Packaging

A perfect storm is brewing for risqué product sales with Valentine’s day falling on a Saturday and coinciding with the release of the erotic film Fifty Shades of Grey.

Just as retailers such as Toys “R” Us, Kohl’s and Target offer extended hours ahead of Christmas, the 13-unit Hustler Hollywood chain is viewing this weekend’s confluence of events as a major sales opportunity.

Austin, Texas – The husband or boyfriend who forgets to buy Valentines flowers until late in the day Feb. 14 now has a safeguard. Whole Foods Market and the Instacart grocery delivery app are offering Valentine’s flowers delivered in as little as one hour across 15 major U.S. metros.

Macy’s and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia are collaborating on another collection for the home, just in time for the spring decorating season.

The retailer is launching Whim, an exclusive bedding and dinnerware collection from Martha Stewart available only at Macy’s. Whim will be available on macys.com and in select Macy’s stores starting March. The collection offers comforter sets, sheets and quilts in playful prints and colors, as well as colorful dinnerware.

The phrase “two great tastes that taste great together,” is synonymous with the Reeses brand, but a new line of chocolates shaped like feet gives new meaning to that expression.   A company called Toe-Rific Chocolates & Candy has introduced Valentoes, individually wrapped chocolate feet for those looking for a gifting alternative to flowers, jewelry and more conventional box chocolates.  

Wegmans is looking to bolster its reputation as one of the nation’s best food retailers with a promotion that will see the retail sell massive quantities of shrimp.

Walmart shoppers who read Harlequin novels and who also have a fondness for bull riders are in for a treat.

Target already has famous TV chef GIada De Laurentis selling her products on its shelves, but the retailer is teaming up with another celebrity foodie for a new product line.

The company said it is launching a Mario Batali coffee range. Caffé Italiano, a collection of Italian-style coffees, will sell at select Target stores nationwide and online at www.target.com. The coffee is a product of a unique collaboration between Batali and Todd Carmichael, founder and CEO of La Colombe, world-renowned specialty coffee roaster.

Footwear retailer sales could be in for a “Boost” this spring thanks to a pricy introduction from Adidas backed by some big name athletes and a bold marketing claim.

Adidas contends its new Ultra BOOST shoe is “the greatest running shoe ever,” and for $180 it better be. It goes on sale next month in time for the Spring running season.

Target may have ruffled some feathers in the past with what some considered a lack of plus-size offerings. But the retailer seems to be making up for it now.

Target says it is launching a brand new plus-size line, Ava & Viv, which will be sold both online and in stores starting on Feb. 22.

Solid Gold pet food is partnering with Petco to donate an estimated $500,000 of premium pet food to selected pet charities nationwide.

The program kicked off earlier this month at more than 1,300 Petco locations across the U.S. finalize the placement of Solid Gold's new package design.