News Briefs

Economic uncertainty hasn’t stopped consumers from splurging on their furry friends.

A new report from CouponCabin reveals that over half of the pet parents surveyed spend between $500 and $1,999 a year on their pets per year, covering everything from routine vet visits to food, toys and treats. More than 14% spend between $4,000 and $9,999 annually.

When it comes to where the pet owners surveyed are buying pet food, Chewy is the top choice, with 39% citing it as their go-to retailer. Petco ( 31%) and PetSmart (29%) are right behind the online retailer, followed by local pet stores (21%). 

More than half of those surveyed (54%) have considered switching where they buy their pet’s food, with 55% pointing to quality concerns. While nearly three-quarters of those surveyed say they opt for a pricier brand of pet food, that doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive brand, suggesting that quality matters, but budgets still play a role for consumers.

More than a quarter (28%) of pet owners buy new toys once or twice every six months, while 7% pick up a new toy every single week. Subscription boxes are gaining traction for pet owners looking to treat their pets often. BarkBox is the most widely used at 49%, followed by BoxDog (38%), PupJoy (31%), Meowbox (24%) and KitNipBox (20%).

Summer is still in full swing, but some retailers are giving shoppers a head start on the spooky season.

Target has rolled out more than 1,500 Halloween-related items on its website, with prices starting at $1. The assortment include everything from an 8-foot-tall pumpkin ghoul and trick-or-treat and food items, to sophisticated mix-and-match décor items done in a “gorgeously bleak style,” the retailer said. 

Target is also offering an extensive lineup of costumes, starting at $10, for kids and adults alike. The selection includes hundreds of new and only-at-Target costumes.

“We know millions of families love Halloween and don’t want to wait until October to shop, so Target is ready with over 1,500 new items so you can start preparing right now,” said Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer at Target. “With great value on delicious treats from Favorite Day and beloved national brands, stylish decor and costumes for kids of all ages, Target has everything you need to celebrate a magical season.”

This news originally appeared on sister publication Chain Store Age. 

Chex Mix is turning up the heat for three of its classic flavors—Traditional, Cheddar and Bold Garlic and Herb. 

Each is getting an updated recipe that includes more seasoning for a more intense flavor profile, the brand shared. 

In addition, Chex Mix is also introducing two new spicy varieties to its portfolio, which include:

• Hot & Spicy: Containing a hot and spicy base with layers of zesty seasoning and a fiery finish; and
• Spicy Dill: Features a tangy and herbaceous flavor with a spicy finish. 

In addition, Chex Mix is also rolling out updated packaging across its portfolio. 

Snack lovers can find the upgraded Traditional, Cheddar and Bold Garlic & Herb and the new Hot & Spicy Chex and Spicy Dill Chex varieties now at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $3.99.

Nutrition company AG1 is expanding the flavor profiles in its Next Gen supplement line. 

Now available in tropical, berry and citrus varieties, the supplement contains plant-based sources without added sugar or artificial sweeteners, per the brand. 

Next Gen contains five probiotic strains with vitamins and minerals, and is designed to help close nutrient gaps, as well as support gut health.

The tropical flavor contains notes of papaya and passionfruit; berry features blueberry and strawberry flavors; and citrus has lemon and orange notes. 

Consumers can find the new flavors of AG1 Next Gen as a pouch and in travel packs online. 

There’s a new vanilla-inspired fragrance from Octavia Morgan making its debut. 

Vanillin Supreme is the latest launch from the brand and is a gender neutral scent that features notes of vanilla bean. 

The full fragrance profile includes elemi and soft jasmine, as well as rum, sandalwood and Madagascar vanilla, per the brand. 

In addition, Octavia Morgan also shared that its Casablanca scent is now available at Ulta.com. 

Consumers can purchase Vanillin Supreme in a 10-mL size for $45 and a 50-mL size for $150 at Ulta.com.  

Keebler is getting into the Halloween spirit early this year with the launch of its Fudge Stripes Cookies. 

New from the brand are the limited-edition Spookie Fudge Stripes Cookies, which are chocolatey vanilla-flavored cookies with orange stripes and festive designs. 

To celebrate the launch, Keebler is partnering with zoos across the country for the "Find the Stripes Zoo Scavenger Hunt," which prompts families to find striped animals and log their discoveries for a chance to win prizes.

"We believe the best adventures happen when families explore together," said Kelly Flaherty, Brand Marketing, Keebler Fudge Stripes. "This Halloween, we're inviting families to discover our new Spookie Fudge Stripes cookies in stores and uncover the wild world of striped animals alongside other zoo Halloween traditions."

Consumers can purchase the cookies at retailers nationwide.