Pinnacle is packing its trading cards inside vacuum-
packed cans in an effort to reduce retail theft and spur
sales, according to Terry Lefton of BRANDWEEK. A player's
photo is printed directly on the can which sells for $2.99.
The initial shipments will hit stores in June and 5,000
stores that "had stopped selling cards of any brand have
planned orders for the can." Lefton notes that Pinnacle is
"using the opportunity to create a whole new brand: Inside
Baseball." Since each of the 24 different cans features a
different MLB player, Pinnacle "is counting on the cans
themselves to be collectible." Pinnacle CEO Jerry Meyer:
"We're hoping that by having an answer to the theft problem,
which is real, but may be more perception than reality, this
will get us back into some different retail accounts and
promote impulse purchases by casual fans" (BRANDWEEK, 4/28).
THE DEAL: Pinnacle's All-Star FanFest during MLB's All-
Star game in Cleveland is profiled by Ed Meyer in the AKRON
BEACON JOURNAL. Meyer: "More than 150 of the nation's top
baseball card vendors and exhibitors will be on hand, and
anyone who attends will be able to buy, trade or sell cards
and other collector's gems" (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 4/29).