The NBA Announces Retail Progam
The National Basketball Association has announced its "Global Retail Environment Program," (GREP) that will create unified NBA-branded visual impact zones at retail. Retailers who utilize the GREP will have access to exclusive proprietary products as well as targeted promotional programs from the league.
The GREP will provide retailers, to a varying scale, features of the recently opened NBA store in New York City, such as custom-built fixturing inspired by playgrounds, arenas and gymnasiums; videos of game action highlights: special events such as player appearances and multimedia attractions including NBA video game kiosks. The GREP will offer three different sizes of visual impact areas: the NBA Shop (350-600 sq. Ft.), the NBA Court (200-350 sq. Ft.) and the NBA Zone (50-200 sq. Ft.). Fixtures and display pieces incorporate the maple wood, metal fencing, and rotating-content graphics of the units found in the NBA Store.
Chris Heyn. Sr. V.P., NBA Consumer Products Group, said, "In introducing the GREP, we are creating retail areas that will use the assets of the NBA to emphasize the link between the game and consumer lifestyle, which we believe will attract new customers, and maximize sales for our licensees and retailers."
555 DFM/Automatic Inc., a Chicago-based design and manufacturing firm helped develop the GREP program, and will work with the NBA to assist retailers in customizing fixtures and displays for individual environments.
Sears Canada Launches Nevada Bob’s Golf Shops In Its Stores
Sears Canada has launched Nevada Bob’s golf shops in seven of its stores. Based on the success of this test, the Nevada Bob’s store-within-a-store concept will be rolled out to more than half the Sears stores across Canada. The agreement pairs Canada’s largest single department store with Canada’s largest specialty golf retailer. Nevada Bob’s at Sears’ shops will offer a broad range of golf equipment, accessories and apparel in shops staffed by Nevada Bob’s sales professionals.
According to Paul Walters, Sears Canada’s Chairman and CEO, 4.8 million Canadian golfers spend more than $1.5 billion a year on golf equipment, accessories and apparel. "Nevada Bob’s at Sears is a response to consumer demand," he said.
Brunswick ‘Zone’ Offers Prototype For 21st Century Bowling Alley
The Brunswick Corp. has embarked on a new branding effort that converts bowling alleys into bowling "zones." The Lake Forest, IL-based bowling company is testing the "bowling zone" concept at three Chicago-area bowling centers. The "zones" are new prototypes for 21st century bowling alleys, featuring big screen televisions, interactive video games and food kiosks that the Company hopes will attract a younger market.
"These new facilities are going to open some eyes about our sport and where it’s headed in the next century," said Warren Flanigan, Vice President of Operations at Brunswick Recreation Center. "We’re repositioning the traditional bowling alley to one that will appeal to all members of the family. It’s family entertainment enhanced by a facility that is lighter, brighter and more friendly."
Vans And The Mills Corp. Partnership To Expand Skate Parks
Vans, Inc. is joining with The Mills Corp. to co-develop large-scale skate parks: Ontario Mills in Ontario, CA, Potomac Mills in Prince William, VA and Vaughan Mills, north of Toronto, Canada.
The Ontario Mills skate park is scheduled to open in Fall 1999. The skate park will be a 60,000 square foot facility, catering to both skateboard and BMX bike enthusiasts.
"Our strategy is to aggressively push forward on those aspects of the business we can most directly impact such as our retail stores and our unique marketing and entertainment concepts and venues," said Gary Schoenfeld, President and CEO of Vans, Inc.
Carbite Golf Display Shows Polar Balanced Putters
This Carbite Golf Polar Balanced Putter display has been successfully placed in golf pro shops and major sporting goods chains across the country.
It was fabricated entirely of Celtec, the expanded PVC sheet manufactured by Vycom of Moosic, PA. The display was produced by Formula Designs of San Diego, CA.
Ebonite Display Features Strength & Durability
Ebonite, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of bowling balls, was encountering serious breakage issues with its bowling ball display units. Enhance Industries, Riverside, CA, a custom manufacturer specializing in the design and manufacturer of made-to-order fabricated display units, designed a new display for Ebonite using CYRO Industries’ HP multipolymer sheet to replace the existing breaking displays.
During field testing, the new display made with HP sheet held fast each time. The result was a 100% improvement in unit strength and reliability. The new display, measuring 3.5-inches tall by 10.5-inches wide by 9.5-inches deep, and weighing just under two pounds, is also quite versatile serving a dual purpose as both a slat wall and countertop display.
TASCO MILLENNIUM BINOCULAR DISPLAY. The objective was to launch a new line of binoculars and secure space "in case" for the line, while educating buyers on the features of the product. Which includes an incentives of a free "countdown to the millennium" clock, with purchase. The display has a custom lacquer finished MDF base, with laser cut "blue ice" acrylic product platform. The display is shipped k/d in a carton only 2 ½" thick. Created by Acrylic Designs Inc., 100 River Street, Springfield, Vermont 05156. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
Atomic Ski USA Freestanding Ski Merchandiser
The objective of this display was to create a conspicuous presence in ski shops and secure space for presentation of the complete line. The use of natural and high-tech materials combines the outdoor nature of skiing with the technological aspects of the skis. These displays are being well received. The Atomic Ski USA Freestanding Ski Merchandiser was created by Acrylic Designs Inc., 100 River Street, Springfield, Vermont 05156.
Worth, Inc. Bat, Glove and Bag Display
Worth wanted a display which would maximize usage of space, set it apart from its competition, avoid having to remove old product lines when introducing new products and educate the consumer on increasing technology in an environment where they receive little if any assistance. This 4-sided display holds 72 bats, 16 fielders’ gloves, 4 dozen batting gloves and 12 equipment bags. The display holds $16,000 of product in a 40" x 40" footprint. The freestanding display allowed Worth to create its own island and separate itself from the competition, as well as giving the brand more prominence. Six large graphics cards educated the consumer on new technology and all feature and benefit information. The design of the display coupled with the oversized headers helped establish Worth as a premium brand. The Worth Bat, Glove and Bag Display was created by Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc., 1975 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton, WI 53024.
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