Cross-Merchandising

LONDON — Wal-Mart Stores' Asda division Asda confirmed that it was exploring opportunities to franchise its George at Asda range in markets overseas.

The company expects to announce its first overseas franchising partner in the next few months with the intention of establishing a small number of pilot stores in the Middle East in the first half of 2012.

George currently accounts for around half of Asda’s general merchandise sales and is already a growing global brand through Walmart stores in seven countries worldwide, the company reported.

Many Walmart shoppers happen to be NASCAR fans, so it makes sense that the retailer would host exclusive events around big races in key markets.

In Charlotte, N.C., and Dover, Del., select Walmart stores will offer customers the chance to check out racing simulator machines and stock car displays and enjoy special driver appearances throughout the month of May.

By Bill Vetter

MONTREAL — Mega Brands has entered a deal with Saban Brands to develop construction toys based on the kids' action series "Power Rangers Samurai," the latest Power Rangers franchise.

The Mega Bloks Power Rangers Samurai construction toy sets will launch in spring 2012, Mega Brands said. Mega Brands chief innovative officer Vic Bertrand said the new toys will offer fans "an engaging and immersive building experience."

New episodes of the "Power Rangers Samurai" series premiere Saturdays at noon on Nickelodeon.

MALVERN, Pa., and VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Building on the successful introduction of the nutrition iQ program to stores, two Supervalu banners announced that they will implement an education initiative designed to help grocery shoppers navigate the aisles with great-tasting foods that meet their nutritional needs.

Acme and Farm Fresh Food & Pharmacy said the Colors in Your Carriage initiative shoppers find quick-to-prepare, good-tasting solutions to fill the nutrient gaps highlighted in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines.

GLENDALE, Calif. — The International House of Pancakes has made its retail debut at Walmart with its IHOP at Home line.

The new lineup of IHOP at Home items, which include omelet crispers, french toast stuffed pastries and the griddle n' sausage wrap can be found at more than 3,000 Walmart locations nationwide and plans are in place to expand the line and distribution to additional retail and grocery outlets in the coming months.

Shoppers looking to buy an e-reader for mom this week had an interesting choice to make. They could pay $149 for a Nook at Walmart or go to Target or Best Buy and pick up a Kindle for $114. Target and Best Buy offered the Wi-Fi-enabled Kindle version capable of holding up to 3,500 books, and Target even featured the device on the cover of its weekly ad with a large photo. Walmart opted for a similar strategy and featured the Wi-Fi-enabled Nook capable of holding 1,500 books for $149 on the cover of its circular.

Lubbock, Texas -- United Supermarkets officially entered the convenience market on Wednesday with the opening of its first United Express location, in Lubbock, Texas. It is the company’s first standalone convenience store.

The location includes a six-pump fuel station and will feature fresh offerings along with the traditional items guests would expect to find at a convenience store.

LOS ANGELES -- Ralphs announced that it is continuing its partnership begun last year with Shell to offer participating customers more rewards at the pump. According to the company, Southern Calif.-area customers will now earn double points on qualifying purchases at Ralphs when they buy fuel at participating Shell locations.    

The 5% REDcard Rewards program Target launched last fall has contributed to sales results and served as a game changer on the pricing front with Walmart. Savvy shoppers are increasingly realizing the additional 5% savings they receive by using their REDcard can result in the price of a basket of food and consumables at Target slipping below the price of a comparable basket at Walmart.