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KIRKLAND, Wash. — Mobile retail websites have emerged as an indispensible in-store tool for consumers as they shop, according to a new survey conducted by Hipcricket, an Augme Technologies company, that was released Thursday.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi is boosting its presence in the frozen food aisle with two all-natural frozen entrées.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Carolina Beverage Corp. brand is looking to make a nationwide push, according to published reports.

Cheerwine, a soft drink that features a wild cherry flavor, will be distributed in the Atlanta, Memphis and Florida markets by PepsiCo, according to the Charlotte Observer.

"We feel it's an ideal time to expand, and we're fortunate to be doing it with a world-class partner," Cheerwine CEO Cliff Ritchie was quoted as saying.

Candles become a key general merchandise category later in the year — 35% of candle sales in the United States occur during the fourth quarter. Fall decorating, Thanksgiving and holiday gift-giving drive sales, according to a representative from the National Candle Association.

Holiday candle sales have been strong even in a tight economy, since they are a relatively inexpensive indulgence. Traditional cinnamon, berry and evergreen are key scents for the holidays; vanilla is most popular year-round.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup Co. has boosted its lineup of Healthy Request soups to include eight new varieties.

The following flavors join the existing offerings:

• Two Campbell’s condensed Healthy Request varieties: bean with bacon soup and cheddar cheese soup;

• Two Campbell’s Select Harvest Healthy Request varieties: harvest tomato with basil soup and whole grain pasta fagioli soup; and

NEW YORK — Green laundry brand Seventh Generation has launched a contest whereby entrants can win a trip for two to France, Italy or Vermont.

The Nature Makes Perfect Scents sweepstakes underscores the source of the scents featured in Seventh Generation's cleaning products, particularly, its Natural Dish Liquid products:

• Seventh Generation uses French lavender used in its lavender and floral mint scent dish product;

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Reckitt Benckiser has launched a collection of online mini games to boost brand awareness.

Seasonal candy powers the category. Last year, chocolate and nonchocolate seasonal sales were strong for Valentine’s Day and Easter. Data from the National Confectioners Association showed that slight markdowns taken one week before the holiday can generate a significant spike in sales and leave retailers with less product to move at higher markdowns after the holiday.

Since licensed merchandise is a big part of the profitable seasonal category, retailers need a mix that appeals to both genders.