OTC

Partnership with Upromise to give shoppers a head start on college savings.

Israeli oil company develops Super Alonit c-stores overseas, expands commitment to foodservice.

Bottled water continues to shower retailers with profits, but new entrants into the segment are quickly flooding coolers.

Claims condom promotion entices children.

Anti-Smoking groups lobby FDA to regulate tobacco products marketed as "safer alternative" to cigarettes.

Discount coupon booklets available free to customers.

Convenience stores can satisfy consumer impulses and increase basket size by stocking, prominently displaying, and promoting items that are appropriate not just to the season, but to the actual weather.

Mention the general merchandise category to most convenience retailers or distributors, and eyes glaze over. Heads shake in despair. Mumbles about mass merchants killing the category on price can be heard, along with laments that the highly competitive and profitable beverage, tobacco and snack categories demand attention first. General merchandise, it seems, has become the ugly duckling of the industry.