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Retail traffic down 22% in week following Black Friday
CHICAGO — Consumers spent a majority of last week recovering from “Black Weekend” holiday shopping. ShopperTrak on Wednesday reported that for the week of Dec. 2 to Dec. 8, GAFO (general merchandise, apparel, furniture and other products) brick-and-mortar retail sales decreased 2.9% compared to the same time last year. Last week’s retail shopper traffic decreased 21.6% compared to the same time period in 2012.
Baby Elephant Ears provide neck, head support for infants
CAMBRIDGE, Minn. — A new product is designed to provide babies with neck support and comfort while they're in the seated position.

Baby Elephant Ears, invented by mother Alicia Overby, provide spinal and neck alignment and can be placed behind babies' necks while they're in the stroller, swing, car seat or on the changing table.

Freshpet announces new holiday treats

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Dog owners have two new reasons to rejoice this holiday season, thanks to Freshpet.

Freshpet, which makes fresh, refrigerated dog and cat food, has announced the introduction of two new products to the mix: Dog Joy Chicken Strips with Flaxseeds and Dog Joy Sausage Slices.
Amazon Wine offers 1-cent shipping on some wines

SEATTLE — Some orders placed on Amazon's online wine store will be eligible for 1-cent shipping, the company said Thursday.

Amazon said more than 100 wine sellers had opted into the new program and would offer more than 1,000 labels of wine under it, and the company plans to increase the selection in the near future.
Keurig introduces college-branded brewers

WATERBURY, Vt. — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters on Wednesday announced the introduction of college-branded Keurig K-Cup Mini Plus brewers, giving students and alumni even more reason to cheer during their daily coffee break.
Orriginals Handcuffs line combines sweatshirts, gloves

NEW YORK — A Jamestown, N.D.-based company has a line of sweatshirts that include extendable cuffs that turn into fingerless gloves, and it's looking for distributors and wholesalers.

Handcuffs, marketed by Orriginals, were introduced at the Magic apparel show in 1998 and have since found favor among such celebrities as Jay Leno, Garth Brooks and Rosie O'Donnell.
Former U.S. ambassador to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development joins Nielsen

NEW YORK — Nielsen Holdings on Monday named Karen Kornbluh its EVP external affairs, effective immediately. Reporting to incoming CEO Mitch Barns — who succeeds CEO David Calhoun on Jan. 1 — Kornbluh will lead Nielsen’s global work in a number of key areas, including: government and public affairs and services; privacy strategy; corporate social responsibility; and multicultural market development. She will be based in Washington but will split her time in New York.
Target Awesome Shop features items trending on Pinterest

NEW YORK — Target has introduced a section of its website that features products popular on Pinterest.

The Target Awesome Shop includes products from several lines, including beauty, each of which is among those most-pinned on Pinterest in the last few days, but only if they have at least a four-star guest review.

The website is currently in beta testing and was put together "in a matter of a few weeks" by Target's Rapid Accelerated Development team, a small group of digital experts working for the company.
Reports: AmazonFresh may soon launch in San Francisco

NEW YORK — Amazon's fresh food delivery service may be expanding to San Francisco, according to published reports.

All Things Digital, a Dow Jones-owned website that reports on technology news, reported on several sightings in San Francisco of AmazonFresh trucks, as well as a recent job posting.

According to the site, Amazon plans to announce the service's launch on Tuesday. Amazon began offering the service in Seattle and recently expanded it to Los Angeles. AmazonFresh allows users to shop online for produce, dairy products, dry goods and others.
Tide Pods partners with fashion designer Tracy Reese

CINCINNATI — Tide Pods, a line of laundry detergent capsules from Proctor & Gamble, has announced a new partnership with acclaimed clothing designer and Council of Fashion Designers of America member Tracy Reese.