Center Store

ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 5/2/11
SUPPLIER NEWS — Purina One has introduced a new line of pet food for dogs and cats that boasts meat as the No. 1 ingredient. Purina One Beyond is crafted without wheat or corn, added fillers or artificial preservatives. The line includes two adult dog recipes: chicken and whole oat meal, and lamb and whole barley. The line also features two adult cat recipes: salmon and whole brown rice, and chicken and whole oat meal. Purina One Beyond dog recipes are available in 3-lb., 15-lb. and 26-lb. packages. Purina One Beyond cat recipes are available in a 1-lb.
CVS clusters convenience, fresh in Urban concept
 CVS provided a healthy dose of convenience to urban dwellers with the opening of its Urban Cluster store concept late last year. The stores have a decidedly unique bend, being stocked with a broad range of consumables, including an expanded pantry offering and a selection of affordable wines priced under $7.

Cultivating Greek

NORWICH, N.Y. — Since word of mouth was the driving force behind the success of Chobani, it was a natural fit to feature actual users in its first major ad campaign this spring. The company also recently launched Chobani Champions, the first-ever Greek yogurt for kids. The smaller-portion, 3.5-oz. cup (100 calories) is available in two flavors: Honey-Nana and VeryBerry. Also new in the company’s core Chobani Greek yogurt line are lemon, mango and black cherry flavors. 
Are coupon ‘extremists’ bad for business?

Call it “the attack of the coupon-crazed shelf sweepers.” It’s the most aggressive form of bargain hunting by consumers willing to spend hours searching out coupon deals, to stock up with enough product to last their families for a year and to turn their homes into veritable warehouses. 
Rite Aid barks up pet goods money tree

Drug retailers are doggedly pursuing the pet care category, with Rite Aid fetching its own piece of the $47.7 billion category, according to the 2009-2010 “National Pet Owners Survey” conducted by the American Pet Products Association. 
MGD 64 Lemonade coming to retail

CHICAGO — A new limited-edition beer is helping consumers get ready for summer.

Low-calorie brand MGD 64 is serving up MGD 64 Lemonade, a 64-calorie beer that combines a light, crisp draft beer taste with the tangy taste of lemonade. Available in six-pack bottles and 12-pack bottles and cans, MGD 64 Lemonade will be available from May through Labor Day at retailers nationwide.

MGD 64, part of the Miller Geniune Draft line of products, launched nationally in 2008.
ReportersNotebook — Consumables, 5/2/11

SUPPLIER NEWS — Frito-Lay is spicing up its Doritos, Fritos and Ruffles brands to include a Tapatio hot-sauce-flavored product. All three products include a unique combination of red chili peppers, spices and a hint of garlic — the same ingredients in the Tapatio hot sauce recipe. They are available at in small bags (99 cents) and large bags ($2.99).
Changing Channels — Photogator, GIANTmicrobes, teas and scones, and more

Take a bite out of clutter
Photogator has released an alternative to the clips, tape and pushpins essential in any office or home. The Photogator is an oval plastic stand with three curved slots that holds photo cards, recipe cards, photos and even retail signage.
Price: $6 (3-pack), $15 (10-pack)
PhotogatorStand.com
Papyrus display adds  distinction to DR card aisle

 The new-look Duane Reade stores feature a special Papyrus section in the greeting card aisle. Papyrus — known for its posh collection of greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery and other unique gift products — certainly has lent an air of distinction to the department with its upscale fixtures and sleek design. 

Cards for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, are merchandised attractively in the more than 8 ft. of space devoted to the section.
Kellogg's continues sustainable efforts, on track with future goal

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg's said that nearly half of its facilities worldwide send 5% or less of waste they generate to landfill, an achievement announced in the company's third global corporate responsibility report.

The company, which released the report on Earth Day, said its reduction in waste sent to landfill was achieved through diligent efforts at each of its facilities, in addition to increased partnerships with recyclers. Overall, Kellogg's has reduced its waste sent to landfill by 51% since 2005, keeping the company on track with its 2015 goal.