Center Store

Energizer has expanded its portfolio with its new line of Energizer Universal USB chargers and cables, as well as the addition of the Energizer Single Zone inductive charger to its line of Qi-enabled products launched last year.

ST. LOUIS — Anheuser-Busch has launched the first seasonal offering under its Shock Top craft beer label. Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat, a traditional Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with pumpkins and autumnal spices, will be available until January 2012 in six-packs and 12-oz. bottles. 


A-B also is launching the brand’s first sampler pack, including the original Shock Top Belgian White, Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat and Shock Top Raspberry Wheat. Sales of the Shock Top brand have been ahead 77% for the first half of the year, according to A-B.

Private-label penetration at CVS/pharmacy locations is expected to grow to more than 20% in the next two to three years, and to help drive that growth, the retailer has developed its new Just the Basics line of store-brand products.


Officially launched in February 2011, the brand represents a functional, value-
priced, smart-simplicity positioning. It is comprised of nearly 100 items, and there are plans to expand the line going forward.


Americans are becoming greener, and eco-friendly products are es­pecially relevant in the greeting card aisle. Victoria Sutton, CEO of All in The Cards, said the company has doubled production of craft recycled products for holiday 2011.

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — Odwalla has announced the launch of its Smoothie Refreshers, a new line of 150-calorie smoothies available in such flavors as Mango Lime Twist, Mixed Berry Shuffle and Pear Berry Jive.

Each 12-fl.-oz. bottle provides 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, according to the company, and also is formulated with coconut water.

Frozen foods still are a popular choice. Packaged Facts projected that retail sales of frozen foods and beverages will reach $70 billion in 2015, a 25% increase over 2010 revenues. Growth will be fueled by a trio of strong-performing categories that have been driving the category for some time: frozen pizza, handheld breakfast food and prepared vegetables. 


The category also has gotten a boost from microwavable frozen meals that serve as quick-and-easy — and inexpensive — lunches.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox remains the dominant player in kiosk DVD rentals with an average of 55 million rentals monthly in second quarter 2011. The company, which built its market dominance on $1 rentals, is testing price increases in some markets. Redbox and Foursquare are partnering to allow consumers to use their smartphones to check availability and reserve titles at their nearest kiosk.


Competitor NDR is experimenting with DVD sales as well as rentals from its kiosks, and may expand the concept.

Sales of plain PET bottled water may be flat, but there’s significant action in flavored and enhanced waters. Glaceau’s Vitaminwater Zero saw triple-digit sales increases in all three channels (excluding Walmart) for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 7, according to the SymphonyIRI Group. Sales of the company’s Smartwater jumped 25% during the same period.

Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s also have introduced private-label electrolyte-enhanced still waters.