Polo Ralph Lauren Launches Interactive Window Shopping
Polo Ralph Lauren, a quintessential luxury lifestyle brand, launched an Interactive Store Window at the Company’s 888 Madison Avenue store in New York City.
Cutting edge technology combined with stunning design created an environment where customers could experience the brand in a new way-by browsing content and products directly on the outside of the store window. Projected on the store window, is a 67" image featuring the latest in touch sensory technology.
Consumers can shop even when the store is closed by clicking on the window glass.
This cutting edge technology was launched in conjunction with the Company’s sponsorship of the 2006 US Open and highlights the stylish Polo Ralph Lauren US Open apparel and accessories created exclusively for the tournament.
“After watching Steven Spielberg's Minority Report, I really wanted to find a way of making that technology a retail reality,” said David Lauren, Senior Vice President Advertising, Marketing & Corporate Communications. “We are thrilled to offer such a unique way for our customers to further explore the world of Ralph Lauren; with this initiative we are reinventing the concept of shopping anytime.”
The Interactive Store Window was produced for Polo Ralph Lauren by Selling
Machine Partners, LLC, (www.sellingmachinepartners.com) an Old Lyme, CT-based interactive marketing firm.
Nokia Flagship Store Opens On NYC’s Fifth Avenue
Nokia has opened a Flagship Store on New York City’s Fifth Avenue, providing an interactive, retail environment dedicated to pairing customers with the perfect wireless device.
The store invites guests to explore its three levels of retail space. Each product is displayed on a backdrop of multimedia displays and color-shifting walls. When a customer picks up a device, the multimedia screen behind the product changes from being part of a continuous band of full-motion graphics, to interactive information listing the features of that device. The second level of the store houses the Nseries Lounge, featuring Nokia’s most advanced wireless devices. The third level houses Nokia’s luxury line of handsets created by Vertu.
“A Fifth Avenue address is synonymous with superior service and an elegant shopping experience, which is what we are delivering in our New York Flagship location,” said Cliff Crosbie, Director, Retail & Trade Marketing for Nokia.
Wal-Mart Mexico Launches Digital Signage Network
Group Televisa and Wal-Mart Mexico have launched an in-store media network covering 292 Wal-Mart stores across Mexico.
Consisting of over 5,000 digital signage displays and touchscreen kiosks, the network is centrally managed using FireCast software and media player hardware from WireSpring Technologies, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Content is delivered through large-screen LCD displays in key store locations, as well as touchscreen kiosks in the pharmacy and other areas. Televisa has outsourced the content delivery technology and in-store playback software to WireSpring, to retain its focus on content production and advertising sales.
IntelliMat’s Floor Displays Tested At Toronto-Area Malls
IntelliMat, Roanoke, VA, (www.intellimat.com) is launching a pilot program with The Source by Circuit City to place its digital video signage display mats in stores located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada- area malls.
The IntelliMat is a wireless computer embedded in a thin mat made of a lightweight thermoplastic alloy. With four LCD screens, IntelliMat creates a 30-inch diagonal display with full multi-media capability for lots of color, motion and sound.
The content on the Intellimat's LCD backlit video display can be changed easily and instantly, allowing the retailer to target customers by demographics and day parts. Retailers can highlight specific products or sales, and even broadcast messages.
OfficeMax Launches “Creation Station”
Responding to the Gen Y “Customization Generation,” OfficeMax is offering a new line of customized back-to-school supplies that allows students to express their unique personalities.
OfficeMax locations now include a “Creation Station,” where students can create their own customized notebooks, quickly and easily. The “Creation Station” is stocked with a variety of covers-including an array of textures, colors and finishes-as well as papers and dividers, offering students an opportunity to take the most ordinary of school supplies-the notebook-and make them extraordinary-in a way that fits their personality best.
“From cell phones to MP3 players to back-to-school supplies, students today are looking for unique ways to personalize everything they own” said Bob Thacker, Sr. V.P., Marketing & Advertising at OfficeMax.
FedEx Kinko’s Launches New Retail Concept
FedEx Kinko's has introduced a new store format designed for superior customer service.
The new FedEx Kinko’s store model is smaller than a traditional center and features more than 700 office products and enhanced pack-and-ship stations. The smaller layout makes it more convenient for customers to handle their printing and shipping needs.
“The new concept is part of our larger vision to give customers more access to our office and print services and the FedEx transportation network,” said Kenneth May, CEO of FedEx Kinko’s. “The expanded office supply offerings and enhanced pack-and-ship capabilities will make FedEx Kinko’s more convenient for small business and mobile professionals.”
UPS Store Canada Installs Digital Video Signage
The UPS Store in Canada has selected CCi’s Retail Digital Media Solution to provide dynamic digital video signage to reach customers with targeted and branded messages at the point-of-purchase.
“Increasing customer awareness of all our products and services is critical to our mission of being the destination for the best and most convenient small business and individual consumer business services,” said Malcolm Houser, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The UPS Store Network in Canada. “Digital signage is an excellent medium to deliver relevant and timely messages to our in-store customers to further enhance The UPS Store experience and educate them on all we have to offer.”
CCi, a retail automation solutions firm, has partnered with Real Digital Media whose NEOCAST® digital signage solution has been designed to withstand the challenges of the in-store retail environment.
m-Venue Debuts At McDonald’s
McDonald’s at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL has launched m-Venue, a patent-pending entertainment and marketing platform from Akoo International, that enables McDonald's customers to search, select and “activate” in-store digital content-including music, music videos, and movie previews-with their mobile phones or Internet-connected mobile devices.
m-Venue allows patrons to choose a wide variety of audio and video content from Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Sony Pictures, among others, via text messaging, the mobile internet, or a Wi-Fi-enabled laptop. Selections are performed on demand in designated multimedia zones within the restaurant.
Since the m-Venue platform also tracks consumers’ usage behaviors and preferences in a non-intrusive way, McDonald's locations will be able to employ more effective mobile-based promotions, loyalty and rewards programs, and opt-in targeted marketing campaigns.
Bang & Olufsen Debuts New Store Concept
Bang & Olufsen America, the North American supplier of Danish high end home theaters and custom multi room music systems, has introduced a new 650 sq. ft. store concept, with the first of eight stores to open this fall, beginning with Dallas, TX and then San Jose, CA. The 650 sq. ft. store concept will mirror the larger, full "B1" showrooms with its Scandinavian design and real-life home environments.
The new store concept will represent the full Bang & Olufsen product portfolio and will include three separate home theater set-ups. It will utilize structurally angled walls and rotating walls for space efficiency with Bang & Olufsen’s signature characteristic of magical motion and smooth operation.
The new retail renovation highlights the Company's product integration capabilities in providing state-of-the-art home theaters that converge with various atmosphere control modules, lighting, draperies, etc. alongside its distinct Danish designs.
Carnival’s Flagship Store In Dallas Appeals To Latino Shoppers
The new Carnival flagship store has opened in Dallas, TX, appealing to the Latino shopper with a unique “storefront” and lively graphics with signage in both English and Spanish as well as authentic Mexican food.
The Latino population comprises 36% of the Dallas population and according to the company, they spend 46% more than the general population on groceries. In focus groups, Carnival asked Latino customers what they want in their supermarket and learned that they value fresh produce, fresh meat, fresh baked goods made from scratch and authentic Mexican recipes The pharmacy offers them traditional Mexican remedies along with all the standard U.S. assortment of over-the-counter products and beauty aids.
As shoppers enter the store, they find a “village square” with 14 oak picnic tables where they can eat lunch, breakfast, or dinner.
Kohl’s To Offer Food Network Products
Kohl’s and the Food Network have formed an exclusive licensing relationship to develop a Food Network-branded line of home goods, including cookware, dinnerware, kitchen gadgets, cutlery, pantryware and food storage, kitchen electrics and table linens.
This marks the first home merchandise launch for Food Network. In addition to offering new merchandise, Kohl's and Food Network will integrate marketing opportunities with Food Network programs and celebrity chefs.
“We are thrilled to bring the strength of Food Network into this new arena and believe that our relationship with Kohl’s will extend our brand into the marketplace in an exciting new way,” said Brooke Johnson, President, Food Network.
First Home Depot Fuel Location Opens
The first Home Depot Fuel store has opened in Acworth, Georgia, as the home improvement retailer continues to increase service offerings to professional and do-it-yourself customers.
The new Home Depot Fuel location, situated in front of the Home Depot retail store comprises a 2,700-square-foot convenience store, a filling station and a car wash.
The Home Depot has designed its Fuel stores with an eye on attracting business from contractors in addition to do-it-yourselfers and commuters. Home Depot Fuel is a new concept being tested by the Company.
Circuit City Launches firedog
Responding to a growing demand for help with using and enjoying electronic products, Circuit City Stores has created the firedog brand to provide a new level of personal computer services, home theater installation and integration of home electronics. Firedog branded fixtures, vehicles and uniformed personnel will begin appearing at more than 600 Circuit City Superstores across the country to provide in-store and in-home PC services.
“We chose the name firedog because it evokes the kind of qualities we intend our technicians and installers to provide: helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and reliable,” said Philip Schoonover, CEO of Circuit City Stores. “When it comes to improving consumers’ relationship with technology, we want firedog to be your best friend.”
Outwater Plastics Industries has introduced Cable Shelving Hardware to enable items to be creatively “suspended” in a variety of configurations. Outwater’s new line of Cable Shelving Hardware is suitable for floor to ceiling, wall to wall and wall to floor applications, Outwater’s Cable Shelving Hardware is offered in different kitted arrangements comprising various lengths of high strength 1/16" galvanized aircraft cable along with supplementary sleek fittings and connectors that can accommodate up to four 12"x30" 3/8" thick glass shelves. For more information, contact Outwater Plastics Industries, 24 River Road, Bogota, NJ 07603; (Tel) 800-631-8375, 201-498-8750, (Fax) 800-888-3315, (Web) www.outwater.com.
Clip Strip Corp. is introducing the Clever Clip Style Merchandising Strip, for selling a broad range of bulky and difficult to display items. Since users decide how to space the clips, the Clever Clip Style Merchandise Strip is adaptable to different products. Combining the spring hinged Clever Clip with a durable, polyethylene chain (36" or 48" long with ¾" x ½" links) and then adding an "S" hook, creates this highly adaptable display strip. For more information, contact Clip Strip Corp; 343 South River St., Hackensack, NJ 07601; (Tel) 800-425-4778, (Fax) 201-342-1438, (Web) www.clipstrip.com.
Caccia Fashions Selects iGotcha Media For Digital Signage
Caccia Fashions, the exclusive licensee of Marc Ecko Enterprise Brands in Canada, has selected iGotcha Media to manage its EckoTV digital signage campaign across the country.
Launched recently at Athlete’s World 23rd Street in the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, EckoTV airs on four 42-inch LCD screens positioned at key locations in the Ecko Unltd. Boutique. EckoTV airs product information and entertainment including music videos.
“iGotcha's digital signage is an innovative and cost effective medium that provides direct access to prospective buyers on the shop floor,” said Brian Berenson, Brand Director, Caccia Fashions.
For more information, contact iGotcha Media, 4020 St-Ambroise, Suite 268, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4C 2C7; (Tel) 514-448-4016; (Fax) 514-907-1957; (Web) www.i-gotcha.com.
‘Be Iced’ Features Unique Visuals
Be Iced wanted an in-store environment that supported its brand as an upscale purveyor of fine jewelry.
Be Iced worked with ScreenPlay, a designer of customized audiovisual environments, to create the in-store visuals for the flagship Be Iced store. ScreenPlay developed a silent video program that conveyed Be Iced brand messages through full-motion media, and custom animation on a 42” plasma screen.
Pinquist's POWERFRAME™ system is a solution for displaying oversized and custom graphics in a variety of settings. Whether it's a 20' backdrop for a local event, or a trade show exhibit, the POWERFRAME™ will provide your custom graphics with the added "pop" they deserve. Available in a wide range of custom shapes, and sizes, the POWERFRAME™ is made in the USA from the highest quality steel and engineered for easy set up and break down. A canvas carrying case is offered for extra portability. For more information, contact Pinquist Tool & Die Co., Inc. 63 Meserole Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11222. (Web Site) www.pinquisttool.com
Testrite Instrument Co., Inc. offers Promo Banner Stands for displaying graphics up to 72" tall. Common features for both the Pole Pocket and Hook/Loop stands are: adjustable height center poles to accommodate varying size banners and a quality "G" lock, which allows for quick height adjustments to 72". The bottom graphic holder slides up and down the center pole for ease of use. The Promo Banner Stands come with a standard 12" square base that weighs 3 ¾ lbs. Widths are all 24" standard with other widths available by special order. For more information, contact Testrite Instrument Co., 216 South Newman Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, (Web Site) www.testrite.com.
Southern Imperial's stock EMLine displays can be mixed and matched to display DVDs, CDs, Magazines, PC Games, books, and more. EMLine kits are durable and versatile for lightweight or heavy products. Each profile is constructed of a nearly unbreakable polycarbonate extrusion. Each bracket is designed of high strength, stamped steel. For more information, contact Southern Imperial, Inc., 1400 Eddy Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104, (Web Site) www.southernimperial.com.
Brochure Holders, Inc., offers a unique brochure holder that ships flat and quickly assembles into a sturdy, economical brochure holder. The holder is made from clear K resin, giving it the properties of a "living hinge," preventing breakage on the folded areas, and tough enough to hold a full pocket of literature. The brochure holder is versatile, because it can be placed on a counter or mounted on a wall. The K resin provides an excellent surface for printing. The FNH 104 unit is 4 1/8 wide and 1 1/2 deep, standing 6 3/4 tall. The FNH 104 DP (Deep pocket ) is 3 inches deep for extra capacity. On average , shipping costs are 45 % less than with conventional rigid holders. For more information, contact Brochure Holders, Inc., Unit 2-20215-102 Avenue, Langley B.C. Canada V1M 4B4, (Web Site) www.brochureholders.com.
Post Up Stand maintains a huge inventory of retractable banner stands, poster in motion displays, double-sided banner stands, tabletop displays, restaurant boards and trade show displays. The systems are lightweight, durable. They make it easy to change graphics for different promotions. For more information, contact Post Up Stand, 7500 Exchange Street, Cleveland OH 44125, (Web Site) www.postupstand.com.
H&M’s Flagship Displays Interactive Window
CeeLite, Lansdale, PA, (www.ceelite.com) collaborated with BluOcean Media, New York City, to create an interactive illuminated window display for H&M’s New York flagship store.
The display introduced pop icon, Madonna as H&M’s new celebrity spokesperson.
BluOcean Media’s large format graphics illuminated by CeeLite's Light Emitting Capacitor (LEC) panels, were suspended from the ceilings of floor-to-ceiling windows. The project utilized 72 3' x 5' CeeLite LEC panels to illuminate five two-story high images of Madonna.
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