Center Store

The recession has taken a toll on the pet category, according to some companies. A recent report from Cascadia Capital revealed that 35% of consumers said they curtailed pet expenditures in 2011 due to the economy. Spending on pets is expected to hit the $50 billion mark in 2011, an increase of 5% over 2010, according to the American Pet Products Association. Packaged Facts predicted that the industry will grow 5.9% in 2012.


DALLAS — Toilet paper brand Cottonelle has expanded its line of toilet paper roll covers with three new designs created by interior designer Jonathan Adler.

The three designs, which are part of Cottonelle's spring collection, feature a variety of color and patterns in an effort to change consumers' view on toilet paper.

SEATTLE — Seattle Chocolates has rolled out two chocolate bars designed to sweeten up Valentine's Day.

The Red Hot truffle bar features dark chocolate with cinnamon oil and crushed cinnamon candy pieces, while the Pink Bubbly candy bar includes freeze dried raspberries in white chocolate with champagne and all-natural popping candy pieces.

The Valentine's Day bars retail for approximately $3 and are available now through Feb. 14 in specialty boutiques and fine grocery stores nationwide.

“I want to lose weight.” That’s been one of the top four New Year’s resolutions for the past decade, according to a recent survey conducted by FC Organizational Products, makers of “To-Do” lists. However, more people every year are resolving “to become more physically fit,” which goes a long way to explaining why ready-to-drink nutritional shakes and meal replacement bars are hotter than diet aids right now. 


CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has extended the Febreze brand with a new vent strip for the car. Febreze Car vent clip, available in five new scents, is designed specifically for the car to eliminate odors and keep air fresh for up 
to 30 days.


The Febreze Car vent clip easily attaches onto a vehicle’s air vent, and the product’s unique delivery system slowly releases scent day after day without becoming too overpowering. Suggested retail price on the new product is $2.99 for a single and $5.49 for a double pack.

To Drug Store News and the industry at large:

As the year comes to a close, ECRM would like to express our collective gratitude for the industry’s support over the past year. I personally want to thank the many retailers, suppliers and brokers for their overwhelming expressions of encouragement, sympathy, and compassion directed to me personally and to all of us at ECRM during this difficult period.  At a time of inexplicable tragedy for me, your collective support  helped to keep our vision alive and I am forever grateful.

ATLANTA — The charitable arm of Coca-Cola has donated $60,000 to three Atlanta-based organizations that aim to reduce hunger.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless were each awarded $20,000 from the Coca-Cola Foundation. The donations are part of the foundation's “Donations in Lieu of Decorations Initiative,” which has awarded more than $500,000 to 45 organizations since 1992.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — So far two retailers — Supervalu and Walmart — have pulled lots of Emfamil Premium Newborn powdered formula before any recall has been issued after learning of an infant's death this past weekend, according to published reports.