Launch PR

Winn Dixie promotes Primo’s sustainable water bottles this Independence Day

This Independence Day, one company is encouraging consumers to honor their country the green way!  While many Americans will be sporting their finest reds, whites and blues this weekend, supermarket chain, Winn-Dixie will be encouraging shoppers to go green by drinking Primo water. Primo is the first U.S. based company to offer water bottles created from plants, not oil.  Winn Dixie will be celebrating the nation’s holiday by giving away a free case of Primo water bottles to any customer who purchases one of Primo’s three- to five-gallon water jugs.

While the Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s heritage, it should also be a time to appreciate the soil on which our country was built.  Primo prides itself on utilizing renewable resources, harvested by local farmers, to transform plants into plastic.  The developing process harnesses 65 percent less energy and generates 80 to 90 percent less green house gases compared to bottles derived from crude oil. 

Making the move towards sustainable, innovative technology is one important way we can preserve the beauty of our homeland.  Primo water bottles make for a valuable resource, especially since Americans love their bottled water. To me, this seems like a smart, eco-friendly bottled alternative, especially since old habits can be hard to break.

Interested in watching how the bottles are made?  Check out this video:

'Smart' fashion (and charitable fashion) becomes high fashion with Skineez Skincarewear

Now women won’t have to work out to look good in their lingerie – the lingerie will do the work itself. Skineez Skincarewear, available only at Macy’s stores and Macys.com, is a new line of body shaping underwear designed to comfortably fit a woman’s form while minimizing the appearance of cellulite. The clothing’s “technological secret” lies in microcapsules inside the material, allowing the fabric to massage, moisturize and slim the skin touching the clothing.

Skineez Skincarewear is a “shapewear” brand, like Spanx and Maidenform.  More than just lingerie, it promises bodily perfection. The clothing easily targets women ages 18 to 50 because the product is not built for any one body type. It seems the launch of this product couldn’t have come at a better time: during the summer months when women are more eager than ever to look their best!

The product is an example of “smart” fabric, an increasingly popular addition to contemporary textiles that gives the clothing an additional function other than its aesthetic appeal. Other examples of “smart” fabric include material layered with fragrances, wrinkle-free fabric and even SPF protected cloth. There is no doubt that today’s consumers want optimal benefits from their purchases.  And while “smart” clothing may not become the norm, it could revolutionize the traditional “form over function” saying.

Perhaps the “smartest” aspect of the Skineez launch is its altruistic nature.  Clothes for a Cause, the creator of the brand, is an apparel company that raises money for issues relating to women’s health concerns. Among the company’s other product lines are the Heroes, Pink Ribbon and Red Dress collections.  These collections retain a certain percentage of revenue for funds relating to various causes: children and youth, breast health education and heart education respectively.

Because of the respectable nature of good will expressed through the company’s values and mission, this new line seems to be more than just another way for women to modify their figures by pinching, shrinking, prodding and squeezing. Although the product speaks to women who would like a “quick fix,” I envision a good amount of skepticism among female consumers. And while the company is laudable in its charitable efforts, will customers themselves recognize the benevolence of their purchase? 

'Fun Centers' to include Wii consoles in hospitals nationwide

During a time when people would do anything to get their hands on a Nintendo Wii, it’s refreshing to hear about Nintendo donating 1,250 consoles for a good cause. Beginning last week, Fun Centers equipped with Wii consoles were distributed to hospitals across the country to brighten up the lives of ill children.

On June 25, Discovery Kids star, Allen Alvarado of the TV show, Flight 29 Down and good ol’ Mario himself initiated the launch at a Super Mario Galaxy-themed event at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Two new Fun Centers made their debut appearances to a crowd of excited children.

Along with Wii consoles, Fun Centers feature flat screen TVs, DVD players and 22 Wii games including Super Mario Galaxy and Wii Sports. Fun Centers are wheeled into hospital rooms where children can play right from their beds.

I completely agree with the CEO of Startlight Starbright (the children’s foundation responsible for the Fun Centers), Paula Vann Ness, who said, “Our Fun Centers transform the hospital experience for children, bringing enjoyment and laughter to an otherwise daunting experience.”  It certainly makes multi-week hospital stays pass by a lot quicker.

Fun Centers help keep ill children cheerful throughout their hospital stays, and in the case of the Wii (particularly with games like Wii Fit), can be used to encourage physical therapy and motor coordination exercises.

After reading about the launch of Wii Fit here on LaunchPR, this new partnership makes me wonder if Nintendo is ready to explore all that the Wii has to offer. Maybe the next big game could be one designed to help people combat physical disabilities.

Orange releases Dance Charge for cell phones

Ever think you’d share a dance with your cell phone?  European cell phone company, Orange will have you doing just that with the launch of its kinetic cell phone charger, Dance Charge.  A system of weights and magnets absorbs each shimmy, twist and twirl, converting your signature moves into an electrical charge.  The charger, which came out last week, made its debut at the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts.

What an inspired concept, considering summer is the season of outdoor festivals! Thanks to Orange, a lack of outlets won’t prevent event-goers from calling, tweeting, texting and streaming all the live action.  And since everyone will already be dancing, those charging their phones will blend right in.  Dance Charge certainly gives new meaning to the "Electric Slide."

It will be interesting to monitor the ways in which this cordless technology develops.  MP3 players and laptops are probably not far behind on the list.  Where do you see this technology heading?

Honda to release the FCX Clarity, first hydrogen fuel cell car for consumers

Soon southern Californians will have yet another claim to fame.  The new Honda FCX Clarity will be available for lease later this summer. The FCX Clarity is the first hydrogen fuel cell car for consumers, but don’t count on getting your hands on one.  Honda will only be releasing 200 vehicles over the first three years. 

The Clarity, which emits nothing but water, runs on the hydrogen equivalent of 68 mpg for a total of 385 miles per fueling. The vehicle uses a lithium-ion battery and has the capacity to reach approximately 100 mph.

To coincide with the release of the car, Honda launched both print and television campaigns last year. The print ads feature a single letter from H-O-N-D-A, all made from a different substance representing the hydrogen qualities of the car.

The television campaign brings to life two different scenarios.  In the first commercial, “Mafia Men” shoot one another with water pistols, and in the second TV spot, a group of people are seen working together and solving problems.  At the end of the commercial, which is known as “Problem Playground,” this group of people builds a Honda FCX Clarity.  Do either of these ads sound familiar?

So how come only a limited number of vehicles will be released?  One major reason is that hydrogen fuel stations are scarce.  To help solve this problem, Honda has been working directly with Plug Power, Inc. since 2003, to bring hydrogen fuel stations to consumers' homes.  In 2007, Honda released the Home Energy Station IV, which helps consumers fuel their homes along with their cars.

I certainly hope John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda, is right when he said that the release of this new car is “a monumental step closer to the day when fuel cell cars will be part of the mainstream."  With the growing demand for environmentally safe products, Honda has taken a large leap forward.

Although they are releasing only a limited number of vehicles, Honda will certainly raise the eyebrows of the competition, and I’m sure we can expect to see more vehicles running strictly on hydrogen in the future. Toyota has always been in fierce competition with Honda, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a similar Toyota car in the next couple of years. 

Amen to eco-friendly driving!

Anti-energy drink, Drank set to release in New York City

Yesterday we discussed how snack foods seem to be jumping on the energy drink bandwagon.  Today we stumbled upon a product that’s actually anti-energy.

In a world full of Red Bull, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts, which is constantly pumping caffeine through the veins of its consumers, a new anti-energy drink has made its way onto the market.

The product, called Drank, is a carbonated grape drink which uses melatonin, valerian roots, and rose hips to promote relaxation. Drank is currently only available in southern states but is set to release in New York City soon. The drink is targeted at the hip hop community and is supposedly modeled after “purple drank,", a drink linked to recreational drug use in the south in which the main ingredient is prescription-strength cough syrup.  The drink was engineered to encourage people to adopt a stress-free state of mind.

Drank boasts a slogan that tells consumers, “Slow your roll.” After much thought, consideration and research I can only conclude that, in nicer terms than what I found, this means to relax and chill out.

So, will people be drinking Drank?  First of all, it may be daring to rival the booming industry of caffeinated drinks. If one considers the target audience of caffeinated beverages, Drank is truly its opposite in every form. Still, perhaps it can succeed in the south by coinciding with its laid back lifestyle and providing a much healthier alternative to the traditional “purple drank.”

Success in New York City, on the other hand, may be much more questionable. In a city that never sleeps, how can a drink that puts one to sleep be successful? Maybe a stress-free state of mind is exactly what the city needs.

Will you be drinking drank?

Engobi caffeinated energy chips target "gamers" and guitar heroes

Engobi (Energy Go Bites), known as “the love child of caffeine and snack chips,” is now available on convenience store shelves nationwide. Engobi’s launch establishes itself as the first caffeinated snack food on the market, and the new chips are available in two intense flavors: Cinnamon Surge and Lemon Lift.

Engobi chips are made by Rudolph Foods and are loaded with about 140 milligrams of caffeine. This means the snack is packed with a punch when compared to the average cup of coffee (50-150 milligrams/5oz), Red Bull (80 milligrams/8oz) or Mountain Dew (55 milligrams/12oz).  The only energy drink with a noticeably greater amount of caffeine is Cocaine Energy Drink, which boasts a massive 280 milligrams. Although the chips are high in caffeine, they are low in fat and have no trans-fats.

Rudolph Foods has an interesting plan for Engobi, aiming the product at “gamers,” especially those who play Guitar Hero. The “Don’t Be a Piano Hero” campaign features a “Girls, Guitars and Geeks City Tour” with a Guitar Hero-equipped van.” The van will give contestants a chance to play Guitar Hero for prizes and will feature the Engobi logo and tagline.

While the VP of sales, Mark Singleton thinks that “America’s couch potatoes [will earn] a place on the endangered species list,” it’s rather bold to believe a product is going to rid the United States of lazy people (especially considering the fact that the product is aimed at “gamers” who spend their free time indoors). Still, I wonder if this new snack will make customers energized enough to go for a jog instead of lounge on the couch.

Either way, the idea is interesting. If it turns out that Engobi actually tastes good (a trait many energy drinks arguably lack), I imagine it will earn decent sales.  Who knows – maybe we’ll start to see a new batch of energy snacks crop up for some Engobi competition!

Planet Green by Discovery discusses, promotes global warming awareness 24/7

On June 4, Discovery Communications LLC re-branded its Discovery Home channel as Planet Green, a 24-hour television network showcasing fun and stylish eco-friendly living. Discovery invested 50 million dollars in original programming for the channel, which features actor Leonardo DiCaprio, chef Emeril Lagasse, reporter Bob Woodruff and TV personalities Maria Menounos and Adrian Grenier.

Rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridger and rocker Tommy Lee Jones helped launch the channel in a May 28 concert that concluded the taping of their upcoming show, Battleground Earth: a reality series that will follow their efforts to "green" their tours, concerts and lifestyle. The concert was an all-out Hollywood affair, and featured the Blue Man Group, Pamela Anderson, Mariah Carey and others.

“This is a little edgier than things we've done in the past," said Annie Howell, SVP of communications and public affairs for Discovery Communications in an article in PR Week. "We wanted to make sure that we didn't do just a traditional launch."

In addition to the concert, Discovery partnered with The New York Post to give away 250 Planet Green bicycles. On launch day, The Post joined Discovery’s other networks and turned its masthead logos green. The network has been carrying out “Random Acts of Greenness,” distributing T-shirts, subway passes, reusable shopping bags and beach balls to sports attendees and pedestrians who “exemplified green living,” in various cities around the U.S.

The switchover was announced in 2007, and in the past year, the new station has received a significant amount of press.  Still, some think the channel is only capitalizing on a short-term fad. Do you think green media is here to stay?

Zinio offers digital versions of your favorite magazines

Today’s generation is driven by instant gratification. Transitioning magazines into the growing digital world provides customers with an efficient way to read what they want, when they want. Thanks to Zinio, consumers will now be able to read the latest issues of BusinessWeek or Cosmopolitan from their laptops and iPhone’s for a fraction of newsstand prices before the magazines even appear on newsstands.

Digital Publishing Company Zinio is the forerunner of online magazine subscription services. The San Francisco based company is targeting the growing number of consumers who are getting their news and information online and on-the-go. By creating digital editions of over one hundred popular magazines, Zinio is also appealing to a younger generation called “screen-agers” who prefer to download their information and read it on the Web.

"We aren't trying to erode print systems, but give publishers another way to redistribute their content," says Richard Maggiotto, CEO of Zinio. "It gives readers what they want in media formats they are increasingly using, such as iPhone, iPod, PCs," he says.

Zinio is also partnering with Barnes and Noble to sell digital magazines and books on the store’s Web site, along with offering free “digital classics” such as Moby Dick and Great Expectations.

Zinio’s paperless magazines even support popular environmental efforts to “go green.”

“We're saving publishers’ money and the forests trees,” Maggiotto says. “It can’t get much better than that.”

Will you, too make the shift to online reading as more and more everyday tools become accessible online?

Brookstone Capitalizes on the Extinction of Ties for Father’s Day

Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Start by putting the tie back on the shelf.

Brookstone is doing something different this year for Father’s Day.  Through June 15, the store is promoting its Tie-Died event, with a ten percent discount to any customer who submits a tie to the store. According to a recent Gallup Poll, tie sales continue to drop, leading to the extinction of the Men's Dress Furnishings Association (the trade group that represented American tie makers), which shut down on June 4. The Brookstone event is an interesting way to lure costumers into Brookstone and get them browsing for something more high tech for Father’s Day.  My only question is: What will they do with all those ties? (Hopefully, give them to charity!)

Dad’s style and interests have certainly evolved over the years. Still, one wonders why something as classic as the tie is losing its popularity. Two contributing factors could include the economic recession and a more casual work environment. It wasn’t long ago that ties were the “it” accessory, thanks to Regis Philbin and his monochromatic ensembles. A staple in every man’s wardrobe, the tie was equivalent to the little black dress for women. If indeed the tie has lost its grip on the fashion world, will other companies follow in Brookstone’s footsteps, reaching out to the ever-changing modern dad?

Another company in high tech roots, Xbox, is also making efforts to appeal to the modern-day dad through its gaming systems. On its site, you’ll find Xbox Dad, a blog about games dads can enjoy with their kids. This seems like a good way for dads to monitor video game content and the amount of time kids spend playing video games at home.

What will you be getting your dad this Father’s Day?