Center Store

Call it “the attack of the coupon-crazed shelf sweepers.” It’s the most aggressive form of bargain hunting by consumers willing to spend hours searching out coupon deals, to stock up with enough product to last their families for a year and to turn their homes into veritable warehouses.


Drug retailers are doggedly pursuing the pet care category, with Rite Aid fetching its own piece of the $47.7 billion category, according to the 2009-2010 “National Pet Owners Survey” conducted by the American Pet Products Association.


CHICAGO — A new limited-edition beer is helping consumers get ready for summer.

Low-calorie brand MGD 64 is serving up MGD 64 Lemonade, a 64-calorie beer that combines a light, crisp draft beer taste with the tangy taste of lemonade. Available in six-pack bottles and 12-pack bottles and cans, MGD 64 Lemonade will be available from May through Labor Day at retailers nationwide.

MGD 64, part of the Miller Geniune Draft line of products, launched nationally in 2008.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Frito-Lay is spicing up its Doritos, Fritos and Ruffles brands to include a Tapatio hot-sauce-flavored product. All three products include a unique combination of red chili peppers, spices and a hint of garlic — the same ingredients in the Tapatio hot sauce recipe. They are available at in small bags (99 cents) and large bags ($2.99).

Take a bite out of clutter
Photogator has released an alternative to the clips, tape and pushpins essential in any office or home. The Photogator is an oval plastic stand with three curved slots that holds photo cards, recipe cards, photos and even retail signage.
Price: $6 (3-pack), $15 (10-pack)
PhotogatorStand.com


The new-look Duane Reade stores feature a special Papyrus section in the greeting card aisle. Papyrus — known for its posh collection of greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery and other unique gift products — certainly has lent an air of distinction to the department with its upscale fixtures and sleek design.


Cards for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, are merchandised attractively in the more than 8 ft. of space devoted to the section.

American Greetings’ new Ready Set Blow greeting card line offers all the fun of blowing out the candles and making a wish.


The cards deliver a multisensory experience with the recipient prompted to blow on the card upon opening it. A special sensor is then activated, making the festive scene come to life with LED lights, as well as either a birthday song or sound.


The line of six designs began shipping to all channels of distribution in mid-March and retails for $6.99.

A fresh new vision has come into view at Duane Reade as the Walgreens-owned retailer expanded its fresh food and grocery offerings. In its Union Square store in Manhattan, shown here, consumers are greeted by an expansive food offering that includes an island of such on-the-go meals as oatmeal, sushi, sandwiches and salads; baked goods with a self-service coffee bar; and an array of frozen foods. The concept also prominently features the store-brand DR Delish line of premium snacks and beverages.