Displays Support Launch Of NFL Showdown Game
Wizards of the Coast has introduced the NFL Showdown 2002 sports card game, incorporating an electronic reader called The PlayGrid. The PlayGrid, developed in conjunction with Tiger Electronics, is a handheld scanning device that allows football fans of all ages to play a strategic and statistically accurate football game without sacrificing the fast-paced action of an actual NFL game. The PlayGrid device reads, decodes and stores information from cards that are swiped through its electronic scanner. It then computes each individual play result from the information it has stored.
The NFL Showdown 2002 sports card game is available in two-player Starter Sets, draft packs and booster packs. P.o.p. displays support the NFL Showdown 2002 sports card game at retail.
Tubbs Debuts Women’s Snowshoe Display
This snowshoe display was developed for Tubbs to feature the unique qualities of a product designed specifically for women. The display, designed to fit into the specialized winter sport retail environment, incorporates a minimalist wire form that features the snowshoe at the optimal angle for consumer viewing. The interchangeable white vinyl backer card is slotted to conform to the curvature of the design and features lifestyle imagery unique to women snowshoe enthusiasts.
A prominent custom domed label brands the wire extension that stabilizes the snowshoe in the display. The display is designed to be used in a counter top environment as an alternative display solution.
This display has effectively drawn attention to the distinct technological differences between men's and women's snowshoes.
The display was created by Concept Designs, headquartered in Mountain View, CA.
PaceMaster Banners Enhances Brand Image
PaceMaster Treadmills wanted to visually enhance its in-store branding with eye- catching banners. The company used three double-sided 24" x 72" cloth banners illustrating action, determination and athletic stamina with visual motion on the front, and testimonials on the back. Custom stands were designed with a curved top bar to accentuate the curves of the PaceMaster logo. “Go The Distance” was used as a heading to reinforce both the athletic determination of the customer, and the endurance of the machine. Logos printed on both sides produced further product recognition. The visually striking graphics, and quality of the banners bring attention to the PaceMaster name.
The banners were created for PaceMaster by KDS Marketing Group, Kinnelon, NJ.
Miller Brings Super Bowl Excitement To Retail
Retailers can turn their stores into “Super Bowl Central” with the help of Miller Lite, the official beer sponsor of Super Bowl XXXVI. Appearing in a display spectacular featuring party supplies and Miller Lite, a cut-out image of three-time Super Bowl champion Troy Aikman asks consumers, “What Are You Bringing To The Party?”
Cross-merchandising partnerships with Planter’s Nuts, Banquet Foods and Louisiana Hot Sauce enable Miller Lite to deliver everything football fans need for one great Super Bowl party.
A sweepstakes offers a chance to win a Super Bowl Party Kit, which includes an inflatable chair, a party banner, string pennant, an adaptation of the Miller Lite Official Super Bowl Stadium Cup and a $100 gift certificate redeemable for food and beverages. A take-one banner, available on displays, allows consumers to turn their house parties into Super Bowl Central parties.
Cross-merchandising materials include coupon booklet kits and display cards.
Tweens Crave Ethnic Foods
American “tweens” aged 10 to 13 are no longer just a burger-and-fries bunch, but have expanded their tastes to ethnic foods including sushi, quesadillas and samosas, according to the “2001 Tweens In America Report,” conducted by Wharf Research and the Center for Culinary Development (CCD). Tweens ranked American food a lowly fifth place on their list of favorite cuisines.
Some of the survey's key findings include: Chinese food is the top choice by almost 40% of tweens; Mexican food is second, followed by Japanese and Italian-all preferred over American cuisine; 81% of tweens eat out in restaurants with family and/or friends at least once a week; more than 17% eat out for dinner three or more times a week; Indian food has emerging popularity, with 16% of tweens aware of the “street food” known as samosas.
“These important, emerging consumers are much more sophisticated than previously thought,” said Kimberly Egan of San Francisco, CA-based CCD. “Marketers need to take notice of the tweens in America. Of course, kids still like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pizza, and macaroni and cheese, but we are in a new era of emerging, sophisticated young tastes.”
The survey also highlighted the tweens' increasing influence in family decisions on whether to dine out, and where, and while food shopping, 85% of tweens have input on parental decisions to buy snacks and other foods during trips to the grocery store.
Fans Can Win Kobe’s ‘Gym Locker’ Through Sprite Promo.
The keys to Kobe Bryant’s “gym locker” and all of his favorite gear, are located under-the-cap of a Sprite 20-ounce, .5 liter and 1-liter bottle as part of the Coca-Cola Sprite “Kobe's Locker” promotion.
The two grand prize winners will receive Kobe's gym locker loaded with the NBA star's favorite clothing and electronics including Kobe-autographed footwear, official NBA apparel, a laptop computer, a motor scooter and helmet, $5,000 cash and tickets to an NBA game featuring Kobe Bryant.
Sprite is the NBA's 2002 All-Star balloting partner and a call to action is featured on approximately 40 million two- and three-liter Sprite bottles. The Sprite bottles appear on customized floor displays with balloting-related point-of-sale materials.
Since 1994, Sprite has been the official soft drink of the National Basketball Association.
Newell Rubbermaid Road-Show Highlights NASCAR
Newell Rubbermaid has launched a NASCAR Block Party promotion. The interactive mobile exhibit support’s Newell Rubbermaid's racing sponsorship of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, and it provides product demonstrations.
Housed aboard a 53-foot trailer with a tent folding out on each side, the event features interactive displays and prizes. “The ‘Block Party’ allows Newell Rubbermaid to interact with consumers on a personal basis and build lasting relationships,” said Daniel Davis, NASCAR Sponsorship Manager for Newell Rubbermaid.
National Tour, a Rancho Santa Margarita, CA-based event-marketing firm was selected by Newell Rubbermaid to manage the tour.
Lloyd’s Runs Sweepstakes
General Mills’ Lloyd’s Barbecue is running a sweepstakes offering chances to win autographed Team USA Hockey merchandise, including Team USA replica jerseys, hockey sticks and replica hockey pucks. Special in-store displays feature Mike Modano, of the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team and Karyn Bye of the USA Hockey Women’s National Team.
“Cheering on USA Hockey and enjoying great barbecue is a winning combination,” said Nancy Byers, Marketing Director for Lloyd’s Barbecue Co.
Budweiser & NBA Announce Promotion Plans
Budweiser has announced plans for several NBA-tie-in promotions. Budweiser Hoops is an on-premise pop-a-shot basketball competition that includes VIP pre-game parties and halftime shooting competitions at NBA games. Budweiser’s tagline for its NBA partnership is “Most Fluid Game On The Planet.”
“Budweiser Hoops,” will tour 13 NBA markets. The promotion consists of two Budweiser Hoops vans and trailers that tour 10 retail outlets over five nights in each market and hold Budweiser “pop-a-shot” tournaments.
Point-of-purchase banners, pennants, and display wraps support the program.
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