Sterling Promotions
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.
PUMA City Is New Mobile Retail Space
To support its new sailing category, PUMA has unveiled PUMA City, a massive 11,000 sq. ft. mobile retail and event space made from shipping containers. PUMA City will follow the 9 month long Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 from Cape Town, South Africa to Boston Harbor.
PUMA City consists of three levels of steel shipping containers stacked on top of one another which will be utilized for entertaining and in-port race viewing. A PUMA retail space on the ground floor offers a selection of the new PUMA Sailing apparel, footwear and accessories collections.
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.
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.
Digital eTAGZ Attached To Rite Aid Cough Drops
Rite Aid is providing customers with valuable health information designed to help keep colds, the flu and asthma under control this season. Digital health discs called eTAGZ have been placed on Rite Aid cough drop packages. Experts at Harvard Health Publications and the NBC Digital Health Network have provided exclusive content to be featured on the digital health discs.
John Learish, Sr. V.P., Marketing, Rite Aid, said, “eTAGZ provides the ability to make an immediate, personal connection with our customers who are seeking a very specific type of health care.” For more information, contact eTAGZ, 108 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104; (Tel) 800-831-0399; (Web) www.etagz.com.
Lifeclinic Upgrades In-Store Health Stations
Lifeclinic, a leading provider of professional biometric testing stations, has partnered with LearnSomething, Inc., to upgrade its self-testing blood pressure monitors with interactive consumer wellness communications programs intended to provide shoppers with solutions for healthy living.
Consumer health information will be displayed on LearnSomething’s interactive digital signage, called the Health Communicator(TM), paid for with advertising and installed on Lifeclinic’s blood pressure monitors located in more than 20,000 pharmacies across the U.S. Each Health Communicator will have ten channels selected by individual pharmacies to meet their patients’ needs, with topics ranging from Rx adherence to hypertension, weight management to diabetes.For more information, contact Lifeclinic, (Tel) 301-476-9888; (Web Site) www.lifeclinic.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.
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.
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.”
Coca-Cola Displays Cherry Coke
Coca Cola North America recently used this case stacker display to highlight cans of both Cherry Coke and Cherry Coke Zero in grocery stores.
The combination of the big can images with the giant cherries conveyed the big cherry taste of the products.
The cans of Cherry Coke and Cherry Coke Zero were well organized on both sides of the display.
A Cherry Coke Spectacular display used in conjunction with this program featured a spinning can to draw attention to the display.
This display was created for Coca Cola North America by Ellie, Inc., (www.ellieinc.net), an O’Fallon, MO-based promotion agency and point-of-purchase display firm.
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.
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 a 40% ABV liqueur (80 proof) that is available in 50 mL, 750 mL, and 1 L bottles. It is distributed nationally by Diageo North America. An array of on-premise and off-premise display materials will support the launch.
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.
Dr Pepper Conducts Promotion With Major League Gaming
Dr Pepper and Major League Gaming (MLG), the professional video game league, will launch a nationwide promotion where every 20 ounce bottle sold is a winner, supported by an online content experience built around the #1 team in MLG, Str8 Rippin.
“We’re excited about giving Dr Pepper consumers access to Str8 Rippin and a chance to interact with Major League Gaming,” said Terry Hockens, Brand Manager, Dr Pepper. There will be 175 million Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper 20-oz bottles featuring MLG star, Tom ‘Tsquared’ Taylor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walt Disney Parks And Verizon Bring Mobile Magic To U.S. Parks
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones.
Guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. An exclusive mobile application will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; and receive messages from characters.
John Harrobin, Sr., V.P., Digital Marketing for Verizon, said, “Now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit with instant access to key information.”
Back to Top
To See previous issues of Sales Promotion News, click here
To See other Creative Online Newsletters, click here
To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.
