Center Store

WASHINGTON — After a strong first quarter, consumers in May took a more practical approach to their spending. According to a National Retail Federation release on Wednesday, May retail sales (excluding automobile, gas stations and restaurants) decreased 0.3% seasonally adjusted from April but increased 4.8% unadjusted year over year, marking 23 consecutive months of retail sales growth.

LOS ANGELES — Saban Brands has announced the return of the Popples franchise.

The company said it will reintroduce the brand — which was popular in the 1980s — with the introduction of such merchandise as accessories, plush toys and more by fall 2013. By spring 2014, Saban Brands plans to introduce new Popples characters and expand merchandise to include publishing, stationery, party goods, crafting and more.

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — Yankee Candle is embracing the fall season by rolling out new scented candles.

For its Pure Radiance line — which features a sleek, modern design and a custom soy wax blend — Yankee Candle has introduced apple chai and pumpkin scents. The collection is available in three sizes and carries a suggested retail price range from $10.99 to $27.99.

PITTSBURGH — Heinz has introduced a multipurpose vinegar-based cleaner.

Heinz all-natural cleaning vinegar is 20% stronger than traditional distilled white vinegar, the company said. Available in a one-gallon jug, the new product carries a suggested retail price of $3.79.

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Nuk has expanded its portfolio to include two new products.

BETHEL, Conn. — Duracell announced that it has established a multiyear sponsorship with the National Football League.

The sponsorship builds on an agreement that Procter & Gamble has had with the NFL since 2009. Beginning with the 2012 NFL season, Duracell is allowed to use official NFL marks, including Super Bowl XLVII, Pro Bowl, NFL Draft and NFL Playoffs.

NEW YORK — The joint venture between Procter & Gamble's Duracell brand and Powermat Technologies is bringing its Duracell Powermat products to major retail outlets in the New York market, along with select online retailers and DuracellPowermat.com.

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Hamacher Resource Group will present at Good Neighbor Pharmacy’s ThoughtSpot Conference to be held June 20 to 23 in Las Vegas, the company announced Thursday.

Tom Boyer, a national account manager and part of the owners group at HRG, will present the continuing education session “Front-End: Cause & Effect” on June 21. The session is worth 1.5 CE credits for registered pharmacists.