Center Store

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — While Toys"R"Us and Kmart were among the first retailers to release their hot toy lists, Walmart wasn't too far behind this year, offering many of the same toys as the aforementioned companies, and even some exclusives.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup Co. has expanded its V8 V-Fusion juices line with 100% fruit and vegetable juice smoothies.

The V8 V-Fusion smoothies have no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and provide 2g fiber and such vitamins as A, C and E, for 130 calories or less.

The new smoothies carry a suggested retail price of $3.99 for a 36-oz. bottle. For a limited time, 9.5-oz. bottles also will be available at select Walmart stores nationwide for 50 cents.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A hosiery brand has teamed up with a not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women.

L'eggs said that its new partnership with Dress for Success will be highlighted with a Facebook promotion, through which L'eggs will donate 12,000 pairs of legwear to Dress for Success through a virtual legwear drive.

PORT WASHINGTON — NPD has some good news for retailers worried about weak video game sales this holiday season, according to a survey of spending habits in second quarter 2011.

NEW YORK — CodeBlue was unveiled last week at Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore as the company behind CodeBlue transitioned the brand from the club circuit to the specialty health channel.

According to the company, the all-natural beverage has the electrolyte replenishment of a sports drink, as well as the antioxidants and vitamins found in enhanced water. CodeBlue is derived from fruit extracts, naturally sweetened and available in four flavored varieties — blueberry pomegranate, strawberry melon, peach mandarin and meyer lemon.

CHICAGO — Private-label share is slipping across several key drug store categories, according to SymphonyIRI Group’s latest Times & Trends report, “Private Label: Brand Positioning in the New World Order,” published Wednesday.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hershey and Ferrero have formed a joint warehousing, transportation and distribution initiative in North America.

The two companies will work together to maximize corporate social responsibility efforts and expect to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption in warehousing and freight, with fewer vehicle trips needed to move products to customers.

Productivity improvements from this initiative are expected to be seen in 2012. This alliance does not encompass manufacturing, selling or marketing activities, Hershey and Ferrero noted.

DENVER — PepsiCo has entered a partnership with an independent cultural marketing group that will allow the beverage company to develop relevant platforms that will target multicultural shoppers at retail.