With graphic new warning labels destined for individual packages and higher tobacco prices, retailers are facing a harsh new reality. On November 10, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled 36 graphic warning label images, one of which will be selected to go on every cigarette package no later than Sept. 22, 2012.…
Sealed-Fresh Foil Wrapping
Due to popular demand, Swisher International has introduced Sealed-Fresh foil wrapping on all of the company’s Swisher Sweets Cigarillos. First introduced on Swisher Sweets Wine Cigarillos, the new Sealed-Fresh packaging proved to be a huge success among retailers and customers. Expanding on that success, the new technology is now incorporated as the standard packaging for…
U-PAK-IT’s Business Model Proves Successful
U-PAK-IT Corp., the third largest Louisiana-based c-store chain, features a unique business model that helps mom-and-pop stores unite to compete in an industry that often eats single stores for breakfast. The first U-PAK-IT store was opened in Winnsboro, La., in 1986. The company quickly grew when a number of neighborhood stores, faced with rising prices…
Male Enhancement Pills
Kretek International Inc., U.S. distributor of ExtenZe, a male enhancement brand, has introduced new ExtenZe Plus fast acting pills in a five-pack value unit. The new bright red five-pack pills feature an easy-to-take pearlized coating and are being promoted at the same price as the current four-pack unit during introduction through the end of 2010.…
Family Express Debuts New Corporate Headquarters
Valparaiso, Ind.-based Family Express is celebrating the opening of its new corporate headquarters. The 30,0000-square-foot facility not only features offices and a fitness center, but combines its Valparaiso, Ind., and Lafayette Ind., training centers into one cyber training center, including a fully-merchandised Family Express store, built to scale with equipment and gas pumps. The new…
Happy Birthday Coke Zero
The Coca-Cola Co.’s most successful new sparkling beverage in a generation, Coke Zero, turns five this year. During its time on the market, Coke Zero has posted double-digit sales gains for five straight years and is showing no signs of slowing. Among more than 350 sparkling beverage brands launched since 2001, Coke Zero is one…
NACS Showcases Cool New Products
The NACS Show’s Most Popular Cool New Products The top new items viewed by retailers at the NACS Show include: • Disney Foodles and Crunch Pak Sliced Apples (Crunch Pak) • Ready Snax Fresh Fruit Parfaits (Ready Pac Foods) • International Delight Flavor Shots (WhiteWave Foods / Dean Foods) • f’real FRLB4 Frozen Beverage…
Specialty Tortillas
Seventy-seven percent of customers would like to see healthier items on c-store menus, according to Mintel. The Mexican Original brand from Tyson Food Service offers a full line of specialty tortillas that help meet the needs of health-conscious consumers without sacrificing flavor. Mexican Original tortillas are available in a variety of different sizes to help…
Marketing in a Digital Age
The world of marketing is fast evolving to keep pace with an influx of new technological options, and no one knows this better than Jared Sturtevant, who recently stepped into the newly created director of marketing role at Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes. In his new position, Sturtevant orders, proofs and provides artistic direction on…
$3 Reloadable Prepaid Cards
nFinanSe Inc. has launch its $3 Reloadable Prepaid Discover Cards at Memphis-Tenn.-based Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores, a regional chain of stores located in the Southeast and Midwest. The cards sell for just $3 and the reload fee and monthly maintenance fee are only $2.95, the ATM withdrawal fee is an industry low 99 cents, and…