Interstate Opens All Battery Centers
Known for its automotive batteries, Interstate Battery System International, Dallas, TX, is introducing its newest franchise concept, a store for one-stop shopping for all types of batteries and related power solutions.
Interstate All Battery Centers have “Every Battery For Every Need”-more than 13,000 battery SKUs in stock, from the tiniest watch batteries to the toughest construction equipment to batteries for toys and laptops.
The All Battery Center not only stocks and sells them but can also explain how to install and get the most use out of them.
The fast-growing “all battery” market is expected to top $30 billion by 2010, so it was a natural area of expansion for a battery specialist like Interstate.
Office Depot Runs NASCAR Tie-In Promotion
Office Depot, the Official Office Products Partner of NASCAR, is offering small business owners a rare opportunity to capitalize on both the huge popularity of driver Carl Edwards and the marketing power of NASCAR by naming the “Official Small Business of NASCAR.”
One small business will win the rights to have its company name and logo emblazoned on the No. 99 Office Depot Ford Fusion driven by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards for the final 25 races of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.
“Typically, companies pay millions of dollars for the right to be on a winning race car,” said Tony Ueber, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Office Depot. “We’ve made it as simple as entering the Office Depot sweepstakes.”
Point-of-purchase materials in Office Depot stores will announce the promotion. Display materials include special window banners, floor towers, and a Carl Edwards standee.
First Automated Convenience Store, Shop24, Opens In U.S.
All Seasons Services, a leading provider of dining, vending and office refreshment services with headquarters in Canton, MA, unveiled its first Shop24 automated convenience store unit in the U.S. recently at the State University of New York at Morrisville.
Shop24 offers 24-hour access to as many as 200 items, including anything from milk to a six-pack of soda, batteries, iPod download cards, and health and beauty aids, in a freestanding, self-service, outdoor kiosk.
Consumers are able to create a “Shopping List” and purchase products either with cash, ATM or credit and debit cards by entering the product code on an interactive screen. A robotic arm collects the product and delivers it to the ‘take-out’ gate all within 20 seconds.
Mark Bruno, President of All Seasons Services, said, “Shop24 provides a service-driven and exciting ‘self retail’ solution where you can purchase leading brands, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Machine activity will be monitored in real-time from a remote location utilizing proprietary technology.
Finish Line Unveils Paiva Store For Women
The Finish Line has unveiled Paiva, a premium athletic specialty store that speaks to active, trend conscious women through its products, brands, store environment and level of customer service. The Company selected the name “Paiva,” meaning ‘of the light,’ because light is a source of energy and strength.
The Paiva chain will be primarily mall-based and target 25-40-year-old active women who exercise frequently. Product offerings will feature the best assortment from the top athletic brands in addition to housing a collection of private label fashion basics.
The Paiva store design exudes energy through its materials, design, layout and product assortment. The environment is clean and light, with an inviting, comfortable feel.
First Todd Oldham By La-Z-Boy Store Opens
The first Todd Oldham by La-Z-Boy store recently opened in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. The 2,720-sq. ft. store is the first retail location dedicated to this collection, which combines fashion with function and features furnishings for the living room and family rooms. Since its debut in 2003, world-renowned designer, Todd Oldham, and La-Z-Boy have continually expanded the collection.
“It’s been a dream of mine to open a Todd Oldham by La-Z-Boy store that would showcase the collection’s distinct style, depth and versatility,” said Todd Oldham.
“This collection’s breadth and urban look has been very successful in reaching a new audience and continuing to give consumers a fashion-forward look from La-Z-Boy,” said Kurt Darrow, CEO of La-Z-Boy. “This store will broaden the collection's reach and symbolizes the next step in the strong partnership La-Z-Boy has formed with Todd Oldham.”
Organic Goes Mainstream With Opening Of First Sunflower Market Store
Supervalu has opened its first Sunflower Market store, a value-priced natural and organic foods retail outlet. Located in Indianapolis, IN, the 12,000 sq. ft. store carries natural and organic products and serves as a prototype for the opening of 50 Sunflower Market stores in five years.
Sunflower Market is Supervalu’s response to the rapidly growing demand for natural and organic foods in the U.S. However, the cost of organic foods is the most common obstacle for consumers. Sunflower Market will address that barrier by delivering organic products at a value price point. The store contains: grocery, frozen and dairy departments; produce; deli and cheese; all-natural bakery and café; hormone- and antibiotic-free meat and seafood; beer and wine; and a wellness department.
Bennigan's Introduces Express Concept
Bennigan’s Grill and Tavern has opened its first Bennigan’s Express restaurant in the Diversia Fun Center in Monterrey, Mexico. The Express concept is a smaller version of a traditional Bennigan’s and features a condensed menu for customers on-the-go.
Vince Runco, President Worldwide Franchising for Bennigan’s, said, “Diversia attracts a mix of families and singles looking to enjoy a day of fun and games, and Bennigan's is a restaurant that mixes good food and a lively environment. The flexibility of the Express concept allows us to fit within the space limitations without sacrificing the Bennigan’s experience.”
Starbucks To Participate In Marketing Of Liongate’s Film, ‘Akeelah And The Bee’
Starbucks Entertainment has formed a partnership with Liongate and 2929 Entertainment to participate in all aspects of the marketing of their new film, “Akeelah and the Bee.”
Through an innovative marketing campaign, Starbucks will engage its store customers. This includes offering a large number of Starbucks baristas the opportunity to screen the film prior to its release. Starbucks will also launch an in-store promotion to allow millions of Starbucks customers to experience the fun and inspirational feeling of the movie, including opportunities for sneak previews for its customers and a Wi-Fi network promotion.
“Our customers can look forward to us introducing them to the movie in a fun, experiential way-not the way movies have traditionally been marketed by other quick service restaurants. Just as we have demonstrated with music, we believe that Starbucks can ultimately change the rules of the game for film marketing,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chairman.
Canine Empire To Open In Chicago
Canine Empire will open in Chicago this summer to provide royal treatment for dogs. The 100,000 sq. ft. club for canines includes 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space, an indoor heated swimming pool, monitored play groups, certified professional staff, veterinary technicians on site, 5x5 individual sleeping areas and video surveillance for on-site monitoring.
The facility goes beyond boarding to create a new lifestyle for pets and owners. Owners get the flexibility of 24 hours a day, seven days a week, pick-up and drop-off. The Club will offer unmatched amenities including a wellness and physical therapy center, obedience and agility training and a grooming and style salon.
“Canine Empire is ideal for busy people who love their dogs and want a ‘second home’ for them when they aren’t available,” said Ralph Musicant, Canine Empire CEO.
Discovery Channel Airport Stores Open
Transportation retail specialist Hudson Group has signed an agreement with Discovery Commerce, the retail and licensing arm of Discovery Communications, to open Discovery Channel Airport Stores in airports across North America. Joseph DiDomizio, COO, Hudson Group, said of the partnership, “Discovery’s programming themes have inspired a wide range of high-quality lifestyle merchandise. Their innovative products for kids, leading edge technology and gadgets, health and wellness products, and compelling content for home entertainment resonate with frequent travelers.”
Discovery Channel Airport Stores will present a look and feel very similar to Discovery’s mall-based stores, and will feature a merchandise assortment drawn from Discovery’s existing product lines.
Target Mobile Boutique Hits The Streets
Target recently brought its newest collection by British designer Luella Bartley to the streets of New York as a traveling boutique in a trademark red, London double-decker bus.
This mobile boutique featured the launch collection of Luella Bartley, recently unveiled in Target stores as the first in a series of designer collaborations that will each appear in-store for 90-days.
The double-decker mobile store gave guests the chance to view the new collection limited-edition items.
‘JCPenney Experience’ Comes To Times Square
J.C. Penney is featuring a 15,000-sq. ft., virtual store in Times Square in New York City, to showcase its recent changes. The “JCPenney Experience” store, a showcase for its private and exclusive brands, enables shoppers to purchase the Company’s full range of merchandise at interactive kiosks.
“The JCPenney Experience will be a dramatic statement reflective of the changes taking place at JCPenney,” said Myron Ullman III, CEO. From one of the most visible and visited spots in the world, JCPenney will highlight all that is new at our company. Taken together, the full-scale branding campaign we are launching is designed to reinforce for our customers JCPenney’s commitment to offering exciting styles at smart prices in an easy, convenient shopping environment and make clear to new customers that it really is ‘all inside’ at JCPenney.
Dunkin' Donuts Lifesize Coffee Cups Placed At Logan Airport
Airline passengers at Boston’s Logan Airport recently have been greeted by several life-size Dunkin' Donuts coffee cups located near terminal ticket counters. The cups have become conversation pieces and visitors have been taking photos by the pink and orange logo, which has a strong association with the New England region.
To create these eye-catching icons, Dunkin' Donuts partnered with Hill, Holliday and Airport Marketing Income (AMI). Designed by Hill, Holliday, each cup is constructed using a wooden frame and wrapped in fiberglass. Two of the cups stand alone, anchored by 800 lb. concrete bases. Dunkin' Donuts also has a 117’ graphic at Logan.
Outwater Plastics Industries, Inc., Bogota, NJ, features more than 40,000 product in its catalog, including this new Illuminator Shelf Lighting to dramatically strengthen sales and create measurable R.O.I. This new patented merchandising tool is designed to enhance brand awareness by illuminating facings on the shelf. It is easily and quickly retrofitted to existing shelving without the use of tools. The Illuminator adapts to changing plan-o-grams and focus areas and can be customized to brand specification. To learn more about this product, contact Outwater Plastics personnel at Global Shop, Booth 2502; or call 800-631-8375.
Clip Strip Corporation, Hackensack, NJ, will be showing its "Roto Clips" which grab customer attention with these fun, flexible and functional clear plastic sign holders. This new product is ingeniously designed for a variety of uses and can't help but draw the eye to a message. They are available in 8 eye-appealing versions. To learn more about "Roto Clips" from CSC, contact Arc Shelichach at Global Shop, Booth 2737; or call 973-727-4155.
Diam International, Yonkers, New York, will be showing turnkey displays with power and electronics providing interactivity. Staples needed to update its camera display and ensure that all cameras were powered and secured. Diam provided precise power with power connectors that delivered the exact amount of power. As technology quickly changes, power connectors are simple and inexpensive solutions that avoid the cost and time wasted with reconfiguring electronics. The result is all cameras are powered all the time. Advanced security with multiple activation points protects inventory. Diam can fully develop and produce a display or retrofit to existing displays. To learn more about this product, contact Joe Berzok at Global Shop, Booth 2493; or call 914-771-4200.
Edisplays.Biz, Scottsville, NY, will be showing tiered multi-level display trees which allow many square feet of display space using only inches of floor space. The trees are available in multiple heights and widths, round or rectangular and can hold up to 150 lbs. They are designed to be durable, functional and portable. They disassemble to store flat and require no tools for set-up. To learn more about these display trees, contact Kevin Brown at Global Shop, Booth 8248; or call 585-889-8200.
Thorco, Lamar, MO, will be showing this stylish l2-sided 24" wide metal fixture that can be strategically positioned in high traffic areas for maximum product exposure. The wire grid back panels add versatility by accepting a variety of merchandising accessories. Large curved side panels and oversized headers can be customized to create the look of a custom display. The protective steel deck and heavy-duty casters create a solid base for a long life in the field. To learn more about this display, contact Joel Schwane at Global Shop, Booth 2815; or call 888-484-6726.
Trion Industries, Inc., Wilkes-Barre, PA, offers an expanded line of Shelf Works™ shelf management fixtures which can turn difficult to merchandise freezers and coolers into well-faced, profitable point-of-purchase displays. Available are cooler capable dividers, auto and manual feed pusher systems, label holders, signage systems, shelf talkers and more, all designed to make refrigerated branding and merchandising more profitable. To learn more about these products contact Jim Castellino at Global Shop, Booth 1418; or call 800-444-4665.
MDI will be exhibiting its new V4 line of products, which includes frames, floorstands, ultra-thin light panels, lightboxes and curb signs. Contemporary styling and smooth, curved lines are hallmarks of V4 products. Also, for added convenience, all V4 products are equipped with PosterGrip® front-loading frames. Offered in a wide variety of in-stock items, V4 products can also be customized to client specifications. To learn more about the V4 line of products, contact Susan Terova, Booth 1723, or call 248-488-5783.
Slencil Co., Orange,MA will be showing its Coilpen Replica a useful product which brand marketers are featuring using the convenience store distribution channel. The concept is to provide a high quality replica which is combined with the commercial duty coilpen to be placed at the check out station or lottery terminal, or wherever the pen could be used. The pen draws attention to the branded product inducing an impulse purchase. Boxed goods such as vitamins, medicine, donuts, etc. are all items that may be used as replicas because of the stock shape. To learn more about the Coilpen, contact William Goodwin at Global Shop, Booth 11138; or call 978-544-2171.
Vulcan Spring, Telford, PA, will be introducing a new and versatile end fitting for its best-selling Pullbox security tether/retractor, The Thin Disk, designed for field installation. It can be easily attached to a cable after the cable has been passed through a small hole in the display allowing the Pullbox retractor to remain out of view. The Thin Disk end fitting is flat on both the front and rear sides and the new design allows a cable to be snapped into the fitting without any extra parts. The end fitting provides multiple mounting choices and comes with complete installation instructions. To learn more about The Thin Disk, contact Bob Gustafson at Global Shop, Booth10834; or call 215-721-1721.
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