Retailer Promotions Ring In New Year

PITTSBURGH — Now that Hanukkah and Christmas are over, retailers have moved on to New Year’s promotions.

Giant Eagle here is advertising “New Year's Eve Good Luck Pretzels.” The Giant Eagle Facebook page explains that the traditional meaning of the New Year’s-pretzel is to bring everyone who eats the pretzel luck in the New Year. The German tradition of the New Year’s Pretzel is a pretzel brushed with icing and sprinkles. They are large pretzels, usually 15-36 inches across.

“Many cultures believe any food in the shape of a ring is good luck because it symbolizes ‘coming full circle’ and completing the old year,” according to Giant Eagle. The pretzels will sell for $4.99 each through Jan. 2.

Among other New Year’s promotions:

• H-E-B, San Antonio, is offering a 10% discount on sparkling wine and champagne through January 1.

• Hy-Vee, West Des Moines, Iowa, has published a dedicated “New Year’s Eve” circular featuring specials shrimp, frozen appetizers, veggie party bags, sparkling grape juice, champagne, sparkling wine, beer and other party items. “New Year’s Eve planning starts now,” Hy-Vee writes on its Facebook page. “Hy-Vee can help you get 2013 off to a tasty start.”

• Hannaford, Scarborough, Maine, published recipes for Mustard-Crusted Chicken Wings and other New Year’s Eve appetizers on its web site.

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