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CHICAGO — Shopper activity will continue to improve intermittently through the first half of 2013, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.

ShopperTrak estimates during the first quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 3.2% and retail foot traffic will increase 3.5%, when compared to the same period last year. The company estimates during the second quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 2.9%, though foot traffic will remain flat with a 0% change, when compared to the same period in 2012.

TYLER, Texas — Brookshire Grocery Co. has joined the Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill partnership, the supermarket chain said.

BGC said that by joining the initiative, it will work toward sustainability and protecting consumers' health and the environment. According to the EPA, a typical supermarket leaks about 1,000 pounds of refrigerant gas into the atmosphere each year, and BGC said it would work to reduce those emissions.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — According to a national survey of fitness enthusiasts who exercise three or more times a week, 82% admitted to falling short when it comes to post-workout nutrition habits, Abbott announced Tuesday. 

The results of the survey from Abbott's EAS Sports Nutrition uncover a gap between Americans' knowledge surrounding post-workout nutrition and their desire to improve their fitness routines and results.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Häagen-Dazs is starting off the warmer months with the debut of ice cream's lighter, refreshing cousin, gelato. Available nationwide in April, Häagen-Dazs gelato will be offered in seven Italian-inspired flavors: stracciatella, sea salt caramel, dark chocolate chip, vanilla bean, cappuccino, limoncello and black cherry amaretto.

CHICAGO — A mere 2% increase in the payroll tax could represent $800 in reduced spending power per year for a person with a household income of $40,000, according to a new study by SymphonyIRI.

Symphony Consulting, a division of the Chicago-based market research firm, analyzed shopper behavior since the payroll tax increased on Jan. 1, focusing on the effect of the payroll tax on food and beverage consumption, including its effect on such dimensions as stores shopped, brands purchased and the effect on various segments and categories.

EWING, N.J. — To help mark Condom Awareness Week, Trojan Brand Condoms has deployed a fleet of Trojan Safe Ride taxis to drive home facts about condoms. New Yorkers are invited to get in one of the taxis to test their sexual health IQ by participating in a condom trivia game while en route to their destination.

PLYMOUTH, Wis. — A two-time winner of "Dancing with the Stars" and a food product manufacturer have a deal to promote healthy snacking options for women.

ST. LOUIS — A group of former executives from Save-A-Lot, Grandpa's Stores and Deals: Nothing Over a Dollar has teamed up to create a new business venture that they said would combine wholesale, retail and e-commerce components.