Center Store

Giant-Carlisle rolls out new design to Bensalem, Pa., store
CARLISLE, Pa. — A newly remodeled Giant Food Stores location includes an expanded selection of gluten-free items and digital kiosks for finding savings and placing orders.

Carlilsle, Pa.-based Giant, also known as Giant-Carlisle to distinguish it from Giant Food of Landover, Md., announced that it had finished remodeling its Bensalem, Pa., store. Both chains are owned by Ahold USA.
Applied Predictive Technologies and IRI join forces on big data solution
WASHINGTON — Applied Predictive Technologies and IRI on Monday announced they are joining forces to fuel APT’s Test & Learn software suite with IRI’s point-of-sale data. The APT and IRI alliance is expected to further expand the scope of data used for designing and analyzing business pilots. The collaboration will enable CPG, retail and over-the-counter healthcare companies to distill cause-and-effect relationships in their transaction data and accurately understand the impact of various operating initiatives, the companies reported.

Rite Aid expands into college essentials for BTS season

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's product selection for the back-to-school shopping season will include many new products aimed at college students, the retail pharmacy chain said.

In preparation for what the National Retail Federation calls the second-busiest shopping season of the year after the winter holidays, Rite Aid is including new computer accessories, wireless Internet routers, sheet and blanket sets, shower curtains and door mirrors. According to the NRF, college living essentials are likely to see an increase in spending this year.
PriceGrabber survey reveals consumer shopping trends for BTS season

LOS ANGELES — PriceGrabber released today the results of its first 2013 Back-to-School shopping survey. Results of the survey indicate that 68% of consumers plan to spend up to $500 this back-to-school shopping season compared with 3% in 2012 and 48% in 2011. Additionally, 17% of respondents plan to spend between $500 and $1,000, and 15% of shoppers said they have no back-to-school shopping budget this year. Conducted from June 17 to July 8, 2013, the survey includes responses from 2,191 U.S. online shopping consumers.
RuMe customizable mobile cases available at Target stores nationwide

DENVER — Lifestyle brand RuMe announced today select customizable iPhone and iPad cases and organizational accessories will be sold in Target locations nationwide as part of a back-to-school campaign beginning on July 28. Target will feature RuMe's cCase (for iPhone 4/4s & 5), cCover (for iPad & iPad mini), Baggie ALL, and cClean on endcaps in the electronics department.
Minn. tobacco tax increase boosts smoking-cessation program's enrollment

EAGAN, Minn. — An increase in tobacco taxes in Minnesota has nearly tripled enrollment in a health plan's smoking-cessation program.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota said enrollment in its Stop Smoking Support program had nearly tripled since a $1.60 increase in the state tobacco tax took effect at the beginning of this month. The program enrolled 186 people in the first two weeks of July, compared with 69 people in the first two weeks of July 2012.
Natura Pet Products announces new line of pet stews with farm-grown ingredients

FREMONT, Neb. — Natura Pet Products and its flagship brand Innova have announced a new line of Farmhouse Stews for pet parents who want to enhance their dogs’ meals with an alternative to dry food.
Focal Upright Furniture introduces portable, lightweight seat

NEW YORK — Focal Upright Furniture announced on Tuesday the introduction of its newest ergonomic product innovation: the Mogo.
IRI names Richard Lenny chairman

CHICAGO — IRI on Tuesday named Richard Lenny chairman of its board of directors. Lenny succeeds Lawrence Benjamin, who will remain a member of the board and a senior adviser.
FDA seeks public comment on menthol cigarettes

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration is inviting comments from the public as it looks into restricting or even banning menthol in cigarettes, the agency said Tuesday.

The FDA said it had issued an advance notice of proposed rule making, or ANPRM, to obtain information related to potential regulations it might consider. The agency said about 30% of adult smokers and more than 40% of youth smokers report smoking menthol cigarettes.