News Briefs

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What do Gen Z consumers think of store brands?

More than half of Gen Z grocery shoppers “always/frequently” choose a place to shop due to its store brands, according to new PLMA consumer research report, titled, “Gen Z Loves Store Brands: America’s Youngest Consumers Speak Out on Grocery Shopping, Stores and Brands.” 

[Read more: Placer.ai: Discount, dollar stores show strength at year end]

In the survey, 67% of Gen Z say they are “extremely/very” aware of store brands; 64% say they buy store brands “always/frequently;” 56% are “extremely likely/likely” to experiment with store brands to find “best value;” and 51% say they “always/frequently” choose a place to shop due to its store brands. 

Among other findings: 

• 53% of Gen Z say "Valuable" describes store brands "precisely/very much." 
• 52% of Gen Z say "Reliable" describes store brands "precisely/very much." 
• 50% of Gen Z say "Variety" describes store brands "precisely/very much." 

Sara Williamson, assistant professor of Marketing at SUNY Old Westbury, analyzed the survey results and presented her findings at PLMA’s 2023 U.S. Private Label Trade Show in Chicago earlier this week. 

[Read more: Study: Consumers shop drug stores for grocery, household items as much as pharmacy]

“Gen Z store brand purchase frequency is most strongly driven by a perception that store brands are 'reliable,’” Williamson said. “Reliability perception is a stronger store brand purchase predictor than any other measure, including household income and monthly grocery spending." 

Williamson continued, “The impact of store brand reliability is a solid indicator that the manufacturer-retailer relationship is more important than ever. To succeed with Gen Z, retailers must establish a foundation of store brand suppliers who meet their customers' quality expectations." 

A new, bakery-inspired Kit Kat flavor is hitting shelves. 

The brand recently announced the launch of its new Chocolate Frosted Donut Flavored Bar, which channels the flavor experience of biting into a fresh donut with smooth milk chocolate notes layered over a donut flavored crème, the company said. 

“We know fans love our bakery inspired flavors like Kit Kat Birthday Cake—and we thought, ‘who doesn't love a classic chocolate frosted donut?!’” Said Alex Kuzior, associate Kit Kat brand manager. “The Kit Kat Chocolate Frosted Donut Flavored Bar is a sweet addition to our permanent flavor portfolio and every bite delivers upon a delightful experience, reminiscent of a freshly baked donut from your favorite hometown bakery.”

Kit Kat’s new Chocolate Frosted Donut Flavored Bar is a permanent flavor addition that will be available everywhere the brand’s products are currently sold.

CVS Pharmacy BeautyIRL stores are bringing a Body Art Bar to consumers via new offerings from BodyMark and Tattly. 

The retailer’s 160 beauty-focused stores across the nation will be showcasing products from BodyMark and Tattly, which encourages consumers to express themselves in a skin safe and semi-permanent way with temporary tattoos. 

Products that the Body Art Bar will feature include: 

• BodyMark Freckle Pen (in brown, green and purple)
• BodyMark Celestial Pack
• BodyMark x Tattly Delicate Florals Tattoo Pack
• BodyMark x Tattly Heart Rainbow Tattoo Pack
• BodyMark x Tattly Florafly Tattoo
• BodyMark x Tattly designs in 2 different sizes

Consumers can experience the Body Art Bar at CVS Pharmacy BeautyIRL stores through May 2024. 

The worlds of coffee and waffles are colliding with a new collaboration from Coffee mate and Eggo Waffles.

Both companies have come together to launch the new Coffee mate Eggo Waffles with Maple Syrup flavored creamer, which features notes of toasty waffles, maple syrup and warm butter. 

“Coffee mate fans know that we’re dedicated to bringing new, sought-after and unexpected flavors to our limited-time offerings to add an exciting twist to their daily coffee routines,” said Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé vice president of brand marketing for the beverage division and business unit. “Breakfast flavors, particularly maple, are amongst the top requested – and as breakfast and coffee go hand-in-hand, we thought no better pairing than Coffee mate and Eggo. Nothing adds cheer to your coffee cup like a hint of nostalgia, fresh from the toaster!” 

Hitting shelves for a limited time this January, the line will retail for $4.69.

Giant is set to open a new store and fuel station in Salisbury Township, in Allentown, Pa. 

The new location, which is set to be approximately 68,000 sq. ft., is a redevelopment of a vacated section within the South Mall Shopping Center. Upon completion, the company’s current store and fuel facility located at 3015 West Emmaus Ave. in Allentown will close. 

“After 35 years at our current location on West Emmaus Ave., it’s time to grow our store footprint and move a little further up the road,” said John Ruane, president of Giant. “A larger and updated store will allow us to offer our Allentown area families the latest amenities while underscoring our commitment to providing our customers with great value, the best quality and friendly service they’ve come to expect from Giant.”

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2025 subject to obtaining all of the necessary permits and approvals. Specific store amenities and employment opportunities, as well as opening dates, will be shared at a later date.

Currently, Giant operates seven stores and employs more than 1,400 team members in Lehigh County.