- Polo Ralph Lauren recently announced the launch of a mobile commerce (m-commerce) service that will allow consumers to buy products through their mobile phones. Consumers whose phones can read Quick Response (QR) codes will be able to shop by simply scanning or photographing the QR codes incorporated in print advertisements, store windows and mailers. When the code is detected by the phone's reader software, it will automatically connect the mobile user to m.ralphlauren.com. Polo Ralph Lauren is the first luxury retailer in the U.S. to directly launch this type of service. Mobile users without a camera or QR reader can visit m.ralphlauren.com via their phone browser to access the m-commerce site and the downloadable QR software.
- Late last month, mtvU launched 25 Campus Daily Guides dedicated to individual U.S. colleges. mtvU's goal wasto create a series of campus-insider versions of entertainment listings sites like CitySearch or Yelp for schools such as Ohio State University, Florida State University and Northwestern University, among others. Thesites provide information oncampus resources, local bars and restaurants,as well asdetails on upcoming concerts and events. Plans are inplace to launch another 25 sites by the end of the year.
ENVIRONMENT
- Currently in beta, RoofRay is a solar modeling service and community designed to help consumers evaluate the benefit of solar power for their homes or businesses. Consumers can estimate how much solar energy their home could capture and how that would affect their monthly bills. Using Google Maps, customers can calculate the square footage of their roof and build virtual panels. RoofRay then estimates the output potential of the roof as well as financial considerations like costs of installation, upkeep and ROI.
- Thanks to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, old tires are being used to create new roads. Rubberized asphalt concrete is made by blending rubber from recycled tires with asphalt and uses about 2,000 waste tires (roughly 42 million waste tires are generated in California each year) for every lane mile paved. This hybrid asphalt resists cracking, retains its original color and can save up to $50,000 per lane mile paved, when compared to standard asphalt.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
- This month, Nestle goes upscale with the launch of Glowelle, a new beauty drink billed as a dietary supplement packed with antioxidants, vitamins and botanical and fruit extracts. Available exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, a bottle of the "skingestible" beverage retails for $7.00. Also available in powder form, a seven day supply retails for $40.00 and a thirty day supply, for $112.00.
- Twitter Taste Live aims to give wine enthusiasts around the world a chance to join the world's top wine personalities online for tastings via the popular social networking tool Twitter. Sponsored by a Massachusetts-based wine retailer, Bin Ends, users need only set up a free Twitter account to participate. In the U.S., they can also order the wines being tasted from Bin Ends three weeks prior to the event. Then, equipped with the wines and their Twitter account, users can join the event as it takes place, commenting, asking questions and enjoying back-and-forth interaction with the winemakers in real time.
FASHION & BEAUTY
- The newest fashion accessory to hit the streets is the designer Band-Aid. Upgraded by designers like Alexandre Herchcovitch, some adults view these designer bandages as they would a bracelet or watch, as adornment. Mr. Herchcovitch's designs for the Band-Aid brand hit the shelves of Opening Ceremony in New York and Los Angeles this summer. Within a week, 120 boxes sold out, at $10 each. Fabian Seibert, a German designer, decorates bandages with Swarovski crystals and sells them online and at stores in Europe, including Galeries Lafayette in Paris.
TRAVEL & TOURISM
- Sheraton's Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Seattle hotels are now equipped with Microsoft's Surface technology, providing guests with instant access to local tourist highlights. With a 30-inch display in a table-like form that several people can use at once, hotel guests can use their hands to access information about local restaurants and bars, entertainment, recreation, shopping and transportation. Placement of the Surface units in Sheraton lobbies is designed to enable guests to leverage and experience the offerings in a social setting.
MEDIA
- Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.has suspended publication of Home, with its October issue.Last year, the magazine cut its frequency to eight issues fromten and attempted to reposition itself with a focus on home remodeling. The title could come back as a special interest publication in the future.
- After a successful 2007 test, Reader's Digest Association is preparing for a February 2009 launch of Fresh Home. The quarterly is described as a DIY-themed publication meant to appeal to young couples.
- CosmoGirl is doing the search work for its readers by pulling together a variety of products featured in the magazine into the online CosmoGirl Concierge store. Readers are directed online where they can select a product, click "find local" and enter their zip code for a list of the closest retailers. Readers can even enter a size, color, and quantity to see if it's in stock, as well as put it on hold. Saving a trip to the store, readers can also purchase the item online.
