Retail

NEW YORK — Néstle plans to launch a cup version of its popular Butterfinger candy bar next year, and will introduce the Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups in a Super Bowl commercial.

The company calls it one of its biggest candy launches and said it will be the first time it showcases one of its brands during the big game.

Port Washington, N.Y. -- The majority of consumers intend to spend the same as or more than last year, with fewer saying they plan to spend less, according to The NPD Group’s Holiday Spending Survey, the twelfth annual survey of consumers’ holiday spending intentions.

San Francisco – Gap Inc. has reportedly signed a non-binding agreement for Australia-based Oroton Group to take control of its franchise operation in Australia, New Zealand, and some Pacific islands. According to the Wall Street Journal, Oroton Group will start running Gap’s three franchise stores in Australia in November 2013 and purchase some inventory and store fixtures from current Gap franchisee Brand Republic Pty Ltd.

The Vitamin Shoppe has announced the grand opening of a new distribution center in Ashland, Va., which positions the company for future growth. The new 311,740-sq.-ft. facility began receiving inbound inventory in June and outbound shipments to stores began in September.

Seattle – Close to two million customers and employees have signed Starbucks Coffee Company’s “Come Together” petition that seeks to break the current deadlock in Washington. The petition urges the nation’s elected leaders to reopen the federal government, pay debts on time and pass a bi-partisan and comprehensive long-term budget deal by the end of the year has close to two million signatures.

Benicia, Calif. — Cycle Gear has announced the opening of its first New York State store in Hicksville. With this new location, Cycle Gear has stores in 31 states. Company officials said this is the first of many planned stores in New York.

Employee-owned and enthusiast-driven, Cycle Gear is an active member of the riding community, sponsoring local events and working with new and experienced riders to help them find just the right gear.

Toys “R” Us late Wednesday named Antonio Urcelay CEO and brought in former Walmart executive Hank Mullany to serve in the newly created role of president of U.S. stores.

Seattle — Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. has broken ground on 400 Fairview alongside its first major office tenant — Tommy Bahama.

Skanska is the first developer to start work in the South Lake Union area of Seattle since the City Council rezoned the one-time industrial hub for office and retail.

The 400 Fairview building will be a 13-story tower with 320,000 sq. ft. of office space and 17,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail. Skanska is targeting LEED Gold certification on the building.