assist customers as they enter the store. The entire Sprint Store has been redesigned to integrate a modern, upscale purchasing experience with more open space for easy, self-guided navigation.
The new store also incorporates significant atmosphere enhancements, from the music
playing overhead in the store-which is a compilation of music that customers can also download as ringers on their phone-to graphics that can easily be changed with the season.
Sprint worked with Los Angeles-based designer Richard Altuna and Kansas City firm Rees Masilionis Turley to create the new store design.
YesDVD Generator Kiosk Is Offered To Retailers
YesVideo, Santa Clara, CA, has introduced its YesDVD Generator digital kiosk for high-speed, in-store transfers of photos and video clips from digital cameras to DVD.
The YesDVD Generator digital kiosk will provide the fastest speed and most options for in-store transfers of photos and video clips from digital cameras to a Hollywood-style DVD.
Sai-Wai Fu, CEO of Yes Video, said, “With the YesDVD Generator digital kiosk, photo retailers now have an easy, affordable and timely way to upgrade their customers to a photo DVD, which is a superior solution to a picture CD.”
Onscreen instructions and simple touch-screen interface make the interactive kiosk system consumer-friendly.
Sony Slimline PictureStation Kiosk Debuts
Sony Electronics has introduced the slimline PictureStation digital photofinishing kiosk, which is designed to take up about half the floor space of conventional kiosks.
The slimline model fits into an array of retail environments. It is just 17" wide, yet shares the same software features and ease of operation as the full-sized deluxe PictureStation.
The slimline PictureStation is capable of producing prints in just 8 seconds and 5x7 prints in only 15 seconds.
The generous screen size and menu-driven commands provide the ability to create layouts and collages, add text and even to modify images from color into black and white or sepia tone.
Aquafina Posters Feature Animated Water Bottle
Neutron Enterprises Elumalite (EL) division is creating animated point of sale posters for Pepsi’s Aquafina bottled water.
EL’s posters are a lightweight, flexible sheet of vinyl (2mm) that light up with no light bulbs or neon. EL’s Aquafina posters featuring an animated water bottle will be placed in high profile food service, point of sale locations.
“We are confident that Aquafina will see the sales increase caused by the visual impact and attention created from our EL technology,” said Michael Singh, Director of Global Sales for Neutron Enterprises, Montreal, Quebec.
White Rock Beverage Introduces Organics
The White Rock Beverage Company has introduced White Rock Organics, a lightly carbonated beverage brewed using natural fruit extracts and organic pure cane sugar.
“We are excited about White Rock Organics, which was formulated for customers who seek all natural, organic foods and beverages,” said Larry Bodkin, President.
Available in Passion Orange, Raspberry Crème and Red Peach, each 12-ounce bottle is made without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or preservatives.
The White Rock Organics launch is being supported by an in store point of sale campaign highlighting the theme, “Purity Awaits You.”
ExxonMobil Displays New Line Of Motor Oils
ExxonMobil has introduced a new line of motor oil-Mobil Clean 5000, Mobil Clean High Mileage, Mobil Clean 7500 and Mobil 1 Extended Performance--the first line of high-endurance motor oils designed for longer change intervals. These new motor oils deliver proven performance and guaranteed protection of critical engine parts for up to 15,000 miles.
ExxonMobil is supporting the launch with pallet displays as part of one of the most aggressive integrated marketing campaigns in the history of its Mobil lubricants brand.
“We’re not simply introducing a new product with this marketing campaign, we’re introducing an entirely new category of motor oils,” said Henrik Hansen, Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants. “This line of Mobil motor oils represents a shift for the industry, and by guaranteeing performance and protection for specific mileage amounts, we’re alleviating some of the consumer confusion about how long their oil can last.”
Sterling Promotions
Winfuel Vitamin’s NASCAR Display Conveys ‘Winning’
Winfuel is a new multi vitamin specially created for those whose lives are dedicated to winning. Three separate formulas were created to meet the specific needs of men, women and children.
Winfuel wanted to convey competitive strength, optimism and invincibility in its branding message. It has chosen NASCAR as the perfect venue for launching the new product.
Aligning the brand message and primary marketing vehicle, Winfuel has designed a full color point-of-purchase display with a NASCAR theme. The corrugated floor display features Nextel driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and includes company-sponsored drivers Shane Hmiel and Mark McFarland.
The versatile display can be suspended or used as a free-standing floor display.
Hollister Integrates Beach Experience Into Video Displays
Hollister, a Southern California-themed brand of Abercrombie & Fitch, has integrated the real-life beach experience into its stores through a unique video solution, which features live footage from two cameras mounted at the famous Huntington Beach Pier.
The video feeds are displayed in real time in Hollister Stores on two large Video Windows, each measuring more than 5 feet by 5 feet and consisting of nine liquid crystal displays. PlayNetwork of Redmond, WA, created the Video Window system. The signals are distributed via private satellite and landline network narrowcasts to Hollister stores nationwide.
Stephen Dorsey, V.P. Marketing, PlayNetwork, said, “With this digital signage solution, Hollister has virtually transported its stores from shopping centers to the beach itself. This takes branding to a new level.”
Republic Bank Deploys Digital Signage Network
Captive Indoor Media has deployed an in-branch digital signage network to Republic Bank banking centers in Kentucky, using a FireCast suite from WireSpring Technologies.
Republic Bank uses the digital signage to inform and entertain customers while they are waiting for service. This helps Republic to help expand the relationship with each customer, while reducing the perceived waiting time.
Michael Sadofsky, Sr. V.P., Marketing Republic Bank, said, “With the system, we can inform our customers of product changes and upcoming promotions. Republic’s approach, both in the branch and in drive-through lanes, is an example of how banks can use dynamic signage to enhance the customer experience.”
Robert Mondavi Refrigerated Rack Introduced
Cooler displays are becoming more commonplace at the point-of-sale. The old bulky end aisle refrigerators are being replaced with sleeker displays that do a much better job at marketing than ever before.
Robert Mondavi Winery wanted to capitalize on this new wave in the wine industry by creating a Cooler Display for its luxury brands.
Ruszel Woodworks, a Benicia, CA-based point-of-purchase display firm created this sleek refrigerated wooden display rack for the Robert Mondavi Winery. The display, which features Robert Mondavi brand graphics on both the side panels and header, is designed to merchandise both refrigerated and non-refrigerated bottles.
Rainier Wine’s Point-Of-Sale Targets Women
Rainier Wine recently launched with two lifestyle wine brands that speak directly to women: Grand Embrace and Mad Housewife.
The Company spent nearly a year conducting nationwide testing panels to let women design and create wines that they would buy regularly. “We will continue to develop brands that have 'legs,' not only in terms of their varietal extensions, but also by evolving the character of each brand story, such as seasonally changing Mad Housewife labels, which keep the product fresh and our customers excited,” said co-Founder Mike Lynch.
According to the Company, Rainier creates wines for everyday drinking, without snobbiness, which is helping it grow quickly. Mad Housewife and Grand Embrace are being supported at retail with cheeky point-of-sale that excites women customers and moves inventory in the process.
MusicATMs To Be Placed In Retail Locations
Mediaport Entertainment has joined forces with QuietTiger and Top Hits Entertainment to install MusicATMs in retail locations throughout the U.S.
The MusicATM kiosk provides the equivalent content of a 60,000 sq. ft. music store within 6 sq. ft. of retail floor space. The process allows a music buyer to purchase full-length music CDs, create their own labeled compilations CDs or download entire albums or specific tracks to a portable music player in as little as 30 seconds.
Customers will be able to purchase their CDs with QuietTiger’s MediaMax content management and enhancement technology, which provides additional bonus content including advertising and marketing opportunities. The partnership will benefit from Top Hits’ existing widespread retail network and Mediaport’s MusicATM hardware.
Neopets Runs CD Case Promotion
Online youth entertainment company Neopets, recently partnered with specialty ‘tween retailer Limited Too to offer a selection of exclusive Neopets themed CD/DVD cases.
The plush-covered, padded CD cases, which hold 8 compact discs each, feature images of popular Neopets characters-a Uni, Gelert and Aisha. The CD cases were available at only $2.90 with any purchase at any Limited Too store.
The Neopets CD Cases were merchandised in a counter display placed at the cash register in Limited Too stores.
“We are excited to strengthen our relationship with Neopets through this fun joint promotion,” said Paula Damaso, Limited Too EVP, Merchandising. Said Lee Borth, Neopets COO, “We are pleased to further extend our reach to the Limited Too customer through this promotion and to provide valuable national exposure of the Limited Too brand to our Neopet members.”
OCC Full Throttle Glorifier Displays New Cologne
Monty D Cosmetics is using this glorifier to merchandise the new Orange County Choppers (OCC) cologne.
The display integrates the industrial materials and design that are part of the Discovery Channel’s Orange County Choppers TV show. It captures the OCC feel with its aluminum diamond plate, translucent green acrylic sheet, aluminum fasteners and steel fasteners.
The OCC cologne is positioned at the front of the unit, while the use of the motorcycle and the OCC logo supports the OCC branding and communicates the “Your Road. Your Rules” theme.
The OCC Full Throttle Glorifier was created by New Dimensions Research Corp., Melville, NY.
Coppertone Sand Castle Display Featured At Walgreens
The Coppertone Sand Castle Display was created as a themed Coppertone permanent display for Walgreen stores.
The display’s distinctive sand castle design conveyed a fun beach theme.
The display also allowed for flexibile planogramming and cross merchandising with side powerwings.
The display combines injection molding, EPS, vacuum form and corrugated materials.
The Coppertone brand name is featured prominently on the header and the display tells shoppers to “Get Smart About the Sun.”
This Coppertone Sand Castle Display was created by The Niven Marketing Group, a point-of-purchase display firm headquartered in Bensenville, IL.
Walt Disney Displays BAMBI On 2-Disc Special Edition
Walt Disney’s timeless classic BAMBI, recently released for the first time on DVD, is being promoted for a limited time only on colorful point-of-purchase displays.
“BAMBI's success is a testament to the enormous success of the Disney Platinum Series of DVDs,” said Lori MacPherson, V.P., Brand Marketing and Product Management for Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
The new 2-disc DVD features remixed sound with the all-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, providing dramatic clarity and crisper sound. The BAMBI Special Edition Disney DVD features bonus materials including never before seen deleted scenes, a Forrest Adventure Game and “Inside Walt’s Story Meetings,” a trip back in time where viewers experience the production of “BAMBI” with Walt Disney himself and his creative team.
FHE Displays “Barbie As The Princess & The Pauper”
Lion’s Gate Family Home Entertainment recently conducted a coordinated marketing program for the direct-to-video debut of the CGI animated film, “Barbie As The Princess & The Pauper.”
Targeting moms and kids, FHE’s program is highlighted by retail-specific initiatives and cross promotions with companies including Random House Storybooks & Coloring Books, Scholastic Novelization and Brachs Fruit Snacks along with a wide array of 18, 24, 30 and 48-count p.o.p. displays.
FHE has offered a $10 mail-in rebate with the purchase of Barbie As The Princess & The Pauper DVD/video along with any other two Barbie DVD/videos. The VHS & DVD’s included a bonus CD featuring 7 songs from the movie.
Andiamo Luggage Display Stands Attract & Educate
Andiamo Luggage is using this banner stand as a “beacon” to attract customers to the product. The display also helps to convey the upscale brand image.
The display stand provides features and benefits of the product and serves to educate the consumer at the point-of-sale. The banner and display stand have been very well received by retailers in upscale luggage shops.
This Andiamo Luggage banner and display stand were created by RP Creative Display, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Irvine, CA.
Pentel Displays Promote Impulse Line Of Pens
Pentel is introducing the Impulse ball point pen, a feature packed pen that can hang around a users’ neck or be chained to just about anything.
Besides being hard to lose, Impulse also features a new, low viscosity ink formula that feels like gel with the benefits of quick-drying ball point ink. It writes vivid lines with a stainless steel tip and the latex-free rubber grip offers extended writing comfort.
To support the launch, Pentel is using a counter display that attracts attention, provides a way for shoppers to test the pens and merchandises six dozen Impulse ball point pens.
Pacific Wine Partners Launches Twin Fin Wines
Pacific Wine Partners is launching Twin Fin, new wines that embrace the spirit of the California lifestyle.
The Twin Fin portfolio includes six easy-going wines: Merlot Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.
The fresh, fruit-driven wines are sourced from grapes from select vineyards along California’s Central Coast, and are available in screwcap, making them ideal for beach barbecues.
The launch of the new Twin Fin line will be supported with distinctive permanent point-of-purchase displays featuring a surf board design to convey the beach barbecue theme.
Ridgemont Reserve Backbar Glorifier Attracts Attention
The Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Bourbon Backbar Glorifier was designed with the goal of generating awareness for this premium Kentucky bourbon brand in an environment that is crowded with competition.
The Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Bourbon Backbar oak and brass glorifier features a random chase blinking LED. The random mechanism is powered by a battery, which will last more than one year.
The Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Bourbon Backbar Glorifier display was produced by Visual Marketing Inc., a point-of-purchase display and promotion firm located in Chicago, IL.
Safari Adventure Outpost Sales Center Introduced
Safari Ltd. recently introduced the Safari Adventure Outpost display, a one or two sided unit offering retailers more versatility and sell-thru in just 5 sq. ft. of floor space.
The Outpost display is constructed of durable see-through plastic shelving, which allows for an unobstructed product view. The sturdy steel frame offers multiple shelf and peg hook combinations that will accommodate a variety of loose replicas, peggable items and boxed products. It also contains step-riser inserts, movable divider sections and adjustable peg hook sections as well as full-color “Adventure Outpost” signage. The mobile display includes easy rolling casters, which lock in place.
Additional component sections and inserts give the retailer the opportunity to customize the sales center.
Planet Dog Offers ‘Get Out & Go’ Display
Planet Dog, Portland, ME, has developed the “Get Out & Go” merchandiser allowing retailers to take advantage of the ever-increasing “pets welcome” trend.
Customers hitting the road with their animal companions will be drawn to this display that features the right mix of durable poly-canvas beds, bowls and bags for every outing from a backpacking trip to a spa weekend.
The display also features best-selling collars and leashes in Planet Dog’s new packaging that takes up half the space of regular packaging and enables customers to easily slip any collar out of the packaging for a quick try-on.
The display includes a coordinating header and a base that looks like grass.
Reese’s Race Car On Display In C-Stores
Hershey Foods wanted to create a temporary counter unit for the c-store environment that would feature Reese’s sponsored NASCAR car driven by Kevin Harvick in the Busch Series. The unit also needed to carry two product lines: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kat bars.
The challenge was to design a display that would hold 72 pcs. of product and take up a minimal amount of counterspace.
The display was designed to look like the #21 car driven by Kevin Harvick in the Busch Series. The background color is the Reese’s orange with the swirl pattern that is on the product. The sponsor logos on the display car are the same ones that are on the real NASCAR.
This display is a departure from the typical self-shipper tray/riser typically seen on c-store counters. It was created by Menasha Display Group of Philadelphia, PA.
Kraft Runs Promotion With The Hartford & NCAA
The Hartford Financial Services Group and Kraft Foods recently joined forces with the NCAA to conduct the “Taste of Madness” promotion, awarding 31 individuals $10,000 toward a future college education.
The promotion was featured at 30,000 grocery stores and mass merchants nationwide. In addition to the sweepstakes, 1.3 million party planners, featuring recipes from Kraft and college savings tips from The Hartford, were available at the displays.
“We were looking for a non-traditional way to build awareness for college savings and our SMART529 plan,” said Mary Jane Fortin, Sr. V.P. President, The Hartford. “This was a chance to move outside the traditional marketing mode for financial services companies.”
Said Donna McCabe, Promotions Director, Kraft, “By joining forces with The Hartford, we created a compelling way for consumers to address their college savings needs.”
Sony Offers Retailers “psyc” Display
Sony is providing retailers with this “psyc” floor display, designed to hold both new-wave CD walkmans and contemporary clock radios.
The colorful display features playful, contemporary graphics to appeal to young consumers. The graphics highlight the “citrus green,” “candy pink” and “frost blue” colors for the different products in the line.
The display holds a large value of product in a minimum amount of flloor space.
The display achieved virtually complete sell-through.
This display was created for Sony by Alpak Manufacturing Corp., a Montgomery, NY-based point-of-purchase. display firm.
Scholastic Featuring Potter Countdown Clock Standee
Scholastic is supporting the U.S. release of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” at midnight on July 16th, with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will have a U.S. record-breaking first printing of 10.8 million copies. The national advertising components of Scholastic’s marketing campaign will appear as video spots on airplanes and electronic billboards, as national radio spots, online and in print media. Beginning with the midnight release, Harry Potter will command the Times Square Billboard in New York City with special 5 minute promotional spots at midnight followed by 15-second spots every hour the first week of the launch.
Scholastic has shipped 40,000 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince five foot tall countdown clock standees to retailers across the country.
Shell/MasterCard Sweepstakes Offers Chrysler Crossfires
Shell Oil Products recently conducted a promotion and marketing campaign with MasterCard International and Citibank.
The promotion was designed to drive incremental traffic to Shell-branded gasoline stations and drive usage of MasterCard cards in addition to generating new applications for the Shell MasterCard.
More than 30 million people qualified for the sweepstakes and were entered for the chance to win one of 35 Chrysler Crossfires and $1,000 worth of Shell V-Power premium-grade gasoline each time they used their MasterCards at Shell.
Promotional display materials supporting the campaign were designed to highlight the benefits of the Shell MasterCard and encourage consumer applications.
Optima POS Supports ‘Reel Dreams Tournament’
Optima Batteries in conjunction with Babe Winkelman Productions, has taken reality TV to the world of fishing by offering ten winners of a national sweepstakes the chance to fish with a pro in a televised tournament.
Optima has partnered with Crestliner Boats, Mercury Marine and Babe Winkelman Productions to conduct the 2005 integrated promotion in over 6,000 participating stores nationwide. The winner of the tournament, which will take place in August in Breezy Point, MN, will win an 18' Crestliner FishHawk 1850 with a 150 HP Mercury Optimax and 15 HP Mercury outboard kicker motor and trailer package.
The “Reel Dreams Tournament” promotion is being supported by in-store promotional materials including window and door clings, pennant strings and shelf talkers.
Puma Opens Multi-Branded Store In New York City
PUMA has launched its newest store in New York City, dedicated to the brand’s extensive range of sport-fashion collaborations, specifically 96 HOURS, nuala, Mihara, Starck and Dassler. The collections are being presented together under one roof for the first time.
The new PUMA store will act as a laboratory for the brand to experiment with new ideas and infuse the PUMA personality with the design sensibility of experts from various industries.
“After embarking into the sport-fashion segment in the mid-1990’s, we felt it was time to create a PUMA environment that showcases the inherent design of these products,” said Jochen Zeitz, CEO of PUMA AG. “This store is a first in many respects. PUMA is the first to take the sport-fashion concept a step further by creating a multi-branded store environment. The store will also provide a setting to connect directly with a cutting edge consumer.”
The store has a black interior that provides a neutral backdrop to focus consumers on the designs of each range. Each of the store fixtures are inspired by sports.
DaySpring Spinner Sells Little Inspirations Card Line
DaySpring Cards is offering retailers this colorful and attractive 84-card spinner display featuring Little Inspirations, a light, encouragement card line that provides a way to send a fun card with an inspirational message to a friend or family member, for only 99 cents.
“The spinner offers flexible placement within any card and gift store,” said Tim Ward, Advtg. & PR Manager. “The cards were originally on a temporary corrugate display but once we saw the success of the line the need came up to develop a more permanent display.”
“We also wanted to provide as many facings as possible. The spinner met our needs and has done very well,” said Ward.
Elegant Magazine Rack Displays Palm Springs Life
This magazine display rack, created for Palm Springs Life, was designed to comfortably accommodate a large amount of magazines while also having an elegant, contemporary appearance.
Because it capitalizes on height, it has a small footprint saving valuable floor space while also being very sturdy and durable. It was made out of ¼" clear acrylic with a white foam PVC base and is 53" tall, 9" wide and 12" deep.
The magazine’s logo is prominently featured on each panel of the display for brand identification.
The magazine rack was designed and produced for Palm Springs Life magazine by M.I. Plastics, LLC, a division of Merchandising Inventives, a point-of-purchase display company headquartered in Waukegan, IL.
Back to Top
To See previous issues of Promotion Audit, click here
To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.
To See other Creative Online Newsletters click here
