Perimeter

The drive to up the ante on service is evidenced by the increased deployment of customer-facing technology such as information kiosks, digital media displays, and marketing and promotion technology, all in essence dedicated to making more effective connections to shoppers and their needs. This high-touch environment also results in the avoidance of self-checkout technology, though, as the numbers show, most independents realize they'll eventually have to install these units for competitive reasons.

REIDSVILLE, Ga. -- Known for its national summer fundraising campaign that teams up supermarket retailers with the produce industry to raise funds for local Children's Miracle Network hospitals, Produce for Kids based here has added some new elements to its program for this summer.

NAPLES, N.Y. -- Energy drinks have become a global craze, according to Datamonitor's Productscan Online database of new products. Datamonitor here reported yesterday that 623 new energy drinks hit worldwide markets in 2005, a 46 percent increase from 2004's count and a near tripling of new launches since 2000.

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Almost three-quarters of the U.S. population buy organic products at least occasionally, according to new research from The Hartman Group here. Twenty-three percent of U.S. consumers buy organic products on a regular (at least weekly) basis.

Once strictly kid stuff, peanut butter is now positioning itself, through health-conscious and gourmet products, as a grown-up food.

Marketing strategies are simultaneously becoming more high-tech and customer-focused, which might be the perfect formula to reach 21st century shoppers.

For grocers willing to make the commitment, homespun state-sponsored agricultural marketing programs can rack up good will and good sales.

Following are some of the general merchandise items retailers can expect to see at the FMI Show this month in Chicago.