The store-within-a-store idea that forms the basis for

J.C. Penney’s retail strategy is getting a test this holiday

season at Macy’s. That chain has agreed to let Toys “R”

Us operate pop-up stores in 24 of its locations between

October 15 and January 15. If the pop-ups are successful,

the concept could be expanded in the future, say the

companies. Taco Bell is performing well for its

parent Yum! Brands, but then so are Pizza Hut and KFC.

Yum! saw its profit surge 23% in the latest quarter on U.S.

same store sales that were up 7% at Taco Bell, +6% at

Pizza Hit and +4% at KFC….. Costco beat expectations

with a 27% increase in profit in the latest quarter. Revenues

were up 14% and same store sales jumped 6% in the

U.S……Red Bull is set to launch a new line of energy drinks

in March of 2013. The Red Bull Editions, which pack an

energy boost like the original, will come in cranberry, lime

and blueberry flavors and be packaged in red, silver and

blue cans, respectively…….In 50 of its grocery stores, Publix

is allowing customers to order deli items online and then

pick them up at the store at a designated time.