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NEW YORK — Nestle is planning to launch a cup version of its popular Butterfinger candy bar next year, the company said.

The candy maker said it would introduce the Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups, calling it one of the company's biggest candy launches. In addition, for the first time it will feature one of its brands in a Super Bowl commercial.

CHICAGO — According to IRI's Q3 2013 MarketPulse survey results released Tuesday, 85% of American consumers were aware of the looming debt ceiling crisis and of the government shutdown, which is clearly impacting their views of their personal finances, including their approach to grocery shopping. 

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Candy maker Mars Chocolate North America has introduced a new set of planning tools to help retailers develop their marketing strategies and build chocolate sales, the company said.

The new resources include the 2014 Moments Calendar Video, year-long display programs, a convenience channel 2014 Planning Toolkit, a revamped Mars24seven.com and the Performance Plus Rewards Program.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumers will take a conservative approach to spending this holiday season. According to NRF’s holiday consumer spending survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average holiday shopper will spend $737.95 on gifts, decor, greeting cards and more, 2% less than the $752.24 they actually spent last year. Despite this reduction in individual holiday budgets, NRF is forecasting holiday sales will increase 3.9% to $602.1 billion.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart will kick off the holiday shopping season by launching a new lease-to-own program in time for Black Friday, the massmerchandise retailer said Tuesday.

Kmart said it would launch the program through Whynot Leasing and make it available nationwide starting on Nov. 22. Sears, also part of parent company Sears Holdings, also is launching the program, making it available for more than 95 million items via Sears Marketplace, including electronics, home goods, jewelry and tools, as well as major brands and boutique items.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target is offering a limited-time assortment of wigs in collaboration with designer Chris March — as well as costumes for kids and pets, and accessories for adults — as part of its Halloween offering this year, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

"Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids and kids at heart," Target Canada SVP merchandising John Morioka said. "We want our Canadian guests to know that Target is the wallet-friendly destination for Halloween this year."

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Co. plans to launch its first new candy brand in 30 years in January, the company said.

Hershey announced the upcoming launch of Lancaster, a line of caramel soft cremes. The new brand is named after the Lancaster Caramel Co., Milton Hershey's original brand, and inspired by similar candies that he made more than 120 years ago at the Lancaster, Pa., company.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — A line of leather bracelets made by Endorphin Warrior aims to inspire wearers to lose weight and improve their health.