Miller Opens ‘Miller Cool Zones’
Nascent Foodservice, the leading distributor of imported products in Mexico, recently partnered with club store chain, Smart and Final De Mexico, with 10 locations in California, for a Miller beer promotion. Nascent created a store within a store concept called the “Miller Cool Zone,” promoting the Miller beer brand in these Smart and Final outlets.
Sandro Piancone, CEO of Nascent, said, “We are excited to partner with Smart and Final De Mexico by creating a store-within-store concept, the ‘Miller Cool Zone’ for its beer outlet locations. This will enable us to expand the reach of the Miller beer brand and expand Nascent’s relationship with Smart and Final.”
Captain Morgan Launches Original Spiced100 Proof Rum
Diageo has introduced Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum nationwide. The new spirit is available nationwide in a range of sizes from 50ML to 1.75L. The new blend has a pleasant and robust taste balanced with delicious spices, and is a great alternative for Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum drinkers who are looking for a full-flavored taste.
“Captain Morgan 100 Proof Spiced Rum offers a hint of vanilla and dry fruits, creating an exceptionally different and smooth taste,” said Nagisa Manabe, Vice President, Captain Morgan. An array of colorful point-of-sale materials will support the launch of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum.
Walmart 'Rock Again AC/DC Store' Launches New Album
AC/DC has joined forces with Walmart for the exclusive sale of Black Ice -- AC/DC's first album in eight years, at all Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations. The band’s AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band(R) Track Pack(TM) video game, will also be sold exclusively by Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Tying into the retail launch of Black Ice, Columbia Records and Walmart plan to give fans even more access to this legendary band. In each of its 3,500 Walmart stores, Walmart created a “Rock Again AC/DC Store” within the store. While the new $11.88 Black Ice CD album holds centerstage, it will be surrounded by new AC/DC apparel, DVDs, past albums, games, and even a social gaming station for fans to try out their rock-n-roll skills on Rock Band.
Walmart also dispatched interactive Black Ice trucks on the streets of New York City and Los Angeles tying into the albums release. Making new stops each day, the trucks fill the air with AC/DC music, and allow players to demo the new AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band(R) Track Pack game on the truck's back stage.
“We've turned up the volume to support what we know is one of this year’s most awaited albums from one of the world's most popular bands,” said Gary Severson, Wal-Mart’s Senior Vice President of Entertainment. “This is the first time in our history where we’ve taken such a large area within our store to celebrate a legendary band, and we invite fans of all ages to come out with us and get ready to rock.”
Verizon Wireless Stores Display New BlackBerry Storm
Verizon Wireless Communications Stores are featuring the new BlackBerry(R) Storm(TM) on display, available exclusively in the U.S. from Verizon Wireless. The world’s first “clickable” touch screen BlackBerry has been reported to be selling quickly at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.
Pioneer Opens U.S. Retail Store In Phoenix
Pioneer Electronics has opened the doors to its second U.S. store in Phoenix, AZ. The 3,200 sq. ft. store showcases Pioneer’s state-of-the-art products in a comfortable home environment with six vignettes, each featuring unique themes and different technologies, as well as a revamped mobile electronics section bringing an interactive shopping experience to patrons.
“Building upon the immense success of our flagship store in Orange County, CA, Pioneer’s Phoenix store breathes new life into the traditional shopping experience offering enhanced services previously unavailable to customers, helping them build a direct relationship with Pioneer,” said Jeff Hagg, National Retail Manager of Pioneer Stores. “By opening this dialogue with consumers, we can provide specific feedback regarding their interests and needs to product planners and engineers, aiding in the development of new products.”
Domino’s Uses Diffused LED Technology For P.O.S. Signage
Domino’s Pizza has selected Synergetic Media’s proprietary new Lights ‘n Motion animated diffused LED technology for its new 20/20 store branding program.
The pizza chain, with over 8,000 outlets worldwide, has already developed seven new signage models including OPEN, HOT, FRESH, FAST, Order Online, Drive Thru and Phone Number signs, which all use the animation feature to attract consumer attention. The signs are being used in the Dominos retail store interior facing outside with the idea that the lights and animation will call attention to the store’s new look.
Domino’s, wanted to attract a sizable customer base that prefers to pick up their pizza rather than have it delivered. To generate more carry out, Domino’s needed a more inviting look with new in-store signage. Another problem was that Domino’s was no longer permitted to use its neon signage in some states due to environmental concerns. Domino’s turned to Synergetic Media because SMI's proprietary diffused LED technology was ideal for the new 20/20 branding program and a greener solution than neon.
“SMI’s diffused LED signage with its incredible brightness, lower operating costs and energy savings, in addition to being a greener solution, helps us fulfill our new 20/20 in store branding initiative and is an alternative to the inherent problem with neon,” said Gus Kandah, Domino’s Purchasing and Capital Sales Manager.
The SMI Dominos signs include both animated and static modes, and use acrylic encapsulation to give them a crisp, clean “see-through” look. The new signs offer 2,000cd/m2 in brightness while consuming significantly less power than a comparable neon sign. The new technology offers benefits over existing systems including low power consumption, much longer life, very high brightness, true color rendition and the capability to support icon animation.
Chris Bazos, CEO, Synergetic Media, said, “This new technology offers the brightness and visibility retailers need, but with significant cost and feature advantages which make it attractive for marketers seeking to go green.”
Buzzwater Features Wobbler In P.O.P. Campaign
The Buzzwater Company has launched a point of sale campaign using high impact wobblers. The wobbler draws the consumer’s eye to these healthy caffeine enhanced premium natural spring water beverages.
These beverages are enhanced with two different strengths of l00% pure organic caffeine. They are further enhanced with minerals and electrolytes. The two beverage products contain zero calories, carbs or artificial flavorings.
The wobblers have had a large impact on sales of cases of the caffeine enhanced water line.
The wobblers were created for Buzzwater Co. by Proprint Services Inc., a Toronto, Ontario-based point-of-purchase display company.
Walgreens Signage System Promotes Sun Care Products
Walgreens wanted to increase awareness and sales of various sun care products through the use of high impact, signage components. Ease of assembly in-store was a must.
These highly sustainable display components are constructed from .030 laminated solid fiber. The two-sided signage panels ship KD and are easily assembled. The high impact graphics are achieved through offset printing. The signage system is executed in-store in a matter of minutes due to its pre-glued components.
The signage panels were positioned above eye level to create the necessary level of visual excitement.
The Walgreens Signage System was created by Great Northern Corporation Consumer Packaging and Display, a Racine, WI-based point-of-purchase display firm.
REI Opens Prototype Store To Test Green Building Concepts
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, has opened a prototype store initiative that aims to test retail design and green building concepts, in Round Rock, TX.
The two-story, 32,700 sq. ft. store at University Oaks Shopping Center follows REI’s first prototype location in Boulder, CO. For the store’s design, the co-op has again partnered with Gensler, a design consulting firm.
Round Rock is the second REI store to be built using the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Retail rating system.
To lessen the building’s carbon footprint, the green building features include the use of natural lighting and energy efficient systems, a solar heater, sustainable materials and water reduction measures.
Life Fitness Opens Concept Shop In Dick’s Stores
Dick’s Sporting Goods will test an offering of Life Fitness cardio and strength equipment in 20 stores located in the Northeast, represented by a unique “store within a store” shopping experience branded by Life Fitness.
Dick’s Sporting Goods is adding an expanded product line-up to include health-club quality products for the home.
“We are always looking for ways to reach a new customer-base,” said Tim Wild, Vice President of the consumer business for Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation. “This opportunity with Dick’s Sporting Goods allows us to do that, while also assisting Dick’s in expanding upon their existing fitness offering.”
Dick’s will offer an experiential, interactive shopping environment through the Life Fitness “store within a store” concept. This store design features room scenes and lifestyle graphics that put the equipment into everyday living settings.
KURO Retail Environments Open Nationwide
This store-in-store, brand building environment was recently designed to showcase Pioneer’s high-end KURO plasma screen.
Drawing inspiration from the brand itself (KURO means black in Japanese) the environment combines an intense color palette with sleek, modern ambiance. Dramatic halo lighting showcases the KURO products against brilliant polished surfaces-an effect which expands the perceived size of the room. Sharp-edged, glossy-black fixtures define the space and underscore the product's premium quality.
“We designed and built the environments to reflect the dramatic Intensity of the KURO product, to articulate its advanced technology and to draw the quality driven customer that Pioneer’s marketing team targets,” said Rob Murphy, chief marketing officer of MC², a Chestnut Ridge, NY-based experiential marketing agency.
Dunkin’ Donuts Opens First ‘Green’ Store
Dunkin’ Donuts has opened its first “green” store in St. Petersburg, FL. The restaurant is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified and includes other “green” initiatives such as innovative recycling programs like worm casting and food donations to the local food bank. Will Kussell, Dunkin’ Donuts President & Chief Brand Officer, said, “With the opening of our first LEED certified store we look forward to applying what we learn in this store to Dunkin’ Donuts overall, as we continue to evolve the brand.”
The St. Petersburg restaurant features numerous LEED enhancements, including: energy-efficient insulated concrete foam walls to reduce air conditioning usage by approximately 40%, energy-efficient lighting, including motion sensors for restrooms and offices, and water-efficient plumbing fixtures. Customers will notice other “green” features at the St. Petersburg location including: Recycling -- On-site Earthworm Casting facility, a collaboration between Dunkin' Donuts and local company Mother's Organics. The solar powered tank houses 80 lbs. of small red earthworms that will eat the waste produced by the store, such as coffee grounds and paper products.
Walgreens Opens Flagship In Times Square
Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain, has opened a flagship store in Times Square in New York on the first three levels of the legendary One Times Square building. The store will anchor a massive Walgreens billboard - the nation’s largest, most advanced digital super-sign soaring 341 feet above the street on three sides of the building.
“With more than 1.6 million passers-by and countless media impressions daily, this sign represents a tremendous opportunity to catapult Walgreens brand among the most recognizable icons in the world,” said Walgreens President & COO Greg Wasson.
The Walgreens One Times Square spectacular was designed by strategic brand consultancy Gilmore Group, New York City. “In designing the spectacular our goal was to achieve the pinnacle of urban branding,” said Arthur Gilmore, President and CEO of Gilmore Group.
Burger King Opens First WHOPPER BAR
Burger King Corp. plans to introduce the world’s first WHOPPER BAR™ at Universal CityWalk in Orlando, Fla., in Spring 2009. The new concept is a condensed and more contemporary version of the typical BURGER KING® restaurant.
The company-owned and operated WHOPPER BAR™ boasts a smaller footprint, a modern look and feel and a WHOPPER® topper area to encourage customers to customize their orders. The menu will focus on the WHOPPER® sandwich and offer special renditions of the signature sandwich, such as the Angry WHOPPER®, the Western WHOPPER® and the Ultimate Double WHOPPER®.
“This striking concept is a new generation of BURGER KING restaurants,”said Russ Klein, President, Global Marketing, Burger King. “It's focused on serving the original HAVE IT YOUR WAY® burger in a forward-looking format designed for today's on-the-go burger lover.”
Canadian Club® Whisky Opens Lounge At Detroit Pistons Palace Of Auburn Hills
Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., a global leader in premium spirits, and Canadian Club® Canadian whisky (CC™), one of the world's leading Canadian whiskies, unveiled a newly branded 4,000 squ. ft. Terrace at The Palace of Auburn Hills, home of the Detroit Pistons® basketball team.
The Canadian Club Terrace features imagery from the brand’s current campaign, “Damn Right Your Dad Drank It” in an open air bar and restaurant surrounding a masculine dark wood, black and silver accented CC™ themed bar. The 300-seat lounge will be open before each Pistons game for ticket holders to enjoy a buffet dinner and CC cocktails. Brian Stockard, brand manager, Canadian Club, said, “The CC Terrace will enhance the fan experience at the Palace and help basketball fans create their own memories of great games, friends and Canadian Club.”
Outwater’s new generation of UL-Listed, 120-volt Non-Neon Flexible LED Lighting is designed to provide complete lighting versatility by readily adapting itself for all kinds of creative uses. Outwater’s Non-Neon Flexible LED Lighting enables users to install and create interior or exterior illumination wherever required. Rated for 100,000 hours of usage with up to 70% greater energy efficiency than other formats of comparable lighting, Outwater’s cool to the touch Non-Neon Flexible LED Lighting is manufactured to withstand heavy weight loads, high impact, extreme temperature differentials, as well as water and UV penetration. For more information, contact Outwater Plastics Industries, P.O. Box 500, Bogota, NJ 07603; (Tel) 800-631-8375; 201-498-8750, (Web Site) www.outwater.com
Merchandising Inventives offers The SNAP-IT™ 2 Sign Holder. This shelf clip works by first “snapping” on to a sign and then inserting it onto the top of most standard perforated shelves. For more information, contact Merchandising Inventives, 1177 Corporate Grove Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; (Tel.) 800-367-5653; (Web) www.merchinv.com.
ap graphics
Nextimage3D has launched into the retail signage arena with its partners, ProLab and DSA, combining NextImage3D’s cutting edge photographic and software technology and its partners' high end printing and signage display products. Marketing and advertising professionals now have access to a revolutionary new technology that produces crystal clear 3D photographic displays. The displays come in a variety of sizes suitable for point of sale and retail promotion. The images, produced exclusively by Nextimage3D, are presented in full color and have an eye catching depth and realism. For more information, call Mike Alexander,Nextimage3D, 510 Bristol Way, Alpharetta, GA 30022; (Tel.) 678-933-8500, (Web Site) www.nextimage3d.com.
Walls + Forms offers EuroSign™ DisplayFrames designed to be attached to walls, media displays, windows, and more. Signs, posters, and graphics can be inserted from the front with EuroSign’s “front-loading” design. Standard DisplayFrames are constructed of durable plastic or aluminum frame profiles and feature integrated radius corners with durable backer boards. Standard sizes range from 8 ½" X 11" high to 36" X 48" high. DisplayFrames can be specified in virtually any cut-to-size width, height, or length. For more information, contact Walls + Forms Inc., P.O. Box 741112, Dallas, TX 75375; (Tel.) 972-745-0800, (Web Site) www.wallsforms.com.
Outwater Plastics
Keith Fabry offers a 7" LCD media player. Simply push button to play video. It easily mounts to shelves and existing displays and has 256 MB of internal memory. No media card is needed. Units ship preloaded with your content. Volume orders can be custom printed. There is an eye catching flashing LED button. It is also available with optional battery pack. The shelf player is designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA. For more information, contact Keith Fabry, 7 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219; (Tel.) 804-649-7551; (Web Site) www.keithfabry.com.
A full line of self-piercing brass grommets that are compatible with most grommet presses for manufacturing banners and many other products have been introduced by METALgrommets.com of Raynham, Massachusetts. ClipShop™ Self-Piercing Brass Grommets are offered in various finishes including brass, antique brass, nickel, black oxide, and custom colors, or nickel-free construction. Eliminating the need for hole punching, ClipShop™ Self-Piercing Brass Grommets are designed to create a superior finish and promote faster production. For more information contact, Metalgrommets.com, Division of RNR Plastics; 20 Bellows Rd., Raynham, MA 02767; (Tel) 508-821-4800, (Fax) 508-821-3637, (Web Site) www.metalgrommets.com.
Above All Advertising offers Pop Up Tents for in-store and outdoor promotional events, trade shows and other promotional applications. The 100% polyester tops of pop up tents are made of 600 denier, heavy duty polyester that is water resistant, fire retardant and UV protected. The patented aluminum frame is 30% lighter than most steel frames. The Pop-Up tents are highly portable and they set up instantly. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Rd, San Diego, CA 92126; (Tel.) 866-552-263; (Fax) 858-777-3537; (Web Site) www.abovealladvertising.com.
Powered Media Technologies has introduced LightEffects™, an amazingly thin, backlit lighting system. “What audio cards have done for Hallmark, we’re doing with light for printed advertising and marketing,” said Chris Gilbert, President of PMT. Its ultra-thin and flexible design allows it to withstand “real world” handling, while allowing for numerous media formats, including POS displays. For more information, contact Powered Media Technologies, (Tel) 877-320-7354; (Web Site) www.poweredmediatech.com.
Digital View’s new ViewStream™ 400 is a digital video player designed for use with HD LCD and Plasma displays in out-of-home environments. Applications include point-of-purchase messaging and promotions, product demonstration videos, digital menu boards, and customer information kiosks. The ViewStream 400 is designed to be used as a stand-alone player without network connectivity. Content is updated via the USB port and a USB memory stick. Standard configuration will allow the ViewStream 400 to store more than 50 hours of content. Supported media formats include MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4 video in standard or high definition native resolution. MP3 audio and JPEG file formats are also supported. The ViewStream 400 is compact, measuring 7.08" x 9.25" x 2.36", and weighs only 2.64 lbs. For more information, contact Digital View, Inc., 18440 Technology Drive, Building 130, Morgan Hill, CA 95037. (Tel) 408-782-7773; (Web Site) www.digitalview.com.
Sterling Promotional Corp.
Clik-Clik Systems offers an economical, easy to use sign hanging system. The reusable system makes it easy to change-out temporary signage or décor. It can be used on suspended ceilings, or open warehouse girders to heights of 24 ft. For more information, contact Clik-Clik Systems, 295 Prince George Court, Mississauga, Ontario Canada L4Z 1R8, (Tel) 905-270-0611; (Web) www.clik-clik.com.
Accentuate Inc. offers Standard Active™ Lenticular Displays in a variety of formats. This Active Round Clock is designed to hold a lenticular insert that displays up to three images in the space of one. The battery-powered clock is designed for wall mounting. Studies have shown that Active Lenticular displays have 5x more impact and 3x the staying power of static ads. For more information, contact Accentuate Inc., 15320 Cornet Avenue, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670; (Tel) 562-404-4976; (Fax) 562-921-7038; (Web Site) www.accentuateinc.com.
Joseph Struhl Company
Fairfield Displays offers Ultra slim 17" LCD Screens. The 16.54" wide x 11.69" high x 2.1 " deep screens make it easy to use digital media without the need for expensive networking or software. The units are stand alone, which means you do not need to link a computer to the screen, making installation extremely simple. The units can be suspended from a rod system, wall mounted or free standing. For more information, contact Fairfield Displays & Lighting, 1707 Bethlehem Pike, Hatfield, PA 19440; (Tel) 866-997-5510, (Web) www.fairfielddisplays.com.
Symon Communications, a global provider of digital signage solutions, is offering a new media player called the Symon Integrated Appliance (SIA), which is designed as an entry level digital signage solution. It is a multimedia device that is pre-loaded with all required Symon software for easy deployment and direct playback as a complete system. It delivers rich media to any size flat panel display. LobbyView is another new bundled product from Symon with an integrated LCD monitor, media player and Symon digital software packaged as an all-in-one digital signage solution. It is a specialized Symon digital signage system with a combination 42" LCD monitor (Symon LCD630-42), and a built-in Symon Integrated Appliance (SIA) media player. For more information, visit www.symon.com or call 877-796-6634.
Eastman Chemical Co.has signed an agreement with Plaskolite Inc. in the pursuit of new markets for extruded plastic sheet using new Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. Mustang™ sheet made from this new-generation copolyester combines the advantages of traditional copolyester sheet, such as clarity and chemical resistance, with enhanced heat resistance, weatherability, design flexibility and ease of fabrication. The durable and lightweight products also can be thermoformed faster, and at lower temperatures than polycarbonate sheet. For more information, visit www.eastman.com/tritan or www.plaskolite.com.
Diazit Co. has introduced a high definition 32" LCD stand-alone digital display. These new digital displays are self-contained with a built in digital media player and audio system. Files are created and stored on a CF smart card in jpeg, mpeg, divx, or avi format. These new low cost displays are encased in scrolling light boxes. The digital displays can be wall, tabletop, or pedestal mounted or placed on a free standing floor mount in either landscape or portrait formats. For more information, contact Diazit Co., PO Box 276, Youngsville, NC 27596; (Tel) 800-334-6641; (Web Site) www.diazit.com.
Avante provides digital signage solutions that leading retailers are using to deliver messaging to their customers where it matters most: right at the point-of-purchase. Digital Media Players can be used as shelf talkers, table top, kiosks and other Point of Purchase promotions on end caps or other POP displays. Content displayed on digital signage screens range from simple text and still images to full-motion video with or without audio. Available in display size of 7" to 32". No connection to a PC or a network is required. For more information, contact Avante POP Displays, Box 17 4725 Iris Road, Okanagan Falls, B.C. V0H 1R0; (Tel) 250.497.5110, 877.407.8655 (Fax) 250.497.5442 (Web) www.avantekiosks.com.
ROLOLIGHT CORP has released the ROLOLIGHT INTEGRATION™, a universal lighting mechanism made to fit all pop-up, modular and custom tradeshow booths. This patented new lighting system allows a booth to be lit-up from the inside out so graphics on the front of the booth can be backlit. The ROLOLIGHT INTEGRATION™ lighting system is lightweight and can be rolled-up for ease of transport and storage. For more information, contact ROLOLIGHT, 915 Philippe-Paradis, Québec, G1N 4E3, (Tel.) 866-297-3252, (Web Site) www.rololight.com.
Outwater offers Standoffs,, for highlighting signage for displays and exhibits. The Standoffs are available in a wide array of different finishes, including polished chrome, matte chrome, brushed brass, black nickel, brushed stainless steel and polished stainless steel. The Standoffs are offered in a selection of different styles, diameters and lengths, ranging from 1/2” to 4”. For more information, contact Outwater Plastics, P.O. Box 500, Bogota, NJ 07603; (Tel) 800-631-8375; 201-498-8750, (Web Site) www.outwater.com.
CONCIERGE® System To Be Deployed On Shopping Carts At Bloom Grocery Stores
Springboard Retail Networks plans to deploy its CONCIERGE® shopping system, an interactive, touch-screen computer console, at Bloom’s® Fort Mill, South Carolina grocery store, so consumers can enjoy a new shopping experience.
The CONCIERGE shopping system attaches directly to the push handle of Bloom shopping carts and will offer guests such helpful features and information as a product-finder, in-store specials, recipes and how-to tips. The CONCIERGE shopping system also provides retailers with knowledge and insights on shopper behavior and preferences to enable them to more effectively personalize the in-store experience and improve marketing initiatives.
The CONCIERGE shopping system connects wirelessly to the store network and database to deliver up-to-date information.
For more information, contact Springboard Retail Networks, 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON M5J 1A7; (Tel) 416-603-3406; (Web Site) www.springboardnetworks.com.
YUM! Brands To Place Calorie Counts On All Menu Boards
Yum! Brands, Inc. announced that its U.S. divisions, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Food, will become the first national restaurant chains to begin voluntarily placing product calorie information on their respective menu boards in company-owned restaurants nationwide.
“We believe we have a continued responsibility to offer 'Better For You' options, educate consumers about the foods they eat, and promote exercise so they can maintain a balanced lifestyle,” said Jonathan Blum, Yum! Brands chief public affairs officer. “Our customers have told us they would find calorie information useful, along with other nutritional information we make accessible in restaurant brochures and on our Web sites. We now call on the U.S. Congress to enact federal legislation that would create uniform menu board guidelines so there is a consistent way to educate the public about the nutritional value of the food they eat.”
Sprint Brand Experience At Lucas Oil Stadium
The ‘Sprint Brand Experience’ at the Indianapolis Colts’ new Lucas Oil Stadium features digital signage displays mounted throughout the stadium concourse to showcase Sprint’s new handheld devices. Along with traditional digital signage, a unique 3D experience allows Sprint to provide an interactive football simulation game in which fans become the quarterback in a virtual Colts game.
“The Sprint Brand Experience incorporates advanced 3D gesture recognition solutions to create an immersive video game type experience,” said Steve Birke, CEO of Wireless Ronin Technologies, which implemented its RoninCast digital signage solution for Sprint.
TouchTunes Acquires Barfly To Form In-Bar Ad Network
Through its acquisition of Barfly Interactive Networks, a rapidly growing in-bar advertising and media company, TouchTunes Corp., the largest out-of-home interactive entertainment network, will augment its expansive system of digital jukeboxes with prominent screens in bars across the U.S. Barfly will bring new content from some of the most influential brands in the world, adding to TouchTunes’ robust digital music, advertising and games offering.
The TouchTunes digital jukebox network is in more than 35,000 bars, restaurants and retail locations throughout North America. TouchTunes acquired Barfly to provide an integrated network that goes beyond jukeboxes to provide music, games, advertising, interactivity and social networking.
“A targeted in-bar presence is not merely an addition to other media, it is an enhancement of our successful music and gaming network,” said Ron Greenberg, TouchTunes CMO. “When we add Barfly to the mix, we create one of the largest, most robust new media networks around.”
JVC Unveils LED Billboard In New York’s Times Square
JVC has unveiled a new LED billboard that is the first true 720p high definition display in New York’s Times Square.
The new billboard features three LED displays -- the main screen and two “tickers,” including one that encircles the globe.
The JVC LED billboard was manufactured by Clear Channel Spectacolor using the following vendors: D3 LED LLC (LED display manufacturer), ArtFX Murals (hand-painted the JVC globe.)
JVC has maintained a continuous presence in Times Square since 1979.
Ecast Launches EQ™ In-Venue Entertainment
Ecast, a leading broadband media network with more than 10,000 locations nationwide, is launching Ecast EQ™.
Ecast EQ features a vertically oriented, 40-inch flat-panel design with a high-definition touchscreen for passive and interactive consumer engagement. Ecast EQ delivers on-demand content–– including video, real-time interactive surveys and games, advertising, social applications and a jukebox interface for music––to out-of-home venues frequented by 21- to 34-year-olds.
John Taylor, President of Ecast, said, “Over the past few years, we’ve taken the touchscreen digital jukebox beyond a music-only device to one that incorporates advertising with the targeting of the Internet.” For more information, contact Ecast, (Tel) 415-277-3500; (Web Site) www.ecastnetwork.com.
Indoor Direct Launches Digital Media Network In Restaurant Chains
Indoor Direct has launched a new digital media network located in high-volume restaurant chains across the nation offering patrons a powerful mix of original content from CBS Outernet, a leading provider of customized digital media networks and content to retail locations.
Indoor Direct is placing between two and four, 42-inch LCD screens in restaurant dining rooms, which show a mix of produced and original content. A third screen, called the Promotional Board Screen, is also being placed at the point of purchase and promotes the restaurant's featured menu items. Most locations will have two networks running programming simultaneously, an informational screen at the point of purchase and larger screens in the dining room.
For more information, contact Indoor Direct, 15455 Dallas Parkway, Addison, TX 75001; (Tel) 972-764-2735; (Web Site) www.indoordirect.com.
Diageo Introduces Zwack Liqueur To U.S.
Zwack, a bold-tasting, ultra-premium liqueur, renowned as the National Shot of Hungary, has been introduced to the U.S. Originally created by Jozsef Zwack for the Royal Hungarian Court in 1790, Zwack is aged in oak casks for a minimum of six months, giving it a dark, amber color.
“Zwack has been the national shot of Hungary for more than 200 years,” said Izabella Zwack, whose family carried the liqueur's secret recipe with it when they fled communism in 1948. “We’re excited to share this great symbol of Hungarian culture with the United States.”
Available in a distinctive dark green bottle, Zwack is produced in Budapest, Hungary, and is available in 50 mL, 750 mL, and 1 L bottles.
It is distributed nationally by Diageo N.A. An array of on-premise and off-premise display materials will support the launch.
Basix Vitamin Water Features Back Bar Sign
Basix Vitamin Water wanted a small illuminated desk mount edge lit sign that would be placed on-premise to provide a visual presence of this new vitamin enhanced water on back bars of upscale night clubs and hotels.
The edge lit sign features a l/4" thick clear acrylic panel and polished edges. The desk mount sign has vinyl letters routed around the outside edge with solid etched artwork at the top. The illuminated “Basix Vitamin Water” brand image is clearly visible on the back bar. This Basix Vitamin Water Sign was created by Centsible Lighting, Cottonwood, AZ; (Web Site) www.centsiblelighting.com.
Michelob LaunchesFull-Flavored Beers
Michelob Brewing Co. brewmasters have added Michelob Dunkel Weisse and Michelob Pale Ale full-flavored beers to Michelob, Michelob Light, Michelob AmberBock, Michelob Honey Lager and Michelob Porter, as beers available year-round to adults nationwide.
Pale Ale, previously only available on a select seasonal basis in the annual Michelob Specialty Sampler Pack, can now satisfy beer drinkers throughout the year .
Anheuser-Busch is also bringing its distinct, specialty beers together under the Michelob nameplate. Shock Top Belgian White and Stone Mill Pale Ale, the first nationally available organic beer, will also be added to the growing Michelob collection.
Pepsi Russia Features Kraslex’s D Light Motion Panels
Pepsi Corp. Russia recently launched a new energy drink into the Russian market and selected Kraslex's D light Technology Motion Panels, for its vibrant, fluid motion and appearance.
For more information on Kraslex’s D light Technology, contact Kraslex, 177 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07962; (Web) www.kraslex.com.
Outcast Digital Platform Formed By Fuelcast Merger
Fuelcast, an at-the-pump digital network, and Bhootan, a leading digital out of home media company in the retail sector, announced their merger to form Outcast to offer advertisers interactive access to a national footprint of on-the-go consumers.
Outcast delivers high quality programming and targeted advertising to nearly 6,000 digital LCD screens. Outcast reaches captive consumers while fueling their vehicles, while they are shopping at retail stores and dining at quick service restaurants.
For more information, contact Outcast, (Tel) 310-526-8558; (Web Site) www.outcast.net.
SUPERFRIDGE Program Provides In-Store Visibility For Refrigerated Brands
The SUPERFRIDGE program, currently available in 3,000 stores covering more than 50 markets, was created to provide frozen and refrigerated brands with a point of purchase event combining three key marketing elements - advertising, off-shelf display and dedicated merchandising support.
SUPERFRIDGE provides each participant with a dedicated display unit placed in high traffic store locations. SUPERFRIDGE Merchandisers place the participating brands advertising and stock the unit with product. For more information, contact Superfridge, (Tel) 860-632-888; (Web) www.superfridge.com.
Kia Sponsors Vans Warped Tour With Sneak Peek Of Unreleased Kia
As part of Kia Motors' exclusive vehicle sponsorship of the Vans Warped Tour, a specially-designed lightly camouflaged preproduction Kia Soul was on display at the Kia Soul Lounge at every Vans Warped Tour stop.
This was the public's first opportunity to see the Soul up close before it goes on sale in the United States this Spring.
Prior to the tour launch, Kia offered fans the opportunity to enter the “Experience Warped” online sweepstakes to win a “Fly Away” trip to the grand finale tour stop.
During each stop, concertgoers had the opportunity to visit the Kia “Soul Lounge,” an interactive tent featuring information displays about the new Kia Soul and other Kia vehicles, a DJ, an airbrush tattoo artist and the chance to enter to win either a new Kia Sportage or Kia Spectra SX in the “Keys to the Ride” sweepstakes.
WD-40 Conducts ‘The Last Straw Tour
The WD-40 Smart Straw has hit the road with ‘The Last Straw Tour’ to educate consumers about the product’s many uses and new permanently attached straw - the last straw your can of WD-40 will ever need.
The tour will make stops at retail outlets throughout Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Arkansas. It will also help increase awareness for Rebuilding Together®, a national nonprofit organization that provides free home repair and renovations for low-income homeowners.
Most of the tour stops will be at local Lowe’s retail locations, which will also feature WD-40 displays in select stores.
Back to Top
To See previous issues of Creative Signage & Graphics, click here
To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.
To See other Creative Online Newsletters click here
