Borders Unveils First Concept Store
Borders has unveiled it’s first new concept store in Ann Arbor, MI, the first of 14 the company expects to open nationwide this year.
Borders Group CEO, George Jones, said, “We’ve stayed true to what our customers have always loved about Borders. Yet, we’ve brought a fresh new look and an exciting interactive dimension to the store with a Digital Center where customers can mix their own custom CDs, download books and music, explore their family history, and create photo books.” “In addition, we’ve put a strong focus on popular categories-including Travel, Cooking, Wellness, Graphic Novels and Children’s- making these sections of the store interactive destinations where customers can use computer kiosks featuring recommendations from our expert buyers, and related video content. There are large in-section LCD screens broadcasting content featuring some highly recognizable names in these subject areas,” Jones continued.
The new Borders is a bit bolder with a modern fascia featuring enormous windows and a louvered construction that evokes images of the pages of a book. Inside the store, curved feature tables highlight the latest book titles front and center. There are large, illuminated drums suspended from the ceiling that feature dazzling graphics and guide customers to destinations within the store.
Great Lakes Gourmet Displays Zip-It Steak Sauce
Great Lakes Gourmet, based in Monroe, Michigan, has introduced Zip-It™ Steak Sauce--beef’s ultimate dipping sauce. Unlike other “zip sauces” that are either broth, tomato or gravy-based, Zip-It is cream-based.
Great Lakes Gourmet is promoting the benefits of the new line at the store shelf level.
This colorful sign system was produced for Great Lakes Gourmet by T.M. Shea Products, a Troy, MI-based p.o.p. display firm. This Under/Over Shelf Sign plackard universally mounts to store shelves, taking advantage of otherwise unutilized space.
Maple Leaf Foods Promotes Contest
Maple Leaf Foods, Toronto, Canada, is using colorful posters to promote its “Fresh Off The Grill” contest. The contest is offering consumers more than $50,000 in prizes. Prizes include Hamilton Beach appliances, Napoleon fireplaces and grills, Bolle sun glasses and an array of grilling accessories.
The point of purchase materials call the consumer to attention and generate a redemption experience by driving traffic to the Maple Leaf Foods’ web site where consumers enter a unique pin number found on each Maple Leaf product. This encourages people to purchase product and enter for a chance to win a variety of prizes.
This poster is printed on heavy 100# coated stock. It is one of many display pieces used to created excitement for the promotion. The display materials were created for Maple Leaf Foods by Proprint Services, Inc., (www.pop-online.com), a Toronto, Ontario, Canada based p.o.p. display firm.
Frieda’s Avo-Crepe Promotion Adds Value To Produce Departments
The California Avocado Commission and Frieda’s Specialty Produce Co. have joined forces for a promotion featuring California Avocados and Frieda’s French Style Crepes.
The promotion is supported by eye-catching POS materials, including colorful easel signs featuring a recipe tear-pad. The POS materials communicate that avocados and crepes taste good together, as the headline states: “They Play Well Together.”
“Teaming fresh California Avocados and Frieda’s Crepes allows both organizations the opportunity to present an extended usage idea to the marketplace,” said Karen Caplan, President of Frieda’s.”
Taco Bell Runs ‘Fuel Up For Free’ Beverage Promotion
Taco Bell is offering free $50 gas cards as part of its “Fuel Up For Free” beverage promotion.
Customers who visit participating Taco Bell restaurants and purchase a large or X-large drink to “Fuel Up For Free” will qualify for a chance to win a $50 gas card. To play, customers must locate an alphanumeric code found on the side of their cup and enter online at www.fuelupforfree.com.
“When gas prices hit record highs, everyone feels the pinch at the pocketbook,” said David Ovens, Chief Marketing Officer, Taco Bell Corp. “For our value-sensitive customers, every little bit counts and a chance to win cash for free fuel is an engaging offer.”
The “Fuel Up For Free” beverage promotion supports Taco Bell's signature beverage Mountain Dew Baja Blast, which is available exclusively at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide.
Taco Bell is supporting the promotion with special in-store signage.
Inwindow Outdoor Launches Motion Detecting Storefront Display For Toyota's Scion tC
Inwindow Outdoor, New York City, has created an interactive window display for the Toyota Scion tC featuring motion detection technology that allows passer-bys to affect the content seen in the window. The display was created in partnership with Monster Media, a digital media company.
The Scion tC is a limited release vehicle designed to appeal to the Generation Y market with numerous standard features and easily added option features. The Inwindow display uses sophisticated motion detecting technology to underscore the elusive nature of these cars, which are floating in bubbles that quickly disperse when a person approaches the display.
Carnival Brings Flagship Grocery Concept To Plano, Texas
Carnival Food Stores has unveiled its Latino-themed Carnival Super Market format to Plano, TX shoppers. The 55,000-sq. ft. supermarket has an expanded international section, new specialty departments, dental and medical clinics, and a distinctive store décor package.
The flagship Carnival Super Market features a new 440-foot international foods section. Each of the fresh food departments, which line the store’s perimeter, feature unique “storefronts” delineated by lively graphics. A leaping fish, for example, signifies pescaderia (fish), and a longhorn steer signifies carniceria (meat). Signage is in English and Spanish. Carnival also injects whimsy into the shopping experience with sound effects such as a crowing rooster and a mooing cow in the dairy section.
Dewar's Clubhouse Opens At Honolulu International Airport
HMSHost Corp. has opened the Dewar’s Clubhouse at Honolulu International Airport's Central Concourse to cater to travelers who are golf aficionados and Scotch lovers alike.
“HMSHost brings the Airport two nationally recognized brands set in a unique atmosphere that offer our Honolulu travelers dining options that exceed their expectations,” said Brennon Morioka, Director, Hawaii Department of Transportation.
Dewar's Clubhouse delivers the sophisticated elegance of a European golf clubhouse with the sensibility of an American bar and grill. The full-service restaurant will feature live sports broadcasts and continuous golf highlights.
Marketing Communications Inc. has introduced the Radius Sign Holder, which provides space for an environmental graphic, a promotional message and a UPC ticket. The result is a single tool for enhancing the look of a department while communicating product features. The profile is designed to accept 3" h graphic inserts or promotional cards with an additional channel on the top surface for standard 1.25" UPC labels. For more information, contact Marketing Communications, 950 Vitality Drive, Comstock Park, MI 48321; (Tel.) 800-942-9225; (Web) www.gomci.com.
Trion Industries offers new and expanded lines of high-visibility, aisle-intrusive, right-angle promo flags; hinged, swing-up holders; built-in promo sign clips; Clear Scan shelf edge label strips; multi-function sign grip clips, and cooler/freezer capable labeling systems. For more information, contact Trion Industries, 297 Laird Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702; (Tel) 800-444-4665; (Web) www.triononline.com.
Testrite offers Framegraphix large format digital graphic wrap frames. Framgegraphix Stand Mounts work with Testrite’s FX-FT Bases, available in black or silver. There is also a Ceiling Mount Framegraphix display option. Framegraphix can feature graphics of all different sizes. For more information, contact Testrite Visual Products, 216 South Newman St., Hackensack, New Jersey 07601; (Tel.) 201-543-0240, 888-873-2735; (Web Site) www.testrite.com.
Focus America Group has introduced the Cash U-Tray using battery sensor technology to promote products at the cash register. Go Green technology with battery operation allows for touch and glow enhancement of client's brand, message, or logo. The touch and glow cash tray allows the consumer to receive money back on this attractive tray. The second the money touches the tray, it begins to glow; take money off tray, and it stops. For more information, contact Focus America Group, 10328 Highlands West Drive, Escondido, CA 92029; (Tel) 1-800-803-8808, (Web) www.focusdisplay.com.
TM Shea Products offers a newly expanded line of AMMOStrip™ display systems. AMMOStrips now feature newly added mounting bracket options: an UnderShelf bracket that extend strips from the edge of metal shelving, a pallet rack bracket that securely attaches to pallet rack uprights, and an adjustable PowerArm® that adjusts from 12" to 22" from a plan-o-gram and attaches to pegboard or uprights. For more information, contact TM Shea Products, 984 Livernois Road, Troy, MI 48083; (Tel) 800-992-5233; (Web Site) www.tmshea.com
Above All Advertising, Inc., offers Portaboards, inflatable portable billboards designed to attract attention in front of stores, at promotional events, trade shows, etc. Portaboards are large enough to have a strong impact, yet they are easily portable to be moved where ever needed. Portaboards can also be used as an inflatable outdoor movie screen for promotional events. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Rd, San Diego, CA 92126; (Tel.) 866-552-2683 (Web Site) www.abovealladvertising.com.
Adams Magnetic Products has added EDGEMAG™ and MATCHMAG™ magnetic strips to its new line of “MAG” branded flexible magnetic products. EDGEMAG erases visible seams between graphic panels, for p.o.p. display applications. EDGEMAG and MATCHMAG are available in 0.060-inch x 0.50-inch x100-foot long rolls with or without adhesive. For more information, contact Adams Magnetic Products, PO Box 1829, Sonoma, CA 95476; (Tel) 800-747-7543; (Web) www.adamsmagnetic.com.
Testrite Visual Products, Inc., offers this Fabric Graphic Faces exhibit system. The system features graphics attached to Testrite’s Presto™ Pop-Up exhibit frame with Hook & Loop. No magnets are involved. The graphic faces are interchangeable. The display features high impact 720 dpi Dye Sub Printing on a virtually “wrinkle free” stretch fabric, engineered for this application. For more information, contact, Testrite Visual Products, 216 South Newman Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601; (Tel) 888-873-2735; (Web Site) www.testrite.com.
News America Marketing Debuts SmartSource Entrance Ads
News America Marketing, New York City, is launching SmartSource Entrance Ads, which will wrap store security pedestals with vibrant full color, oversized advertising. The ads are intended to grab a shopper's attention the moment they walk through the door.
“Security pedestals offer billboard-sized advertising space to our clients immediately when shoppers walk in the store. SmartSource Entrance Ads are going to have an incredible impact on the consumer and are going to drive sales for our clients and for the stores in which they're placed,” said News America Marketing President, Chris Mixson.
Jesse Aversano, News America Marketing's EVP Marketing said, “Smartsource Entrance Ads build brand equity, drive traffic, increase brand awareness and increase sales.”
Pyramid Breweries Partners With Mariners For ‘08 Season
Pyramid Breweries has formed a new multi-year sponsorship deal with the Seattle Mariners to promote craft beer and baseball.
“Fans in the Northwest are passionate about two things: baseball and beer,” said Scott Barnum, CEO, Pyramid Breweries. “We’re looking forward to events throughout the baseball season that will give fans more opportunities to enjoy Pyramid beers as they root for our Mariners.”
Outwater Plastics
Skyy Spirits Partners With ‘Sex And The City’
Skyy Spirits struck a comprehensive marketing deal with New Line Cinema to serve as the official spirits sponsor and promotional partner for the new “Sex and The City” movie. Skyy Spirits’ flagship product, SKYY Vodka®, will serve as the official spirit brand of the movie.
Gerry Ruvo, CEO, Skyy Spirits said, “We are pleased to be able to give consumers the chance to experience this cultural phenomenon through targeted marketing programs that give us a chance to highlight our premium spirits brands.”
Skyy Spirits will support the film's release through a multi-dimensional marketing campaign, including product placement of Skyy Spirits' expansive portfolio in the movie.
Skyy Spirits’ partnership will include national advertising, a consumer sweepstakes and on- and off-premise promotions offering fans a chance to win tickets to the New York City premiere.
Bank Of America Runs ‘America's Cheer’ Tour
Bank of America, the official bank sponsor of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, has launched America’s Cheer™, a new grassroots campaign that provides an opportunity for all Americans to cheer on the nation's athletes as they prepare to compete at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Anne Finucane, Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of America. said, “America’s Cheer creates opportunities for our customers to participate in the excitement of the Games and be a voice of support for America’s athletes.”
In addition to having an opportunity to meet a U.S. Olympian, visitors to the America’s Cheer™ mobile experience can participate in Olympic-themed activities, including: Cheer Capture Room, where visitors can record a cheer that will be shared with America’s Olympic athletes; Athlete Connection Kiosk, profiling U.S. Olympic Athletes, and The Wall of Cheer where visitors can write words of encouragement for U.S. Olympic athletes.
Crown Royal New Lite Tech LED Sign
The Crown Royal Sign was developed for Integrated Merchandising Systems, a leading merchandising service agency. The objective was to create a sign that was an alternative to neon but still had great visual impact and would clearly communicate that Crown Royal was available. The sign with the crown on pillow gives the appearance of a more distinguished piece of POS instead of everyday neon. Alluma Tech's line of Lite Tech LED products provide excellent lighting features at dramatically lower field of placement costs. The Crown Royal Lite Tech LED Sign won a Gold OMA in the Beverages-Liquor Category and was created by Alluma Tech, 1965 Avenida Plaza Real, Oceanside, CA 92056.
DG Yuengling Military Mirror
DG Yuengling chose custom art that represents the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and the Coast Guard to pay homage to our military. The mirrors were made for VFW locations and offered a mail in certificate that entitled locations to a personalized custom plaque for use on the frame. The Military Mirror with a Customizable Plaque was 30" x 40". The mirror featured an oversized simulated leather frame and custom 600 DPI four color process direct printed artwork on glass. The mirror was placed in prime locations within the VFW's and the plaque insured a permanent spot on the wall, reminding everyone that Yuengling is America's oldest Brewery. The DG Yuengling Military Mirror was created by Heritage Sign & Display, 344 Industrial Road, Nesquehoning, PA 18240.
Miller Modular Merchandising System
This display was designed to create brand presence by establishing a unique Miller beer environment in C-Stores, Liquor stores, supermarkets and mass merchandisers. The system is comprised of backlit two sided four foot signage with easily interchangeable graphics. The basic 4' modular sign can be used individually or linked to create a multiple unit system of up to seven signs. The modular unit can also be wall-mounted as a vertical sign or an over-the cooler system. The Miller Modular Merchandising System was created by Henschel Steinau, Inc., 300 Grand Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631.
Sterling Promotional Corp.
St. Julian Winery, Restaurant Display
This EdgeLit restaurant display was created for St. Julian Winery, Paw Paw, Michigan. The laser etched acrylic piece has a mirror face on the bottle image. The base measures l2 inches wide. The light source is LED. St. Julian Winery distributed the piece to restaurants and taverns to increase patron awareness of the Blue Heron White Wine. The St. Julian Winery, Restaurant Display was created by LiteCrafters, Inc., 422-B East Cork St., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.
Barnard Griffin Wines Upscale Metal Banner Stand
This upscale, 6 ft. - 9 ft. powder coated metal stand displays a 4 foot silk banner. It was designed to showcase l2 - 56 cascading cases of wine, cut flowers and a banner for Barnard Griffin Wines which communicates the “Tulip Label” branding. The unit conveys an elegant look and feel of fashion while adding interest and appeal to the wine aisle. This upscale metal banner stand was created by Pinquist Industries, 63 Meserole Avenue, Brooklyn , NY 11222.
Joseph Struhl Company
Always Visible Shelf Signs For Wine & Spirits
Always Visible Signs(tm) is patent pending POP for the Wine & Spirits industry that uses the shelf surface as additional marketing real estate. These signs communicate product benefits that don't appear on label. With variable printing, the signs can provide tracking opportunities down to the store level. In addition, signs maintain shelf presence when product isn't visible. For more information, contact Always Visible Signs, LLC., 167 Cherry St. #421, Milford, CT 06460.
Captain Morgan Full Color Triangle
These full color 8"xl0" Triangle pennants on e-mil poly were sewn on 30 per 25' strands. The promotion objective was to gain consumer awareness in bar situations during and before St. Patrick's Day, 2008. There are so many drink options, that a 25' strand strung in front of a bar or across the room would grab attention. Drinks of all kinds made with Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum were a hit in March. The colorful graphics and long strand of pennants kept the idea of a Captain Morgan drink out front. The Captain Morgan Full Color Triangle pennants were created by SPC Graphics, 20l N. 3rd St. Hannibal, MO 63401.
Mumm Display Features 3D Graphics
This Mumm Champagne display features attention-grabbing three-dimensional graphics. AP Graphics is the exclusive U.S. distributor of a three dimensional relief printing process known as AP3D. This printing process is a more dynamic alternative to flat one dimensional printing, and can be used in a myriad of ways including point-of-purchase displays, case cards, standees, full size posters, backlit signage, counter cards and danglers. This Mumm display was created by AP Graphics,22-19 41st Ave., Long Island City, NY 10013.
Miller Brewing LiteWall®
This LiteWall ® is featured at Miller Brewing Co. headquarters to promote the variety of the brands they offer. LiteWall® is a dynamic vehicle for displaying one large, sectored image, or multiple smaller images. Modules can be programmed to flash, chase, sequence in any was desired. The modules are available in three standard sizes: l8 xl8; 24 x 24, in quantities of six, nine and twelve. Also available is a module size of 36 x 36 in quantities of four and six. The Miller Brewing LiteWall ® was created by Clear Corporation, 6825 Sandburg Road, Minneapolis, MN 55427.
3 Dimensional Graphics For Beverage Displays
3D Paper Graphics has launched a new line of point-of-purchase displays based on their successful patent pending Show Stopper business greeting cards. The simple concept of enlarging these creative marketing tools into a POP display was the next logical step for 3D Paper Graphics. All of the products offered are light, fold flat for shipping and require minimal setup. There are floor displays, counter displays and overhead mobiles currently available. Various sizes can be easily customized to fit unique needs. The displays provide a three-dimensional appeal that automatically attracts customers to your brand. For more information, contact 3D Paper Graphics, Six Main Street, Chester, CT 06412.
Clearr Corp. offers its large indoor backlit XXLite, which provides a simple solution to display large indoor graphic media. XXLite is available in sizes as large as l0' by almost any dimension. It offers styling aesthetics and industry-leading illumination qualities with exceptional ease of use. It may be ordered with its standard-anodized aluminum finish, or in a variety of colors. Each unit is separated into two pieces for convenience of shipping and on-site assembly is quick and easy. For more information, contact Clearr Corp., 6325 Sandburg Road, Minneapolis, MN 55427; www.clearrcorp.com.
Antares Lighting has introduced its new Bellatrix LED strip lighting system. The new fixture will provide a versatile high-end lighting solution for a variety of design applications including displays at retail locations. The new solid-state LED fixture reduces long-term energy costs by offering low-voltage energy requirements and a substantial longer life than standard fluorescents. For more information, contact Antares Lighting, l0838 Bloomfield Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670; www.antareslighting.com.
Kraslex USA has introduced "Dlight" panel technology. This technology combines eye-catching illumination with fluent motion and light control while maintaining a thin 1" thick profile. All of this with photo quality, vibrant high-definition images. This technology is many times brighter than Electro Luminescence (EL) and many times less expensive than LCD screens. For more information, contact Kraslex USA, 167 E61 Street, 35 D New York, NY 10021; www.dynamicledsigns.com.
This DSA/LED illuminated display combines and ultra-thin profile with the latest energy saving LED illumination technology. It is suitable for all types of retail venues and is less than l" thick. The high output LED's used in the design last up to 100,000 hours; more than four times the life of most fluorescent lamps. The display features aluminum construction with an anodized silver finish and is available for immediate shipment in four standard sizes from 22x 28" to 36x48". Custom sizes are also available. For more information, contact DSA/Phototech, l696l Central Avenue, Carson, CA 90746; www.dsa.phototech.com.
Change-a-Brill offers its latest breakthrough in illuminated signage. It is up to 60 times brighter than neon using a patented reflector system to direct all the light toward the customer. The message is changeable, perfect for special promotions, sales, seasonal items, etc. It is much more durable than neon and shows exact logos. For more information, contact The Change-a-Brill Company, 7l5C S. Washington St., Milford, DE l9963; www.change-a-brill.com.
Heritage Sign & Display offers an illuminated display system. This Stella Artois edge lit sign features l/4" thick acrylic custom shaped with crystal clear polished edges. The sign is both screen printed with etch and laser engraved and hangs from a silver LED edge lit unit that includes cables and hardware to use for hanging from the ceiling. These signs are illuminated from the edge of an acrylic panel that is laser cut to any shape and both laser engraved and screen printed with your choice of artwork. For more information, contact Heritage Sign & Display, 344 Industrial Road, Nesquehoning, PA 18240.
The Expotrans TriView® Menu Board was designed to accommodate Day-Part menu changes. It is engineered with aesthetic elegance, long-term durability and ease of use. The L.E.D. backlit design takes menu board design to a new level. For more information, contact Expotrans Visual Display System, 26845 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest, CA 92630; www.expotrans.com.
Testrite Collage Pop-Up Exhibit
Testrite Visual Products offers Collage Pop-Up Kits for a wide array of exhibit applications. Testrite now offers 112 different kits, ranging from compact 1x3 kits to 4x3 kits for larger exhibits. The unit shown, which has a distinctive, attention getting design, is a Pyramid 3 kit. Accessories for the exhibit kits include lighting, shelving, a Collage Counter and a Podium/Travel Storage case. Collage Pop-Up Exhibits are available from Testrite Visual Products, 216 South Newman Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Expolinc l0' Exhibit
This l0' Expolinc Soft Image display was custom modified. The Exhibit was extended to l20" tall x 90" wide. A front counter was created from a lx3 frame with custom counter top and lights. A 22" monitor was also mounted o the frame. The objective was to maintain the overall impression of a much larger exhibit in a l0' xl0' space with high visibility. The exhibit captured attendee's attention, achieving the objective. The Expolinc Exhibit, from Expolinc, 140 Main Street, Mount Gilead, OH 43338, was customized by Interface Exhibits Inc., 220 Royal Crest Court, Units 15 & 16, Markham, Ont, Canada L3R 9Y2.
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