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WASHINGTON – With increases in consumer spending expected to remain solid during the remainder of the year, the National Retail Federation on Tuesday increased 2016 retail sales projections by 30 basis points to 3.4% over last year.

Online and other non-store sales, which are included in the overall figure, are expected to increase 7% to 10% year-over-year rather than the 6% to 9% percent forecast earlier.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- As coconut water grows in popularity, a new brand is looking to leverage the juice trend.

An athlete startup called Villager Goods plans to launch a packaged coconut water line this fall.  Villager Goods says it will introduce three coconut water flavors - original, pineapple and chocolate - delivering a premium organic, not-from-concentrate product priced in line with mainstream non-organic competitors.

BOULDER, Colo. -- Natural foods brand Justin's has unveiled the first extension of its Snack Pack product line.

CAMP HILL, Pa. - To make sure students stay up to date with the latest technology, Rite Aid is debuting an 8.95-inch Windows tablet in time for back-to-school shoppers. Quality and affordable Craig products are also available including a 19-inch TV and 27-inch speaker tower.

"With Rite Aid's variety of unique and classic back to school items offered at outstanding prices, shoppers will find just what their students will need to academically succeed this school year, while shopping under budget," stated Tony Montini, Rite Aid EVP merchandising and supply chain.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. -- M&M's is celebrating its 75th anniversary by launching a new flavor chosen by more than 1 million Americans.

Starting in August, the Coffee Nut flavor will join M&M'S Original Peanut, which was first introduced in 1954, on shelves at retailers nationwide. Coffee Nut defeated two other peanut-flavored challengers – Honey Nut and Chili Nut to win consumers' votes.

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Mondelez International has appointed the former executive chairman of PPG Industries as a new member of Mondelez's board.

NEW YORK -- Bazooka Candy Brands is leveraging the popularity of the upcoming Ice Age 5 film with an exclusive omnichannel program.

Bazooka Candy Brands will bring the program to life with an Ice Age: Collision Course-themed television commercial, retail display merchandising and online advertising campaign that will drive to a fun, online Ice Age-theme game, Candy Collision, at Candymania.com.

CHICAGO-- Leading children's tech brand VTech is expanding its portfolio of educational products that support developmentally meaningful skills and experiences for little ones.

The new product lines have been designed in collaboration with Dr. Lise Eliot, an early brain development expert and member of VTech's Expert Panel, to encourage children as they meet essential developmental milestones.