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Ariana Grande Teams Up With Brookstone to Release Her Own Wireless Cat Ear Headphones
MERRIMACK, NH--(Marketwired - September 20, 2016) - Innovative product developer and specialty retailer Brookstone announced that it will release limited edition Ariana Grande Cat Ear Wireless Headphones. The wireless headphones feature cat ear-shaped speakers on top of the headband and customizable color-changing accent lighting on both the earcups and cat ear speakers. The Ariana Grande Edition will have a brilliant chrome finish and be available for $149.99 in Brookstone stores and at Brookstone.com in time for Christmas. Preorders may be placed online starting Tuesday, September 20th.
"Ariana looks simply amazing in her new Cat Ear Headphones," said Brookstone CEO Steven Goldsmith. "She's so much more than a tremendously talented singer and performer. She's created a whole world of style and fun and beauty, and we wanted to create something that would fit perfectly into this world. We knew she loved cat ears, and that we had a good design, but we weren't prepared for just how wonderfully they complement her amazing style."
"Working with Brookstone to create these amazing headphones has been a blast," said the multi-platinum award-winning Grande. "They represent my style -- fun, edgy and unique and I know my fans will LOVE them as much as I do."
From Anime to Ariana
Brookstone Cat Ear Headphones have a strong following within anime and cosplay communities. The headphones evolved from an idea by Axent Wear co-founders Wenqing Yan and Victoria Hu. Axent Wear partnered with Brookstone to develop, manufacture and bring the headphones to market.
"Designing a pair of wireless headphones with Ariana has been a really special project for everyone here at Brookstone, and she's been a joy to work with," said Goldsmith. "We can't wait to get them into the hands of her fans."
The new headphones pair wirelessly to any Bluetooth® enabled device, and let the user choose between listening to music privately and playing the music out loud on the cat ear-shaped speakers. The built-in lighting on the earcups and cat ear speakers can now change between seven colors.
About Ariana Grande
Within less than a year, ARIANA GRANDE captured #1 on the Billboard Top 200 twice -- first with her Republic Records debut, Yours Truly, and also with its 2014 follow-up, My Everything.
In 2013, she was named "Best New Artist" at the American Music Awards. Other accolades followed with ARIANA winning "Favorite Breakout Artist" at the People's Choice Awards 2014, the "Young Influencer Award" at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the "Radio Disney Chart Topper Award," "Choice Female Artist" and "Choice Single" "Problem" at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards, and more. At the 2014 MTV VMAS, "Problem" was named "Best Pop Video" as well. In November, ARIANA took home the award for "Favorite Female Artist - Pop/Rock" at the 2015 American Music Awards.
2016 sees her release her mega-anticipated third full-length album, Dangerous Woman, driven by the title track which captured #1 on both iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart and Top Pop Songs Chart minutes after release. "Dangerous Woman" also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, earning her the distinction of becoming the first artist to debut on the chart with the lead single from her first three albums.
For concert dates and locations of Ariana's 2017 Dangerous Woman Tour, visit dangerouswoman.com.
About Brookstone, Inc.
Brookstone, founded in 1965, is a U.S.-based product developer and retailer of wellness, entertainment, and travel products that are simply amazing and amazingly simple. Brookstone products are available at its 200+ retail locations at malls and airports throughout the U.S., online at Brookstone.com, via its Brookstone catalog and through select premium retailers.
Brookstone is a member of Sanpower Group Company. Sanpower Group Co., Ltd. is a private conglomerate whose primary businesses are engaged in technology and modern service industries. With big data serving as its core competitive advantage, Sanpower is rapidly building up an industrial ecosystem across the finance, health and commerce sectors. The company now has an excess of RMB 100 billion in both total assets and annual gross sales, and a controlling stake in more than 100 subsidiaries. Through this diverse set of businesses, Sanpower provides growth opportunities for a 90,000-strong global workforce, including 30,000 staff from its non-Chinese enterprises.
For more information, visit Brookstone.com and follow them at Twitter.com/Brookstone and Facebook.com/Brookstone.
Brookstone and Rob Gronkowski Launch "Gronkball" Bluetooth Wireless Football Speaker
MERRIMACK, NH--(Marketwired - July 25, 2017) - Innovative product developer and specialty retailer Brookstone has teamed with Rob Gronkowski, Super Bowl-winning tight end of the New England Patriots, to launch the Brookstone Gronkball™ Bluetooth Wireless Speaker. Gronkball is throwable, catchable ¾-sized football with color-changing, light-up laces and stripes. It contains a powerful wireless speaker that can stream music up to 90-feet from any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet.
The Gronkball made its worldwide debut on HSN July 12, with live appearances by Gronkowski, his brother Chris and father Gordy. Gronkball has an MSRP of $79.99 and is currently available exclusively at HSN.com through August 12. It will then become available in Brookstone stores, online at Brookstone.com, and at select other retailers.
"Rob Gronkowski is all about football and fun," said Brookstone CEO Steven Goldsmith, "and so is the Gronkball football speaker. We made sure it was throwable, catchable and droppable just like a regular football, and also gave it enough volume as a speaker so you can hear your music up to 90-feet away when you throw a long pass." The football-speaker is also water-resistant so it's ok to play in any weather.
"What could be better than playing catch while listening to your favorite tunes?" asked Rob Gronkowski. "Gronkball turns any gathering into an instant party. It has really big sound, lights up with your favorite team colors, and is fun to throw. Working with Brookstone has been a blast, and I can't wait to see the Gronkball showing up at parties, cookouts and tailgates."
"There's nothing like Gronkball on the market," said Brookstone VP of Product Marketing and Innovation David Figler. "We spent a lot of time engineering the ball around the speaker to have a good grip, be well balanced, and throw the perfect spiral."
Brookstone & Indiegogo Bring Campaigners’ Products to New Makers Showcase Store
MERRIMACK, N.H., May 31, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its new Brookstone PLUS Innovation & Retail Platform, Brookstone will feature products from Indiegogo crowdfunding campaigns at its first Makers Showcase store in the Roosevelt Field Mall, Garden City, New York. Brookstone will sell an initial lineup of Indiegogo-funded products at the pilot store opening, with more products planned for sale in Brookstone stores and online at Brookstone.com throughout 2018.
“Brookstone and Indiegogo share a common vision for encouraging makers and introducing people to new technologies from around the world,” said Piau Phang Foo, Senior Executive for Brookstone parent company Sanpower Group. “I’m very excited by the new inventions we’re bringing in from Indiegogo campaigners, and know our customers will be, too.”
“The new Brookstone Makers Showcase store is a great way for Indiegogo campaigners to put their products in front of Brookstone store customers,” said Slava Rubin, co-founder of the crowdfunding campaign platform Indiegogo. “Brookstone is terrific at demonstrating new technologies in its stores and getting customers to have fun by trying each item out for themselves.”
A partial list of innovative products from Indiegogo campaigns featured at Brookstone Makers Showcase includes:
• Powerup Dart, a smartphone-controlled paper airplane
• Firewalla, a pocket-sized cyber-security solution for the home
• Muse Auto, a compact Alexa® voice assistant for cars
• Piano Hi-Lite, a smart light-up piano strip that can teach how to play in minutes
Brookstone brings makers to China and the world
As a key brand member of the Chinese-based Sanpower Group Company, Brookstone has brought its iconic American shopping experience to 500 retail locations throughout China, and expanded both its global product development and distribution capabilities.
Brookstone will continue to open more Makers Showcase stores both in the U.S. and China throughout 2018, and will also host a series of Innovation Competitions at universities and design schools where makers can audition their products to industry experts. The winners’ products may be featured in Brookstone stores worldwide.s
Media Inquiries: media@Brookstone.com, PR@indiegogo.com
Brookstone PLUS Partnership Inquiries: Makers@Brookstone.com
University Innovation Platform Inquiries: Edu@Brookstone.com
Brookstone Brings Inventors and Tech Brands to Its New Demo-Friendly Makers Showcase Store
MERRIMACK, N.H., April 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its new Brookstone PLUS Innovation & Retail Platform, Brookstone opened its first Makers Showcase store in the Roosevelt Field Mall, Garden City, New York. At the Saturday, April 21, grand opening, more than a dozen product makers and tech brands from around the world visited to give in-person product demos and speak directly with customers. More Brookstone Makers Showcase stores will open in the U.S. and in China throughout 2018.
The hands-on, demo-friendly store features products from independent makers and global tech companies such as Anker Technology, Royole, Mobvoi, Echelon and Suunto. It also carries customer favorites from the Brookstone product collection.
“Brookstone has always been about bringing the latest, most exciting innovations to customers,” said Piau Phang Foo, Senior Executive for Brookstone parent company Sanpower Group. “Our new Makers Showcase store takes this concept to the next level, and we’re delighted to feature so many promising new products from up-and-coming makers.”
"I couldn't be happier to be here,” said Henry Adams, CEO and maker of Sound Caddy, the club-shaped Bluetooth speaker designed for golf bags. “This is a store I've shopped at since I was a kid, and to have a product come full circle and be available here is a dream come true. Best of all, I love being face-to-face with customers and seeing their eyes light up when they hear the Sound Caddy golf speaker in action."
“There’s a terrific energy to this store, and there’s no substitute for being able to see a product live and try it out in person,” said Kristina Caron, national sales manager for the Echelon Connect smart fitness bike. “Brookstone Makers Showcase connects makers and customers in ways that just can’t be achieved through selling online.”
Brookstone to expand its World of Innovation
Since joining the Chinese-based Sanpower Group Company in 2014, Brookstone has brought its iconic American shopping experience to 500 retail locations throughout China, and expanded both its global product development and distribution capabilities.
“Brookstone is a truly American brand with enormous global potential,” said Foo. “By continuing to invest in Brookstone stores in the U.S. and internationally, and by leveraging the manufacturing and distribution network of all our Sanpower Group subsidiaries, we have created a powerful Brookstone PLUS platform that can quickly bring makers to customers all across the world.”
Brookstone will continue to open more Makers Showcase stores in the U.S. and China throughout 2018, and will also host a series of Innovation Competitions at universities and design schools where makers can audition their products to industry experts. The winners’ products may be featured in Brookstone stores worldwide.
Media Inquiries: media@Brookstone.com
Brookstone PLUS Partnership Inquiries: Makers@Brookstone.com
University Innovation Platform Inquiries:
Brookstone Launches New Retail Platform Featuring Best of Crowdfunding and New Tech from Around the World
MERRIMACK, N.H., April 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Building upon more than 50 years of discovering, developing and delivering innovative products to people all over the world, Brookstoneannounced the launch of its Brookstone PLUS Innovation & Retail Platform. Brookstone PLUS gives makers and tech brands faster access to stores in U.S. malls and accelerates the collection of customer feedback essential to product development. The platform also helps makers and brands sell products in A-level malls at low cost structures that are competitive to selling through online marketplaces. As part of this global initiative, the company will host a grand opening of its first Brookstone Makers Showcase store at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York, on Saturday, April 21.
The new Makers Showcase store will feature crowdfunding campaigners from Indiegogo, inventors from Quirky, and new tech brands from around the world, such as Anker, Mobvoi and Royole.
Putting the show in showcase
“We’re bringing more than 50 years of retailing expertise to new makers,” said Brookstone Vice President of Operations Tom Connolly. “We’ve helped launch brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Parrot, iRobot and Segway. Getting people to experience new technologies and have fun is in our DNA. What Makers Showcase does is give makers and tech brands accelerated access to Brookstone stores and our innovation-minded customers across the U.S. and, in the near future, the world.”
Every inch of the new Brookstone Makers Showcase store is designed to deliver hands-on experiences with new products. In addition to a dedicated product demonstration stage, our new Makers Showcase store will feature a sound-dampened “Voice Box” room where customers can try out voice-centered innovations such as Zolo voice-activated speakers.
Sharing customer insights
Makers Showcase will combine advanced store traffic analytics with feedback from customer interactions to help makers quickly gain insights into their products. Brookstone chose RetailNext to provide the smart store analytics platform for analyzing customer traffic patterns, dwell time and conversion. “Comprehensive shopper data allows both Brookstone and its makers’ brands the ability to measure shopper engagement and utilize those metrics to take continuous improvement actions on everything from merchandising to ongoing product development,” said Alexei Agratchev, Cofounder & CEO at RetailNext.
Brookstone Makers Showcase will host frequent Meet-the-Maker events during peak traffic periods where makers can meet customers face to face. “One of the advantages of selling in a brick-and-mortar store is that we get to meet customers in person and see their emotional responses when they interact with our product,” said Xavier Peich, maker of the SmartHalo Smart Biking System. “Seeing customers’ first-hand reactions at Brookstone lets me know what’s working, what really matters to a customer, and what messages may need to be strengthened.”
Creating value for customers and makers
“Makers often experience sticker shock when trying to sell their products through brick-and-mortar retailers,” said Nick Vyas, Founder and Executive Director at the Center for Global Supply Chain Management at the USC Marshall School of Business. “Selling through traditional retailer agreements quickly eats into their margin. Profits go down. Prices go up. What the Brookstone PLUS platform does is create an efficient platform that lets makers sell in A-level malls with flexible, lower-cost structures that are competitive to selling through online marketplaces. Makers can pass the savings onto the customer while maintaining sufficient profit for further innovation.”
A World of Innovation®
Using the Brookstone PLUS Platform, Brookstone plans to roll out more Makers Showcase stores in the U.S. and China throughout 2018. The company will also host a series of Innovation Competitions at universities in which makers can present their products to industry experts. Winners’ products may be featured in Brookstone stores worldwide.
“With its expertise in retail showmanship plus global manufacturing and distribution resources,” said Head of Strategic Sourcing, Connected Devices and Digital Services, at Amer Sports Pasi Haikola, “Brookstone is uniquely able to help makers at every stage of development.”
“Our vision is that when a person walks into a Brookstone store anywhere in the world,” said Connolly, “they’ll experience the best innovations from all over the world. That is what we mean when we use the Brookstone motto ‘A World of Innovation.’ The first 50 years of Brookstone focused primarily on bringing exciting products to the U.S market. The next phase of our evolution will be to bring them to the world.”
Brookstone Hires Steven Goldsmith as CEO, Continues International and Wholesale Expansion
MERRIMACK, NH--(Marketwired - October 04, 2016) - Innovative product developer and specialty retailer Brookstone announced that it has hired Steven Goldsmith as Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Goldsmith brings to Brookstone more than 25 years of success in retail, merchandising and marketing, and will lead the company's continued expansion in product development, U.S. and China-based retail stores, and wholesale partnerships.
"I've always been in love with Brookstone," said Steven Goldsmith. "It's about moments of discovery, excitement and fun. Whenever I saw the big 'B,' I knew it was going to be a great experience. Even more gratifying has been the passion and commitment that I've found among Brookstone associates in the field, in our customer care center, and at our home office."
Soon after Mr. Goldsmith's arrival, Brookstone announced the launch of its Ariana Grande Limited Edition Wireless Cat Ear Headphones, which are now available for pre-sale on Brookstone.com. Brookstone has also opened seven store locations in China this year, and will have key Brookstone-branded gifts sold in 300 Macy's department store locations in time for Christmas.
Prior to joining Brookstone, Mr. Goldsmith served as President of The Shopping Channel, Canada's leading multi-channel retailer, from 2012 to 2016. He was Executive Vice President, Merchandising at Sears Canada Inc. from 2011 to 2012. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President, Limited Brands Direct, where he led the marketing, merchandising, and eCommerce for Victoria's Secret Direct and Bath & Body Works Direct from 2007 to 2011.
Throughout his career, Goldsmith has held leadership positions for major brands, including Amazon, SmartBargains (now RueLaLa), and ShopNBC, where the eCommerce business increased six-fold over the two-year period he was there. After graduating in 1988 from The State University of New York, Albany, Goldsmith joined the May Department Stores Company, spending the first decade of his retail career in the Lord & Taylor, Filene's, and Foley's divisions.
In 2016, Brookstone has opened 7 stores in China, including major shopping centers in Shanghai, Suzhou and Nanjing. Brookstone has also expanded its footprint among other retailers including Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond and Costco. In addition to an expansion of its lines of massagers, Big Blue Bluetooth speakers and mobile projectors, Brookstone will also be helping to launch innovative products from new makers such as the Baubax Travel Hoodie, Bullrest Travel Pillow, and CityBug2 Electric Scooter.
Throw Your Music—Gronkball Leads Brookstone List of Top Holiday Gifts for 2017
MERRIMACK, N.H., Nov. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- There’s music in the air at Brookstone this holiday gift season—literally. The innovative product developer and specialty retailer announced its lineup of top holiday gifts for 2017, and leading the list is Gronkball, a throwable, catchable (and droppable) football that also doubles as a Bluetooth® speaker.
Launched in partnership with Super Bowl-winning tight end for the New England Patriots Rob Gronkowski, Gronkball features color-changing light-up laces and stripes. Color combinations can be set to match most pro or college team colors. Gronkball retails for $79.99 at Brookstone stores and online at Brookstone.com.
“Fun, social audio products continue to trend upwards,” said Brookstone CEO Steven Goldsmith. “Customers continue to want their headphones and speakers to do more than just play music. They want their audio to make a scene anywhere they go, with lights, extra volume, and surprising form factors.” Goldsmith continued, “We’re also seeing continued growth in massage, and of course the new Star Wars Droids.”
More Brookstone Top Holiday Gift Picks for 2017:
Wireless Cat Ear Headphones with Removable Ears
The latest in Brookstone’s line of famous Wireless Cat Ear Headphones now has removable light-up ear speakers. The cat speak-ears can be swapped with available devil horns, bunny ears and bear ears. $129.99
Big Blue Party X™ Extra-Loud Wireless Speaker
Brookstone took its best-selling Bluetooth® speaker and made it 40% louder. Big Blue Party X™ is the perfect speaker to turn any gathering into a party. Cordless, rechargeable, water resistant, and has a big handle for grabbing and going. $229.99
Cordless Gronk Shiatsu Massager with Heat
Brookstone’s most powerful, deep-kneading Shiatsu Massager—for serious muscle recovery. It’s good for soothing neck and shoulder muscles, back and lumbar, plus quads and calves. Launched in partnership with Rob Gronkowski. $169.99
Rock & Recline Shiatsu Massage Chair
Designed for people who want full-body, deep-kneading massage, but who don’t have the space for a full-size massage chair. Its beautiful, contemporary design looks good in any room (and from any angle), and has a relaxing rocking feature. $899.00
Energize™ 3D Massage Chair
Brookstone brings luxury at-home massage to a new level with the Energize 3D™. It delivers personalized three-dimensional massage that follows every contour of your body. Zero-gravity recline and built-in Bluetooth® speakers. $4,499.00
400-Lumen Virtual Touch Smart Projector
For presentations, the big game, or family movie night, this compact projector casts images up to 200 inches (diag.) with razor-sharp autofocus. Its “PIQS Draw” app lets you draw on any projected content—like .PPT presentations. $499.99
Flight Force™ Zoom Bee™ Drone
This palm-sized drone has a built-in camera for shooting videos and stills from any angle—including selfies. It can be flown using the included controller or via Wi-Fi® networking and the free app for iOS® or Android® devices. $69.99
Spectacles - Sunglasses that Snap!
Created by Snap Inc., these sunglasses record ten-second video Snaps and then post it all to the user’s Snapchat account via Bluetooth® wireless (with the app open and a device nearby). Spectacles light up to let friends know when it’s recording. $129.99
Sphero R2-D2™ App-Enabled Droid™
Fans of both the original Star Wars™ movies and the new “The Last Jedi” can now bring the galaxy’s most beloved droid home. Authentic in every detail, complete with boops, beeps and extending legs. $179.99 (BB-8 App-Enabled Droid also available.)
AfterShokz Trekz Air Headphones
These super-light headphones transmit high-fidelity sound directly through the user’s cheekbones, leaving one’s ears open to hear surrounding sound, like traffic and fellow pedestrians. $149.95
(Prices and availability subject to change.)