Consumables

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Harris Teeter and MillerCoors on Tuesday donated holiday meals to 400 military families served by Operation Homefront. Murphy-Goode also donated $6,000 in Harris Teeter gift cards to Operation Homefront; the gift cards will be used by military families to purchase holiday meals. 

Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization which provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.  

NEW YORK — According to a Harris Poll released Tuesday, 70% of Americans believe it is likely that the government will shut down again in January, while just 21% believe it is unlikely to shut down. Republicans are more likely than both Democrats and Independents to say it is likely there will be a shutdown in January (79% versus 64% and 67%, respectively).

NEW YORK — Moody's on Tuesday cut against the grain with its holiday forecasts by suggesting pent-up demand will help give retailers a reason to celebrate Black Friday despite concerns of another government shutdown in January. It's not what shoppers say they're going to not do this year, but rather an extension of how shoppers will actually spend based on last season's behavior. 

YONKERS, N.Y. — Black Friday will just be an ordinary day for the 56% of Americans who plan to do no shopping at all, according to a Consumer Reports poll released Tuesday. Conversely, 44% intend to do some shopping, up significantly from the 30% who said they shopped for gifts during last year's Black Friday weekend. 

Among the top reasons Americans gave for wanting no part of shopping during Black Friday weekend were:

NEW YORK — In many cities, it sometimes seems as though there's a Starbucks on every street corner, but a new frontier for the Seattle-based coffee chain is now on track — literally.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The global market research firm Harris Interactive on Monday announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by Nielsen Holdings. 

NEW YORK — Schnuck Markets is offering to store perishable foods for people who have lost power due to the large storm outbreak that hit the Midwest over the weekend, the supermarket chain said in announcements on its Facebook page.

The chain is offering emergency refrigeration at some of its stores in the St. Louis area, as well as the Illinois towns of Pekin and Peoria. The company said items had to be stored in coolers, containers or bags, sealed and with people's names and phone numbers attached.

NASHUA, N.H. — Minerco Resources announced that Level 5 Beverage Co. has acquired VitaminFizz, a low-calorie, vitamin-enriched soda that was developed by Power Brands Consulting. VitaminFizz was extensively tested in the market in 2011, but the launch was delayed while efforts were focused on other consumer brands.