Center Store

Walmart makes big push for same day in-store pickup service
The discounter, which said 84% of Americans are still shopping for the holidays, is making a big push for its same day in-store pickup service. It’s made more items eligible for the service than ever before. Also, customers will be able to shop for qualifying items, notated with “Free Pickup Today,” online until 4 p.m. local time on Dec. 23. The items can be picked up in stores until 6 p.m. on Dec, 24.
Earth Mama brings specially formulated deodorants to consumers
Earth Mama has announced the launch of a new product. The Portland-Ore.-based company has debuted its new Earth Mama Deodorants, which are formulated especially for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have sensitive skin.

Certified by Oregon Tilth, the products come in a variety of four different scents: Ginger Fresh, Bright Citrus, Natural Non-Scents and Calming Lavender. The deodorants are available in a 3-oz. stick, travel-friendly mini and a four-pack mini gift set.

Alter Eco unveils a new line of products for the snack aisle

Alter Eco, a brand that looks to provide chocolate-centric, sustainability-directed food to consumers is entering the snack category by launching Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters.

The products are organic and fair-trade snacks, with five grams of sugar per serving, the company said. Each Dark Chocolate Coconut Cluster contains the brand’s 70% Ecuadorian chocolate with coconut flakes substantially harvested from whole coconuts that are sliced and toasted.
Hershey’s goes for triple the chocolate with new Cookie Layer Crunch flavor

Hershey's had added even more chocolate to its Cookie Layer Crunch product line. The Hershey, Pennsylvania-based company has announced the debut of the Triple Chocolate flavor, which is made from chocolate crème, chocolate cookie bits and milk chocolate.
Pop-Tarts brings fan favorite back to store shelves

After requests from fans of the Pop-Tarts products to bring back a discontinued flavor, the brand has decided to give into demand and bring the Frosted Strawberry Milkshake flavor back to store shelves. For a limited time, consumers will be able to purchase the toaster pastries beginning in December.
Dollar General announces store growth plans, remodeling efforts

The discounter will execute approximately 2,000 real estate projects in fiscal 2018. The emphasis will be on remodeling. Dollar General plans to open 900 new stores (compared to an estimated 1,285 new units in fiscal 2017), remodel 1,000 existing sites and relocate 100 stores (compared to 760 combined remodels and relocations this year).
SheaMoisture caters to shrinkage-prone tresses with new collection

SheaMoisture has found a way to help consumers maintain hair length in a healthy way that elongates shrinkage-prone tresses. The new Red Palm Oil & Cocoa Butter collection detangles, defines, moisturizes, lengthens and blocks humidity, the Sundial-owned company said.
WBA takes 40% stake in China's leading pharmacy chain

Walgreens Boots Alliance on Wednesday extended its retail pharmacy acumen into China by taking a 40% stake in Sinopharm Holding GuoDa Drugstores in a deal worth approximately $416 million.
Hair plays large role in middle-aged consumers' self-perception, reports HairRx

In a new report released by HairRx in which 1,000 women between the ages of 30 to 60 years old were surveyed, it appears that hair overwhelmingly influences the way middle-aged women feel about themselves. In the study titled, HairRx Middle-Aged Hair Care Report, nearly 80% of those who participated admitted to having their personal outlook influenced by their hair.
Nestlé announces acquisition of Atrium Innovations

Atrium Innovations, a company specializing in development, manufacturing and the commercialization of innovative, science-based natural health products has announced that it will be acquired by Vevey, Switzerland-based Nestlé for $2.3 billion in cash. Global investment firm Permira, Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec assisted in the acquisition.