PROMO Xtra

Excerpts from our e-newsletter

7/19

In an effort to build buzz around the launch of its new real-life series Criss Angel: Mindfreak, A&E Networks has taken over Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall in New York City to give consumers a taste of illusionary wonder.

Tapping into the phenomenon of flash mobs, or instant gatherings of large groups of people who are notified via emails or text messages just prior to an event taking place, Ford Motor Co. is sponsoring a series of free “flash concerts” to raise awareness for its 2006 Fusion sedan.

Clothing, shoes, and school supplies are expected to be strong sellers for the upcoming back-to-school season, but spending on the electronics category will drop more than $1 billion, according to a National Retail Federation study.

7/14

Dr Pepper is in the midst of giving away one Mini-Cooper convertible a day in an under-the-cap promo to boost summer sales and to encourage trial of its new Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper.

The History Channel is visiting pizzerias nationally to drive tune-in for its new show Rome: Engineering an Empire. The cable channel, owned by A&E Networks, taps up to 3,500 independent pizza restaurants for a $500,000 campaign centered on a sweeps awarding a seven-day trip to Rome.

7/13

Colgate-Palmolive Co. has agreed to sell its North American heavy-duty laundry detergent brands to Phoenix Brands LLC.

As the war to build market share wages on among the Big Three automakers, Dodge's 2006 Chargers and Dakotas are set to be featured in TNT's new crime thriller Wanted via product integration, broadband features and widespread marketing.

Target Stores will turn New York City's Rockefeller Center into a vertical catwalk for a p.r.-driven fashion show next week.

7/12

One fan at today's Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Detroit, MI, will get the chance to win $1 million in a Taco Bell promotion where one fan is challenged to throw at least five baseballs through a target within 30 seconds.

Papa John's International, Inc. is giving away its secret ingredients and its signature pizza as part of a promotion touting the opening of its 3,000th restaurant.

Hoping for a fresher, trendier look, McDonald's Corp. is looking to upgrade its staff uniforms to reflect a more contemporary style that acknowledges the QSßR's space in the fashion industry.

7/7

Marvel doesn't need any super power strength to boost the release of the comic book-based movie Fantastic Four. A team of partners has already invested upwards of $100 million in promotional support of the film.

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