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.
Auction It Today on ebay Introduces ‘Store-In-Store’ Kiosk
Auction it Today, an online-auction franchise, has introduced the first, stand-alone kiosk and the only ebay drop-off-store franchise currently using this kiosk service.
“The kiosk service enables every kind of business, even in the most remote areas, to quickly and easily bring in new revenues on an international basis, without having to purchase inventory,” said John Hoose, Auction It Today Founder and President.
Business owners receive personalized training, software and equipment from Auction it Today. In less than two weeks, they can use the kiosk service to sell merchandise on ebay that is currently in their retail store, wholesale products and drop-off items from the public.
Motorola Unveils Destination Q On Chicago’s Magnificent Mile
Motorola is opening a pop-up retail location, dubbed Destination Q, on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. Destination Q gives consumers an exclusive opportunity to experience the Motorola brand brought to life through in-depth, customized and hands-on experiences with its game-changing product line led by the new Motorola Q.
“Motorola stretches the boundaries with innovative products and cool experiences that delight and surprise,” said Ron Garriques, President, Mobile Devices, Motorola. “Destination Q is the first in a series of experiential locations we will bring to consumers, giving them an ‘all-access pass’ to the Motorola brand and its products.”
Taking advantage of a historic marquee location in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile, Destination Q will transform the former Terra Museum into a real-life manifestation of the Motorola brand. Adding to the interactive experience, guests can sample a variety of content including video, Internet updates and music at the innovative Moto Q bar. In the Moto Q lounge, guests can sit back and soak in the high energy of Destination Q. Guests may also purchase a Motorola Q as well as other Motorola products.
CompUSA Sells Items On eBay For Las Vegas Customers
CompUSA has launched the eBay selling program in its Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada stores. Area consumers and businesses wanting to sell items on eBay, but not wanting to hassle with the selling process, have an easier solution by having CompUSA manage it for them.
Customers can monitor their sales online from their own home or office. Once their item sells, customers can choose to redeem their sales profits in cash or CompUSA gift cards. If customers choose cash, they receive 70% of the first $500 of the sale and 80% of any additional earnings, or they can receive 80% of the entire sale in CompUSA gift cards.
“We are always trying to help our customers unleash the power of technology, and while eBay is a great technology solution for businesses and consumers alike, it’s often a hassle when it comes to effectively managing the selling process,” said Larry Mondry, President and CEO of CompUSA. “We’re in a unique position to simplify this for our customers and at the same time extend their buying power at local CompUSA stores.”
Gap Launches ‘Rock Color’ Campaign
Gap’s new Rock Color summer marketing campaign recalls the summer of 1969, the year the Company was founded. Rock Color infuses music and bold colors through every campaign element. The campaign features a pop-up store in the form of a retro-inspired traveling bus and an in-store promotion offering customers the chance to win summer concert tickets.
Gap’s Rock Color Bus will bring Gap stores to summer hot spots in the shape of a late '60's styled school bus. The bus was transformed into a pop-up store by building in shelves and installing a cash register near the driver’s seat.
“The summer of 1969 is part of the visual inspiration for each element of this campaign,” said Kyle Andrew, V.P., Gap Marketing. “Our Rock Color Bus Tour and Summer Concerts will evoke the fun and freedom of summer while enabling us to connect with our customers on a personal level.”
Paiva Debuts Women’s Athletic Boutique
The Finish Line recently debuted Paiva, a premium athletic specialty store that will deliver an upscale shopping experience for active women who demand an elevated level of service and style.
The chain will be primarily mall-based and target women who may engage in athletic activities such as running, fitness/dance, yoga and Pilates, along with seasonal sports including tennis and swimming. Premium brands incorporated into Paiva stores include adidas by Stella McCartney, Nike, Puma, Fila, Under Armour, Speedo and private label apparel called Paiva Essentials.
The inspiration of the store focuses around light and energy as Paiva means sun diety or “of the light.” The Paiva store is luxurious, yet simple. Designed with the female customer in mind, the store environment includes bamboo floors, mobile wall units and fitting rooms, which are easily accessible for strollers.
Levitz Showcases New Store Design
Levitz Furniture, a leading specialty retailer of furniture, bedding and home furnishings, is opening newly renovated stores across the country, starting with a 53,000 square-foot store in Staten Island, NY.
The new store, which boasts 25% more space than its other tri-state area locations, offers customers even more ways to experience Levitz’s brands and value prices including the addition of a Schandig Gallery and a Levitz Kids Store.
The new stores will feature an expanded selection of furniture and bedding; the convenience of wider aisles; better lighting; and more accessible customer service centers.
New Era Cap Opens Flagship Store In NYC
New Era Cap Co. has opened its first flagship store in New York City, featuring the broadest selection of New Era headwear in the world. “Opening New Era: New York presents us with the opportunity to develop a direct relationship with our consumers, while showcasing the great cross section of headwear we make, giving us the ability to satisfy a large audience,” said Sid Dey, New Era’s Director of Retail.
The look of New Era: New York, a 2,000 sq. ft. boutique space, was developed by Jager Di Paola Kemp Design, Burlington, VT, with final design executions by architectural firm TPG. The boutique has a distinguished look, a unique departure from traditional headwear stores, featuring exposed brick, maple hardwood floors, custom cabinetry and iron cast, floor inlays of the company’s logo and the famed visor sticker found on the New Era 59FIFTY, the company’s signature fitted baseball cap.
American Girl Place Opens West Coast Retail Experience
American Girl Place Los Angeles recently opened at The Grove, southern California's renowned shopping destination. The experiential retail experience includes shopping for the American Girl dolls, books and accessories; dining in the American Girl Café and seeing a live musical in the American Girl Theater.
Girls will also delight in the Character Boutiques that bring to life the worlds of American Girl’s beloved historical heroines. Girls can explore the unique display alcoves that showcase each character's entire product line, or learn what life was like for their favorite characters through Peek into the Past historical vitrines.
“American Girl Place Los Angeles provides a special place where girls can share unforgettable experiences with their families and friends,” said Ellen Brothers, President of American Girl.
Embassy Suites & Build-A-Bear Workshop Team Up For Summer Travel Fun
Families and kids traveling with their Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals this summer will now have a place for their furry friends to sleep when they purchase a Build-A-Bear Workshop Sleep Over Pack as part of the Build-A-Bear Workshop promotion at Embassy Suites Hotels.
Guests who book the promotion will receive a Build-A-Bear Workshop themed premium at check-in featuring everything a traveling bear might need for a night away from home including a bear-sized Embassy Suites sleeping bag, dental kit, Embassy Suites Tiny Tees shirt and $5 Bear Buck$ gift card to use at a Build-A-Bear Workshop.
“Embassy Suites Hotels, like Build-A-Bear Workshop, provides outstanding guest experiences and caters to families’ travel needs,” said Maine Clark, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop.
New Markets Emerging For DIY Retailers
Following a five-year boom, do-it-yourself retailers are now placing their hope in three emerging DIY markets: Women, Hispanics and Baby Boomers, for future growth, according to the marketing research firm, Mintel.
“We saw retailers make many outreach efforts last year,” said Justin De Santis, Mintel Analyst. “For example, suppliers introduced new lines of traditionally male-oriented products such as hand tools with ergonomic features, design, and packaging that specifically targeted the female DIYer. There is a major opportunity to provide more targeted products for this group.”
Mintel research reports that close to 60% of women surveyed had undertaken a DIY project in the last year. Major retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot are offering educational workshops, adapting product lines, and making store layouts more female-friendly. To appeal to the growing Hispanic market, retailers are expanding Hispanic and Spanish-speaking staff while continuing to introduce bilingual signage and packaging. The projected number of Hispanic homebuyers will also drive sales opportunities. Baby Boomers are predicted to buy everything from high-end furniture to small barbecues at DIY stores. Home Depot’s recent acquisition of online company Home Decorators Collection sets the stage for more expansion opportunities that can attract this key group. Boomers growing into the 50-65 year-old bracket will cause that segment to be the fastest growing age group in the U.S. until 2010 and Mintel predicts that installation services sales and one-stop shopping will increase as this market seeks more “do it for me”purchases.
“Companies will need to continue providing more programs and services to attract these emerging groups,” De Santis said.
Increase In ‘DIY’ Consumers Presents Opportunities For Home Improvement Stores, Says Vertis Study
According to the Vertis Customer Focus 2006 Home Improvement study, 56% of adults who are planning a home improvement project are the main decision makers and do the work themselves. Among the most popular projects is interior painting with 48% of adults surveyed planning to paint in the next 12 months.
Although the study found many consumers shop at large home improvement stores for their project needs, some are turning to discount stores for minor repair and maintenance supplies. In particular, 37% of men shop at regular discount stores because products are less expensive or because they can purchase the best quality for the price; an increase from 31% in 2004.
Furthermore, only 8% of men stated home improvement stores always have the products they need, compared to 15% in 2004.
New Study Demystifies Why Americans Tend To ‘Try And Buy’
“Touch America: The Consumer Connection,” is a new study on impulse shopping at America’s retail outlets, conducted on behalf of Mass Connections, Cerritos, CA, a retail and shopper marketing services firm.
Highlights of the study include: Three-quarters (76%) of Americans have made a purchase as the direct result of in-store sampling; 83% of shoppers reported that at least a few of the items they have tried at an in-store event has become a recurring purchase. Three studied populations indicated that they might stray from their usual grocery store to seek out a bit of excitement in the form of free tastes or fun events. 63% of interviewees revealed that “new and different types of product signs and displays” would enhance their shopping experience.
American Consumers Are ‘Treasure Hunting’
“Treasure Hunt: Inside The Mind Of The New Consumer,” written by Michael Silverstein, Sr. V.P. at The Boston Consulting Group, reveals dramatic shifts in middle class spending patterns. Consumers today are savvy about the hunt for value: A good bargain is not enough; they want a treasure. Consumers describe this treasure hunt as “best value,” “best quality,” and “best price” all in one.
“Treasure hunting,” according to the author, helps consumers save $100 billion a year. Today’s consumers, mostly women, are “purchasing agents.” “They calculate their savings and are proud of them. While they restlessly search for the best deal, they will not compromise on technical or functional benefits,” said Silverstein. “The emotional benefits are what really count. Companies need to change commodities into treasures, not just bargains. People have tight budgets that force them to make smart, tough choices. In the era of ‘treasure hunting,’ people spend and save creatively. Often it means spending to save.”
‘Never Normal’ Shopping Decade Has Dawned, Claims WSL Strategic Retail
The retail world is spinning out of control, according to WSL Strategic Retail’s 2006 How America Shops Mega Trends study titled, “Swiftly Spinning The Retail Planet.”
Why? Following the dot.com bubble burst and the tragedy of September 11, was the demolition of major U.S. corporations (e.g. Enron, MCI/WorldCom, Arthur Andersen, United Airlines, etc.). Add to that the war in Iraq and natural disasters as well as the rising oil prices. It is no wonder that American shoppers are facing a crisis of confidence not seen in a decade or two.
All this is heralding the beginning of a new shopping decade, one WSL characterizes as the “Never Normal,” so called because shoppers do not know what to expect next. As a result, they have become price conscious and cautious about how, where and when to spend their money.
Supermarkets Seeking Competitive Edge With Niche Market Stores
“Shifting consumer behaviors and attitudes, shorter product lifecycles, new store concepts and competitive pressures from a broad range of retail formats are driving changes in the way food retail companies do business,” said Michael Sansolo, Sr. V.P., Food Marketing Institute (FMI). There is no longer a ‘one format fits all’ supermarket. Understanding the specific needs of targeted consumers and delivering what they need are essential for success.”
According to the study, “Facts About Store Development,” conducted by the FMI, surveyed companies expressed a strong interest in developing niche stores. They are experimenting with a variety of formats, even offering multiple store types in the same market. Gourmet/specialty is the most popular format, offered by 66.7% of companies, followed by natural/organic (50%) and ethnic (25%).
Other notable trends include: Space for cooking demonstrations is offered by 72% of new stores. More than half (53.7%) have a coffee bar and slightly fewer (52.2%) have installed dollar aisles, addressing consumers’ dual desires for convenience and value. In-store pharmacies (55.7%) continue to be popular. One-fourth (25.4%) of companies offer gasoline sales and nearly one in five (18.3%) feature a “quick stop” area where shoppers can purchase household staples and quick meals. The percentage of supermarket companies offering Magazines is (95.5%), Greeting Cards (94.0%), Deli (91.0%), ATM (85.1%), Fresh, prepared foods for takeout (83.6%), Private label products (83.6%), Ethnic Foods Aisle/Section (79.1%) and Floral/Plant shop (76.1%).
Babies ‘R’ Us Conducts Road To Motherhood Tour Across U.S.
In an effort to help parents prepare for the arrival of a child, Babies “R” Us has launched the “Road to Motherhood Tour” in conjunction with Babytalk magazine, Carter’s, GE Healthcare Technologies and Motherhood Maternity. This program is the first of its kind designed to offer expectant and new parents a wide range of relevant information in a unique and entertaining format.
A custom-designed, self-contained 53’ trailer offers information about topics from conception to birth. The tour vehicle includes a series of self-guided exhibits in nearly 1,000 square feet of space. This special exhibit will travel to more than 100 destinations, including Babies "R" Us stores across the U.S. through November. The exhibit culminates in a viewing of a live-to-tape birth of a child in a realistic labor, delivery, recovery, and post-partum maternity area.
Category: Display Systems
Display Producer: Xtra Lite Displays
3451 W. Burnsville Parkway, Suite 100, Burnsville, MN
55337
Xtra Lite produced a series of displays for "Best Buy" which were used by its Human Resources Department as an aid in the hiring of new employees. The displays were used in their stores, at hotels and elsewhere as needed.
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