Content about energy

NEW YORK — Retailers should expect small gains in 2011 holiday sales, according to a Deloitte forecast issued Monday.

The company’s retail & distribution practice expects total holiday sales to reach between $873 and $877 billion, representing a 2.5 to 3% increase over last season.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Walmart is taking its commitment to renewable energy to new levels in California.

The chain announced plans to install solar panels on up to 60 additional stores in the Golden State. The initiative, done in partnership with SolarCity, expands the company’s solar portfolio to more than 75% of its locations in California.

NEW YORK, and KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Duane Reade has added Smith Electric Vehicles' Newton zero-emission, all-electric commercial trucks to its delivery fleet.

With the addition of these medium-duty trucks, Duane Reade is the first retail pharmacy in the United States to choose fleet electrification through a pilot program with Smith Electric Vehicles, a global leader in zero-emission, all-electric commercial vehicles.

RIVER EDGE, N.J. — A new strength and conditioning program designed specifically for cheerleaders and dancers has made its way to DVD.

Train2Cheer offers a workout that is designed to increase cardio and muscular endurance, resulting in stronger cheer and dance performances. Train2Cheer is set to high-energy music and is hosted by its creator, Stacey DelPreore.

Train2Cheer, which includes a 60-minute workout video and bonus CD soundtrack, retails for $19.99.

PHILADELPHIA — Overweight people with lower back pain is more intense than people of normal weight with back pain, according to a recent study published in the Sept. 15 issue of Spine.

The study sets up another comorbidity associated with being overweight.

WASHINGTON — A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sheds light on sugar drink consumption habits among the U.S. population.

NEW YORK — Health Warrior has introduced a new line of energy bars made with chia seeds.

New 100-calorie all natural chia energy bars are available in a peanut butter chocolate flavor and are designed to energize, rejuvenate muscles, stabilize blood sugar and aid intestinal regularity, among other benefits, Health Warrior said.

Health Warrior 100-calorie peanut butter chocolate chia bars retail for $15.99 per 10-bar box. The company's chia seeds product retails for $14.99 per 16-oz. bag.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Kroger announced that two of its Smith's stores in Albuquerque, N.M., have installed photovoltaic energy panels.

The solar energy system on the roof of each Smith's store consists of 442 panels, each containing cells that convert sunlight into direct current electricity, Kroger said. Smith's was selected to be among the first Kroger division stores to install photovoltaic panels.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate is looking to breathe new life into the energy bar market.

The company announced the launch of its new Marathon Smart Stuff bars, which combine real chocolate with such wholesome ingredients as blueberries, cranberries and peanuts. Each bar contains 140 calories or less per serving, a blend of eight essential vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent source of calcium, Mars Chocolate said.

NEW YORK — An energy strips brand that recently hit the market was honored with the 2011 Best New Product Award at the Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing Diet, Vitamin and Sports Nutrition Show.

The award, presented by Drug Store News and ECRM, was voted on by the show's attending buyers and distributors. This year's event was held in Champions Gate, Fla., from July 17 through July 20.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition on Tuesday announced a new look for its venerable Boost nutritional beverage line featuring a grip-friendly bottle design that is lightweight and a no-foil, easy-to-open top.