Here's some interesting pieces from the Trendsetter's newsletter. BTW, we did work on the Michael K store, which is about a half block from our offices in Soho. Very cool, retail space!
August 16, 2004
Reebok vending machines make their way to the States Plus: TiVo Sharing
Vending machines usually bring products such as soda and candy to mind, but Reebok International is using vending machines to distribute their kicks instead. We told you about Reebok Travel Trainers back in 2002 (Shoe Roll Ups TC), which were sold in select locations in Japan via vending machine. Now, sneaker vending will be available here in the US at stores such as Shoe Biz in San Francisco and Michael K’s in New York. Customers can choose from three styles, Metro, First Class and Business Class, and a variety of colors. To purchase, shoppers just swipe their credit card. Reebok is considering installing vending machines in a number of its own stores and various specialty stores, as well as setting them up at a variety of races and fitness events. Trendsetters continue to tell us they are searching for novel shopping experiences, and it looks like Reebok may have hit the mark with this buzzworthy innovation. Be on the lookout for more examples of quick stop shopping in the future.
AND BY THE WAY:
Friends of TiVo subscribers might get a piece of the PVR pie too. TiVo Inc. has recently received approval for technology that would permit users to send copies of digital broadcast shows via the web to a limited number of friends.
August 10, 2004
Shopping has become more than just about buying things. Plus: Starbucks radio
As consumers demand more compelling reasons to visit a store or buy a brand, marketers are finding it is imperative to develop an experience around their product. As young people have less time, they are looking for more stores that incorporate experiences and added value. As a result, stores and malls are doing their best to reinvent themselves as destinations, whether it be through innovative products or the retail environment. Trendsetting countries outside the US are particularly inventive in attracting customers; here are some international added value shopping examples that were brought to our attention:
UK:
Custom Portrait Service: Coco Ribbon, a trendy boutique in London’s Notting Hill, is offering a unique portrait service where patrons can commission portraits of their favorite objects, ranging from their Jimmy Choo shoes to the contents of their handbags.
Grocery Shopping Workout: UK supermarket chain Tesco is introducing the Trim Trolley, a grocery cart that offers a workout while you shop. The shopper can choose the resistance level on their cart, thereby making pushing a cart feel like an uphill battle. The cart also has the technology to monitor the number of calories burned after any shopping workout.
Japan:
In-Store Massages: Trendy boutiques in Tokyo are offering shoppers free neck and shoulder rubs.
Louis Vuitton Bag Bar: At Louis Vuitton stores in Tokyo, handbags are sold at a bar like cocktails, complete with barstools and handbag "bartenders".
AND BY THE WAY:
Starbucks is getting together with XM Satellite Radio to create the “Starbucks Hear Music” channel. The Starbucks channel will debut this fall and by 2005 it is anticipated that Starbucks customers will be able to listen to the channel in more than 4,000 locations nationwide.
Reebok, the sportswear brand recently acquired by Adidas-Solomon AG, is causing something of a stir with its “shockers”. And by “shockers” we’re not referring to a new innovative bio-mechanical and ergonomic footwear revelation - God forbid! No, we’re referring to controversial advertising which includes depictions of Satan - indeed, God forbid!
Only last year Reebok ran a controversial television advertisement which depicted 50 Cent, the renowned uber-rapper and former drug dealer who lives in Connecticut, counting the number of bullets that have been shot at him. The famous rapper laughs and then looks into the camera as a voiceover asks, “Who do you plan to massacre next?” The advertisement was pulled in the United Kingdom. This type of tired and frankly puerile advertising is a long way from Reebok’s roots which where planted in the soil of step-aerobics and Richard Simmons’ anti-inertia classes. Indeed, the brand appears to be at the antithesis of its roots with its direct association with the negative side of hip-hop culture.
Given the negative connotations associated with Reebok’s patently obvious attempt to woo the dark side, many knowledgeable commentators are asking could this negatively impact their new parent company, Adidas. Adidas still has a strong customer base in Middle America and mainstream Europe and surely the last thing they would want to do is alienate their main customer base by supporting advertisements glamorising Satan and murder.
The Congress of Racial Equality is outraged by Reebok’s negative message about black men. “50 Cent was a drug dealer and proud of it,” says Niger Innis their spokesperson. “The fact that corporations are going to reward that kind of behavior is an outrage.” Let’s hope Reebok and now, more importantly, Adidas take note of this valuable advice and they start to glamorise wholesome and decent role-models and ideologies.
Posted by: Kitmeout | February 16, 2006 at 11:47 PM