General Merchandise

Americans can’t do enough for their furry friends. To that end, growth continues to be the watchword in the pet care category.

Research released by the American Pet Products Association, or the APPA, indicated that American consumers would spend a total of $62.75 billion on pet supplies and care in 2016, up from $60.28 in 2015 and $58.04 in 2014.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Valentine’s Day 2017 will not be as sweet for retailers. U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average of $136.57 this year, compared to last year’s record high of $146.84, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This would be the first such decline on Valentine’s Day spending in a decade.

Total U.S. spending for Feb. 14 is also expected to drop from last year’s record of $19.7 billion to $18.2 billion this year.

CAMP HILL, Pa.  — Rite Aid stores nationwide are stocking the essentials needed to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. From cards to chocolates, fresh cut flowers, loveable plush and seasonal décor, Rite Aid's 4,600 locations are ready to help its customers celebrate the "season of love."

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble’s Mr. Clean brand, which has been named the official cleaner of Super Bowl LI, will be making its Super Bowl debut with a new 30-second commercial during the third quarter of the game on Feb. 5.

CINCINNATI — George native Mike Jackson was selected #TheNextMrClean, filling in for Mr. White during his extended vacation.

Procter & Gamble selected Jackson for his “innovative and creative take on Mr. Clean’s jingle, his strength, bald head and willingness to tackle any mess.” Jackson takes home $20,000, as well as a large supply of Magic Erasers. He starred in a production of the 2017 limited-edition Mr. Clean calendar.

NEW YORK  — Since the inaugural launch of the Nielsen Connected Partner Program, Nielsen has shown early success with its open ecosystem of third-party partners. On Thursday, Nielsen announced an expansion of its Connected Partner Program member roster to include retail-focused companies such as: 1010data, ciValue, Neogrid, Clear Demand, and RangeMe.

VR. AR. AI… Oh my.

There is no question how much technology is changing not only the way retailers and brands engage consumers during the pre, during and post phases of the shopping experience, and reshaping the path to purchase, but also how brands bring new innovation to the market and rethink how products are merchandised online and in store.

Below, DSN outlines the big trends, predictions and critical issues that will make the news in 2017 and beyond.

1. VR takes over