AT&T Unveils New Store Concept
AT&T has unveiled a new way to shop for communications and entertainment services with the official re-branding of a Cingular store in Houston, TX. It is the first of many planned conversions of Cingular stores from wireless-centric spaces to a high energy showcase for AT&T’s complete phone profile.
The new AT&T Experience Store is the first to feature a fully integrated media experience that encourages interaction with AT&T’s complete portfolio of wireless, broadband, video and wireline voice products and services. The 5,000-sq. ft. store will feature several new retail concepts including six integrated “customer experience” stations encouraging customer interaction. The stations include: AT&T Entertainment--Customers are invited to watch AT&T U-verse TV and AT&T Homezone service demonstrations on three 52" high-definition plasma TVs, experience high definition programming and browse an extensive video on demand catalog. AT&T Home Connections-Customers will be able to browse the Internet and customize AT&T Yahoo! Homepage portals. Music-Customers will be able to listen to XM Satellite Radio with wireless phones, Bluetooth headphones and also transfer personalized music content.
Gaming-Demonstrate game downloading to wireless phones. Messaging And Video-This station will highlight 3G phones and Bluetooth accessories. Laptop Mobility, E-mail and Data-Geared toward road warriors, this station will include wireless phones, PDAs, Smartphones, GPS and Bluetooth accessories. Other store features include four dozen screens located throughout the store, 32-inch LCD displays and a series of “Guided Selling Kiosks.”
Lexus Promotes Safety With Interactive Windows
Lexus was looking for an exciting and innovative way to bring its safety message for the RX 350 luxury SUV to life. Lexus selected MonsterMedia, Orlando, FL, (www.monstermedia.net), a leading provider of patented interactive advertising systems, to use its flagship product, MonsterVision, to make store-front windows interact with passing consumers.
Lexus revealed its MonsterVision ads on retail storefronts simultaneously in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The storefronts are covered by enormous, full motion ads that react to pedestrian movement and engage consumers in a new interactive way that allows them to literally control the ad.
The ads allow participants to witness car collisions on huge video displays and “undo” them by interacting with the ads using their own body movements.
The safety-focused ads are larger than life, flaunting color, sound and motion at once, communicating the brand’s latest safety message, "The safest accidents are the ones that never happen."
“These attention-grabbing ads allow us to really engage our consumers, involve them in the brand, and stress our commitment to style, safety, luxury and performance,” said Robin Pisz, National Manager, Lexus Advertising and Media.
John Payne, President, Monster Media, said, “Lexus is at the forefront of the luxury
automobile industry and it’s only fitting that they utilize the most advanced innovation in interactive advertising.”
Dannon Company Offers Probiotic Products
Following the success of the launch of Activia last year, The Dannon Company is expanding its portfolio of probiotic fresh dairy foods with functional benefits in addition to great taste and basic nutrition.
The three products, DanActive dairy drink, Danimals with LGG drinks and lowfat yogurt and Activia Light nonfat yogurt, are part of Dannon’s growing portfolio of high health brands that deliver added probiotic benefits to consumers.
Probiotics, meaning “for life,” are living microorganisms, usually lactic acid bacteria, that when consumed in sufficient numbers, can provide health benefits associated with immune function, gastrointestinal function and oral health. Different probiotic strains provide unique
benefits, and DanActive contains the proprietary probiotic L. casei Immunitas culture.
The display materials promote Dannon’s Activia Two Week Challenge, promising to naturally regulate consumer’s digestion in two weeks.
In-store sampling, in addition to the point-of-sale materials will promote the new DanActive products in-store.
SKYY Vodka Display Supports New 2007 Ad Campaign
SKYY Vodka recently debuted new creative executions for its “Cocktail Moments,” marketing campaign. Featuring a series of powerful images by acclaimed photographer and independent filmmaker David LaChapelle, the new creative images are titled “Rude Boys” and “Dubai.”
“Rude Boys embodies the style, attitude and energy of the individuality of today’s cocktail culture, while Dubai captures the essence of cocktail, glamour and the jet set lifestyle,” said Paul Fuegner, V.P., Marketing, SKYY. “The Cocktail Moments advertising campaign began in 1998, portraying contemporary cocktail settings with striking imagery.”
P.o.p. displays support the campaign at retail.
7-Eleven P.O.S. Encourages Trial Of Fusion Coffee
7-Eleven has introduced Fusion Energy Coffee, a fresh-brewed, to-go coffee blended with natural herbal extracts.
Fusion Energy combines 7-Eleven Exclusive Blend coffee with guarana, ginseng and yerba mate, all herbs that boost energy and sharpen mental alertness. With Fusion Energy coffee, 7-Eleven hopes to quench the thirst of young American adults, also the target audience for energy beverages and coffee in a single product.
“We know our customers want coffee and energy,” said Donald Driver, 7-Eleven Coffee Category Manager. “Fusion Energy offers both.”
P.O.S. signage encourages consumers to try the new energy coffee infused with all-natural ingredients.
Hostess Introduces 100 Calorie Packs
New Hostess 100 Calorie Packs offer calorie-conscious consumers portion-controlled, snack sized packages, each containing three mini cup cakes featuring the brand’s creamy filling.
“While consumers are embracing the concept of 100 calorie snack items, many products are ‘versions’ of the real thing and fall short on one very important factor-taste,” said David Leavitt, V.P., Snack Marketing at Interstate Bakeries Corp., baker of Hostess Products. “Hostess 100 Calorie Packs make taste the focal point.”
A new ad campaign has been launched in conjunction with the national roll out, with the tagline, “3 Cakes, 100 Calories, Real Satisfaction.”
In-store displays complementing the ad campaign, are being utilized at the retail level.
Love’n Bake Display Shippers Now At Wild Oats Markets
Love'n Bake, a line of professional quality baking ingredients, has expanded its retail presence with the placement of 48 unit display shippers in Wild Oats Markets and other grocery stores and specialty food stores nationwide.
The product line consists of Almond Paste, Marzipan, Hazelnut Praline and Pistachio Nut Paste packed in convenient 10 to 12 ounce cans. Ready-to-use bakeable fillings called "Schmears" are also available in Almond, Chocolate and Cinnamon.
The easy-to-assemble point-of-purchase displays are designed to attract consumers visiting the baking aisle, according to George Hunter, Company Director of Consumer Products. The header features images of children baking, and captures the joyful spirit of the Love'n Bake line.
Kodak Launches New 'Compact' Photo Kiosk
Eastman Kodak has introduced the Kodak Picture Kiosk GS Compact, providing retailers an easy to use, plug and play solution.
“The new Kodak Picture Kiosk GS Compact provides retailers a compact category solution that delivers retailer profit out of the box in only minutes,” said Nicki Zongrone, General Manager, Worldwide Kiosk Systems and Services and V.P., Consumer Digital Imaging Group.
Its compact countertop design is extremely space efficient and well-suited for smaller shops with demand for 30-70 prints per day.
The GS Compact produces the same Kodak lab-quality prints as full-sized kiosks.
Sterling Promotions
OfficeMax Installs The Latest Digital Signage
OfficeMax is using a unique digital signage solution to create a customer-oriented environment. The ADFLOW Dynamic Messaging System (www.adflow.com) and the Matrox Millennium P650 (www.matrox.com) multi-display graphics card have been combined to provide the digital signage. LCD screens inform shoppers, enhance the OfficeMax brand, promote selected merchandise and deliver featured price promotions.
Each store will feature two 40-inch state-of-the-art LCD panels, mounted to aesthetically fit within a newly-deigned menu board located in the printing services area.
“OfficeMax delivers continuous scheduled brand and promotional content, targeted to specific shopper demographics,” said Ron Berty, Matrox Bus. Dev. Manager for Digital Signage.The signs will also feature a live CNN satellite feed.
Chicken Of The Sea Displays ‘Peel & Eat’ Cups
Chicken of the Sea has introduced tuna and salmon in 2.8-ounce peel-and-eat cups to meet consumers’ desires for health, convenience and value.
“Trends indicate that people are looking for healthy products that meet their busy lifestyles and can be consumed on-the-go,” said John Sawyer, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Chicken of the Sea. “With the obesity crisis, there is also an increased focus on portion control-our new tuna and salmon cups are perfect for addressing both issues.”
Colorful corrugated displays will help Chicken of the Sea gain off-shelf display positioning for the innovative new products.
Kraft Grate-It-Fresh Combines Cheese & Grater In One
From Caesar salad to pasta primavera, grated parmesan cheese adds a distinctive touch to food. Now consumers can give everyday meals at home that restaurant quality taste with the new Kraft Grate-It-Fresh Parmesan Cheese.
The first-of-its-kind block of natural Parmesan cheese and built-in grater, available in grocery stores nationwide, Kraft Grate-It-Fresh adds the fresh taste of grated Parmesan cheese to all types of dishes with just a few easy twists. Found nationwide in the grocer’s refrigerated dairy section, Kraft Grate-It-Fresh Parmesan Cheese comes in a convenient 7 oz. size.
Virgin Megastores Wall Projection Entertains Shoppers
Virgin Megastores, including the West Coast flagship store in Los Angeles, and Downtown Disney, Florida’s largest music and entertainment store, recently introduced digital wall projection systems to project music videos onto large walls, enhancing the shopping experience while reinforcing the Virgin Megastore brand.
“We wanted to project large videos for maximum impact,” said Dee McLaughlin, Sr. Marketing Director, Virgin Entertainment Group. “The wall projection adds to the dynamic Virgin Megastores experience by drawing shoppers in and entertaining them while they shop. The video wall has become part of the brand experience.”
Mandee Stores Promotes Switchfoot’s New Album
The chart-topping, multi-platinum recording alternative rock group, Switchfoot, is celebrating the recent release of its 6th album “Oh! Gravity,” with a nationwide in-store promotion at Mandee, the hip and trendy fashion shop for teens.
Launched by Retail Entertainment Design for Columbia Records and Mandee, the “Go Backstage with Switchfoot” promotion includes a grand prize trip with VIP tickets to meet Switchfoot and a shopping spree at Mandee stores.
Mandee will carry “Oh! Gravity” in over 125 store locations, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
New Accelerade Drink Displayed In Sports Stores
Accelerade Ready-To-Drink, a sports drink described as the “holy grail” for serious exercisers because of its proven benefits, has been launched by Pacific Health Laboratories, a nutrition technology company, and Motts LLP, a division of Cadbury Schweppes Beverages.
The Companies have also launched an aggressive marketing program involving the placement of permanent point-of-purchase displays in leading sports specialty stores. Accelerade, developed by Pacific Health Laboratories, is the first sports drink that contains a patented 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein for improved endurance, enhanced rehydration, faster muscle recovery and less post-exercise muscle damage.
Snapple's New Red Teas Contribute To Healthy Immune System
Snapple Red Teas have been introduced nationally as an addition to the brand’s “good for you” super premium line.
The line of naturally caffeine-free teas contains protective antioxidants and Vitamin C, and contributes to a healthy immune system.
Made from the Rooibos plant found only in South Africa, Snapple Red Teas are available in unique flavors that complement the Rooibos taste, including Acai Mixed Berry, Peach Pomegranate and Mandarin Tangerine.
Cooper’s Platinum Ring Collection Elegantly Displayed
The Platinum Collection by Jeff Cooper display is designed to feature the line of platinum rings and bands for women and men in an elegant way.
The innovative modular design, including a “slate” platform base, is revolutionary to the retail jewelry industry. The use of custom molded urethane, injection molding and acrylic with removable foam inserts for secure storage is a new merchandising approach.
This Platinum Collection display was created by The Display Link, a Babylon, New York-based display firm.
Suunto Rolls Out Interactive Watch Display
Suunto manufactures wrist computers for outdoor enthusiasts. To assist customers in choosing the right watch, Suunto had an interactive display created.
Concept Designs, Palo Alto, CA, created this interactive display, which can be used either on a counter top or on steel pedestals. The touch screen for the display was provided by Morgan Hill, CA-based Digital View and programmed by Flashpoint, Park City, UT.
Concept Designs conceived a metal and acrylic housing that encloses up to 9 sample watches on acrylic watch holders. The acrylic "hood" is hinged at the back to allow easy access. The back of the case permits the insertion of interchangeable graphics. An acrylic brochure holder mounts to the backer.
Retailers appreciate that the interactive touch screen de-mystifies Suunto’s product line.
Almay Brand Featured On New Wall System Display
This injection molded wall system was created for Wal-Mart to increase SKU capacity, create an easy to shop product presentation utilizing graphic bull nose category identifiers, and visually separate Revlon’s Almay from competitive brands.
The merchandising system was produced in 8 ft, 6 ft, 4 ft, and 2 ft increments to accommodate a multiple of Wal-Mart store sizes and configurations.
The new injection molded wall system was created for Wal-Mart by Retail Solution Center and its subsidiary, RSC Molding, a Freeport, NY-headquartered display firm.
OCC Full Throttle Fragrance Displayed In Wal-Mart
This floorstand was designed to drive sales in Wal-Mart stores for the OCC Full Throttle fragrance, inspired by the Discovery Channel's “American Chopper” television show.
The pre-pack unit design, with set-up taking only a few minutes, was key in gaining placement in Wal-Mart stores.
The OCC fragrance is positioned in the front of the unit, which features the OCC logo. Gift sets are located in the floorstand’s center channel. The corrugated display has a screen printed body, and four-color Litho die-cut header.
A uniquely engineered flap creates a pedestal for a bottle of test cologne resting below the header, allowing consumers to sample the product. The display, grabbed consumer attention and made it easier for the consumer to locate and test this new Full Throttle fragrance.
The OCC Full Throttle Fragrance Floorstand was created by New Dimensions, Melville, NY.
Weber Enters Spice Aisle With Grill Creations
Weber Grill Creations is a new line of unique seasonings and marinade mixes that are versatile enough to be used on any type of grilled food.
Introduced by Weber-Stephen Products, a leading manufacturer of outdoor grills and grilling accessories and ACH Food Companies, a subsidiary of London-based Associated British Foods, this agreement is a first for Weber as they expand their grilling expertise to the seasoning aisle at leading grocery, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs and drug stores.
The product line will be displayed in this corrugated display designed to resemble a Weber-Stephen grill.
Pringles Promotion Tied To ‘American Idol’
As a partner for American Idol’s sixth season, Pringles has launched an expansive marketing campaign that will feature limited edition American Idol branded cans, television advertising and a national sweepstakes, “Jingles for Pringles,” inviting consumers to live out their American Idol dreams.
Pringles will offer consumers the chance to express their passion for Pringles by submitting videos of themselves performing a jingle that expresses their feelings about Pringles.
The grand prize winner will receive VIP ticket packages to the American Idol finale show in Los Angeles including hotel, transportation, and an unforgettable night of excitement, ushering in the next American Idol.
The promotion is supported with special packaging and an array of p.o.p. materials, including special pallet end-aisle displays.
DHL Shipping Spot Opens At NBC Experience Store
The new DHL Shipping Spot at the NBC Experience Store in New York City’s Rockefeller Center makes DHL’s shipping services easily accessible to consumers. The DHL Shipping Spot comprises a self service counter and touch screen interface for the customer to pack, weigh, label and ship their DHL package.
“The NBC Experience Store is about providing superior experiences for our customers,” said Judith Dutch, V.P., Retail Operations & Consumer Marketing, NBC Universal. “With the DHL Shipping Spot, shoppers can easily ship their items to more than 220 countries, avoiding the hassle of carrying them for the rest of their stay in New York.”
Added Charles Brewer, Exec. V.P., Sales, DHL, “The NBC Experience Store is another retail partnership that helps DHL become more accessible for shippers looking for convenience and ease.”
SAM Kiosk To Help Drivers Diagnose Car Problems
Consumers who worry when their “Check Engine” or other dashboard warning lights appear, can now conveniently check the condition of their car at a SAM Smart Auto Management kiosk.
In less than 10 minutes, for $15, SAM scans a vehicle’s On Board Diagnostic system, and prints a comprehensive report on the spot that identifies any existing or potential problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, safety systems, body, chassis, and more.SAM checks over 2,000 fault codes to give drivers the same information an auto mechanic receives.
SAM kiosks are currently located at automotive care and emission testing center locations. Current SAM partner locations include select DEKRA, Jiffy Lube, Kwik Kar and Speedemissions.
Hydrate2O Launches For High-Performance Hydration
Hydrate2O has been introduced as a premium bottled water providing enhanced and quicker hydration for the body.
Created with a patent-pending technology, Hydrate2O transforms purified water into a live, energized form that is absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly and enables true hydration at a deep-cell level.
Hydrate2O also includes electrolytes and minerals for increased stamina and faster recovery times, making it the most advanced performance water on the market today, according to Dr. Larry Stowe, who developed Hydrate2O.
Fetzer Displays New Valley Oaks Pinot Noir
Brown Forman’s Fetzer Vineyards, based in Hopland, CA, is introducing a new Valley Oaks Pinot Noir sourced principally from the Languedoc-Roussillon growing region in France, priced at $8.99 per 750ml and currently available in national release.
John Tichenor, Group Brand Director at Brown-Forman, said, “Sourcing the Pinot Noir from France allows Fetzer to meet a seemingly insatiable demand for this varietal.”
Brown Forman, headquartered in Louisville, KY, is supporting the launch with colorful point-of-purchase materials, including this special case card display, which shows the Fetzer Pinot Noir bottle and pinot noir grapes, and imparts the message, “Easy drinking flavors of rich ripe raspberries and strawberries with just a touch of oak.”
Carter’s Children’s Wear Offers Colorful Display
Carter’s Children’s Wear developed these fixture for their licensee in Canada, Fame Jeans of St. Laurent, Quebec. These fixtures were produced by DNS Display Industries Inc.,of Concord, Ontario
Featured in the Infant/Baby Departments of The Bay’s flagship stores across Canada, these fixtures feature prominent 14" x 52" graphic panels. These panels provide simplified sizing information to assist consumers with product selection.
The header signage features attractive infant photographs to accompany the “Carter’s - made with love” byline.
Face-out brackets present a full frontal view of clothing. With a 38" x 54" footprint, the fixture, constructed of a pure white, powder coated MDF is 56" high.
Huggies Launches Little Swimmers Sunscreen
Kimberly-Clark is conducting a major extension of its market-leading Huggies Little Swimmers brand with the launch of a new line of sun care products.
The new products are the first extension of the Huggies Little Swimmers brand, which created the disposable swimpants category in 1998.
The Huggies Little Swimmers sun care product line includes three sunscreen lotions and the market’s only patented, self-adhesive UVB sun sensors geared to help detect and monitor children's exposure to Ultraviolet B rays that cause sunburn and are most commonly linked to skin cancer.
“With the rollout of these sun care products, Huggies Little Swimmers becomes the only brand to offer moms a total health and hygiene solution to ensure a fun water play experience for their kids,” said Bob Thibault, President, Kimberly-Clark Personal Care.
Point-of-sale materials, including colorful pallet displays, will support Huggies entry into this new category.
Bridgestone Displays Free Golf Ball Offer
Bridgestone Golf, Covington, GA, has launched a special promotion offering golfers who purchase a set of J33 or GC irons, a full seasons supply of Bridgestone golf balls at no charge
The promotion is supported with special point-of-purchase materials featuring top golf professional, Fred Couples.
The point-of-purchase materials are headlined, “Now you can become a Bridgestone STAFF PLAYER.”
The display materials explain the details of the promotion, which is a $324 consumer value.
Ogio Golf Bag Fixture Maximizes Space & Profits
Ogio, a leading golf bag manufacturer, has developed a new square point-of-purchase display that maximizes vertical space as well as retailer profits.
The 6'W x 4'D vertical golf bag fixture enables stores to display up to 24 bags where once only 8 bags fit. These new fixtures also promote sales of the Company’s RAIL (Rapid Access Incline Lock) device on new cart bags, as well as the TORQ stabilizing strap.
Each display is outfitted with special bars that mimic golf cars, enabling stores to demonstrate design components in use.
“With this new platform, we’re able to offer our retail partners an “Extreme Makeover” of their bag sales area by maximizing as much vertical space as we can, which we do by displaying the bags horizontally on a six-foot-tall fixture,” said Harlan Gardiner, Ogio’s Executive Vice President. “The bags look stunning while still leaving plenty of room for other merchandising.”
Microsoft Displays Zune Personal Digital Player
Microsoft is using this display to attract attention to its new digital music and video player, Zune, Microsoft turned to DCI Marketing, a Milwaukee, WI-based display firm, to create this display.
The display needed to prominently feature Zune’s advantages: wireless sharing capabilities, a built-in FM radio and a larger display screen.
In just seven weeks, DCI Marketing produced and deployed 17,000 displays, which were distributed to 21 retailers, each with its own unique requirements for size and location of the display.
ScareCrow Display Attracts Customers
Contech Electronics, Victoria, British Columbia, developer of the ScareCrow® motion-activated animal deterrent for gardeners, has introduced this animated point-of-purchase display, which features a ScareCrow® motion-activated sprinkler, safely encased behind a clear waterproof shield. When a customer walks past, the ScareCrow POP responds with a sudden blast of water.
Mark Grambart, Chief Executive Officer of Contech Electronics, said, “The new ScareCrow P.O.P. display gets an instant response - customers like it because they can try the product in the store, and retailers like it because it demonstrates just how well the ScareCrow works.”
The ScareCrow motion-activated sprinkler protects flowers, vegetables and fish ponds from animal intruders. It automatically detects animals as they approach, and repels them with a startling burst of water.
Nokona Wrecking Crew Promotes Nokona BatS
Three of the best hitters in baseball have joined forces with Nocona Athletic Goods Co. to endorse Nokona’s wooden bat. David Ortiz, Miguel Tejada and Vladimir Guerrero have selected the Nokona Rock Maple bat for game day play. In honor of these players, the company has officially branded “The Nokona Wrecking Crew” featured in a new product line of bats, along with other products in the future.
The Nokona Wrecking Crew line of bats will be available in Professional, Youth and Mini models in a variety of turnings, lengths and styles at sporting goods retailers. Genuine, game day bats from each player will also be available.
The Nokona Wrecking Crew bats will be supported with extensive advertising and p.o.p. materials.
Big League Chew Launches ‘Live The Dream’ Promo.
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is celebrating baseball living-legend Cal Ripken Jr.’s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with the the “Big League Chew Live the Dream” promotion, which features a one-of-a-kind Big League Chew package featuring Cal Ripken Jr.’s signature and caricature likeness to be auctioned online for charity and one grand prize trip for four to this summer’s Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown.
Specially marked packages of Big League Chew give fans an opportunity to share in the excitement of Ripken’s induction. In addition to the grand prize, Big League Chew is giving away more than 10,000 prizes including autographed Cal Ripken baseball cards, trips to Ripken baseball camps, memberships to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Nike batting gloves and baseball mitts and free packs of Big League Chew.
Special corrugated displays support the promotion.
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