Center Store

PITTSBURGH — Weight Watchers has expanded its line of Smart Ones mealtime offerings with new meals in a bag.

The new Satisfying Selections line offers 30% bigger portions than traditional tray meals, but tout less than 400 calories. The line includes such Weight Watchers Smart Ones dinnertime dishes as:

• Sesame chicken;

• Chicken and broccoli alfredo;

• Ziti with meatballs and cheese;

• Chicken with broccoli and cheese; and

SEATTLE — Jones Soda has launched its pure cane soda in 16-oz. cans.

The new product is specifically aimed at the convenience store channel, the company said. The product was unveiled at the National Association of Convenience Stores Show and will hit store shelves later this month.

Jones pure cane soda cans retail for $1.29.

TAMPA, Fla. — Kelapo has expanded its lineup of extra-virgin coconut oil products.

New Kelapo pre-measured extra virgin coconut oil baking sticks can be found in the dairy aisle and are packaged to include two 4-oz. sticks. Each 4-oz. stick measures 1/2 cup, or 8 tablespoons — the same amount as a regular stick of butter.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Summer Infant announced that it has become a national partner of the March of Dimes.

The partnership will be showcased on the packaging of Summer Infant's SwaddleMe products and marketing outreach platforms, Summer Infant said. Additionally, the company also will be advocate safe sleep practices that support the removal of any loose or dangerous bedding from the crib.

CVS Caremark may be highly focused on driving medication adherence, curbing rising healthcare costs and improving the health outcomes of its patients, but there’s no doubt that its retail segment remains a critical part of its business, as evidenced by the innovative initiatives playing out at the front end.


OAKLAND, Calif. — Clorox announced that EVP and CFO Dan Heinrich, who has served as financial chief of the company since 2003, will retire Nov. 16.

In addition to his current role leading all aspects of the finance, business development and investor relations functions and corporate administrative services, during his career with Clorox, Heinrich also oversaw the corporate communications, risk management and IT functions. Heinrich, who joined the company in 2001 and controller, also is a member of the company's executive committee.

MINNEAPOLIS — Pillsbury has introduced two frozen breakfast dishes.

Pillsbury egg scrambles and Grands! biscuit sandwiches are made with real eggs, meat, melted cheese, Grands! biscuits and Green Giant vegetables. Pillsbury said that each product comes in three flavors, including: sausage and cheese biscuit sandwiches; bacon and cheese biscuit sandwiches; ham and veggies biscuit sandwiches; bacon and veggies egg scrambles; sausage and veggies egg scrambles; and sausage and egg scrambles.

ARLINGTON, Va. — More than half of retail respondents to a survey conducted by the Retail Industry Leaders Association recently reported an increase in the frequency with which organized rings committed shoplifting, and 41% saw an increase in shoplifting by individuals acting alone. As many as 64% of respondents reported an increase in theft of pharmaceutical products, according to the 2011 Crime Trends and Leading Practices Survey released Thursday by RILA.