Bits and Pieces - A Closer Look - Private Label Buyer

Skokie, Ill.-based Topco recently unveiled a new Web site (www.worldclassicstrading.com) to highlight the more than 400 premium food items offered under its World Classics Trading Co. private label. In addition to detailed product information, the company said, the site features recipes, news, contacts and the continued adventures of "Hudson," a fictional character featured on many World Classics products.
Price Chopper Supermarkets, Schenectady, N.Y., said it is offering frequent shopper cardholders who purchase 10 of its own brand products between now and April 17 the chance to win free groceries for a year. According to the company, six patrons will be awarded $5,200 Price Chopper gift cards during the 12-week promotion, which features a drawing every two weeks.
Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., Jacksonville, Fla., said it recently opened its first new supermarket since 2004. The state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot facility in Covington, La., also is the first grocery store in Louisiana — and one of only 26 nationwide — to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill certification, in recognition of efforts to significantly reduce refrigerant emissions.
Wayne, N.J.-based Toys "R" Us announced it the creation of a line of baby care products under the Babies "R" Us private label. According to a report in The Record (Hackensack, N.J.), the collection will include infant formula, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent and bottled purified water. Already available in most stores, it replaces the chain's Especially for Babies store brand program.
To visibly highlight its efforts to improve seafood sustainability, Loblaw Cos. Ltd., Brampton, Ontario, said it will display empty trays at the fresh seafood counters of some of its corporate stores. When the company finds viable, sustainable alternatives to the "at risk" fish formerly presented on those trays, the trays will be filled once again, Loblaw reported.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, San Antonio, Texas-based H-E-B posted several "Romantic Dinner" ideas on its Web page. All six meals, from Grilled Salmon with Pomegranate Salad to Pepper-Crusted Sirloin and Asparagus, are prepared with H-E-B brand ingredients.
Camp Hill, Pa.-based Rite-Aid is offering Valentine's Day gift ideas on its Web site, including several private label options. Among the store brand suggestions: a basket of Pure Spring brand bath and body products and Rite-Aid brand plush toys and novelties.
CVS/pharmacy, Woonsocket, R.I., said it recently celebrated the grand opening of its first Memphis, Tenn., store, one of three scheduled to begin operations in the city this year. The company also announced that, since its Thanks and Giving fundraising program debuted in 2004, it has raised $16 million for Memphis-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which recently dedicated the new CVS Caremark Rehabilitation Services Center.