Sterling Promotions
Skinny Water Displayed In Acme Markets
Skinny Nutritional Corp. has entered into an agreement to distribute Skinny Water in Acme Markets, the leading food and drug retailer in the Philadelphia area.
Don McDonald, CEO and President of Skinny Nutritional Corp., said, "We look forward to building the relationship and supporting Acme any way we can.”
Acme will drive the Skinny brand with pallet displays for the new item launch, as well as on the shelf in the enhanced water section, and through joint promotions.
Eve Gigis, Category Manager of CSD/Beverage for Acme Markets, said, “Acme is a leader in grocery innovation, with a first to market strategy by carrying new products for our customers. We look forward to partnering with Skinny Nutritional and building the Skinny Water brand.”
L'Oreal Tour Features Mobile Dome Environment
L’Oreal Garnier brand and its agency Match Marketing recently turned to MG Design Associates, Pleasant Prairie, WI, to create a mobile marketing environment.
The innovative dome structure was a natural fit with Garnier's tour objectives. MG Design was able to increase the environment to 6,000 sq. ft., protect attendees from weather elements and showcase AV brand messaging. Inside, the dome acted as a canvas for lighting and effects. The space accommodated hairstyling stations, presentations and samplings.
Chrysler iShowroom Features Digital Signage
Wireless Ronin Technologies, Inc., a Minneapolis-based worldwide digital signage provider, has been selected by Chrysler LLC to develop an interactive digital signage program for dealer showroom applications called iShowroom. The iShowroom program can be used by dealership sales personnel to lead sales presentations, but it is also intuitive enough for consumers to navigate on their own.
Chrysler's digital signage program will be made available to nearly 3,500 dealership locations in 2009. Each dealership showroom will be outfitted with one or more 46 inch NEC interactive displays powered by RoninCast(r) digital signage.
Blockbuster Launches DVD Vending Kiosks
Blockbuster and NCR Corp. plan to deploy Blockbuster-branded, state of-the-art DVD vending kiosks in a pilot program. The pilot vending kiosks will initially offer DVD rentals, but the machines will allow for future applications, including digital downloads, and other services, such as sales of DVDs and video games.
“With NCR's advanced technology, these machines will dispense a wide array of DVDs and could offer digital downloading in the future, all under the Blockbuster brand,” said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster Chairman “This initial rollout provides consumers increasingly convenient access to their favorite movies and is one more step in the fulfillment of our mission to transform Blockbuster into a multi-channel provider of media entertainment.”
Helius Technology Powers In-Mall Digital Signage Network
Helius, Lindon, UT, (www.helius.com) has teamed with PlasMedia Productions to develop one of the nation's largest in-mall digital signage networks, servicing over 3,600 advertisers in 100 locations. PlasMedia selected the Helius Media Signage product because it allows for central control and deployment of content to any number of Helius media players.
The Helius network management software provides PlasMedia with an intuitive interface to upload and target content as well as gain visibility into the reporting aspects needed to effectively manage the system.
Jeff Curtis, Sr. V.P. Sales & Marketing, Helius, said, “We are excited to offer digital signage technology that removes the barriers to growth and opens up new market opportunities for PlasMedia.” For more information about this in-mall network, visit www.plasmediaproductions.com.
PerfectMedia Digital Retail System Reaches Shoppers At P-O-P
InStore Broadcasting Network, the largest retail media network in the United States, operates the PerfectMedia™ digital retail system, which leverages in-store audio and video narrowcasting systems to reach shoppers at the point of purchase.
Overhead audio systems reach every shopper in the store, while shelf-mounted video displays are installed in your aisle, allowing for the ultimate in targeted messaging: buyers of a brand. For more information, visit www.ibnads.com.
Healthnotes Is Now Aisle7 To Reflect Mainstreaming Of Health And Wellness
Healthnotes, a leader in wellness marketing programs for food and drug retailers, has become Aisle7™. This change reflects rapid growth in the Company's storewide solutions and expansion beyond its original vitamin and supplement focus to include products across every aisle of the store - driven by the mainstreaming of health and wellness, and the simultaneous growth of emerging forms of shopper marketing.
Dr. Skye Lininger, founder of Aisle7, noted that, “Aisle7 builds on the great history of Healthnotes, expanding programs to encompass the entire store and helping retailers connect with shoppers in new ways to capitalize on the powerful health and wellness trends. We’re excited to bring these changes to the marketplace and help retailers create truly compelling wellness-based marketing programs that grow sales and loyalty.”
For more information, visit www.aisle7.net.
Ethos Water Collaborates With H20 Africa
Ethos Water, a brand dedicated to helping children get clean water, is collaborating with H20 Africa, a foundation focused on clean water initiatives. H20 Africa’s co-founder, Matt Damon, will appear in a national Ethos promotion campaign.
The campaign coincides with the expanded distribution of Ethos(TM)water into more than 40,000 convenience, grocery, mass and drug stores across the U.S. Since Starbucks acquired Ethos Water in 2005, the product has become available in more than 7,000 company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with H20 Africa, which shares our commitment to the same mission," said Ahad Afridi, VP of waters at Pepsi-Cola N.A.
Nutrisoda Conducts ‘Fit for Paradise’ Sweepstakes
Ardea Beverage Co., the makers of Nutrisoda nutrient-enhanced beverages, kicked off the Fit for Paradise Sweepstakes to launch its new 12 ounce glass bottle. Consumers will be able to enter to win a Hawaiian getaway or a pair of Chaco Flips wherever Nutrisoda bottles are sold.
P.O.S. promoting the Fit for Paradise Sweepstakes will be found in convenience and drug stores, and on-premise accounts; including, restaurants, cafés, and hotels. Participants can find mail-in entry forms on cooler door decals or counter cards. One grand prize winner will receive a trip for four to Hawaii, valued at $10,000.
Rock N’ Roll Mobiles Promote Slurpees
7-Eleven customers are on the go and the convenience retailer has street teams driving around select U.S. cities in rock 'n' roll Slurpee-mobiles, i.e., vehicles with giant video screens to play larger-than-life Guitar Hero games. "Rock 'n' roll Never Sleeps" is emblazoned on the side.
7-Eleven recently partnered with Activision to promote Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. 7-Eleven, Inc. gave away Guitar Hero videogames, Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles, plus 711,000 Microsoft Points to purchase merchandise from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
7-Eleven is taking its new Slurpee Nation-mobile on the road at the Warped 2008 tour, serving samples of the new Monster Black Ice Slurpee drink, the first Monster Energy drink in frozen form, available in 7-Eleven stores.
Go Green Mobile Billboard Launches As Eco-Friendly Marketing Vehicle
Brand Xperience, the Chicago-based, experiential marketing company, has launched Go Green Mobile Billboard Advertising as its eco-friendly marketing vehicle division. Go Green is the only mobile billboard advertising company dedicated to the sole use of all-electric, zero emissions vehicles for special events, street sampling and mobile billboards.
The company's exclusive line of electric vehicles can be driven on city streets, at shopping centers and at special events-even indoors, without the worry of harmful exhaust. The unique styles grab consumers' attention and all can be designed with colorful signage.
"Advertising with our electric vehicles not only allows a company to send its message in a unique and cost-effective way, but also communicates that the company cares about the environment," said Go Green Advertising Senior Vice President, Bob Kopach.
eTagz And Sierra Online Partner In Cross Marketing Drink Lid Promotion For FreeStyle Street Basketball
eTAGZ, a Seattle, WA-based company that holds the patent for the digital hang tag, a CD-ROM that contains rich media content, has partnered with Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games. One million copies of FreeStyle Street Basketball™, a fast-paced massively multiplayer online PC basketball game, have been attached to drink lids and given away by promotion agency ampm with 44 ounce soft drinks. Lids will be available in a prominently-positioned point of purchase display.
"We're all very excited about this promotion," said Jackson Weaver CEO of eTAGZ.. "It gives added value to ampm's customers, exposes them to other products that they would enjoy, it's interactive and fun, and ties into a sports fanatic's favorite time of year. What's not to love?"
Best Buy Launches Automated Kiosks In U.S. Airports
Best Buy has begun rolling out Best Buy Express™ automated kiosks in airports across the U.S. Best Buy Express kiosks will offer a variety of products and accessories at familiar store prices that will appeal to business and leisure travelers alike. Best Buy has teamed with third party ZoomSystems to launch the test.
“Best Buy Express is another way for Best Buy to provide consumers with the products they need from a brand they trust, even while they're on-the-go,” said Chris Stidman, V.P., Strategic Planning for Best Buy. “Whether travelers are looking to purchase a last minute gift or are in need of replacement for a lost, forgotten or broken product, these kiosks will allow them to purchase the product they want.”
The assortment of products available through Best Buy Express will include cell phones, computer accessories, digital cameras, portable storage devices, MP3 players, headphones, portable gaming devices, gift cards, travel adapters and chargers.
Sephora Debuts Scentsa Fragrance Finder
Sephora has introduced the Scentsa® Fragrance Finder, a state-of-the-art custom interactive kiosk program.
“Scentsa will revolutionize the way we think about finding a fragrance,” said Betsy Olum, Sephora’s Sr. V.P., Marketing. “Our clients will be able to quickly locate a fragrance favorite or discover a new one.”
Utilizing the wall-mounted interactive touch screen, users can find information on the latest fragrances, view images and videos or find reviews. Scentsa allows shoppers to search by: Brand Name, Fragrance Name, and Fragrances Notes.
Hardees Installs Kiosks For Easy Ordering
Boddie-Noell Enterprises (BNE), the largest Hardee's franchise operator in the U.S. with 345 restaurants and EMN8, (www.emn8.com) the leader in technology-based, rich-media self-service systems for quick service restaurants (QSRs), have introduced EMN8 kiosks in BNE Hardee’s restaurant locations.
EMN8's self-service software features vibrant graphics and a user friendly interface that allows Hardee's customers to order their food quickly and easily. The menu presents products, suggestions and options in such a manner as to influence customers' decisions at the point of purchase, increasing average ticket and menu awareness. “We are in the early stages, yet customer feedback has been very positive and the increase in the average check amount exceeds our expectations,” said Mike Boddie, President of the BNE Restaurant Division.
Bank of China Hosts Experiential Center At Olympic Games
Bank of China, BOC recently spoke to a multi-cultural audience through experiential marketing at the Olympics in Beijing. BOC hosted a two-story experiential complex with interactive exhibits and a more private environment for VIPs. It invited attendees to engage with the brand through interactive experiences such as a stock market game, a virtual badminton game with the Chinese badminton team and an interactive ATM.
A 20 minute attendee journey took the attendee on a trip through the past 100 years of BOC and the Olympics.
Bank of China’s onsite showcase was designed to raise awareness of the worldwide footprint of one of China's oldest financial institutions.
The experiential center was created for Bank of China by George P. Johnson Co., (Web Site) www.gpjco.com, an Auburn Hills, MI-headquared experiential marketing firm.
BP Gasoline Launches Invigorate Mobile Tour
BP is bringing BP gasoline with Invigorate to life through an interactive experience, called the Invigoration Station, that will offer people the chance to win cool prizes, such as BP gift cards, while challenging them to step into the shoes of the Invigorate athletes.
Making a stop in 15 markets through the end of 2008, the Invigoration Station will take people on a unique journey and provide them a personal experience they may not otherwise have an opportunity to complete, such as balance on a wave-taming surfboard, climb a mountain or run a simulated marathon.
Truvia Greenhouse Helps Launch Natural Sweetener
Cargill Health and Nutrition recently opened the Truvia(TM) Greenhouse at Rockefeller Center in New York City to coincide with the initial retail availability of Truvia, a zero calorie natural sweetener made with rebiana, the best tasting part of the stevia leaf.
The 20 x 40 foot Truvia Greenhouse served as the centerpiece of an educational exhibit detailing the journey of this natural sweetener from stevia leaf to tabletop sachet. Thousands of stevia plants had been grown especially for the Greenhouse and brought into Rockefeller Center for the event. At the Greenhouse, beverages sweetened with Truvia tabletop natural sweetener, as well as samples of the new tabletop product, were available.
“The Truvia Greenhouse offers a hands-on opportunity to discover how this product makes its way from the field to the consumer’s table. The result is a new, great tasting, zero calorie product -- Truvia natural sweetener,” said Steve Snyder, Vice President Cargill Health and Nutrition.
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