Center Store

Shoppers Drug Mart enters supplier agreements for medical cannabis
Shoppers Drug Mart is aiming towards securing its place as a dispensary for medical marijuana with news circulating that the retail pharmacy chain has now entered a supplier agreement with two companies — Aphira and MedReleaf.

Leamington, Ontario-based Aphira — a company that produces, supplies and sells medical cannabis — announced entering an agreement with the retail chain pharmacy to supply medical marijuana in early December.
Cargill announces acquisition of Pro-Pet
Cargill, a national supplier of animal feed in the agricultural retail space has announced an agreement to acquire pet food company, Pro-Pet.

Saint Mary’s, Ohio-based Pro-Pet is a private label and co-manufactured pet food brand whose portfolio of products includes the Black Gold label of dog food. This latest acquisition will make Minneapolis-based Cargill the only national supplier of animal feed and pet food offerings, the company said.

Amazon claims large portion of U.S. e-commerce sales in 2017

The online giant claimed an estimated 44% of all U.S. e-commerce sales in 2017, according to a study from One Click Retail. Amazon also accounted for 4% of the country’s total retail sales for the year — approximately $200 billion, revealed the study, “Amazon Year in Review: The 5 Biggest Trends of 2017.
Holiday sales set record for dollars spent

Retailers have plenty to cheer at the beginning of the new year.

Holiday sales increased 4.9% in 2017, setting a new record for dollars spent, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. It was the largest year-over-year increase since 2011. Online shopping saw large gains of 18.1% compared to 2016, boosted by a late-season rally. (The SpendingPulse report details holiday shopping from Nov.1 through Dec. 24 and covers retail sales across all payment types.)
FDA approves Lupin’s generic Dovonex Scalp Solution

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Lupin’s generic of Leo Pharmaceutical Products’ Dovonex Scalp Solution (calcipotriene topical solution, 0.005%). The product is indicated for the topical treatment of moderately severe psoriasis on the scalp.

According to IQVIA data, the product had U.S. sales of roughly $5.9 million for the 12 months ended October 2017.
Stony Creek Brewery launches Crankenstein IPA series in cans

Stony Creek Brewery has announced the launch of their Crankeinstein India Pale Ale, or IPA. This new series will feature different numbered versions called, “Hatchlings” which merge the styles influences of the West Coast and New England. The first product in the line is set to be released January 15.
Chips Ahoy!, Nutter Butter cereals have made their debut

Post Consumer Brands and Mondelēz International have announced their collaboration on the launch of two new kinds of cereal, inspired by the Chips Ahoy! and Nutter Butter cookies.

The Post Nutter Butter cereal will feature bite-sized peanut-shaped pieces topped with a coating that will contain peanut butter. Post’s Chips Ahoy! Cereal will incorporate all the flavors of the cookie into a cereal-sized bite.
Mylan introduces Estrace cream generic

Mylan has announced the launch of its Estradiol Vaginal Cream USP, 0.01%, the first generic version of Allergan's Estrace cream. The company received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the product which is intended to treat vulvar and vaginal atrophy.
Rojo’s pico de gallo, queso win Scovie Awards

Rojo’s, a company specializing in the creation of refrigerated, restaurant-style salsas and chips expanded their product line earlier this year with the launch of Salsa Con Queso and Queso Blanco. The launches joined the Cypress, Calif.-based company’s portfolio of consumables which already included Pico de Gallo Salsa, Salsa Verde and Hatch Chile Salsa.
Dollar General to build new distribution center in Texas

Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based, Dollar General has announced plans to build its 17^th facility in its major distribution network. The company previously built its first center in San Antonio, Texas back in 2014 and celebrated the opening of a second location also within Texas in 2016.

In addition to opening this new location, the company also is looking to create 400 new jobs when at full capacity and serve 1,000 retail locations within Texas and the southeast. The structure itself is expected to be nearly 1,000,000 square feet, the company said.