Packaging

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.

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.

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle is celebrating its locally and regionally grown produce with a new multimedia video.

The retailer said that it is taking several steps to educate consumers on which fruits and vegetables at their peak season throughout the year and is further relaying this message through its multimedia video, which can be viewed on Giant Eagle's website.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate North America has boosted its Dove and 3 Musketeers brands, the company announced.

Mars Chocolate recently sweetened up the ice cream aisle with new DoveBar peanut butter swirl ice cream with milk chocolate. The ice cream bar, which now is available in stores, retails for $4.09 per three-pack.

The consulting firm Gravitytank named Bob Thacker as a strategic advisor to help the firm’s consumer electronics, retail, consumer packaged goods and technology clients. Thacker most recently served as SVP of marketing and advertising at OfficeMax and was with Target from 1989 to 1998 as a VP of marketing. He also served as president and CEO of BBDO in Minneapolis and served as an SVP of marketing at Sears.

New York City -- Target Corp. was due in court in Canada on Monday in an attempt to win exclusive right to use its name in Canada, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Target is asking the court to impose a preliminary injunction against Canadian retailer Isaac Benitah and his company, Fairweather, which owns 15 stores across Canada called Target Apparel and has a logo similar to that of Target Corp, the report said.

Reflecting the brand tagline, “Never Stop Exploring,” the new global prototype of The North Face is meant to inspire customers to get outside and experience the great outdoors. Designed by Gensler, the store has a sleek, streamlined modern look and is composed of natural elements and textures. Trail markers, built of wood, stone and metal, distinguish the retailer’s core categories: outdoor, action sports and performance.

Cincinnati -- Macy's announced that it is taking new steps to become a more sustainable company.

"Our company has embraced the principles of sustainability, and we continue to take actions that are tangible, measurable and meaningful in reducing our use of scarce resources and improving the efficiency of our business in serving customer needs," said Tom Cole, Macy's chief administrative officer. "We have made significant progress over the past several years, and we continue to move forward with new ideas in 2011 and beyond."

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- 3M announced that it has launched the first-of-its kind Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape.

Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape (including refillable dispenser, packaging and tape) is made from more than 75% renewable or recycled materials, the company reported. The boxed refill roll, including packaging, is made from more than 65% renewable or recycled materials. 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe’s announced that it is celebrating Earth Day by giving away trees. On April 23, Lowe’s, in partnership with American Forests, will give away one million tree saplings to customers during in-store Earth Day celebrations nationwide. When planted, these one million trees will eventually produce more than 260,000,000 pounds of oxygen annually, providing air for more than 670,000 people for one year, according to the company.