Private Label

WAYNE, N.J. — Babies“R”Us is partnering with mom and fashion icon, Heidi Klum, for an exclusive collection of affordable luxuries for little ones, adding to its growing assortment of differentiated product offerings. This new collection, Truly Scrumptious by Heidi Klum, will be available at Babies“R”Us stores across North America and online at Babiesrus.com beginning this fall. 

San Francisco -- A new study released Thursday by MarketTools found that 63% of shoppers say they have changed their shopping habits in the past six months, with the majority reporting changes to seek more value.

According to the study, to save money on grocery bills, respondents reported that they buy items with coupons (80%); buy store brands instead of name brands (62%); use store loyalty cards that offer discounts (62%); buy items only when they are on sale (58%); and buy more large-sized products (43%).

Is Walmart’s private brand White Cloud toilet tissue too good? That’s the question the company has to be asking itself about the product’s specifications after seeing recent test results from Consumer Reports.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mass merchandise chain Meijer has acquired a Michigan-based dairy, the company said.

Meijer announced the purchase of Bareman's Dairy, a family-owned company based in Holland, Mich., and the intention of investing more than $8 million into expansion of the plant.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop has reintroduced its Guaranteed Value product line in an effort to help customers on a budget.

The line, which includes about 200 items, touts prices that are an average of 20% to 25% less than national brands. What's more, 60% of the items cost $2 or less. What's more, packaging for items that are part of Guaranteed Value have undergone a makeover, with the yellow, blue and red packaging being replaced with a bright orange and white design that highlights the value offered with each product.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. said Thursday it is doubling the size of its design office in New York City, as well as adding its first design studio on the West Coast, in Santa Monica, Calif.

The move, said the company, represents a commitment to its exclusive brands.

"The investment reinforces our commitment to offering world-class brands at compelling value to our customers," said Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and CEO, in a statement.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl's announced that it has expanded its partnership with Vera Wang Group to launch a new, exclusive line of junior's clothing that will be available in stores and online beginning August 2012.

The Princes Vera Wang collection will include premium apparel and jewelry at a great value, the company said. Additional categories may be added over time. 

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. said Wednesday that it has expanded its partnership with Vera Wang Group to launch Princess Vera Wang, a junior collection that will be sold exclusively by Kohl’s beginning August 2012.

The line will be available both in-store and online.