Diageo Debuts Virtual Bartender
Diageo has developed the Virtual Bartender, an interactive touch screen kiosk placed at the point of purchase to enhance the shopping experience.
The Virtual Bartender features brand education, cocktail preparation and party planning tools, as well as the capability for consumers to email drink recipes and print shopping lists in store. This state-of-the-art merchandising vehicle helps drive up-sell through brand education and generate multiple purchases through party planning tools.
“The Virtual Bartender” provides a variety of information in an entertaining and user-friendly way and is a great resource to educate store staff and consumers,” said Paul Warren, Trade Marketing Off-Premise Manager. “With DIAGEO brands prominently displayed, consumers get everything they need to stock their bar, plan a party and serve the best cocktails.”
Cricket Features World’s Largest Working Cell Phone
Cricket and Samsung Telecommunications, unveiled the world's largest working cell phone recently in Chicago. The phone is a working replica of a Samsung Messager phone and is 15’ long, 13’ high and 3’ deep.
Cricket invited Chicagoans to make unlimited, free phone calls and texts on the life-size Samsung Messager.
To celebrate the event, Cricket and Samsung Mobile also offered interactive activities onsite including a texting challenge, video booth and a display area featuring Cricket and Samsung Mobile products.
Arm & Hammer Uses Peel ‘n Taste Strip Dispensers
Church & Dwight wanted to build consumer awareness for its Arm & Hammer Advanced White Brilliant Sparkle toothpaste brand. The challenge of overcoming consumers’ association with the company’s 155-year-old flagship product, baking soda, led to the pinpointing of taste as the key element that had to be emphasized.
Church & Dwight used The Peel 'n Taste® flavor strips, from First Flavor, Inc., Bala Cynwyd, PA, (www.firstflavor.com) to effectively sample the taste at the point-of-purchase.
LEGO Group Uses Interactive Kiosk To Boost Retail Sales
The LEGO Group is launching its “DIGITAL BOX” terminal in selected toyshops and LEGO stores worldwide. The DIGITAL BOX terminal from the LEGO Group shows children exactly how the product will look when it has been fully assembled, even before they open the box.
This interactive terminal will utilize innovative technology supplied by metaio (www.metaio.com), in the form of a software program specially-developed by the Munich, Germany-based experts in augmented reality solutions. Together with a camera and display screen, the software lets LEGO packaging reveal its contents fully-assembled within live 3D animated scenes.
Children can hold special LEGO boxes up to an interactive kiosk and watch a 3D animation of the product inside the box superimposed on the box.
Industrial Images Introduces FlashView LCD Media Player
Industrial Image Inc. has introduced FlashView, a combination of traditional print signage and an All-in-One LCD digital media player.
The size and shape of the housing for the FlashView can be customized to specfications.
FlashView was designed specifically for the POP market with standard features such as an internal on/off timer, security door, and rugged all metal housing.
For more information, contact Industrial Image Inc., 2665 Pine Grove Rd., Cumming, GA 30041, (Tel.) 770-205-6636; (Web Site) www.industrialimage.net.
Focus Display Group Offers Custom Shelf Media Players
Focus Display Group offers the AeroDynamic 7" shelf media player. The front panel can be custom designed to match the brand image on the shelf. This high resolution LCD media player attaches to the shelf with a channel mounting bracket. The screen front panel is removable making it easy to update the unit.
For more information, contact Focus Display Group, 10328 Highland West Drive, Encondido CA 92029; (Tel.) 858-695-3353; (Web) www.focuspackaging.com.
In-Store Experience Introduces Flex-Media
In-Store Experience has introduced Flex-Media,™ which combines modular merchandise displays with integrated eye-level digital signage and in-store multimedia. “Typical in-store digital signage programs consist of a wall-mounted TV screen,” said Scott Carter, SVP Sales & Marketing. “Flex-media™ allows the message to be brought down to the consumer level.”
The system allows clients to substitute components, refresh the video content and outer graphics, and service the unit in just moments. “With a heightened focus on sustainable resources, we built a system that allows retailers to maintain the core unit, and simply change the ‘skin,’ said Chris Anderson. President. “That way they are not sending an old display to the landfill, and we only need to send new graphic panels to the store, saving gas and carbon emissions.”
For more information, contact In-Store Experience, (Tel) 203-221-4777; (Web) www.instorexperience.com.
Guinness Celebrates 250 Years With Anniversary Stout
To commemorate the legacy of Arthur Guinness who founded the Guinness Brewery in Dublin 250 years ago, Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout is being made available in the U.S on a limited edition basis.
“The Guinness brand felt it owed our loyal consumers a special gift to mark this historical occasion,” said Patrick Hughes, Brand Director, Diageo - Guinness USA.
The limited edition Stout is being supported with point-of-sale materials including signage, case cards, posters, and cooler decals.
Miller Displays Extras Loyalty Program
Through the Extras loyalty program, Miller High Life will help fans celebrate baseball. The High Life Extras loyalty program allows consumers to earn reward points by purchasing specially marked packages of High Life and High Life Light, and redeem those points for High Life baseball gear.
“Offering exclusive High Life-themed baseball merchandise is another way to add value for our loyal fans,” said High Life Sr. Brand Manager, Kevin Oglesby. “From a High Life baseball jersey to a base-and-bat barstool, the Extras program offers something for all fans.”
Magink Introduces 3GV Digital Tile Display
Magink, a provider of full color reflective digital ink technology, has partnered with Barbizon Lighting to introduce its revolutionary 3GV digital tile modular design display. The combined effect of Magink's scalable digital tiles with Barbizon’s lighting solutions creates an environment immersed in the ambience of the user's choice, in a gentle, non-intrusive way, either with still images, photos, video or any other visual effect.
Noah Meiri, VP Sales & Marketing, Magink, said “Combining Magink’s digital tiles with Barbizon's lighting magic brings the boards to life to create for a virtually ‘theatrical’ experience.”
For more information, visit www.magink.com.
Cadbury’s Halls Launches Campaign On StoreBoard Media
Cadbury recently launched an in-store media campaign for its Halls cough drops on StoreBoard Media’s™ EyeCurve® billboards at chain drug stores nationwide.
Douglas Leeds, StoreBoard’s CEO, said, “Advertisers find that our out-of-home media format works because of its low cost, high value and recency.”
StoreBoard Media (www.storeboards.net) indoor billboards are placed on security pedestals at the entrance to chain drug stores nationwide, generating more than half a billion monthly gross impressions.
SteriLyfe Kiosk Offers New Ad Medium
SteriLyfe™ LLC has introduced the Steristation™ mobile hand sanitizing/advertising kiosk, combining a deck mount touch free sanitizing dispenser with inter-changeable or permanent graphic panels.
The Steristation™ will be comprised of light weight recyclable eco-friendly plastic with architectural elements that incorporate modern design, a built in touch free hand sanitizer dispenser, generous space for graphic signage, and mobility. The deck mount touch free dispenser connects to a 5 liter cartridge lasting over 5,000 activations.
The base and tower will have 4 sides of advertising space for easy interchangeable graphics.
Steristation™ will be available in 2 sizes.
Restaurants, buffet lines, food courts, shopping malls, cruise ships, and sports arenas are just a few of the numerous areas where Steristation™ can be placed.
For more information, visit www.Sterilyfe.com.
Aardvark Introduces "The Aardy™" Electric Mobile Event Vehicle
Aardvark Event Logistics has developed an all-electric, all-purpose mobile event marketing vehicle, "The Aardy™," which it is offering to the Event Marketing industry. This street-legal vehicle is poised to change the way many companies think about Mobile Event Marketing.
“Our industry has always been about gas guzzling SUV's, Vans, and Tractor Trailers,” said Howard Nemenz, President of Aardvark Event Logistics. “What we wanted to do was develop a street-legal, all-electric Mobile Event Marketing vehicle that sets up quickly, attracts attention, and is adaptable to just about any program. The Aardy, is our clean, green, mobile event machine.”
Aardvark has partnered with Craftsmen Industries as the official builder of The Aardy.
For more informationabout ‘The Aardy’ visit www.aardvarkel.com.
BrandBooths Launched For Events
R World Enterprises has launched BrandBooths, designed to accommodate staffers, while creating an impactful, brand presence for event promotions. The small, 4' footprint combines with an 8' tall graphic to recreate a brand’s packaging or allow for an impactful theme.
BrandBooths feature easy set-up/break down and have a sturdy shipping case with wheels. The durable Brandbooths include a custom graphic “skin” or exterior banner. The ShowStar Model touts an aluminum frame with a patented tensioning system which results in a rigid presentation resembling a can. The 24" service shelf, is to sampling and food service.
“Reaching customers through street teams, events and trade shows is great, but having them get noticed and remembered is what BrandBooths were designed to do,” said Robert Nelson, creator of BrandBooths. For more information, visit (Web) www.brandbooths.com.
Prilosec OTC Fires Up BBQ Tour For NASCAR
The Prilosec OTC(R) BBQ Shootout Series is rolling into NASCAR cities across the nation, giving fans the opportunity to taste best in class BBQ, meet NASCAR drivers and win tickets to upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Award winning BBQ Pit Masters from across the country will be firing up their grills during local events to compete for tens of thousands of dollars in prize money - and barbeque bragging rights. Lip-smacking BBQ will be available for fans on-site to enjoy. On the Wednesday or Thursday before each Prilosec OTC BBQ Shootout Series competition, select NASCAR drivers and pit masters will appear at participating Walmart locations in each race city for cooking demonstrations, BBQ sampling and autographs. Fans can meet NASCAR drivers, watch pit masters in action and be screened for frequent heartburn. Consumers in attendance will also have the opportunity to win tickets to that weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
Sauza® Tequila Promotes New Margarita-In-A-Box
Beam Global Spirits & Wine and Sauza® Tequila have launched Sauza® Margarita-in-a-Box, the first boxed margarita cocktail made with real tequila to hit the market. Sauza Margarita-in-a-Box is a convenient and cost-effective way to celebrate at home without the effort of mixing or blending. The compact Margarita-in-a-Box fits easily into a refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to six weeks after opening.
“Sauza Margarita-in-a-Box tastes great and is as easy as putting ice in a glass and pouring straight from the refrigerator,” said Antonio Portillo, Sr. Brand Manager, Sauza Tequila.
The Sauza Margarita-in-a-Box launch will be supported with shelf talkers, case cards and other p.o.s. display materials.
Smirnoff Introduces New Flavored Vodkas
Smirnoff Vodka has added two more offerings to its flavored vodka portfolio, Smirnoff Melon Flavored Vodka and Smirnoff Pomegranate Flavored Vodka. Additionally, the brand's ready-to-drink Cocktails Collection gets a new addition with Smirnoff Tuscan Lemonade. These new offerings provide consumers with additional options for effortless, at-home entertaining.
“Our Smirnoff Cocktails Collection and Flavored Vodka portfolios continue to grow, due in large part to our consumers' desire for fresh, flavorful, high-quality offerings that simplify at-home entertaining,” said David Tapscott, Director of Vodka Category.
Smirnoff Melon Flavored Vodka is blended with fresh melons, including cantaloupe and honeydew. Smirnoff Pomegranate Flavored Vodka is infused with pomegranate, citrus, apples and honey, with a hint of the Chinese Osmanthus flower.
Dixon Golf Converts P.O.P. Displays Into Recycling Centers
Dixon, which introduced the 1st 100% eco-friendly golf ball has led the golf world into the concept of “Green” by converting its Point-Of-Purchase displays into Recycling Centers for its retailers. In addition, Dixon Golf is minimizing its own carbon footprint and ecological impact through a number of initiatives.
To encourage golfers to get into the practice of recycling golf balls and return spent Dixon Earth golf balls to retailers, Dixon is offering a $1 discount on future orders. The Dixon Earth golf ball’s core is 100% renewable and the packaging is made from 100% recycled material. From core to cover, from packaging to displays, Dixon Earth is setting a new standard in environmental consciousness.
Bayer Advanced Sponsors Green Tour
Bayer Advanced, one of the fastest-growing lawn and garden companies in the U.S., is a title sponsor of the 3rd Annual Clean Air Green Tour.
Experts in tree care and ‘green’ products will tour the country in a bio-diesel, solar-powered bus and a Bayer Advanced hybrid SUV. They’ll make stops at Lowe’s stores, Wal-Mart Supercenters and major festivals. They’ll also hold tree plantings and host a community clean-up day. Tree saplings will be distributed to consumers.
The Tour is operated by Full Motion Marketing. Sponsors of the tour include Bayer Advanced, Kimberly Clark Scott Naturals, Dyson, and Michelin Green X Tires.
Red Truck Wines Displays Mini-Barrel
Red Truck Wines’ new Mini-Barrel has launched in Sam’s Club stores nationwide. With a patent-pending barrel design featuring the iconic wine barrel shape complete with rings, staves, a wood-grain look and burned-in imagery and typography, the Mini-Barrel has a fresh-from-the-winery feel. The 3L Mini-Barrel, which holds Red Truck's Red Wine, is equivalent to four 750ml bottles.
“It’s time consumers had the option of a premium quality wine in a format larger than 750ml," said Carol Reber, V.P., Marketing at 585 Wine Partners which owns Red Truck Wines. “For anyone who's ever visited a winery or wished they could, the Mini-Barrel by Red Truck makes the experience come alive in their own home.”
Mini-Barrel by Red Truck is being introduced at a time when the consumer is looking to make smart, value-oriented wine purchases. Furthermore, large format packages are widely considered to be more environmentally friendly than glass bottles due to their comparative lighter weight and lower carbon footprint.
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