Center Store

Move over dump bins, endcap displays and newspaper circulars and make room for the new high-tech kid on the retail block — digitization.
Smartphones and the concept of digital coupons may not be so new, but what is relatively new to the mass market and becoming increasingly pervasive throughout the industry is the use of mobile technologies and social networking platforms — by both retailers and manufacturers — to customize offers for today’s shopper.

Carbonated beverage sales may be flat, but new low- and no-calorie introductions, and a bigger marketing spend, could mean the category may have some sparkle left.

PepsiCo is poised to roll out Pepsi Next, a soft drink with 60% less sugar than original Pepsi, designed to appeal to consumers who want the taste of a full-calorie cola but with reduced sugar. The company also is putting hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising behind its carbonated beverage brands in an effort to grab share from archrival Coca-Cola.

WAYZATA, Minn. — Truvia is expanding its product line to include an item that bakes and browns like sugar.

Truvia Baking Blend, a blend of Truvia natural sweetener and sugar, touts 75% fewer calories per serving than regular sugar but has the equivalent sweetness of 3 lbs. of sugar, the company said. The product is packaged in a 1.5-lb. bag that features a closeable, easy-to-pour spout.

QUINCY, Mass. — Ahold's 756 stores in the Northeast will no longer carry a beef filler product that has attracted significant controversy among consumers lately.

Stop & Shop, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle simultaneously announced that they would no longer purchase ground beef containing finely textured beef, which often is derided as "pink slime" due to its pink color and viscous texture.

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Consumer electronic accessories are a big business, and drug stores increasingly are grabbing more share. In 2011, mobile phone accessories sales totaled $1.24 billion, up 10% from 2010, according to NPD Group.


SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — Yankee Candle is rolling out new scented candles for summer 2012.

The five new scents, Loves Me, Loves Me Not, pink dragon fruit, wild passion fruit, Fruit Fusion and Oceanside, are inspired by one of three distinct experiences: the joy of youth, the tenderness of romance or the simplicity of the outdoors.

"Summer is a season all about having fun," Yankee Candle SVP brand, design and innovation Hope Margala Klein said. "Our new scents provide a delightful way to bring the best the season has to offer into your home."

DALLAS — Eighty-two-year-old independent Dougherty’s Pharmacy is operating a pharmacy inside the Forest Park Medical Center, which it opened in August. The pharmacy’s decor includes Italian tile wall treatments, a wavy wall behind the cash wrap and works by local Dallas artists.