Center Store

CINCINNATI — Consumer sentiment toward the economy continues to be negative, acknowledged David Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO, a factor that may drive many consumers toward more of the value-driven store brands in which Kroger is investing.

"The sluggish economy continues to strain household budgets while increasing consumer anxiety," Dillon said. "In fact, customers tell us their expectation for the economy are more pessimistic now than at any time this year."

RIVER EDGE, N.J. — A new strength and conditioning program designed specifically for cheerleaders and dancers has made its way to DVD.

Train2Cheer offers a workout that is designed to increase cardio and muscular endurance, resulting in stronger cheer and dance performances. Train2Cheer is set to high-energy music and is hosted by its creator, Stacey DelPreore.

Train2Cheer, which includes a 60-minute workout video and bonus CD soundtrack, retails for $19.99.

HENLEY-ON-THAMES, U.K. — United Kingdom-based organic kids’ brand Ella’s Kitchen is rolling out a number of products that were launched exclusively in Target in July. The First Tastes line, which includes squeezable fruit and fruit-and-rice combinations, was created for babies transitioning to solid foods.


Toddlers and preschoolers also have developed a taste for Ella’s “smoothie fruit” squeezable products, and moms are including them as take-along snacks in lunchboxes.


The back-to-school season brings a focus on single-serve snacks, and healthy snacks become a bigger part of the business every year. A recent report from Mintel revealed that while children are a major influence on the buying of multipack/bulk salty snacks, “given the increased concerns regarding nutrition, manufacturers can appeal to parents with products offering a better-for-you selling proposition.” Christine Brown, a spokeswoman for Natural Snacks said the company, which focuses on all-natural products, sees “a double-digit spike once school starts.”


CHICAGO — SymphonyIRI Group on Thursday released a brand report highlighting what elements help drive brand selection and brand loyalty.

RACINE, Wis. — SC Johnson is enhancing its Scrubbing Bubbles line with an easy-to-use toilet bowl cleaner.

New one step toilet bowl cleaner is a foot activated, hands-free toilet cleaner that helps keep the toilet clean for 30 days, SC Johnson said. To assure it toilets stay clean, it is recommended that consumers use the product twice a day.

The suggested retail price for the easy-to-use Scrubbing Bubbles one step toilet bowl cleaner is $9.99 for the starter kit and $3.99 for each refill.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Pedigree is encouraging Walmart shoppers to help feed homeless dogs by scanning the QR code on any package of Pedigree sold at Walmart with their smartphone.

Every QR code scanned represents one bowl of Pedigree food for dogs, which the brand will donate to an animal shelter (up to 500,000 8-oz. bowls).

ROCKLEIGH, N.J. — In line with its full-scale, national launch, functional beverage brand Ginseng Up is debuting a new apple flavor.

Ginseng Up noted that its apple flavor consists 96% real apple juice blended with a touch of sparkling water. Sold in single-serve and in four-packs of 12-oz. bottles, the beverage also is available in more than 10 additional natural varieties, and is touting a new tagline, "the root of all power."