Google is releasing a new "channel gadget" that will aim to shorten the path to purchase and translate video views to sales. The new technology will allow brands to sell products through their YouTube Channels. The new "shoppable" videos will let brands to partner with third-party technology providers to allow viewers to click on a product and make a purchase.

New Cracker Jack'D in town isn't your grandfather's caramel-covered popcorn snacking food. The rebranded and remodeled Cracker Jack'D, a division of PepsiCo's Frito-Lay, has signed deals with hip-hop musicians Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, uber-automotive design firm West Coast Customs, and actress Ashley Tisdale, who is on the cover of the current Maxim magazine - to tout a new line of flavors.

In April, several members of the New York City Council introduced legislation that would raise the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. Then New York State elected officials proposed similar legislation at the state level. Now, New Jersey officials are also considering the move. The legal age to buy tobacco products in most states is still 18, but New Jersey, Alaska, Alabama, Utah and a few New York counties have set the age at 19. A bill to raise the legal age to 21 is pending in the Texas legislature.

In April, several members of the New York City Council introduced legislation that would raise the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. Then New York State elected officials proposed similar legislation at the state level. Now, New Jersey officials are also considering the move. The legal age to buy tobacco products in most states is still 18, but New Jersey, Alaska, Alabama, Utah and a few New York counties have set the age at 19. A bill to raise the legal age to 21 is pending in the Texas legislature.

New Asian supermarkets are using wood tones, broom-finished concrete floors, recycled materials and English-only signage. "Consumers identifying with an Asian ethnicity spend 9.1% more on food eaten at home," stated IBISWorld researchers in a report. Hmart Fresh in northern New Jersey, owned by the Korean chain H Mart; Assi Natural Market in Irvine, Calif., operated by Assi Super; and Nations Fresh Foods, introduced late last year in Canada by Oceans Fresh Food Market, are examples.

David Beckham, known as much for his off-field, high-profile endeavors and his marriage to Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham as for his iconic exploits on the soccer pitch, is retiring from active play. Beckham is finishing his career as a member of the Paris Saint-Germain club, where he donated his season's salary to local children's charities. Last year alone, the 38-year-old earned in excess of $37 million in marketing deals from such brands as Adidas, H&M and Samsung.

In a court room in Virginia, Facebook's lawyers are busy arguing that the social network's "Like" feature needs to be recognised with free-speech protection under the US Constitution. The case stems from when one Danny Carter, a former Hampton jailer, claimed he was fired after he posted a picture of his boss's opponent in the sheriff's race on his Facebook page. The implications go way beyond the local sheriff's office.

Brit Morin may be the next -- or at the least a digital -- Martha Stewart. Formerly of Apple and Google, Morin has a Pinterest-like, venture-backed startup, Brit & Co. that aligns with the "maker movement." It shows you how to make or where to find everything you see. It features recipes, creative decorations, and even technology to wear, like the Pebble watch. At the link, a video interview with Morin from Chronicle content partner Business Insider on her new startup.

Kroger's CFO said the grocery chain's double coupons in several markets was "a very expensive reward proposition that a very small number of [our] customers actually engage in." Speaking at BMO Capital's Farm to Market conference, Michael Schlotman said eliminating double coupons has helped the company invest in lower everyday prices that benefitted a larger group of shoppers than the chain's heavy coupon shoppers.

With Fiat SpA hoping to wrap up its takeover of Chrysler LLC sometime this year, the maker appears to be thinking over what could be an equally significant step, the possible move of its corporate headquarters from Italy to the U.S. Sources say Sergio Marchionne, CEO of the company is giving serious thought to basing the merged automaker out Chrysler's sprawling campus in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills.