Packaging

The online grocery channel, while a minor part of FMCG/CPG sales in the U.S. currently, is widely anticipated to be a primary driver of growth for the category in the coming years. And the emergence of this channel can’t happen too soon - total dollar sales for FMCG/CPG products increased just 1.5% last year according to IRI. But change is coming.

The Joseph Abboud brand has launched an exclusive new collection at JosephAbbound.com and in early 2015 the brand plans to open its first physical store thanks to parent company Men’s Wearhouse.

Cute cat videos and funny dog tricks are everywhere on the Internet so it only stands to reason that Petco would unleash customers’ creativity with an Instagram contest as part of a larger holiday initiative.

Petco is encouraging shoppers to enter its holiday photo contest from Nov. 23 to Dec. 18 by submitting photos of their pets showing holiday spirit by following @petco and posting photos with #JoyLovePetsContest on Instagram. A winner will be selected every Friday and will receive a $1,000 Petco gift card.

Office products are getting a stylish makeover at Staples with two designer-driven collections arriving mid-November.  “Style at Staples” is the name of a new assortment that features the new designs by Cynthia Rowley and British stationary brand Paperhouse.

Shopko has launched an exclusive online optical line, Asher & Ivy, which the company says combines hipster attitude with a bit of “geek chic.”

“The Asher & Ivy exclusive eyewear collection is trend-forward, fresh and fun,” said Don Bye, vp of Shopko Optical Services.  “We are thrilled to introduce this new brand on our enhanced website.”  

Asher & Ivy Eyewear is available exclusively online, however, the eyeglasses can also be shipped to any local Shopko Eyecare Center.  

Dallas -- FedEx Office is collaborating with marketing execution firm InnerWorkings Inc. to expand the range of professional print products through FedEx Office retail locations. By combining FedEx Office printing & logistics capabilities with InnerWorkings’ streamlined production platform, the retailer will be able to offer printed items such as signs and banners, flyers, posters, brochures, displays and branded merchandise.  

American Eagle Oufitters has turned an April Fool’s joke into a business opportunity by launching its first-ever clothing line for “dogs and their owners,” American Beagle Outfitters, for a limited-edition Holiday 2014 release.

Coca-Cola Life, a new reduced-calorie beverage with a blend of cane sugar and stevia leaf extract, is hitting the stores nationwide. 

Coca-Cola Life addresses the health concerns over sugary sodas.  The green-labeled can or bottle contains 35% fewer calories than Coca Cola Classic and is said to taste closer to the original than Diet Coke, which is sweetened with aspartame.