Center Store

Natural pet products category shows steady growth
ROCKVILLE, Md. – Big changes are underway in the market for pet goods, according to "Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products in the U.S.," a recently released study from market research firm Packaged Facts.

Hill's is reformulating Science Diet as a natural product line, and Nestlé Purina is coming on strong with Purina One Beyond. In addition, Walmart has launched Pure Balance as it first natural store brand.
Holiday novelties to lead sales
Seasonal candy generates 40% to 45% of total category sales, according to data from the National Confectioners Association. Christmas candy sales are expected to track last year’s sales, but with Easter falling early this year, NCA recommends that retailers set Easter candy as Valentine’s Day products are taken down.  

Products with play value remain popular with consumers, but manufacturers say those with a “try me” feature have the strongest sell-through.

Private-label products lead sales

Drug stores saw a modest increase in air freshener sales last year, according to Mintel research — a lift likely due to sales of private- label products.  

Sales were down elsewhere in the market in a category that has suffered from a shrinking economy and competition from scented candles and scented  cleaning products. 

Sprays and aerosols are most popular with consumers and have the most consistent use, followed by candles for burning, candles for decoration  and plug-ins.
Integrating digital sharing

Retailers are facing challenges in a rapidly changing photo-processing category. One huge shift has been in category leadership. One dominant brand is no longer directing — and pouring advertising dollars into — the category, so retailers need to take a more active role in marketing  photo processing.  

Another challenge is what to market. Consumers are still ordering prints, but they are increasingly viewing, manipulating and saving their photos online. 
Walgreens launches environmentally friendly store brand Ology, formulated free of 'harmful chemicals'

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday launched Ology, a nationally accessible and affordable brand formulated to be free of harmful chemicals. Exclusive to Walgreens' family of companies, the Ology brand features a line of baby and personal care products as well as household cleaners, the company stated.
Pedigree Dentastix introduces treats to fight 'dog breath'

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Pedigree Dentastix line now offers Fresh Treats for Dogs — a new product to combat "dog breath" and assist with overall canine oral care, including tartar control.
PAWtizer antibacterial wipes, spray to retail at Giant Eagle

LOS ANGELES – All American Pet Co. announced Tuesday that its innovative branded line of PAWtizer antibacterial wipes and spray will be available on all Giant Eagle supermarket shelves within the next two weeks.
ReportersNotebook — Consumables, 11/5/12

SUPPLIER NEWS — Mars Chocolate has unveiled its Easter 2013 lineup. The new items this spring will include Snickers Peanut Butter Squared minis, Dove Silky Smooth white chocolate eggs, Twix minis-filled eggs, M&M’s milk chocolate fun size filled gift box,  Snickers Eggs 2-To-Go, Snickers Peanut Butter Eggs 2-To-Go and Dove Silky Smooth white chocolate bunny. The new Easter products carry a suggested retail price range of 60 cents to $3.99. 
Lint-free laundry

FAIRFIELD, N.J. — Telebrands’ new Lint Lizard should be a hot holiday item. The 40-inch vacuum attachment is designed to specifically clean a clothes dryer’s lint catcher and outer vent. It attaches to almost any vacuum host and features a long,  flexible neck.  

Lint buildup can be a big problem for clothes dryers. Too much lint buildup can clog a dryer and cause its motor to burn out as the dryer is forced to work harder. Better cleaning allows a dryer to run more efficiently. The lizard retails for $10.99.
GE donates $1.1 million to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — In response to Hurricane Sandy, GE on Monday gave $1.1 million to support relief and recovery efforts throughout the Northeast of the United States. The American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund was the recipient of $1 million, GE reported. The additional $100,000 dollars was given to the United Way of America for them to direct to local communities.