Center Store

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.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — P.F. Chang's has introduced four new frozen noodle entrees under its Home Menu line.

The line, which is produced and distributed by Unilever, feature Asian vegetables, protein and "noodle nests" that unravel in the skillet midway through cooking as the noodles get coated in a flavor-packed sauce, the company said.

The two-serving P.F. Chang's Home Menu noodle meals are available in following varieties:

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — While Toys"R"Us and Kmart were among the first retailers to release their hot toy lists, Walmart wasn't too far behind this year, offering many of the same toys as the aforementioned companies, and even some exclusives.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup Co. has expanded its V8 V-Fusion juices line with 100% fruit and vegetable juice smoothies.

The V8 V-Fusion smoothies have no added sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and provide 2g fiber and such vitamins as A, C and E, for 130 calories or less.

The new smoothies carry a suggested retail price of $3.99 for a 36-oz. bottle. For a limited time, 9.5-oz. bottles also will be available at select Walmart stores nationwide for 50 cents.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hershey and Ferrero have formed a joint warehousing, transportation and distribution initiative in North America.

The two companies will work together to maximize corporate social responsibility efforts and expect to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption in warehousing and freight, with fewer vehicle trips needed to move products to customers.

Productivity improvements from this initiative are expected to be seen in 2012. This alliance does not encompass manufacturing, selling or marketing activities, Hershey and Ferrero noted.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A hosiery brand has teamed up with a not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women.

L'eggs said that its new partnership with Dress for Success will be highlighted with a Facebook promotion, through which L'eggs will donate 12,000 pairs of legwear to Dress for Success through a virtual legwear drive.

PORT WASHINGTON — NPD has some good news for retailers worried about weak video game sales this holiday season, according to a survey of spending habits in second quarter 2011.

NEW YORK — CodeBlue was unveiled last week at Natural Products Expo East in Baltimore as the company behind CodeBlue transitioned the brand from the club circuit to the specialty health channel.

According to the company, the all-natural beverage has the electrolyte replenishment of a sports drink, as well as the antioxidants and vitamins found in enhanced water. CodeBlue is derived from fruit extracts, naturally sweetened and available in four flavored varieties — blueberry pomegranate, strawberry melon, peach mandarin and meyer lemon.