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NEW YORK — Only 58% of consumer packaged goods executives view dollar stores as a strategic channel, according to Deloitte’s new "Dollar Store Strategies for National Brands" study. Deloitte advises that CPG companies may not be keeping pace with the explosive growth of the $56 billion dollar store industry, and should act now to maximize market share and profits.

In other survey highlights:

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation released its 2012 holiday forecast on Tuesday, which shows sales increasing 4.1% to $586.1 billion, down from last year's 5.6% growth.

However, the NRF's 2012 estimate tops the 10-year holiday sales growth average of 3.5%.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Acosta Sales & Marketing and Wounded Warrior Project recently announced that more than 100 companies have signed on to support service members through the Wounded Warrior Project Believe in Heroes campaign, with more brands expected to join the campaign in the coming months.

To date, 53 brands — including Nestle, Brawny and Heinz — and 58 retailers — including, Harris Teeter, Ahold and Supervalu, among others — have signed on to support service members, with more expected to join in the coming months.

COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. — Cirrus Healthcare on Wednesday launched a SpongeBob SquarePants-licensed line of earplugs designed to protect children when swimming, showering and studying, and during loud events.

The SpongeBob SquarePants ultra soft earplugs employs the same technology as BioEars, a soft silicone earplug that uses ActivAloe, a patented aloe vera application.

The SpongeBob SquarePants ultra soft earplugs will be merchandised in pairs of three in a waterproof carry case.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — According to various surveys and articles on the topic, television networks love reality TV. After all, a reality TV show is cheaper — $100,000 to $500,000 per episode, according to some estimates — and simpler to produce than a show with a script, multiple sets and special effects. And to boot, it gets a lot of viewers.

NEW YORK — Oregon Scientific has introduced a new line of Scooby-Doo-themed personal electronics, thanks to a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

The lineup of electronic learning toys include the the Scooby-Doo Magic Laptop, Scooby-Doo Secret Pocket Learner, and Scooby-Doo Mystery Learner, which will be released this summer. Each of the items provide on-the-go play, reinforcing vocabulary, logic, numbers, memory and creativity, Oregon Scientific said.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Proactiv, a maker of acne-fighting skin care products, has announced that Naya Rivera, star of the television show “Glee,” is its newest celebrity ambassador.

CINCINNATI — After announcing the sale of its Pur water purification business to Helen of Troy, Procter & Gamble noted that the sale did not include its water purification technology that enables P&G's corporate philanthropy program to provide clean, drinkable water to countries worldwide.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Ingles Markets recorded key increases in its fourth-quarter and full-year results for fiscal year 2011, the retailer announced Monday.

For the fourth quarter ended Sept. 30, net sales increased 5.8% to $905.8 million, compared with the year-ago period, while comparable-store sales (excluding gasoline) rose 2.2%, compared with the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.

MEMPHIS — Discount retailer Fred's realized positive third-quarter results, thanks to "strong customer traffic, higher gross margins in its general merchandise and pharmacy departments, as well as improved management of controllable operating costs," Fred's CEO Bruce Efird said.

Total sales for the retailer rose 2% to $444.4 million, compared with the year-ago period, while comparable-store sales were flat. Net income increased 16% to $9 million, compared with last year, while earnings per diluted share rose 20% to 24 cents.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. — Ultimark Products has tapped actress Jennie Garth to be the new face of its Porcelana line of skin care products, which is sold in such retailers as Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart and Kmart.

Garth, who is perhaps best known from her role in the television hit series “Beverly Hills 90210,” will promote both new and existing Porcelana products and will appear in print advertisements, social media and online marketing.

CHICAGO — Oral care company Sunstar Americas has inked a licensing agreement with film and entertainment company Lucasfilm to launch a new line of manual and power toothbrushes featuring iconic characters and lightsabers from the “Star Wars” film saga and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” television series.