Apple Opens Retail Store On New York’s Fifth Ave.
The Apple Store Fifth Avenue is Apple’s most architecturally innovative store, featuring a distinctive 32-foot glass cube that creates a stunning new destination on New York’s Fifth Avenue.
The Apple Store Fifth Avenue will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to offer an unprecedented level of service.
The new store offers more than 100 Macs and nearly 200 iPods for customers to try before they buy, as well as the world's largest assortment of accessories to help you get the most out of your Mac or iPod.
The store features a combined 45-foot Genius Bar, iPod bar and The Studio where customers can get face-to-face support, free advice and work on creative projects at any hour of the day or night.
The hands-on Apple Store experience provides visitors with a chance to test-drive Apple’s entire product line.
“With outstanding service and an amazing location open 24 hours a day, we think the Apple Store Fifth Avenue is going to be a favorite destination for New Yorkers and people around the world,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. More than 147 million people on three continents have visited Apple retail stores since they opened in May 2001. Apple now operates 147 stores, including six in Japan, six in the U.K. and two in Canada.
Mattel Fiberoptic Sign Promotes Toy Line
Mattel recently used this fiber optic train sign to promote its Disney line of infant & preschool toys.
The colorful, eye-catching Mattel train fiber optic lighting was an entrance sign for Mattel’s Disney branded preschool products. The train has a photo image background. The wheels appear to turn. The train puffs rainbow colored steam. Each logo is animated individually. It was very effective in combining the brand identities of the two companies and indicating they were working together to create this joyful line of toys for young children. The Mattel train sign measures 37" high x 96" long.
This fiberoptic sign was produced by Fiberoptic Lighting, Inc., Grants Pass, OR.
Build-A-Bear Offers Custom Gift Card Kiosks
Build-A-Bear Workshops faced a challenge in selling its gift cards in a retail setting where customization and personalization are an integral part of the customer experience. Build-A-Bear wanted to improve this experience for its guests and speed the gift card buying process by incorporating self-service technology.
Build-A-Bear worked with Nanonation, Lincoln, NE, to create a personalized on-demand gift card printing station. The custom gift card kiosks offer a personalized experience, as well as a way to speed up transaction times and decrease wait times. The kiosks enable users to select the custom card background and specify the value they want to add to the card. A preview feature allows the customer to see exactly what the card will look like when printed.
Miller Lite Hispanic Campaign Honors Soccer Stars
Miller Lite has unveiled Pasion 10, a Hispanic marketing initiative that honors international soccer stars who wore the number “10”.
“In soccer, the honor of wearing ‘10’ historically has been reserved for a player who exudes the perfect balance of skill and knowledge,” said Tom Long, Miller’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Miller Lite is the perfect beer to honor the spirit of the ‘10’ because it offers the ideal combination of great taste and golden color."
The campaign, executed by MarketVision of San Antonio, TX, includes commemorative cans and glassware featuring players; and the Pasion 10 national sweepstakes that will send three grand prize winners to Germany for a VIP soccer experience.
Coors Light POS Helps Consumers ‘Taste The Cold’
Coors Brewing Co., is introducing several new ways to keep beer colder, longer. Coors Light’s Stay Cold Glassware, Cold Wrap Bottles and 18-pack Plastic Bottle Cooler Boxes are arriving in stores to beat the heat.
“Rocky Mountain cold refreshment is the essence of the Coors Light brand,” said Jim Sabia, V.P., Marketing for Coors. "These innovations ensure our consumers can ‘Taste The Cold’ and be refreshed this summer whether they’re at a nightclub dancing or at a barbecue with friends."
Coors Light will support the new packaging through a multi-tiered marketing campaign to run throughout the summer, including television, radio, print and point-of-sale.
Beneful Introduces Prepared Meals For Dogs
The Nestle Purina PetCare Co., is introducing Beneful Prepared Meals. This innovative family-style food for dogs is made with real beef, chicken, turkey, pork and lamb, and with wholesome grains.
Beneful Prepared Meals are available in eight varieties and come in clear, ready-to-serve, re-sealable plastic containers-a new packaging innovation in pet food.
“One of the biggest trends we are seeing among pet owners is the desire to feed their dogs the way they feed themselves-choosing food that is made with healthy, high quality ingredients that offer taste and nutrition,” said Steve Crimmins, V. P., Dog Food Marketing. “With Beneful Prepared Meals, we’ve added epicurean polish to pet food to meet the needs of today’s devoted pet owners who want food for their dogs, not dog food.” Special corrugated displays are supporting the launch.
Sergeant’s Pet Care Debuts EcoSMART Products
As the trend toward natural pet care continues to increase, Sergeant's Pet Care Products is introducing a new line of natural flea, tick and mosquito control products for cats and dogs.
Developed by Sergeant’s using patented technology licensed from EcoSMART Technologies, a world leader in natural pesticide products, the SENTRY Natural Defense line includes a range of treatments derived from a unique combination of natural botanical extracts that can be used safely around other household pets and children.
Sterling Promotions
Jose Cuervo Launches New Tequila Flavors
Jose Cuervo has launched Cuervo Flavored Tequilas, a new selection of premium tequilas with hints of orange, lime and tropical fruit flavors.
“Cuervo Flavored Tequilas allow consumers to expand their tequila experiences and enjoy Cuervo in more versatile ways,” said Carlos Arana, Managing Director, Jose Cuervo International. “Tequila is no longer limited to shots and margaritas. Cuervo Flavored Tequilas are the perfect solution of those looking to add a new twist to their favorite drink.”
The launch is being supported by a fully integrated marketing effort that includes promotions, special events, merchandising and sampling.
SKYY Vodka POS Promotes Jet-Set Tour
SKYY Vodka has launched SKYY’s Jet-Set Tour promotion, where consumers have the opportunity to bid on 12 seats aboard a luxury private jet, provided by Marquis Jet.
The winners will start in New York City and travel in style via private jet to Miami, Vail, Las Vegas and Hollywood in a whirlwind three-day Jet-Set Tour. At each city, the “jet-setters” will receive VIP treatment at exclusive velvet rope events and experience sophisticated SKYY cocktail moments across the country.
At SKYY.com/jetset, consumers will be able to bid for one of a total of six pairs of tickets at the SKYY Jet-Set Tour Auction web site. Each week one pair of seats will be awarded to the highest bidder with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation for Aids Research.
The integrated promotion will be supported by on- and off-premise Jet-Set p.o.s. materials.
OrthoClear Displays Support New Marketing Campaign
OrthoClear, a San Francisco, CA-based manufacturer of precision polymer aligners that rapidly strengthen teeth, recently rolled out new P.O.P. displays.
This counter top display tied into OrthoClear’s new marketing campaign that introduced a wave pattern as a visual metaphor hinting at the ease in which wearers adapt to the aligners. The display features a Programmed Chip Activated LED Light behind the product to provide soft, eye-catching lighting effects. This colorful, durable aluminum and acrylic display holds 50 brochures.
The OrthoClear counter display was created by Perceptual Concepts Corp., an El Cajon, CA-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Raven End Cap Targets Tween Girls
Boom! Creative Development, LLC, has introduced a new fragrance and cosmetics collection for Tween girls based on the Disney TV Show, “That’s So Raven.”
This Raven End Cap Display was developed for That’s So Raven Cologne Spray and Fragranced Shimmer Touch Stick in Wal-Mart stores.
The display provides ease of product access, via a shelving arrangement that accounts for the 7" height of the gondola deck. Product height is comfortably accessed at all three levels.
The display utilizes 4/c litho graphics laminated to corrugated which feature That’s So Raven graphics including photos of Raven and the show's logo. Stylized flowers were used as a background for the product. The colors here were screened back 80% so as not to interfere with the prominence of the product.
This display was created for Boom! Creative Development by Menasha Display Group, Philadelphia, PA.
Oroweat Bread Runs 'Heart Of Gold' Promotion
Health conscious consumers can take steps to nutritious eating while winning prizes with the Oroweat instant win “Heart of Gold” promotion. The promotion also includes in-store displays encouraging consumers to enjoy Oroweat, Win Instantly and Celebrate Life.
“Healthy eating is what it’s all about and grain based foods such as bread, especially whole grain bread, remain the foundation of a nutritious diet,” said Dan Larson Oroweat Marketing Director. “This promotion demonstrates and reinforces our brand’s core values.”
Oroweat, produced by Bimbo Bakeries USA, will award more than five million prizes. Instant win prizes range from 150 U.S. gold coins, free Oroweat bread for a year, to 24 Hour Fitness trial passes and coupons for Oroweat products. A $10,000 grand prize will also be awarded through an on-line essay contest.
Country Choice Debuts ‘Fit Kids’ Organic Oatmeal
“Our new Fit Kids Organic Instant Oatmeal, was created to give kids a great tasting and healthy way to start their day,” said John DePaolis, Head of Marketing for Country Choice Organic.
“Made with whole grain organic oats, Fit Kids is fortified with calcium, iron and vitamins--ingredients kids need to stay healthy and active. But we also realize that for kids to eat it, it has to taste great, so we’ve added things like organic cinnamon and organic chocolate chips,” DePaolis said.
The new product introduction will be supported with this corrugated display, which reinforces Country Choice’s natural and healthy brand identity.
Hunter Douglas Launches New Display System
Hunter Douglas developed this display system to support its new Showcase Priority Dealer program and to differentiate this level of dealer from other Hunter Douglas dealers.
The new maple-finished Showcase Display System is flexible and can be configured many different ways.
All modules are clearly identified with the Hunter Douglas logo and include backlighting and four-color room scene photography.
Wellington Display Attracts Female Consumers
Wellington Cordage, one of the leading rope manufacturers in the U.S., wanted to make the purchase of rope in tune with today’s female consumer. Research has shown females find it difficult to decipher current packaging to determine the rope with the correct efficacy for their needs.
Wellington discovered that consumers looked initially for a rope that was designed to work for their particular application, and then sought the strongest product possible. By creating a new look and merchandising system, Wellington was able to increase store sales by 20%, and also boost its distribution to “Big Box” retailers.
Wellington Cordage’s new look and merchandising system was produced by Proteus Design, a Boston, MA-based retail design firm.
Folgers Simply Smooth Debuts
Procter & Gamble’s Folgers brand has introduced Simply Smooth, a stomach-friendly coffee that is the first major category innovation since the launch of decaffeinated coffee over two decades ago.
“New Folgers Simply Smooth provides consumers who have cut back due to stomach discomfort with a great tasting stomach-friendly coffee, and gives them permission to enjoy a second cup,” said Doug McGraw, V.P., Global Coffee for P&G.
New Folgers Simply Smooth will be available in medium-roast regular and decaffeinated varieties at mass merchandisers, grocery and drug stores around the nation.
New Puroast Low-Acid Coffee Is Launched
Puroast, a new low-acid coffee has been found by researchers to be over 50% lower in acid than other leading coffees, even those mass marketed as “stomach-friendly.” This breakthrough allows millions of Americans who’ve been advised to avoid coffee because they suffer from acid reflux to once again enjoy the flavor, aroma and caffeine of authentic coffee.
“This is revolutionary news for the coffee industry, we believe, with the rise in acid reflux sufferers in the aging baby boom population,” said Kerry Sachs, co-founder of Puroast Low-Acid Coffee. “Puroast delivers the caffeine and great gourmet coffee taste that people crave without the stomach problems caused by high acidity.”
Sunkist Almond Launches ‘Barcelona Culinary Escape’
Sunkist Almond Accents is conducting its “Barcelona Culinary Escape” contest and sweepstakes with grand prizes for both retailers and shoppers: an epicurean adventure for two to Barcelona, Spain.
“Almond Accents is the convenient solution for aspiring cooks who want to add a gourmet accent to everyday salads, stir-fry, vegetables and rice dishes,” said Dominic Engels, V.P., Marketing, Paramount Farms. “This promotion will help drive trial and keep Almond Accents top-of-mind with health-minded shoppers during the peak salad season.”
To promote the contest, Paramount Farms is offering a pre-packed display shipper, packed with six cases of Almond Accents.
KA-ME Displays New Rice Box Meals
KA-ME has introduced Rice Boxes to its line of convenient Asian ready-to-eat meals. The new rice-and-sauce flavors are Red Curry, Green Curry and Sweet and Sour.
KA-ME’s new Rice Boxes come from the traditional curry recipes of Thailand and a sweet and sour sauce from the Canton province of China. No water is required for the cooking—just mix the content of the sauce and rice packets and microwave for two minutes.
KA-ME Noodle and Rice Boxes are distributed to supermarkets and specialty food grocers by Liberty Richter, a premier marketer of specialty foods. The Rice Box Meals are featured on a 48-count shipper display comprising 24 units of Sweet & Sour, 12 units of Red Curry and 12 units of Green Curry.
Michael Collins Mirror Supports Product Launch
Sidney Frank Importing wanted to provide a highly visible, high placement POS item to on- and off-premise accounts for the launch of Michael Collins Irish Whiskey in the U.S.
The Michael Collins antique mirror is artfully screen-printed with clear metallic colors and simulated deep acid-etch to replicate the bottle. A baroque-style gold molding was chosen to frame the mirror complementing the antique look and feel of the piece. Sidney Frank Importing distributed over 10,000 mirrors for the launch.
The Michael Collins antique mirror was produced by Heritage Signs & Displays, a Nesquehoning, PA-based p.o.p. display firm.
Great Lakes Brewing Case Card Showcases Its Recycling
Great Lakes Brewing Co. is using this multi functional case card-shelf card-counter card with pocket, to showcase its great tasting beer and provide brochures on the Company’s recycling and environmental efforts.
This piece was litho printed on 100# coated stock, mounted to 45 pt chip and die cut to shape with easel attached. Corporate and product awareness was achieved resulting in increased overall sales.
The Great Lakes Brewing Company multi functional case card was produced by Proprint Services Inc., a point-of-purchase display firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Mac’s Market Launched For C-Store Operators
Hot Stuff Foods has launched Mac’s Market for smaller retail environments, especially c-stores.
The Mac’s Market concept is “open for business” 24 hours a day because consumers select the items they want from the merchandising unit and heat it in the microwave themselves. From pizzas and subs to gourmet cinnamon rolls and breakfast items, Mac’s Market offers over a dozen items within four sq. ft. of space.
“Hot Stuff Foods understands that many retailers have little space and few staff to dedicate to foodservice labor,” said Des Hague, Chairman and CEO. “Mac’s Market is the solution for these business owners and it can be up and running for only $1,000.”
Original Soup Man Launches Gourmet Retail Line
Al Yeganeh, the inspiration for the famous Seinfeld “Soup Episode,” and founder of Soup Kitchen International, is launching a retail soup line, available in 15 oz. heat-n-serve packages in the refrigerated deli sections of grocers and gourmet markets throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
The new retail soup line includes Turkey Chili, Seafood Bisque, Jambalaya, Al’s Garden Vegetable, and Chicken Vegetable.
The line will be merchandised at retail in this attention-getting, space efficient, refrigerated display unit, which prominently features Soup Kitchen Founder, Al Yeganeh.
Self-Serve Espresso Bar Features Flavor Infusion System
Concordia Coffee Systems has released its second-generation Self-Serve Espresso Bar. The unit features the first fully integrated flavor infusion system that produces a rich and creamy cafe quality beverage 24/7.
Customers select their desired beverage and the machine grinds whole espresso beans, injects Torani brand flavored syrups and sauces and steams fresh milk creating a superior espresso drink. A vending module accepts debit/credit cards, bills and coins.
“This new generation of espresso bar is the ATM of specialty coffee,”said David Isett, Concordia Coffee Systems President. “We believe the Self-Serve Espresso Bar will have the same impact on the specialty coffee business.”
Shock Displays ‘Hyper-Caffeinated’ Coffee
Shock Coffee has introduced a new display rack to separate the Shock Coffee family from existing coffee programs. Shock Coffee offers an extra caffeine boost without losing the gourmet taste and the new rack differentiates Shock Coffee from the competition at the coffee bar.
This eye-catching display, with its vibrant red and yellow header, grabs the consumers’ attention and lures them to view all of the Shock products. The Shock rack stores two sleeves of cups along with dome lids, and includes a ‘white spot’ to give the store the option to up-sell Shock hyper-caffeinated coffee. The display also allocates space for its Shock-A-Lots, a hyper-caffeinated chocolate covered coffee bean as well as Shock T ripple Mochas and Triple Lattes, its signature ready-to-drink beverages.
OfficeMax Launches Ink Cartridge Refill Program
OfficeMax has installed Ink Filling Station Kiosks that will enable consumers at nearly 900 OfficeMax stores by Fall 2006 to refill empty ink cartridges at up to 50% savings over buying a new cartridge. The Company-wide Ink Initiative is designed to provide OfficeMax customers with a total ink solution spanning the purchase of new ink cartridges, the refilling of empty ones, and the recycling of old ink cartridges.
The eight-foot-high Ink Filling Stations will be rolled out to OfficeMax stores across the country throughout 2006.
“Our new Ink Refill station program saves consumers money and is environmentally responsible,” said Ryan Vero, Exec. V.P. & Chief Merchandising Officer for OfficeMax.
Durst Photo Book Station Debuts
Durst Image Technology has introduced the Durst Photo Book Station, a compact, productive and easy-to-use four-station book binder that makes it easy to produce event albums, memory books and other photo book products in-store.
Durst’s new Photo Book Station produces high-quality, high-margin consumer photo books and albums with a variety of appealing “looks” at a rate of 25-30 albums per day. A compact all-in-one book binding system, it comes with all major components required to make photo albums and memory books from double pages digitally printed on photo paper.
The Photo Book Station is operated by one person who moves through the four stages of production by simply stepping around the unit and performing a function at each side-crease, glue, mount and press. The unit attaches covers as basic as a laminated photo and as elaborate as fine leather, synthetics or metal.
Primo Water Offers DIY Retail Exchange
Primo Water, a national brand of purified, mineral-enhanced bottled water available through bottle exchange at grocery and home stores, has teamed up with Lowe’s and Whirlpool brand coolers making it easier for consumers to drink more water at home.
At more than 1,200 Lowe's stores across the country, consumers can now find fresh-tasting Primo water. Space saving, family sized 3- and 5-gallon bottles come with easy-carry handles and no-spill seals. Primo will provide a free, 5-gallon bottle of water with the purchase of a Whirlpool water cooler. Lowe’s is the first retailer to offer Primo water nationally and will have Primo Recycle Exchanges in its stores.
McWilliam’s Launches ‘America’s Finest Porch’ Contest
McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate is searching for “America’s Finest Porch,” with the winner receiving an all-expense-paid trip to Australia and a chance to sip wine with the McWilliams, one of Australia's most respected winemaking families.
Many Americans today are entertaining outdoors more than ever and a porch is their ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine with family and friends. In addition to providing a photograph of their outdoor porch, entrants must specify in 150 words or less why they think their porch is America’s finest.
Penguin & NBA Promote Literature Classics
Penguin Classics and the National Basketball Association have teamed up to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Penguin Classics and NBA Cares “Read to Achieve” Literacy Initiative with a new campaign entitled “Aim High, Live Classic.”
NBA and WNBA stars and legends will participate in a striking visual campaign and in events that will reinforce the idea, “Aim High, Live Classic.” In the visual campaign, players will be shown reading a Penguin Classic chosen by the player. These images will appear on posters and promotional materials.
New Sport Beans Flavors On Display
Jelly Belly Candy Co. has added Fruit Punch and Berry Blue flavors to its Sport Beans Jelly Beans line of energizing jelly beans.
Marketing efforts for the brand, targeted to sports enthusiasts, will include consumer sampling at sporting and other promotional events and special display shippers.
Sport Beans are formulated for sports performance and contain 25 grams of carbohydrates, electrolytes, and 10% of the daily value of Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The new flavors and the original two were recently reformulated to include three B vitamins to replace nutrients lost through sweat.
The Company offers 24-count shelf display caddies for each of the four flavors, 12-count clip strips and 144-count power wing shippers. Special window decals and shelf talkers will also be provided to retailers.
Nordic Naturals Displays Omega Oils
Nordic Naturals is using floor and counter displays to promote its Omega-3 fish oil supplements. The display header emphasizes that Nordic Naturals is “The Delicious Way To Omega Health” because fish taste and “repeat” are the most common objections for taking fish oil supplements,
Nordic Naturals has perfected fish oils by offering great taste, purity and unmatched freshness levels. The product’s freshness eliminates the key complaints of fishy taste and fishy repeat.
Nordic Naturals is offering retailers a variety of promotional materials including a floor display, 18-bottle counter display, and Flip Chart, which has a 1.5" overhang to draw attention to the retailers’ shelves and to aid in educating customers about Omega Oils and help them decide which product is right for them.
Burlington Spice All-Natural Seasonings Introduced
Burlington Spice Company has introduced a new line of all-natural seasonings without added salt, sugar and MSG.
“What we have done is use the vast body of natural, dehydrated vegetables and spices to truly deliver consumers preferred flavors,” said Brian Fennell, President, Burlington Spice Company.
“Until now, consumers had difficult choices because many seasonings now sold are heavily composed of salt, sugar or MSG,” Fennell said.
The new line of natural seasonings will be supported with colorful corrugated floor displays.
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