Center Store


The new-look Duane Reade stores feature a special Papyrus section in the greeting card aisle. Papyrus — known for its posh collection of greeting cards, gift wrap, stationery and other unique gift products — certainly has lent an air of distinction to the department with its upscale fixtures and sleek design.


Cards for all occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, are merchandised attractively in the more than 8 ft. of space devoted to the section.

American Greetings’ new Ready Set Blow greeting card line offers all the fun of blowing out the candles and making a wish.


The cards deliver a multisensory experience with the recipient prompted to blow on the card upon opening it. A special sensor is then activated, making the festive scene come to life with LED lights, as well as either a birthday song or sound.


The line of six designs began shipping to all channels of distribution in mid-March and retails for $6.99.

A fresh new vision has come into view at Duane Reade as the Walgreens-owned retailer expanded its fresh food and grocery offerings. In its Union Square store in Manhattan, shown here, consumers are greeted by an expansive food offering that includes an island of such on-the-go meals as oatmeal, sushi, sandwiches and salads; baked goods with a self-service coffee bar; and an array of frozen foods. The concept also prominently features the store-brand DR Delish line of premium snacks and beverages.


HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Snickers really wants consumers to "love" its latest confection.

The Mars Chocolate brand has implemented a "love" button on its Facebook fan page — an upgrade of the social networking site's "like" button — to celebrate the launch of Snickers Peanut Butter Squared.

Hannaford’s commitment to health and wellness made headlines back in 2006 when 
it implemented the innovative Guiding Stars system — the first storewide nutrition navigation system in the United States. Now, five years later, the company’s dedication to healthy living remains strong.


SUPPLIER NEWS — Purina One has introduced a new line of pet food for dogs and cats that boasts meat as the No. 1 ingredient. Purina One Beyond is crafted without wheat or corn, added fillers or artificial preservatives. The line includes two adult dog recipes: chicken and whole oat meal, and lamb and whole barley. The line also features two adult cat recipes: salmon and whole brown rice, and chicken and whole oat meal. Purina One Beyond dog recipes are available in 3-lb., 15-lb. and 26-lb. packages. Purina One Beyond cat recipes are available in a 1-lb.


CVS provided a healthy dose of convenience to urban dwellers with the opening of its Urban Cluster store concept late last year. The stores have a decidedly unique bend, being stocked with a broad range of consumables, including an expanded pantry offering and a selection of affordable wines priced under $7.


NORWICH, N.Y. — Since word of mouth was the driving force behind the success of Chobani, it was a natural fit to feature actual users in its first major ad campaign this spring. The company also recently launched Chobani Champions, the first-ever Greek yogurt for kids. The smaller-portion, 3.5-oz. cup (100 calories) is available in two flavors: Honey-Nana and VeryBerry. Also new in the company’s core Chobani Greek yogurt line are lemon, mango and black cherry flavors.