General Merchandise

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration is looking to regulate flavored cigars, according to published reports.

According to the New York Times, the FDA intends to regulate cigars and other tobacco products, much as it regulates cigarettes, but it hasn't given a timetable. Under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, the agency banned almost every flavor of cigarette except menthol — including candy, fruit and clove flavors — but flavored cigars and pipe tobacco are still permitted.

CHICAGO — IRI on Monday announced it has named former Groupon executive Hoyoung Pak to the position of EVP global operations and data science. Pak is a member of the executive team and is reporting to Andrew Appel, president and CEO, IRI. 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced the winners of the 2013 NACDS Total Store Expo Product Showcase.  

The 160 products, ranging from health and beauty to seasonal items, were on display in the “Product Showcase” on the exhibit floor. The Showcase provided increased visibility for suppliers marketing products.  

WAKE FOREST, N.C. — Harris Teeter announced this week the grand opening of a new store in the Creedmoor Village Shopping Center here. The store will open on Aug. 28 with a pharmacy open seven days per week.

The company is celebrating the grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8 a.m. as well as weekend activities to introduce community members to the "H.T. Difference."

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — During Thursday's second-quarter conference call, Walmart discussed the company's efforts to expand its e-commerce platform as it recently launched a locker test for site-to-store in Washington, D.C., area.

“While this test is still in the early stages, the initial read on customer satisfaction and acceptance is very encouraging, with 90% of the customers who have used the service providing positive feedback,” said Bill Simon, CEO of Walmart U.S.

BETHEL, Conn. — Duracell today announced the launch of Duracell Quantum this month, its most advanced alkaline battery and biggest innovation since CopperTop.

CHICAGO — Research by Mintel shared on Thursday reveals how parents across the country are trying to save on items for the back-to-school shopping season.

Some of the key trends Mintel found were:

GREENVILLE, S.C. and JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Bi-Lo and its subsidiary Winn-Dixie announced on Thursday the companies will freeze prices over a 10-week period on hundreds of products across categories throughout its stores, starting with many items aimed at back-to-school shoppers.