House Of Hoops Is Unique Basketball Retail Experience
NIKE and Foot Locker have opened the doors to House of Hoops by Foot Locker on Harlem's 125th Street, a first-of-its-kind basketball retail experience with Nike, Jordan Brand and Converse exclusively under one roof.
“House of Hoops is a hub for all things basketball and a new home for consumers who live and breathe the game,” said Charlie Denson, President of the Nike Brand. "It's the ultimate basketball store. House of Hoops offers a stellar line-up of performance and basketball inspired footwear, apparel and equipment from the game's biggest names, meeting the needs of the every day player."
As the ultimate consumer experience, House of Hoops flagship stores will feature basketball product available nowhere else in the U.S., including coveted player exclusive footwear. These limited edition personalized performance shoes include the embellishments that All-Star players like Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd and rookie Kevin Durant have on the shoes they lace up on court each night. These styles will be made available for the first time at House of Hoops. At House of Hoops, the Hoops Essentials area gives players the chance to hook up their look from head to toe in the colors of their choice. The VIP Area allows them to read magazines, or check out commercials and behind the scenes interviews with top players-all from leather chairs in front of a 65-inch TV screen. House of Hoops also introduces the Scorer's Table, with special touches like customized t-
shirts and a specialized electronic community board with a ticker posting real-time scores from local high school basketball games, relevant basketball news, and information about upcoming store events.
Gibson Guitar Debuts First Robot Guitar
Gibson Guitar has announced the availability of the world’s first guitar with robotic technology, the Gibson Les Paul Robot Guitar, which eliminates tuning problems for guitarists. It automatically tunes to standard A440 tuning. It also allows players to access six commonly used altered tuning presets at the push of a button. With the locking tuner, single string changes or changing the entire set of strings are an automated breeze.
The system consists of five high technology components which are extremely light and do not change the instrument in any way.
The world's 1st run limited edition version of Gibson Les Paul Robot Guitars will initially be displayed at only 400 dealers throughout the world.
Makro Uses Fastrak Interactive Solutions To Boost Sales
The UK Warehouse Club Chain, Makro, recently used shelf-edge displayers throughout a 20’ inline set for 19 weeks.
The 5.4" LCDs showed a brief educational video about new UK restaurant regulations and specifically how the product would help them comply; the 2.5" screens were used to flash promotional messaging and prices. In addition to the screen technology, to attract shoppers to the display from a distance, shelf-edge Illuminators were used with a 2.5" illuminated ticketstrip for added branding.
The interactive shelf-edge dsiplayers and Illuminators were provided by Fastrak Retail, (www.fastrakretail.com) a Charlotte, NC-based manufacturer of interactive display solutions.
Provo Craft Displays Information Center
Provo Craft. a Spanish Fork, UT-based crafts firm is using this permanent metal display, which features an on-demand video to educate the consumer on the product attributes and advantages of three products.
Battery-operated, the display unit has brackets that easily installs to existing retail fixtures and requires no electrical source. The video operates with a programmable chip that can be exchanged to easily update the promotion.
Consumers simply press a button to view the desired video.
The front panel graphics can be replaced or changed out with a new label.
This Information Center display was created for Provo Craft by Kendal King Group, a Kansas City, KS-based point-of-purchase display firm.
Virgin Megastores Expand Digital Marketing Effort
Virgin Megastore’s West Coast flagship location in Hollywood has expanded its digital marketing technology pilot.
A giant s-curved film strip hangs overhead horizontally and consists of three screens, each rotating movie content on its own schedule. The curved screens display individual trailers of the latest movie releases. For major movie premieres, the system will also support a “media blast” where all three screens can simultaneously display the same content.
“We were looking for a creative way to support our media partners in promoting their top DVD releases,” said Dee McLaughlin, V.P., Marketing, Virgin Entertainment Group.
The digital marketing film strip solution was provided by Epson America, headquartered in Long Beach, CA.
‘Family Guy’ & Subway Run National Promotion
More than 22,000 SUBWAY Restaurants are hosting “Family Guy,” in a variety of fun in-store promotional materials as part of a promotion with 20th Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising.
“Tying in with Family Guy is a great way to be current and connect with young men,” said Tony Pace, Sr. V.P., Chief Marketing Officer, Subway. “We were looking for a way to drive trial and awareness of our new sandwich, The Feast. Leveraging one of the top rated programs on television and using Peter Griffin seemed like a natural fit.”
As part of the Family Guy promotion, SUBWAY Restaurants will feature point-of-sale signage and provide diners with the option of receiving a collector’s cup.
Noodles & Co. Launches Good Balance Campaign
Noodles & Company, the Broomfield, CO-headquartered, globally inspired restaurant serving Asian, Mediterranean and American noodle bowls, soups and salads, has launched its Good Balance educational program.
Ross Kamens, Noodles & Company’s Executive Chef, said, “With the launch of the Good Balance program, we’re teaching guests about our dishes and how to easily satisfy their palate while achieving personal balance in all categories of our menu. Two-thirds of Noodles & Company's menu can be enjoyed for less than 500 calories.
Supportive point-of-sale signage throughout the restaurant will provide nutritional information and give tips on how to manage calories, fat and sodium, and achieve good nutritional balance.
Bennigan’s Opens Bennigan’s SPORT
Bennigan’s SPORT, the first sports bar concept from Metromedia Restaurant Group (MRG), opened its second U.S. location in Merriville, Ind. The restaurant features free WiFi, 28 Plasma TVs, a lounge area, 20 beers on tap, signature beer blends, 25 bottle label beers and 12 classic canned labels. The interior has been updated with stonework and steel touches.
Flynn Dekker, Sr. V.P., Marketing for MRG, said, “We wanted this restaurant to reflect the feel of the area, so we chose décor and photography that pays homage to local sports favorites like the Chicago Bears, Bulls and Cubs.”
Borders To Open First U.S. Stand-Alone Paperchase Shop
Borders, Inc. will open its first stand-alone Paperchase shop in the U.S. on Boston’s famed Newbury Street.
Paperchase is the London-based retail brand leader in design-led stationery. Borders Group acquired Paperchase Products in 2004. Since then, Paperchase shops have been added to over 300 Borders superstores, and the company has committed to further expansion in Borders superstores as well as through larger, stand-alone stores.
The new 1,525-sq. ft. Paperchase shop in Boston, will offer a unique collection of high-design greeting cards, stationery, gift items, seasonal decor, gift wrap, diaries and more.
“Paperchase is an exciting, fashion-driven brand unlike anything that exists today in the U.S.,” said Borders Group CEO George Jones.
HMSHost Launches Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill
HMSHost Corp., a world leader in travel dining and shopping, plans to open Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill, a new island style café developed in partnership with local Maui resident Sammy Hagar at the Kahului Airport in Hawaii. Steve Johnson, HMSHost Sr. V.P., Business Development, said, “HMSHost’s food and beverage offerings at Kahului Airport will be expanded while maintaining the nature and character of the Hawaiian Islands.”
Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill, developed with Sammy Hagar of Van Halen fame, will offer classic American fare with an island twist in a casual, beach-inspired atmosphere. The restaurant will feature signed memorabilia from Hagar’s own personal collection amidst Sammy Hagar, Van Halen and other rock and surf inspired music.
Custom Banner & Media offers a large selection of retractable and motorized scrolling banner stands, for in-store displays, exhibits and events. The height of this scrolling banner stand is adjustable. For more information, contact Custom Banner & Media 19 Buffum Road, North Berwick, ME 03906, (Tel) 800-926-7643; (Web) www.custombanner.org.
Focus Packaging and Display Group offers Lenticular Products for display applications. Focus lenticular products are made from a high density lenticular lense. This lense can be used with low-tack film applications to warrant non-adhesive film sticking to surfaces. Applications for doors, windows and backlite Duratrans have been very popular with the economically priced new lenticular lenses that provide a high quality 3-D or Zoom effect. For more information about Lenticular Display products, contact Focus Packaging and Display Group, 10328 Highlands West Drive, Escondido, CA 92029; (Tel.) 858-695-3353 (Fax) 858-695-9503; (Web Site) www.focuspackaging.com.
Globotech offers the ROLLO retractable banner stand. The ROLLO is extremely portable. It sets up quickly with no tools. The Aluminium banner stand, which is lightweight and durable, is available in one-sided and two-sided versions. Graphics are easily changed for different promotions. For more information, contact Globotech, 9863 Pacific Heights Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121; (Tel.) 858-682-7088; (Fax) 858-558-8851; (Web Site) www.globotechdisplays.com.
Heritage Signs & Displays creates custom mirrored displays in a wide variety of styles. Options include square, round, distinctively shaped, beveled, lighted, custom framed, polarized or electroluminescent motion, screen printed, or with full color lithographs. For more information, contact Heritage Sign & Display, 344 Industrial Road, Nesquehoning, PA 18240; (Tel.) 570-645-8701; (Fax) 570-645-2178; (Web Site) www.popsigns.com.
Testrite Visual Products, Inc., has introduced StandTall™ Signholders. These oversized stands accommodate graphics up to 1/4" thick. When the signholders are angled to lean back 10º, they attract attention and draw traffic into an area. They can also be displayed upright with graphics on both sides. The 22 x 48 " signholder is available with a Matte Black or Satin Silver frame. For more information, contact Testrite Visual Products, 216 South Newman Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601; (Tel) 888-873-2735; (Web Site) www.testrite.com.
Above All Advertising, Inc., can provide full-color, digitally printed banners and retractable banner stands for indoor or outdoor use. Above All can work with a wide array of banner media, including fabrics, paper and vinyls. It specializes in large and grand format printing with durable Solvent and UV Cure Inks. It offers banners with sewn hems or grommets. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Rd, San Diego, CA 92126; (Tel.) 866-552-2683 (Fax) 858-777-3537 (Web Site) www.abovealladvertising.
Intercept Corp. has introduced the Professional Kiosk with Backlit Header. This kiosk unit, which may be used for product sampling at stores, malls, and special events, features a curved illuminated sign for maximum visibility. The unit is portable and easy to set up. For more information, contact Intercept Corp., 7847 College Road, Baxter, MN 56425; (Tel) 218-828-8177; (Web) www.kwikstand.com.
Aurora Borealis Group specializes in creating p.o.p. signs and displays constructed from molded polyurethane foam as well as fiberglass. The company can create illuminated polyurethane signs combined with acrylic, metal and fiberglass to create unique wall mounted and back bar signage. Molded polyurethane displays are durable and cost effective. For more information, contact Aurora Borealis Group, 2821 N 4th St, Milwaukee, WI 53212, (Tel.) 262-242-1585; (Web) www.aurora-borealis-group.com.
Outwater Plastics
Change-a-Brill offers changeable, illuminated signs that are far brighter than traditional neon signs. In addition, the signs are more durable than neon signs. Change-a-Brill signs consist of a plastic shell enclosure, a replaceable faceplate, an ultra bright fluorescent system and a patented light reflector system. This creates a continuous plane of critically consistent, extremely bright, white light. Graphics printed on the front faceplate can closely match print standards to maintain brand integrity. For more information, contact The Change-a-Brill Company, 715C South Washington St, Milford, DE 19963; (Tel.) 888-307-8282, 302-856-3400; (Fax) 302-856-3040; (Web Site) www.change-a-brill.com.
Mutoh America Inc., a leading manufacturer of large format piezo-electric inkjet printers has introduced The ValueJet 1608, a new environmentally friendly hybrid printer solution. The ValueJet 1608 - 64" roll to roll, flatbed machine uses Mubio Ink, recognized by the EPA Design for Environment Program. The ValueJet 1304-54" eco-Solvent printer incorporates Mutoh’s intelligent interweave print technology. The ValueJet 1304 can reach speeds up to 140 sq.ft. an hour at 720 x 720dpi. For more information, contact Mutoh America, 2602 South 47th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034; (Tel.) 480-968-7772; (Web Site) www.mutoh.com.
Proprint Services Inc., prints wobblers, highly effective attention grabbers at the point-of-purchase. Proprint produces wobblers on hop syn, card stock or styrene. These litho printed four color process wobblers are die cut into shapes for increased impact. Proprint offers fast turnaround times enabling marketers to quickly implement a p.o.p. marketing campaign. For more information, contact Proprint Services, Inc., 5621 Finch Avenue East Unit #5, Toronto, Ont. Canada M1B 2T9; (Tel.) 888-776-7768, (416-754-3028 (Fax) 416-754-3119; (Web Site) www.www.pop-online.com.
ExpoDisplays, has introduced the MarketPro™ banner stand. Unlike standard rectangular stands, MarketPro™ utilizes custom-shaped, curved graphics that are unique, eye-catching, and easy to change. MarketPro™ can display single or dual sided full-color ink jet banner graphics or sleek fabric sock graphics. For more information, contact ExpoDisplays, 3401 Mary Taylor Road, Birmingham, AL 35235; (Tel) 205-439-8221, (Web Site) www.expodisplays.com.
Antares Lighting offers sleek and compact commercial lighting products for applications ranging from lightboxes, cabinetry, and shelving to exhibits and displays. Its T4 Odyssey and T5 Geminix fluorescent fixtures feature built-in electronic ballasts and an extremely slim profile. The Odyssey and Geminix fixtures are 7/8" wide, 1 5/8" high, and come in lengths ranging from 9" to 58". For more information, contact Antares Lighting, 10838 Bloomfield Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670; (Tel.) 562-903-7700; (Web Site) www.antareslighting.com.
Sterling Promotional Corp.
Illuma Display Inc., offers The Illuma-Graphic Stand, an illuminated, free standing, curved and frameless graphics stand for display, trade show exhibit and promotional applications. The Illuma-Graphic Stand is lightweight and portable. The double-sided graphic stand measures 60”H x 20”W to provide powerful visual impact. Graphics are easily changed to update the display. The units are constructed of all metal parts that feature a scratch-resistant powder coat finish for durability. For more information about the Illuma-Graphic Stand, contact Illuma Display Inc., P.O. Box 1531, Brookfield, WI 53008-1531; (Tel.) 262-446-9220; (Fax) 262-446-9260; (Web Site) www.illumadisplay.com.
Clearr Corp. offers the TriAd E, its most economical 3-message prismatic display. Triad E displays feature a sturdy, vacuum-formed plastic exterior, and extruded clear-plastic prisms with a slide-in graphic feature, making the display attractive, lightweight and easy to use. In addition to the standard housing (shown) custom housings are available. Triad E is also available with an ultra-economical cardboard structure, for the ultimate in affordability. Both battery- and AC-power operation are available. In all configurations, the dramatic “wave-effect” motion attracts attention, encouraging repeated viewing. TriAd E is available in several standard sizes. For more information, contact Clearr Corporation, 6325 Sandburg Road, Minneapolis, MN 55427; (Tel.) 763-398-5400; (Web Site) www.clearrcorp.com.
Joseph Struhl Company
Newtec Systems has introduced the Easy Show modular banner display system for in-store advertising, trade show exhibits and promotional events. The system can be adapted for a wide variety of applications and can be set up in minutes. The system is light weight, yet extremely durable with unbreakable stainless steel connecting elements. For more information, contact Newtec Systems Inc., 9 Industrial Parkway South, Unit 5, Aurora, ON Canada, L4G 3V9; (Tel.) 905-727-6631; (Web Site) www.newtecststems.ca.
Promo Print Solutions, Inc., has introduced the Econo Pole Topper, an economical way to draw extra attention to a display. The Econo Pole Topper© eliminates the process of mounting a litho label to corrugate as with standard pole toppers. The Pole Topper ships flat and sets up quickly. For more information, contact Promo Print Solutions, Inc., 420 S. Koeller Street, Suite 208, Oshkosh, WI 54902; (Tel.) 920-233-7900; (Fax) 920-233-7913; (Web Site) www.promosolutions.com.
Custom Chevy’s HHRs Promote Cintron Drinks
Cintron Beverage Group is taking its line of energy drinks and teas on the road in a fleet of tricked out Chevy HHRs, sporting high-impact Cintron graphics that embody Cintron’s beverage line. The fleet of HHRs will be used by the Cintron sales and marketing team for sales calls and special events, including offshore racing events where Cintron’s powerboats compete.
The black and silver Cintron HHRs feature customized visors and running boards as well as paint jobs that showcase the Cintron logo in bold graphics with the slogan, “An energy drink that tastes great!” The distinctive Cintron Liquid Energy can is featured on the roof of the HHR.
“Our fleet of HHRs is the ideal platform to raise brand awareness of Cintron energy drinks during our aggressive product rollout,” said Wes Wyatt, CEO of Philadelphia-based Cintron Beverage Group.
Five Rivers Winery Runs ‘Save A Goddess’ Cancer Campaign
Five Rivers Winery, has broadened its efforts to raise funds for all female-related cancers with a year-long integrated promotional effort focused around an opportunity for consumers to Save A Goddess.
The selected real-life Goddesses, all touched by cancer, will inspire others to action, said John Tichenor, Group Brand Director, Brown-Forman.
Nominations for the Save A Goddess effort will be taken at www.FiveRiversWinery.com. A new Goddess will be selected bi-monthly and will receive a $250 spa finder gift card.
A wide array of Save A Goddess materials have been created including pink bottle collars, case cards, shelf-talkers and table tents.
Jim Beam Bourbon Places Largest Distilled Spirits Ad Around Rio Hotel In Las Vegas
Jim Beam, along with the RIO All-Suite Hotel & Casino teamed up to unveil the world's largest distilled spirits advertisement, measuring 32,000 square feet and 40 stories, roughly 400 feet tall, on the side of the iconic RIO All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The ad celebrated the recent Senate Resolution establishing National Bourbon Heritage Month.
“This ad reinforces Jim Beam's ongoing commitment to the history and tradition of bourbon,” said Kevin Cooke, Regional V.P., Beam Global Wine & Spirits. “And Las Vegas has the highest per capita distilled spirits consumption in the country so it's the ideal place to celebrate the only distilled spirit that’s native to America - bourbon.”
The Jim Beam Heritage Trailer is also on-site, featuring historical displays and exclusive Jim Beam Racing videos and racing memorabilia from Jim Beam Racing drivers Robby Gordon of NASCAR(R) and Michael Andretti of the Indy Racing League(R).
“Jim Beam may be the largest ‘guest’ we've ever hosted at our hotel!” said Michael Weaver, V.P., Marketing of the RIO All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
The larger-than-life ad features an oversized bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon and reaffirms that Jim Beam has been true to its recipe for more than 200 years with the phrase: “Not available in pomegranate.”
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