Center Store

DEERFIELD, Ill. — According to a Walgreens back-to-school survey released Tuesday, parents of school-age children report a significant number are fans of cartoon brands well into high school.

With themed school supplies once again a trend, cartoon character-themed supplies are desired by 22% of high school students, according to the survey. Pop singer-themed supplies are most popular among middle school students at 43%.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — A new system allows members of Sears Holdings' Shop Your Way loyalty program to donate the same way they would give to a wedding registry.

The Charity Gift Registry allows customers to purchase an item and donate it to a child in need in the store, through mobile or online. Items include sports equipment, yard games, puzzles, toys, art supplies and board games. Share Our Strength's No Kind Hungry campaign is the first cause to be supported by the registry. The group aims to end childhood hunger by providing children with healthy food.

BETHEL, Conn. — Duracell has introduced a new battery that it said would provide more power than previous models.

The Procter & Gamble-owned brand announced the launch of Duracell Quantum, which includes a Hi-Density Core and PowerCheck per indicator. The battery is sold in a red and copper color scheme.

TORONTO — Bouche Baby Inc. announced today the commercial release of its new baby-to-toddler feeding system, which includes the Take 'N Shake Feeding Bottle with Integrated Formula Compartment.

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs is sponsoring a two-week series of events to celebrate the opening of its 61st store, the company said.

The Seattle-based regional chain will open the 11,600-sq.-ft. store on Friday in Seattle's growing South Lake Union neighborhood. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Tuesday. Between Friday and Aug. 16, several vendors will participate in product sampling and demonstrations, highlighted by a 16-seat, peddle-powered "Hydration Station" that will tour the neighborhood with beverage samples.

LIVONIA, Mich. — Promotions were up across the front-end over the first half of 2013 as compared with the corresponding year-ago period. Couponing across non-food items were up 1.8%, according to the U.S. Mid-year 2013 CPG Coupon Industry Facts Report released Tuesday by NCH Marketing Services, a Valassis subsidiary.

Overall, consumers saved $1.8 billion in the first six months of 2013.

DETROIT — Materially expanding the business of pharmacy — it's not just a job for the big chains. The Detroit News on Tuesday published a story regarding the new wellness formats being showcased by both Walgreens and Rite Aid, respectively, and included some perspective from a local operator. 

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — The Yankee Candle Company Inc. today announced the launch of six new Yankee Candle fragrances and three new fragrances in its contemporary Pure Radiance line for fall 2013.