Winter Holidays

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Sam’s Club on Wednesday announced the launch of its Scan & Go mobile app, a free app that allows members to use their smartphone to completely bypass the checkout lane at any Sam’s Club nationwide.

The Scan & Go app allows Sam’s Club members to scan as they go, pay from their phone, then simply show a digital receipt as they leave. For those mindful of holiday budgets, the new app also allows users to easily track spending throughout their trip.

ATLANTA -- Mars Chocolate North America and Wrigley have announced a blockbuster lineup of new products that will hit store shelves in the coming months, including M&M'S Caramel Chocolate Candies and Orbit White chewing gum.

LOS ANGELES - To satisfy consumer demand, thinkThin on Wednesday announced the return of its Protein and Fiber Bar seasonal flavor offerings, including top seller, pumpkin spice. Alongside the fan-favorite flavor, thinkThin will also introduce new coconut pecan pie for a unique twist on a classic fall flavor, and bring back its dark chocolate peppermint and holiday cinnamon flavors as well.

CINCINNATI -- Bounty paper towels has teamed up with mother, designer and author Kristin Cavallari to share some fuss-free ways to clean up life's inevitable messes.

CHICAGO -- A new series of classic air purifiers featuring iFi-enabled cloud connectivity is hitting store shelves.

Arriving in tandem with National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month, Blueair says its new Classic purifiers deliver a 20% boost in clean air delivery, a sleeker profile and quieter performance.

WESTBOROUGH -- BJ's Wholesale Club has unveiled its Top 10 Toys List for 2016 and a new way to shop online, giving shoppers more ways to fulfill their holiday wish lists.  

"The Top 10 Toys List features items that can only be found at BJ's at great prices only BJ's can offer," said Lee Delaney, executive vice president, chief growth officer, BJ's Wholesale Club. "From jumbo stuffed animals to PAW Patrol Rescue Heroes, families can find all the toys their kids want at the best value this holiday season."

WASHINGTON - The National Retail Federation announced earlier this week it expects sales in November and December, excluding autos, gas and restaurant sales, to increase a solid 3.6% to $655.8 billion — significantly higher than the 10-year average of 2.5% and above the seven-year average of 3.4% since recovery began in 2009.

Additionally, NRF is forecasting non-store sales to increase between 7% and 10% to as much as $117 billion.