York Fitness Unveils New Merchandising System
The highly competitive, commodity based market of free weight equipment required that York Fitness USA, York, PA, develop a strategy to rise above solely product-focused selling. York’s solution was to develop a patented line of revenue increasing merchandising systems.
As part of this strategy, York selected Dick’s Sporting Goods, one of the world’s leading sporting goods retailers as its partner. “Dick’s innovative and open-minded approach made it absolutely our first choice for this partnership,” said Cisco Adler, York’s VP of Marketing. “Both York and Dick’s believe this program to be the most elaborate and innovative this category has ever seen.”
It took about nine months of close collaboration between York and Dick's to bridge the span from concept to full chain rollout. York began by assessing the revenue per square foot that Dick’s was generating in this particular category.
“We discovered that while Dick’s product presentation was one of the best in the industry, the tools needed to raise this category to the next level did not exist-they just had not been invented,” Adler said. “We set out to change that.”
Through analysis of revenue and the amount of space traditionally required to house this equipment, York developed branded private label merchandising systems specifically designed to dramatically increase the revenue per square foot while improving the product's visibility and presentation.
According to early reports, the impact has been dramatic. Stores which have rolled the program out are already seeing increased sales and have significantly reduced the amount of space required for the category. This is space they can now fill with more inventory to generate more revenue.
New Coca-Cola Billboard Unveiled In Times Square
Coca-Cola Co. has unveiled a new three-dimensional, high tech billboard in New York City’s Times Square featuring custom-created, digital imagery and 32 convex and concave, high-definition LED screens. The new sign will also feature The Time Machine, a three-minute audio and video tribute showing the New York City landscape and Coca-Cola images over the past 80 years, marking the first time the Times Square sign will display content about New York.
“The new Coca-Cola display represents the intersection of cutting-edge technology, advertising innovation and entertaining content,” said Javier Benito, Chief Marketing Officer, Coca-Cola NA.
The sign features some of the most advanced screen and digital technologies available including GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to remotely manage the controls, 2.6 million LEDs to illuminate the image and 57 bits of processing to power the animation, creating an unprecedented digital experience.
Illuminated Keg Sign Promotes Coor’s Light
Coor’s is using this distinctive, illuminated pub sign, which is shaped like a “beer keg,” to increase awareness of Coor's Light draft.
The unit has spun aluminum end caps with decal overlays and a PETG silk-screened and vacuum formed face. Two T8 fluorescent lamps illuminate the unit and it is mounted with a steel bracket that is powder coated to match the natural aluminum end caps.
A small laser cut sign hangs from the bottom of the keg to accent the draft feature.
The Coor's Light Illuminated Keg Sign was created by Illumina Lighting & Display, a p.o.p. firm located in Markham, Ontario Canada.
ELO Media Brings DVMatic To Colleges
ELO Media LLC has launched DVMatic, an Automated DVD Rental Machine, on student campuses on the East Coast. DVMatic enables students to rent and purchase DVD movies and video games.
DVMatic holds over 700 DVD slots and 180 different titles in one machine. Its simple user interface and movie display panels make finding a movie simple and offers an instant rental or purchase with the swipe of a credit card.
Also located in supermarkets and restaurants, the DVMatic rental machines provide customers with the convenience of renting a movie while grabbing dinner or shopping for groceries.
Tickets.com Deploys Kiosks For Major League Teams
Tickets.com has deployed its advanced ProVenue Automated Kiosk system for the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. The baseball stadium kiosks are the latest advancement for the integrated ticketing system, and will be located through Fenway Park, PNC Park, and SBC Park.
Said Mike Dee, Red Sox Chief Operating Officer, “The ticketing kiosks will improve traffic flow and create conveniences for all our fans. Our initial plan is to provide fans with the ability to print will call tickets from any of the ticketing kiosks located at Fenway Park.”
“The successful deployment of our automated ticketing kiosks underscores Tickets.com’s commitment to using advanced technology to develop and deploy the most convenient and scalable ticketing distribution platforms for the industry,” said Carl Thomas, Tickets.com EVP Marketing & Sales.
The ProVenue Automated Kiosks can also be configured to operate in one of four different modes: Ticket Pick-Up Day-of-Game only, Ticket Pick-Up only, Ticket Sales only and Ticket Sales and Pick-Up.
KaBloom Features Scented Floral Displays
KaBloom, the Boston, MA-based floral retail chain has teamed up with ScentAir Technologies, Santa Barbara, CA, to add scent to its flower displays.
“ScentAir adds a new, compelling dimension to floral displays at point-of-sale,” said Forrest Fleming, CEO, ScentAir Technologies. As consumers walk by the KaBloom display there is a motion sensor that emits a brief controllable floral scent zone. ScentAir adds back floral aroma at point-of-sale since refrigeration suppresses the natural aroma of flowers. “ScentAir promises to be a consistent and inexpensive way of sampling fresh flowers, where scent is a primary attribute of the product,” adds Fleming.
ScentAir studies show double-digit sales increase when adding floral aroma at point-of-sale.
Shell Launches New Shell V-Power
Shell is launching V-Power, a new premium gasoline that actively cleans engine parts as customers drive their cars, specifically intake valves and fuel injectors. According to Mark Henry, manager of fuels for Shell Oil Products, Shell V-Power features more than five times the minimum amount of cleaning agents required by government standards. “Just as washing and waxing a car helps keep a car clean on the outside, using a high-quality, high-detergency fuel can keep critical engine parts clean on the inside,” Henry said.
Consumers will hear about new Shell V-Power through a $30 million national communications campaign including media advertising, point-of-purchase displays and special decorations and signage at service stations. The communications campaign to support the new fuel is one of Shell’s most significant marketing investments since the company began selling fuel in the US nearly 100 years ago.
Couristan Offers Premiere Pedestal Display Unit
Couristan has created the Premiere Pedestal Display, addressing the high-end consumer. Standing 41" in height, 42" in width and 22" in depth, the Pedestal Display is designed to accommodate any showroom.
“The Pedestal Display Unit is an opportunistic way for retailers to expand into the wool business,” said Bob Ball, Couristan’s Executive V.P. Residential Div. “Its remarkable design enables the consumer to easily browse through our samples, which demonstrates the breadth of style in our residential broadloom assortment.”
The Pedestal Display is constructed of amber wood melamine. The Couristan logo is screen printed on the front panel. The display’s base consists of a column featuring two shelves that display up to 16 architectural folders, while the upper portion holds 22 sample rack cards.
Sterling Promotions
Benjamin Moore Conducts ‘Inspired’ Sweepstakes
Benjamin Moore has teamed up with Taunton Press, publishers of “Inspired House” magazine, to conduct a sweepstakes that offers customers a free trial subscription and a chance to win a $1,500 room makeover. Consumers may enter the promotion by completing forms available on displays.
In addition to the free design consultation by an accredited decorator, the winner receives a $500 gift certificate to use toward Benjamin Moore paint, a paint contractor of the winner’s choice, a $1,000 Spiegel catalog gift certificate and a free subscription to Inspired House magazine.
Source Marketing, Westport, CT, developed the promotion.
Sony Style Concept Store Opens In Palo Alto, CA
Sony Electronics recently opened the Sony Style concept store in Palo Alto, CA. The new concept stores invite consumers to “test drive” a variety of Sony devices.
“Consumers will experience our products, technology and entertainment first hand in a high-class, consumer-centric environment,” said Mike Fasulo, President of Sony Electronics’ eSolutions Co. “To continue to enhance our brand, we will open additional concept stores across the country over the next year.”
At 6,000 sq. ft., the Palo Alto Sony Style store features multiple demonstration areas, including a digital imaging gallery with digital still cameras, camcorders and photo printers. The store showcases all of Sony’s entertainment properties, including the latest PlayStation 2 hardware and games, DVDs from Sony Pictures and CDs from Sony Music. The Palo Alto store is the first to feature an entertainment zone with different themes throughout the year.
Motorola Displays Cellular Phone Desktop Charger
Motorola has placed this permanent cell phone accessories display in cellular phone service provider retail locations nationwide. The display is designed to merchandise three new additions to Motorola’s suite of cellular phone accessories including a Desktop Charger.
The display is flexible for on-the-floor sales person demonstrations and interchangeable for simple product change out.
These displays were shipped fully assembled and were designed as modular pieces to be used as either a counter or wall unit.
The Motorola Accessories Display was designed and produced by Rapid Displays of Chicago, IL and Union City, CA.
Lincoln & Time Warner Center Announce Alliance
Lincoln, the North American luxury brand of Ford Motor Company, has formed an alliance with Time Warner Center in New York City that represents a breakthrough way to “shop” for a new vehicle. This innovative alliance is a unique marriage of real estate, retail and automotive marketing that offers consumers a total luxury lifestyle experience.
Beginning in October 2004, Lincoln vehicles will be on continual display in the retail public spaces of Time Warner Center, the new 2.8 million square foot complex at Columbus Circle.
Featured in an elegant setting consistent with the glass, stone and wood design throughout Time Warner Center, Lincoln vehicles will be illuminated under floating canopies near the main entrance, where an estimated 16 million people will pass by each year.
The multi-year alliance will bring the concept of a concierge to the automotive experience. Operating in a complete Wi-Fi environment, the concierges will provide consumers with a premium, high-tech shopping experience including arranging vehicle test drives at any one of the more than 1,300 Lincoln dealerships across the U.S. High-resolution plasma screens will be positioned nearby, artfully conveying the Lincoln “Travel Well” brand theme with images, text and interactives.
Triangle Display
Gazebo Creates Attention For GM MasterCard Promo.
This gazebo is being used at mobile marketing and promotional events to draw attention to the GM MasterCard site and allow customers to interact with representatives in a semi-private, sheltered manner.
The gazebo contains a lightweight, durable high impact PVC frame with a new technology samba tent material specifically designed for outdoor and graphic application. The gazebo canopy extends a foot and a half over the counters, ensuring that customers are protected from the elements while applying for the GM MasterCard. It is lightweight, durable, easy to set up and transport.
The gazebo was produced for GM MasterCard by Evolve Marketing Group, a Birmingham, MI-based provider of retail marketing communications services.
Giant Surfboard Display Features Surf Wax Candles
This giant surfboard display promotes a brand new product-Ted Shred’s candles made from surf wax.
The display is constructed from steel tubing and perforated metal.
It is shaped like a surf board to attract attention and convey the unique nature of Ted Shred’s candles. It was shipped to surf retailers who are snapping up both the product and displays.
The display has five shelves to hold a great deal of merchandise in a minimum of floor space. It also provides flexibility for retailers to feature different product assortments. In addition, the display features a colorful header sign.
The surfboard display was produced by Metaline Products, a point-of-purchase display designer and producer located in South Amboy, NJ.
Lumocolor Offers Compact Marker Display
Staedtler has introduced two new Lumocolor instruments, the Lumocolor Permanent Compact and Lumocolor Special Markers, featured on this counter display, which is designed to resemble a Lumocolor pen.
“The Staedtler Lumocolor range has the right pen whatever the application,” said Michael Wiesmann, V.P., of Sales and Marketing for the Company's U.S. operations.
The Lumocolor Compact permanent market feels like a pen and writes like a marker.
Its features include a handy compact size for comfort and precise marking or writing; fine 1-2mm point for sharp and broad lines; writes on almost any surface; waterproof and smear-proof on most porous surfaces; and a dry safe feature prevents the ink from drying out even when the cap is left off for days.
IntelliMat Tapped For Promotion In Sony Style Store
IntelliMat, a new multi-media digital display designed for the floor, is being used in a promotion at the Sony Style Store in New York City.
Introduced by The Egg Factory (TEF), located in Roanoke, VA, IntelliMat is a portable ½" thick display that combines the best of TV and computer technology. Placed on the floor, IntelliMat delivers multi-media, TV-quality advertisements and can be interactive with customers. More importantly, it delivers these messages to consumers in environments where wall space is limited or in front of products where consumers are in a position to buy.
As consumers visit the Sony Style Store, IntelliMat uses colorful video clips and sound for its promotions.
“IntelliMat has been a huge customer draw with its crisp images, color and sound in our store,” said Christine Belich, Sony Style Executive Creative Director.
‘Talking Tent’ Promotes LoJack’s Early Warning System
LoJack wanted to promote its Early Warning System, which calls, e-mails, text messages or pages a person if their vehicle is moved without permission. Working with Connelly Partners, LoJack’s design firm, the concept of a “talking table tent” came to light.
“Our products are primarily sold through the auto dealer channel, and we wanted special POP to create some buzz around the product launch while demonstrating how the product works,” said Lynn Tripp, Product Manager for LoJack. “Car dealers often have tent cards on their sales desks, and in the past we have used the table tent format with success. To make a tent “talk” and demonstrate what the customer would hear if their vehicle was ever moved without permission seemed like a home run.”
The Pop-Up Tent with sound module was produced by Structural Graphics, headquartered in Essex, CT.
P.O.P. Display Supports Clearasil For Men Launch
Clearasil has introduced Clearasil for Men, four new products that combine acne benefits with superior shave performance, at mass retailers and major drug chains.
The line includes Skin Clearing Shave Gel, Skin Clearing After Shave Balm, Energizing Acne Scrub and Face Hair and Body Wash. Clearasil for Men offers active ingredients that treat and prevent acne blemishes. Salicylic Acid and Triclosan battle acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores, while Aloe, Allantoin and Glycerin moisturize and protect.
The Clearasil for Men launch is being supported with point-of-purchase materials in drug and mass outlets.
“Different display configurations are available to satisfy individual retailers’ needs,” said Cris Burson-Thomas, Marketing Manager, Clearasil, Boots Healthcare USA.
Displays Launch Reach Access Floss
Personal Products Co. wanted to promote consumer awareness for its Access floss product, an extension of the Reach brand.
A powerwing/floorstand, counter unit, and clipstrip were designed to highlight the unique floss product packaging, graphics and product design. The curved shape of the powerwing/floorstand was designed to replicate the rounded aspect of the product package. All display graphics were developed to “shout out” the product’s packaging.
More than 90,000 displays were produced and the Company achieved its marketing goal of massive store placement at retail through the use of launch displays.
The Reach Access floss displays were produced for Personal Products Co. by Smurfit-Stone Display Group, based in Sandston VA.
D. J. Graphics
Balanced Choices Offers Healthy Vending Machine
“Balanced Choices,” a new generation of vending machines that reflects the latest emphasis on health and wellness, is being rolled out to universities and health centers in Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago by Canteen Vending Services.
These machines offer a variety of healthy foods and drinks like low fat chips, salads, and smoothies. Some machines will include a computerized center where customers may find nutrition information on the foods, snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Balanced Choices’ extensive offerings include low carbohydrate, low fat, sugar free, caffeine free, hydrating beverages and soy products.
“You won’t find a single candy bar or can of regular soda within Balanced Choices,” said Mike Kiser, CEO of Compass Group’s vending service division.
Low Carb Vending Machine Rolled Out
Pure Foods, LLC is debuting the first low carb vending machine in high schools, private universities and a hotel chain.
Customers will be able to custom load their machines with choices from more than 1,000 low-carb, low fat, sugar free, gluten free and organic products.
Pure Foods, LLC, a Beverly Hills, CA privately held food resource conglomerate, specializing in low-carb, low fat, sugar free, gluten free and organic products, will donate a percentage of all revenue from the vending division to help fight Childhood Obesity in the U.S.
Remy Amerique Shelf Talker Promotes Damrak Gin
Damrak gin, Remy Amerique’s newest brand, has restored this once “fashionable drink” to sophisticated style with an exceptionally smooth taste.
Hailed from Amsterdam, the birthplace of gin, Damrak was created using the oldest known gin recipe in the world.
Handcrafted using a unique blend of citrus and orange flavor, this renewed recipe makes a great drink on the rocks, and is also ideal in cocktails.
Remy Amerique is using shelf talkers at off-premise establishments to call attention to this vintage classic-with a Dam edge.
Reformulated Clearly Canadian Has Half The Carbs
Clearly Canadian Beverages has launched a reformulated Clearly Canadian sparkling flavored water featuring half the carbohydrates and only 45 calories per 8 oz. serving.
“We recognized the heightened demand in today's marketplace for healthier food and beverage choices that provide a lower carbohydrate and calorie choice and still deliver on taste,” said Douglas Mason, President & CEO. “Remaining at the forefront of New Age beverage development, we have reformulated Clearly Canadian to meet the needs of contemporary consumers while staying true to the legacy of our great Clearly Canadian flavors.”
The launch of reformulated Clearly Canadian will be supported with point-of-sale materials strongly communicating the brand’s new “half the carbs, half the calories. same fabulous taste” messaging.
Vitamin Water Featured On Round Display
This round shelf display merchandises Vitamin Water products, a flavored health water infused with vitamins.
The compact display has a premium look with quarter round upright poles. It has a capacity of 36 20-oz. bottles per shelf. A translucent curved header tops the display.
This Vitamin Water round display was created by NYSCO Products, Bronx, NY.
Displays Proclaim Corona ‘Official Time Out’ Sponsor
Corona Extra and Corona Light beers are targeting football fans around the nation this season as the “Official Sponsor Of The Time Out.”
Colorful point-of-purchase displays depict football players taking a “time out” on the field with hamburgers, hot dogs and Corona Extra and Corona Light beer.
Off-premise point-of-sale materials include vertical vinyl banners, pennant strings, base wrap, c-store pricing cards and stand ups.
On-premise point-of-sale materials include 36” inflatable goal posts, two-sided “game of the week” schedule banners, blinky buttons, pennant strings and coasters.
Corona Extra and Corona Light are brewed and bottled by the Grupo Model Brewery in Mexico and imported into the western U.S. by Barton Beers, Ltd., headquartered in Chicago, IL
Advance Auto Parts Kiosk Targets ‘Do-It-Yourselfers’
Advance Auto Parts has launched “We’re Ready With Answers,” a consumer education program that demonstrates to vehicle owners that becoming a “do-it-yourselfer” can save them lots of money.
The Company is displaying a series of 128 “do-it-yourself” brochures that offer the “whys” and “how to” of car maintenance on kiosks in Advance’s 2,500 stores across the country. The brochures cover everything from how to change a distributor cap to cleaning leather seats. The goal of the program is to position Advance Auto Parts as the place consumers can come to learn, and know that someone will walk them through the process of car maintenance and repair.
Twister Pro Display Encourages Impulse Buying
With the introduction of the Twister Pro, Ideal Industries has reinvented the electrical connector, bringing comfort-enhancing SureGrip overmolding to the Company’s popular design, to assure the best grip ever.
Now Ideal is offering its Twister Pro connectors in a unique twist-off/twist-on, transparent container that delivers only as many connectors as the electrician needs. Designed to look like an oversize bolt, this innovative packaging keeps connectors where they belong. Twister Pro connectors are merchandised on a new point-of-purchase display that represents a complete call-to-action on the sales floor. The display features durable steel and plastic construction, along with powerful, hard-selling graphics.
Reebok D’Funkd Window Banner Promotes RBK
Reebok is featuring this D'Funkd Window Banner in select urban specialty stores, to support the launch of its RBK branded retro style basketball apparel.
The retro thematic window banner features vintage NBA team logos to support this exclusive line of products. The D’Funkd logo is prominently placed in the center of the display.
The Reebok D'Funkd Window Banner was designed and produced for Reebok by Rapid Displays, a point-of-purchase display firm based in Chicago, IL and Union City, CA.
Floor Display Merchandises Kobalt Work Gloves
Kobalt is using this floor display to merchandise its work gloves in Lowe’s stores nationwide.
The display has a galvanized side panel, Komatex panels (black), header, bottom panel with kick plate, Sintra silk screened signage and clear pockets with updateable lifestyle images.
The graphics on the display match the packaging graphics to strengthen the brand image.
The display holds a large quantity of work gloves in a minimum amount of space. There are 15 different facings.
This Kobalt work glove display was produced by Display Boys, a p.o.p.display firm based in Irvine, California.
POP Promotes Chile Lime Chicken At El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco Inc. is promoting the return of its popular Chile Lime Chicken for a limited time in El Pollo Loco restaurants.
“We’ve introduced many special flavors through the years, but Chile Lime Chicken has definitely struck a responsive chord with our guests,” said Karen Eadon, Chief Marketing Officer.
The Company is communicating the return of this popular favorite through a multimedia broadcast campaign as well as a wide mix of point-of-purchase vehicles including roof banners, translites and window clings.
Juice It Up! In-Store Banner Supports Summer Promo.
Juice It Up!, a California-based juice bar and smoothie chain, has united with Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. for a Hawaiian themed instant-win game and sampling promotion.
With any 24- or 32-oz. smoothie purchase, consumers receive a game card giving them a chance to win a grand prize trip for two to Hawaii. Juice It Up! has created a specialty branded drink for the promotion; the “Mauna Loa Macadamia Shake.” Consumers who buy a 32-oz. size of this shake get a free pack of Mauna Loa Macadamia nuts.
The promotion is being supported with Hawaiian themed p.o.p. materials, including window decals, counter posters, hanging banners and decorative leis.
The Promotion Shop, Irvine, CA, developed the program for Juice It Up!.
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