Center Store

ST. LOUIS — A new line of nut cluster snacks is looking to expand its market reach.

What-A-Ya Nuts?! was launched in the St. Louis market last year by Howie Sher, a fourth-generation former supermarket owner, who sought to create a brand that touted better-for-you snacking alternatives. The line What-A-Ya Nuts?! line features four varieties, including Jalapeño Hysteria, Maple Cinnamon Madness, Cracked Parmesan Pepper and Stark Raving Chocolate, and currently is available at Schnucks, along with other St. Louis-area supermarkets and specialty and convenience shops.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Thermos announced this week the launch of its latest line of drinkware and accessories designed for children ages 6 months and older.

Thermos Foogo drinkware includes Tripoli, a gray and green throwback design and Poppy Patch, a strawberry and black floral print. The BPA-free drink cups are offered in double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel and in Eastman Tritan copolymer. Foogo drinkware also features three interchangeable lid types that create 24 possible drinkware combinations, Thermos said.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — Planters has partnered with a magazine to launch a new snack aimed at men.

Planters and Men's Health announced the debut of Planters NUT-rition Men's Health Recommended Mix, a blend of almonds, peanuts and pistachios that contains 6g of protein and six vitamins and minerals per 1-oz. serving. The venture marks the first time Men's Health has partnered with a snack brand, the magazine's publisher, Ronan Gardiner, said.

Technology is changing the general merchandise aisles. Online greeting cards have grabbed share from traditional cards, and photofinishing is taking a hit as consumers move to digital photo publishing.

When retailers look for products or services to fill the vacuum left by shrinking categories, they’re looking for something consumers want today and will still need tomorrow.

The uBreakiFix concept suggests one possibility. The electronics repair chain specializes in iPad, iPhone, iPod and smartphones, and offers walk-in repair services while consumers wait.

CHICAGO — Coors Light is kicking up its sponsorship of Mexico's Primera soccer division by reaching out to Hispanic consumers with new digital efforts.

Coors Light, a U.S. sponsor of the league, said it's now giving soccer fans on-the-go access to in-depth and exclusive articles on the Primera Division, the latest scores, stats and highlights by expanding FanaticosDelFrio.com, a website that offers the league's fans exclusive content and was launched last year. Extensions of the site include:

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble, a worldwide Olympic partner, has launched its global P&G "Thank You Mom" campaign in celebration of 100 days to go until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The campaign recognizes and celebrates the moms behind the athletes by thanking moms for all they do, and is a part of P&G’s worldwide partnership with the International Olympic Committee. It marks the biggest campaign in P&G’s 174-year history and will run from now through the end of the Olympic Games.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Pace is building on the success of its Restaurant Style salsa with three new flavors.

The three all-natural, gluten-free salsas include garden pepper, a blend of bell peppers, jalapenos and lime; garlic and lime verde, made with tomatillos and a touch of garlic and lime; and southwest chipotle, a chipotle chili puree with crushed tomatoes, red peppers and onions. Pace debuted the product line last year in select markets.

Walgreens’ success with fresh foods has left the retailer hungry for more. In its flagship Chicago store, Walgreens has pumped up its fresh and prepared departments with a fully stocked sushi bar, grab-and-go deli offerings, self-serve yogurt, a juice bar, and fresh baked goods and confections from well-known local sources.