Nonfoods

In this third of a six-part series, Dave Nazaruk, senior vice president, retail business development for StayWell/MediMedia USA, the world’s leading provider of patient education and consumer health information, continues his exploration of the role of retail in revolutionizing health care and the economy.

Pricing and product mix drive supermarket spa sections.

Snack categories took the most spots on the list of top 10 popular online coupon categories printed in June, according to digital coupon network Coupons.com. Sweet Snacks, Cookies, and Salty Snacks ranked fourth, fifth and eighth, respectively.

Do hard times spell good times for vitamins and supplements? Category sales say “yes.”

The outlook for the consumer packaged goods industry gets better with age, according to a new report from IRI.

In response to an increasing number of consumers affected by the economic downturn in its core marketing territory, supercenter pioneer Meijer will provide thousands of free gift cards for needy families through local food pantries. The new program supplements Meijer’s “Simply Give” program, which raises money to help local food pantries restock their shelves.

More than 500 million produce items and cases from dozens of produce brands across the United States and Mexico are carrying YottaMark’s HarvestMark traceability solution, which speeds response of food safety events while providing new brand and product information for both produce buyers and consumers alike, according to company executives.

The continued effects from last fall’s economic meltdown remain a top concern for retailers -- and that’s no surprise. Consumer spending has significantly changed, leaving many storeowners struggling to compete with large-scale discounters. Understanding the hows and whys behind evolving spending habits has always been important for success, but now it’s become a matter of survival.