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HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — An auto brand has unveiled a new line of batteries designed to power household devices.

DieHard has launched its full line of alkaline batteries that include AA, AAA, C, D, 9V and rechargeable batteries. The rollout is being supported by a new television campaign that is an updated version of the company's DieHard TV ad from the 1970s to underscore how the brand is celebrating 45 years as America's auto battery brand, but now will deliver power and superior performance through a full line of alkaline batteries for household devices.

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. — A new device designed to offer home climate and aroma control has hit the market.

New Honeywell with Febreze Freshness Cool and Refresh fan brings together Honeywell's ability to circulate stagnant indoor air while utilizing Febreze Set & Refresh scent cartridges that are designed to refresh a room by eliminating odors, Honeywell said. What's more, a single scent cartridge can last up to 30 days, depending on the fan speed that's used.

Move over dump bins, endcap displays and newspaper circulars and make room for the new high-tech kid on the retail block — digitization.
Smartphones and the concept of digital coupons may not be so new, but what is relatively new to the mass market and becoming increasingly pervasive throughout the industry is the use of mobile technologies and social networking platforms — by both retailers and manufacturers — to customize offers for today’s shopper.

Carbonated beverage sales may be flat, but new low- and no-calorie introductions, and a bigger marketing spend, could mean the category may have some sparkle left.

PepsiCo is poised to roll out Pepsi Next, a soft drink with 60% less sugar than original Pepsi, designed to appeal to consumers who want the taste of a full-calorie cola but with reduced sugar. The company also is putting hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising behind its carbonated beverage brands in an effort to grab share from archrival Coca-Cola.

WAYZATA, Minn. — Truvia is expanding its product line to include an item that bakes and browns like sugar.

Truvia Baking Blend, a blend of Truvia natural sweetener and sugar, touts 75% fewer calories per serving than regular sugar but has the equivalent sweetness of 3 lbs. of sugar, the company said. The product is packaged in a 1.5-lb. bag that features a closeable, easy-to-pour spout.

QUINCY, Mass. — Ahold's 756 stores in the Northeast will no longer carry a beef filler product that has attracted significant controversy among consumers lately.

Stop & Shop, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle simultaneously announced that they would no longer purchase ground beef containing finely textured beef, which often is derided as "pink slime" due to its pink color and viscous texture.

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Consumer electronic accessories are a big business, and drug stores increasingly are grabbing more share. In 2011, mobile phone accessories sales totaled $1.24 billion, up 10% from 2010, according to NPD Group.