News

EDISON, N.J. — Bestselling author and daytime host Rachael Ray has launched a new line of seasoning grinders.

Rachael Ray Seasoning Grinders are available in 10 varieties in generous-sized bottles, ranging from single ingredients such as Pink Himalyan Salt to blends of nine to 12 spices, including Rockin’ Rainbow Peppercorn Blend, 24/7 Seasoning (everyday/all-purpose), Spice-it-Up Chili Seasoning, Buon Appetito Italian Seasoning, Bump Up Your Burger Seasoning, Seafood Seasoning, and Perfect Poultry Seasoning. 

Pittsburgh -- GNC Holdings reported Thursday that net income for the fourth quarter rose to $37.7 million, compared with $18.8 million a year earlier.

Revenue increased 17% to $509.6 million in the quarter; domestic same-store sales rose 12.1%.

In 2012, GNC plans to open approximately 125 net new domestic retail locations, 15 net new domestic franchise locations, 150 net new international franchise locations, and 50 net new GNC-Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations.

NEW YORK — In honor of the 2012 Academy Awards, Tiffany & Co. has engaged the services of celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe to create a window display that highlights Hollywood glamour from the 1930s through the 1970s. 

Zoe’s windows are unveiled at Tiffany & Co. flagship stores in New York City, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore and London.

Toy buyers, manufacturers, retailers and others, simply curious about the latest trends, gathered this week at the massive Javitz Center in New York City to see what would be the hottest products for 2012.

Technology continues to be a popular driver of new products, as evidenced by the number of toys designed specifically to work with the iPhone or iPad. However, there was also an apparent shift toward more simple toys, perhaps reflecting the current economy and the inability of many parents to shell out $100 on a toy that will only get played with a short while.

Supply chain optimization solutions provider Quintiq Inc., announced that Walmart selected the company’s next-generation load assignment and dispatch system to lower the total miles driven and improve fleet efficiency.

“We are delighted with Walmart's choice of Quintiq,” said Victor Allis, CEO of Quintiq. “We believe this demonstrates that no supply chain is too large or complex for our state-of-the-art supply chain optimization software.”

MINNEAPOLIS — It's a common dilemma for retail stores; customers come in to check out the latest merchandise only to then buy it at a competitor's website. According to a new survey from market research fim ClickIQ, nearly half of consumers who have shopped online within the past six months first checked out the product at their local retail store and then made the purchase online, often from a different source.

Sidney, Neb. -- Cabela’s Inc. reported Thursday a fourth-quarter net income of $69.8 million, compared with $66.3 million last year. The company also announced plans to open a smaller-sized format, called Cabela’s Outpost Store, designed for markets with less than 250,000 people.

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011, Cabela’s revenue, increased 5.4% to $983.7 million, and same-store sales rose 1.7%. Retail store revenue increased 9.8% to $525.6 million.

WAYNE, N.J. — When Tom Hanks danced across FAO Schwarz's giant piano in the movie "Big," it established the store's iconic status. Now celebrating its 150th anniversary, FAO Schwarz honor its legacy with in-store events, commemorative product offerings, a showcase of brand archives and an enhanced website that together will present the brand’s storied history.