Center Store

DSN Retail Excellence Awards — Natural
Standing out in a crowd.

That is pretty difficult when it comes to the natural products segment among HBC brands. With the category growing at steady double-digit rates for at least the last five years, a large number of suppliers have entered the market, all hoping to grab their fair share of this burgeoning segment.
General Merchandise: What’s hot in 2018
The International Home + Housewares Show may just be a couple of months away, but Phil Brandl, president and CEO of the Rosemont, Ill.-based International Housewares Association said some interesting trends — propelled by innovative, design-driven products — are taking shape to impact several general merchandise categories in the following months.

A quick look at the top GM trends for 2018

Drug Store News has assembled a list of top trends positioned to impact retail in 2018 that general merchandise companies can get in on.

• Home decor: Trends to look for include geometric patterns; typography messaging on home goods; such natural elements as hard-carved wood being featured in lamps, bowls and pots; fringe on pillows and blankets; hand-painted metallic elements; and iridescent accents and accessories.
ECRM launches European business unit

Seeking to expand its capabilities to European retailers and distributors in discovering new and emerging global brands in food, HBC and general merchandise, ECRM has launched a business unit that consists of a team of multilingual sales and account management staff.
Dairy company Lactalis announces acquisition of siggi’s

It has been announced that Lactalis, a dairy company whose brand of products includes Galbani, Parmalat and Stonyfield Farm among others has acquired Siggi’s for an undisclosed amount.

Icelandic style skyr yogurts company, siggi’s will continue to operate out of its New York City office and remain as a standalone company under its current leadership team, which includes its founder and CEO Siggi Hilmarsson and Bart Adlam as president.
NYX Professional Makeup, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream partner on palettes

NYX Professional Makeup has announced the launch of a new collection that emerged from a collaboration with My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream. The Love You So Mochi line is to feature a line of eyeshadow and highlighter palettes inspired by the Japanese snack of mochi.

"The Love You So Mochi collection is a fun treat for the senses and unlike anything we have ever released, featuring soft, pillow-like textures," Joyce Kim, VP of product development at NYX Professional Makeup, said.
Analyst: Retail focus key to keeping Walgreens competitive

Walgreens kicks off its new fiscal with a mixed set of results. Overall sales are strong, aided by the integration of 375 Rite Aid stores and a robust performance from the U.S. retail pharmacy division. This growth was sufficient to make up for the slightly disappointing numbers from the international group, where same-store sales fell by 0.7%. Meanwhile, impairments in investments and an equity loss from earnings in AmerisourceBergen helped pushed down net income by 23%.
Doritos packs on the heat with latest offering

PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division has introduced a new product to its Doritos snack line. The latest launch, Doritos Blaze is both hot and spicy, with a complex flavor and heat that builds with every bite, the company said.

The company is looking to join the rising trend of spicy foods, which is projected to be one of the most popular food trends in the years to come, as 1 out of 4 consumers are eating spicy foods more often than they have in the past, according to research from Mintel.
Pet owners show preference in purchasing from brick-and-mortar stores

Although there has been an uptick in e-commerce when it comes to pet owners, many prefer to purchase products such as food for their four-legged family members from brick-and-mortar locations like PetSmart and Petco.
Essence Ventures acquires Essence Communications from Time

Independent African-American owned Essence Ventures has announced the acquisition of the multi-platform media company Essence Communications from Time.

The New York City-based company’s current president, Michelle Ebanks will continue at the helm of the company and join its board of directors. In addition, the all Black female executive team of Essence including Ebanks will have an equity stake in the business.