McDonald’s & Toys “R” Announce Partnership
McDonald’s and Toys “R” Us have joined forces for their first Happy Meal partnership, showcasing eight mini plush toys. In selected Happy Meals, consumers also will receive more than $100 worth of Toys “R” Us coupons in the official Toys “R” Us Mini Big Toy Book available at McDonald’s for a limited time.
Karlin Linhart, Sr. Director, Youth Marketing at McDonald’s, said, “We’re thrilled to offer our youngest customers miniature plush versions of the incredibly popular Animal Alley characters, and parents will appreciate the savings from the coupon booklet.”
“We see the Toys “R” Us and McDonald’s partnership as a marriage between two great brands for kids and families,” said Warren Kornblum, Exec., V.P., Worldwide Marketing at Toys “R” Us. “The Animal Alley Happy Meal Promotion provides us with a great opportunity to get one of our key brands into the hands of millions of kids nationwide.”
Aetna Launches Mobile Marketing Initiative
Aetna U.S. Healthcare has launched a mobile marketing initiative. The centerpiece of the campaign is a 53-ft., double expandable truck. Branded health.e.nation, the effort showcases the power of information technology to improve the quality of healthcare.
Created and managed by brand communications firm Jack Morton, the campaign provides multilevel audience outreach across the country, with the truck acting as the focus for both by-invitation and public events.
Gateway CyberSpot Kiosks Connect Fans
Olympic athletes in Salt Lake City for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games were able to keep in touch with fans, family and friends via video e-mails at Gateway CyberSpot kiosks located in Gateway stores nationwide.
The Gateway CyberSpots allowed anyone to record a video message and email it to an individual Olympian or an entire team, free of charge.
In each store, a listing of U.S. Olympic athletes was posted, with local athletes highlighted. Gateway representatives were on hand at all kiosks to help if needed.
Circle K Stores Featuring Kiosks
Computer Automation Systems Inc., has shipped new interactive kiosks for installation in Circle K convenience stores. Each kiosk provides Circle K's customers with integrated Internet access to make Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone calls to anywhere in the world, check e-mail, surf the Web, receive shopping specials and play games. The kiosks have Infrared ports to download music mpegs to portable devices.
Computer Automation Systems assembled the kiosks using its proprietary “‘smart” flat panel displays and integrated the software systems that are the new ZapLink public access kiosks for the Global Access Alliance Inc. of Bessemer, AL, which has an agreement to provide the kiosks to Circle K.
Canadian Mist Celebrates Escape To The Great Outdoors
Canadian Mist has launched an on- and off-premise promotion celebrating the great outdoor experience. Displays and case cards feature both classic Canadian Mist bottle packs amidst a perfect outdoor setting. Back by popular demand is the Canadian Mist float plane in the massive 7-foot or miniature 24-inch sizes, which consumers can purchase by sending in a mail-in request.
Once again, Canadian Mist's outdoor sweepstakes program offers consumers chances to win portable outdoor chairs, Canon waterproof cameras, Orvis fishing gear and a grand prize trip to a Canadian fishing lodge.
Bud Light Sponsors Professional Bull Rider
Bud Light is sponsoring professional bull rider Ross Coleman through the 2002 PBR Bud Light Cup season.
“Ross Coleman is a perfect fit for the Bud Light PBR team,” said Tony Ponturo, V.P., Corporate Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Bud Light’s sponsorships of Coleman and Hedeman include personal appearances and a line of p.o.s. materials including both riders and the PBR Bud Light Cup logo.
Glenmorangie Runs Shared Streams Promo
Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Whisky’s uniqueness is being celebrated in a “Shared Streams” off-premise promotion. Glenmorangie is partnering with Trout Unlimited and the American Forest Foundation in a program that touts the importance of pure water. Consumers can get a one-year membership to Trout Unlimited for half price.
Case cards and shelf talkers build awareness for this promotion.
Avecmedia To Deliver Interactive Media Via Packaged Goods
Avecmedia, Inc. has introduced a patented packaging system to attach CDs, DVDs, and software CD-ROMs to a wide variety of consumer products. The packaging displays the disc while protecting it from tampering or damage.
William Plumb, President of Avecmedia, said, “We can package music CDs on top of fountain beverages, children’s fast food meals or the lid of a can.”
For more information, visit the Avecmedia web site at www.avecmedia.com.
Stop & Shop to Pilot Netgrocer’s ‘Endless Aisle’ Service
Web-enabled kiosks will allow consumers to shop for ‘Hard-to-Find’ items at Stop & Shop stores in New England. Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., and Netgrocer, an online retailer, are testing the “Endless Aisle” program in select stores.
“We are continuously exploring opportunities to use technology to enhance our customers’ shopping experience and expand our one-stop-shopping service,” said Marc Smith, CEO of Stop & Shop.
To use the service, consumers begin by visiting the in-store Endless Aisle kiosk. They follow simple, onscreen instructions to locate hard-to-find items. Upon selecting a payment method, the process is completed and the order is shipped to the customer’s home via FedEx.
Adapt Media Delivers Mobile Advertising
Adapt Media, Inc., offers ad/runner, a patented media platform, which can distribute advertising campaigns to thousands of electronic billboards within seconds.
Ad/runner makes use of cellular communication, GPS, ad serving, and electronic display technologies to enable advertisers to target consumers with geographical accuracy. The ad/runner display is an electronic billboard designed for mounting directly on a vehicle. Each ad/runner display contains a computer and a Global Positioning System receiver.
For more information, visit Adapt Media at www.adaptmedia.net.
Trykor Rolling Media Debuts Video Truck
Trykor Rolling Media offers the Video Truck, equipped with a high impact video display and sound system for promotional tours. The Video Truck is equipped for live webcasts, movies, m-pegs, DVD’s or satellite feeds.
For more information, on the Video Truck, contact Trykor Rolling Media, 3089-C Clairemont Dr., San Diego, CA 92117, (Tel) 619-275-4464; (Web) www.trykorrollingmedia.com.
New Millennium Media Installs Kiosks In Malls
New Millennium Media International has installed its EyecatcherPlus displays in malls arranged in a triangular kiosk system. The kiosk system holds 40 back-lit posters, along with a mall directory.
“We plan to install this display system in malls and retail locations throughout the U.S.,” said John Thatch, CEO of New Millennium. “We feel this program will be successful for the venue locations and beneficial to advertisers.”
For more information, visit the New Millennium Media web site at www.nmmimedia.com.
Torengos Launches CHIP Challenge
The Torengos ChampionCHIP Challenge will tour the nation to deem one dip’lement (edible dipping device) champion of the dip.
From carrots to radishes, some of the world’s most popular dip’lements will be on hand at community festivals and events to prove which edible item is most hip for the dip. At the tour, which features 11 Torengos ChampionCHIP Caravans, Torengos’ ambassadors will hand out thousands of free Torengos tortilla chip samples with tasty Pace(R) brand salsa. The ambassadors are confident that their new tortilla chip, recently introduced by Procter & Gamble will more than stack up to the competition.
Deb Lutz, Brand Manager, said, “We are giving folks an opportunity to try our new chip while putting their competitive spirit to the test.”
U.S. Marketing & Promotions, Los Angeles, developed the promotion.
Frito-Lay Selects Tracy Locke As Promotions Agency
Frito-Lay North America has consolidated its U.S. promotional and retail merchandising activities with the selection of Tracy Locke Partnership. The shift will combine the marketing scale of Frito-Lay N.A. and Pepsi-Cola N.A. for all consumer promotions. TLP has been working with Frito-Lay and Pepsi on joint retail merchandising and promotions for the past several years.
“This consolidation will provide a more potent marketing force,” said John Compton, Frito-Lay Sr. V.P., Marketing.
Pete’s Brewing Launches Club Wicked Promo
Pete’s Brewing is promoting its Pete’s Wicked Ale with a Club Wicked promotion featuring a full array of p.o.s. materials, including counter-cards, table tents and banners. Pete’s Brewing has also commissioned a custom Lava Lite as an on-display consumer offer.
On-premise retailers will be provided merchandising kits including beverage napkins that double as an interactive bar game and Club Wicked VIP cards that provide access to a special on-line consumer sweepstakes.
Miller Offers ‘Party In Paradise’
Miller Genuine Draft is running the Blind Date 2002 sweepstakes. Buz Cady, Promotions Manager, said, “For this Blind Date event, we opted for the Atlantis Resort because of the intrigue that surrounds the Lost City of Atlantis.”
Consumers can enter the sweepstakes via a take one pad on displays. Off-premise p.o.s. materials include basewrap, case cards and danglers. On premise materials include table tents, pennants, and banners.
McDonald’s Salutes 100 Years Of Disney
McDonald’s restaurants nationwide saluted the Walt Disney World “100 Years of Disney Magic” celebration with a promotion including a parade of 100 Disney character Happy Meal toys and a set of four special edition commemorative glasses. The promotion brought the nostalgic feel of 100 years of Walt Disney World memories to customers through a collection of historical Happy Meal toys, carry-out bags and in-restaurant décor and p.o.p. materials.
“We are delighted to bring the creation and imagination of a century of shared Disney memories into our restaurants and customers’ homes,” said Peter Sterling, V.P., McDonald's U.S. Marketing. “We are proud of our Disney/McDonald's alliance and salute this grand celebration of Walt Disney’s life.”
Cheerios Encourages Childhood Literacy
Cheerios has launched a significant commitment to childhood literacy. The Cheerios initiative will include cereal box offers for classic children's books and a variety of resources to help families make reading a priority.
More than 28 million boxes of Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios, MultiGrain Cheerios and Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, will offer three free award-winning children's books published by Knopf Delacorte Dell Young Readers Group. By sending in two proofs of purchase and $1.25 for shipping and handling, consumers can order one of these books.
Cheerios has donated $100,000 to Reading is Fundamental (RIF), and will donate an additional 15 cents to RIF for every book redeemed through the on-pack promotion, (up to $150,000). At General Mills’ new Cereal Adventure family attraction in Minneapolis, Cheerios will sponsor Story Time events.
Laura Daly, Cheerios Marketing Manager, said, “Cheerios is committed to putting more books into the hands of children.”
T.J. Cinnamons Runs Getaway Promo
T.J. Cinnamons, asked St. Louis-based agency Wolf-gang & Associates to develop a promotion to entice consumers to frequently purchase packs of T.J. Cinnamons Rolls. Wolf-gang developed a new package with a value added game card offering instant prizes.
The new package, designed to up sell consumers to a three pack, was the focal element in the “Gourmet Getaway” promotion. The 3-pack game card enabled consumers to instantly win travel related prizes.
Buffalo Wild Wings Runs Western Burger Promo
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar is featuring a weary cowboy, tagged with the phrase “The perfect break from a tough day,” on in-store posters, table tent inserts, counter cards and banners, to tempt consumers to try its Western Burger Buckaroo.
The Western Burger Promotion is on display in all of the restaurant chain’s 163 locations.
“Our spring marketing brand strategy is to promote Buffalo Wild Wings' signature menu items,” said Kathy Alberga, Buffalo Wild Wings' Sr. V.P., Marketing.
Beefeater Celebrates ‘Bold Taste Of Summer’
Beefeater Gin is providing retailers with p.o.s. materials celebrating the “Bold Taste of Summer.” The promotion includes special mixer co-packs.
Off-premise p.o.s. materials include case cards, static clings and a new wire rack. On-premise items include table tents, back bar mirrors and bottle glorifiers.
“The Bold Taste Of Summer program communicates the enjoyment of the season,” said Phil West, Beefeater’s Sr. Brand Manager.
Promotion Determines M&M’s’ Candy Color
Mars Inc. has launched a worldwide vote to determine the newest color M&M’s Chocolate Candy. Candy lovers around the globe can choose from three colors: purple, pink or aqua.
The Global Color Vote is the largest promotion in the 61-year history of the M&M's brand.
Voters in participating countries will be able to vote through e-mail, mail, telephone or at kiosks placed in select locations. Voters will have the opportunity to sample each color before casting their vote.
Specially marked packages, available at retailers worldwide, will contain purple, pink or aqua M&M's.
The M&M's Global Color Vote is the first global promotion in M&M’s brand history. Participating countries will take part in a unified marketing campaign including advertising, retail promotions, and Internet marketing
Heritage Unveils New Technology
Heritage Sign & Display has introduced a new glass beveling technology. Its new automated glass beveling machine, the first of its kind in the industry, enables Heritage to produce custom straight and wave bevels with a single piece of equipment. This allows the company to expand its line of custom p.o.p. signs and displays to include custom beveled mirrors.
“This new capability allows us to do more than just bevel mirrors,” said Jason Amodea, Heritage President. “We view glass beveling as an alternative to conventional framing techniques. We'll be able to integrate this technology with everything from lighted signs and mirrored chalk boards to bottle glorifiers.”
For more information, contact Heritage Sign & Display, 344 Industrial Drive, Nesquehoning, PA 18240; (Tel) 570 645-8701 (Fax) 570-645-2178, (Web) www.popsigns.com
Digital eMedia Creates InfroCentre For BMW
Digital eMedia Inc. recently created the Auto eInfoCentre for BMW. The Auto eInfoCentre is the integration of a stylish eKiosk and a commanding 104" diagonal rear projection screen to maximize the impact of customer driven information delivery.
Digital eMedia Inc. used a combination of digitized video content and custom multimedia content to deliver an engaging and high impact presentation to the customer.
For more information, contact Digital eMedia, Inc., 55 Victoria St. N., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2H 5B7; (Tel) 519-585-1786; (Web) www.digitalemediainc.com.
Quantum Is Launched
Eurodisplay de Cataluna SA, Barcelona, Spain, has introduced the Quantum, a multi poster display storing up to six different posters. The Quantum display features a patented hooking system which makes it extremely reliable.
Quantum units also offer “Telemetrix,” a patented system for programming and verifying poster displays via the internet.
For more information, contact Eurodisplay de Cataluna SA, (Tel) 34 93 662 5698; (web) www.multiposter.com.
C. Smerick Apptd. V.P., Brand Devel. For The GEM Group
The GEM Group, an Atlanta, GA-headquartered global experiential marketing communications firm, has named Chuck Smerick as V.P., Brand Development & Design for its Minneapolis office.
Smerick worked previously for Pillsbury and General Mills.
Home Depot Travels To NASCAR Events
The Home Depot has launched a mobile marketing program tying into NASCAR racing events.
“The Home Depot Experience,” features a custom 53-foot trailer depicting a scaled down version of a Home Depot store. The mobile experience includes 30 different live and interactive programs (contests, demos, and events celebrating Home Depot's NASCAR racing team and driver); abbreviated versions of Home Depot’s in-store home improvement workshops; and a “Pro Desk” targeted to professional residential contractors.
Jack Morton Worldwide, New York City, worked with Home Depot to create the experience.
“Our marketing objective is to extend and reinforce consumers’ relationships with The Home Depot brand,” said Kirsten Kinder, Manager of the Motorsports Program at The Home Depot.
Dannon And Artisan Team For Promotion
Artisan Home Entertainment and Danone Waters of North America (DWNA) have partnered for a promotion coinciding with the release of “Get Fit Fast: ABS,” the latest Denise Austin fitness title.
The campaign enables consumers to receive an exclusive Denise Austin exercise video through a special mail-in offer. Eye-catching p.o.p displays, including case cards and shelf talkers offer details of the promotion.
Hosea Belcher, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, Artisan Home Entertainment, said, “The promotion will generate significant awareness on the video line within the supermarket arena by enabling us to reach millions of consumers.”
Jean-Philippe, Director of Marketing at DWNA said, “Denise Austin has been a prominent health and fitness expert for over 20 years. Her long-standing of healthy living has impacted millions of women nationwide, all of whom are in our key demographic.
Pepperidge Farm Runs Goldfish Mobile Tour
Pepperidge Farm has launched the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish mobile tour, a giant-sized fish-on-wheels shaped like the snack cracker, which is visiting more than 30 cities cross-country. Stops on the “Miles of Smiles Tour” include supermarkets and other retailers, festivals, and shows.
The Pepperidge Farm mobile measures 23 feet long and 13 feet tall, and it sports an 8-foot pair of sunglasses. At the events, visitors can play games, win prizes, take pictures with the Goldfish character, and enjoy free samples of Pepperidge Farm treats.
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