Center Store

Post-Sandy retail spending boost slowed down, report shows
PURCHASE, N.Y. — A slowdown in retail spending happened after a boost that followed Hurricane Sandy, according to a new report by a division of MasterCard.

MasterCard Advisors released its SpendingPulse report, finding that a three-week recovery in retail spending after Sandy began to slow during the week that ended Dec. 8, while some sectors, like specialty apparel, slipped into negative growth.
Frito-Lay launches new Tostitos Cantina chip, salsa line
PLANO, Texas — The Frito-Lay division of PepsiCo has launched a new line of chips and salsas, the company said Monday.

Frito-Lay announced the launch of the Tostitos Cantina brand of tortilla chips and salsas, which it said was designed to emulate the flavors found in Mexican restaurants.

The Tostitos Cantina Thin & Crispy chips are crispy and light in texture, and are designed to pair with the brand's new Chipotle Restaurant Style salsa. Meanwhile, the Traditional chips are designed for pairing with Tostitos Cantina Roasted Garlic Thick & Chunky salsa.

Wisconsin Pharmacal and Coleman introduce personalized first aid tins

JACKSON, Wis. — Wisconsin Pharmacal, in an exclusive licensing partnership with the Coleman Co., has introduced unique, individualized first aid tins. Each tin contains commonly used first aid components including bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes and more, and comes packaged in a nostalgic, brushed-metal tin case with an embossed first aid cross adorning the lid.
Spotted by DSN: Target bus stop ad allows mobile gift orders

PHILADELPHIA — Commuters in Philadelphia who have forgotten to go holiday shopping may want to head to their nearest bus stop.

The shelter of the bus stop across the street from 30th Street Station includes a display from Target that allows passengers to buy gift items by scanning QR codes with their mobile phones.
Baristas launches new ice cream line

SEATTLE — Baristas Coffee has launched a new line of coffee-flavored ice creams, the company said Friday.

Baristas, based in Seattle, announced the introduction of Baristas Coffee Creations, which includes flavors like Caramel Cappuccino and Coconut Cafe Latte. Caramel Cappuccino is a caramel-swirled ice cream with dark chocolate, while Coconut Cafe Latte is a coconut-swirled ice cream, also with dark chocolate.
Dotz Cord Catcher leaves gymnastics for the gym

Found your cell phone cord has slipped behind the desk again as you're trying to recharge your phone before bed? Is this ritual turning into a nightly gymnastics event stretching, reaching, cursing that smug cord lying along the baseboards? Dotz cord and cable management products has the solution: Dotz Cord Catcher.
Pure Ally introduces malted, nonalcoholic Kwass-Up

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fl. — Pure Ally has introduced K'wass-Up, a new malted, nonalcoholic beverage, according to the beverage maker's website. It's an "uncommon drink — for the uncommon you!"
Reports: Kroger, Walmart looking to buy Hostess assets

NEW YORK — Kroger and Walmart may be looking to buy up assets from bankrupt food company Hostess Brands, according to published reports.
Aquafina and 'Project Runway' invite aspiring designers to their 'Aquafina Pure Challenge'

PURCHASE, N.Y. — Aquafina and Emmy-nominated "Project Runway" are teaming up to launch the "Aquafina Pure Challenge," a competition that invites consumers, including aspiring designers, to celebrate the pure essence of who they are by submitting an original Aquafina-inspired design.
ThinkThin protein bars arrive at select Target locations

LOS ANGELES — The No. 1 ranked weight-management bar in the natural channel, thinkThin, is now available in select Target locations throughout the United States, the company announced Thursday. thinkThin's high-protein, gluten-free nutrition bars are available in 5-count boxes of Chunky Peanut Butter, Brownie Crunch and Caramel Fudge flavors.