New varieties of fan favorites, licensed introductions for major motion pictures, portion-control packaging and novelties for kids of all ages are among the many innovations you'll discover at the 2009 ALL CANDY EXPO.

Popular retailers in four U.S. cities - Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin, Texas - offer local consumers unique merchandising cues and innovative products that keep them coming back for more during both the best and worst of times.

Whole Foods is an Austin, Texas, icon - and, apparently, a complete nuthouse.

All Walgreens stores are not created equal, and that’s a good thing for at least one in a North Chicago suburb, whose product selection is as eye-catching as the location’s architectural exterior.

Shoppers have detected a new “neighborhood” store out West. Just who is this hyped-up retailer? Here’s a clue: It’s owned by Britain-based Tesco.

A gala of packaged gourmet treats are sprouting up right beside the fruits and vegetables at select King Soopers stores in the Mile High City.

Kids' Candy, Dark Chocolate, Gum, Sugar-Free, Meat Snacks, Breath Fresheners

Estimated U.S. Retail Market Size$5.3 billionSource: Mintel, a market research firm in ChicagoCategory Climate Marketers can smile over the breath freshener category, but not too widely. The $5.3 billion gum,

Estimated U.S. Retail Market Size$3.2 billion Source: Mintel, a market research firm in Chicago Category Climate The bad news for meat snacks is that the category hit its peak during

Estimated U.S. Retail Market Size $94.5 million Sugar-Free Chocolate* $84.5 million Sugar-Free Non-Chocolate* *In food, drug and mass merchandisers, excluding Wal-Mart Source: Information Resources, Inc. Category Climate During the