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ST. LOUIS — Cepia, makers of wildly popular ZhuZhu Pets, has a new line of collectables in its lineup for the 2011 holiday season. Xia-Xia (pronounced “shah-shah”) Pets is a new line of four collectable hermit crabs that walk and dance when their claws are pressed.


Each character comes with one little crab inside its shell, and the crabs can switch and swap from a collection of 12 candy-colored shells. Three habitat play sets also are available. Play sets and accessories range in price from $5.99 to $19.99.

MIAMI — Winn-Dixie’s latest transformational remodel in Miami is a store of the future with a merengue twist, featuring a strong Hispanic influence.

In addition to bilingual signage, Winn-Dixie incorporates the regional flair with features like a full-service Cuban café replete with such Spanish pastries as empanadas, as well as a wide variety of Hispanic products.

NEW YORK — Gaiam announced the release of Seane Corn's "Detox Flow Yoga" DVD.

The DVD stars Corn, a renowned yoga instructor, which introduces users to poses that improve circulation and digestion, build strength, and help lose weight, the company said. The DVD features two Vinyasa practices, along with a bonus downloadable practice, including a 30-minute Twist and Flow routine, a 60-minute Purify routine a 10-minute Core Energy bonus routine.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — To deliver the value of a supercenter with the convenience of a drug store — that is the essence of the Dollar General strategy.


Sales of carbonated beverages remain stagnant, but sales of energy drinks, sports drinks and functional waters have seen gains over the last quarter. Sales of ready-to-drink tea and yogurt drinks and smoothies also are segments showing promise.


Consumers have a bottomless appetite for energy drinks; the segment has had double-digit growth quarter after quarter. Low-calorie options sparked renewed interest in sports drinks.


Alkaline batteries are showing tepid growth, and experts expect sales to plunge as much as 3% as fierce competition among manufacturers continues to pressure pricing. More devices are using built-in rechargeable battery systems — another trend hurting primary battery sales.


AYER, Mass. — Two almond beverages from Vitasoy will hit retail this holiday season.

Vitasoy has announced the return of Holly Nog for a limited time and also has introduced a mint chocolate drink that will be available year-round.

"Smart hosts know the best parties serve foods that are tasty and fun, as well as satisfying. Vitasoy's Holly Nog and mint chocolate offer all three," Vitasoy marketing VP Susan Rolnick said. "Their flavors are irresistible, plus they're packed with the complete proteins we need to feel satisfied and full of energy."

Texting and social media have not killed the traditional greeting card business. “Facebook has caused most people to acknowledge more birthdays than ever before, but they aren’t sending fewer cards as a result,” said Susan January, president of the Greeting Card Association and VP of Leanin’ Tree Cards.