News

HERSHEY, Pa. and SAN FRANCISCO — The Hershey Company recently partnered with the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Calif. to provide students with a hands-on package-design opportunity. Students were asked to create a customized heart box design for Hershey's Pot of Gold chocolates to help give the collection a contemporary, fresh look for the 2013 Valentine's Day season.

Michaels Stores is taking its energy conservation efforts to the next level. The arts and crafts retailer has rolled out several advanced extensions to its energy management system. The extensions are expected to bring Michaels’ total EMS-related savings to more than 30%.

Mexico City -- Multiple reports on Wednesday revealed that Wal-Mart Stores’ Mexican arm has been leveled with new allegations concerning tax evasion and money-laundering schemes.

The accusations against Walmex were outlined in a letter by U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman, sent Tuesday to Wal-Mart CEO Michael Duke and suggesting that the company “"may have had compliance issues relating not only to bribery, but also to 'questionable financial behavior' including tax evasion and money laundering in Mexico."

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday announced it will place self-use health screening kiosks at all of its 1,950 locations to help their pharmacy patients "know their numbers."

"Our customers tell us they want to make healthy choices but don't always know where to start," Kroger's health strategy coordinator Matthew Feltman said. "We're pleased to expand the availability of Kroger HealthCenters to help customers take their first steps toward overall health and wellness."

Don’t let the grocery sector shake-ups fool you.

While there are individual failures, the category as a whole continues to find favor among developers that place a premium on having a traffic magnet in their shopping centers.

Friday promises to be a big day in Wasilla, Alaska, as the town receives the distinction of being the location of the 5,000th AutoZone store.

A presentation and ribbon cutting ceremony to be held Friday afternoon will be attended by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright along with the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Toronto -- Sears Canada reported Wednesday a loss of $9.8 million in the second quarter, widened from a loss of $200,000 in the year-ago period.

Revenue fell 8.5% to $1.050 billion, from $1.148 billion. Same-store sales dropped 7.1%.

The retailer attributed much of the problem to warm, dry weather in many areas of Canada, which impacted sales of outdoor power equipment.

WAYNE, N.J. — Fashionable moms will want to head to there local Babies"R'Us store this fall to ge their hands on the retailer's new, exclusive line of baby and children's products from supermodel Heidi Klum.