Business briefs: Hefty plastic cups ads count on moms’ partying past

CHICAGO – A new online ad campaign for Hefty disposable plastic cups has tapped some unusual spokeswomen: middle-age moms who look like June Cleaver but party like Lindsay Lohan.

The videos, on Facebook and YouTube, depict seemingly demure moms unpacking groceries, folding laundry and reading books. Each then breaks into slang-laden tales of their hard-partying adventures, such as “twerking at a foam party” and getting “turnt” and crashing a neighbor’s hot tub.

The close: Hefty’s iconic red plastic party cups, a longtime staple at college keggers, were the drinking vessels of choice.

The incongruous image of moms as party animals is just what Hefty is looking to convey in the digital-only, social media campaign.

“Traditionally mothers are cast in one light: wholesome caregivers for their children. But the reality is moms are much more complex and multifaceted,” said Lynnette Hinch, director of marketing for Hefty cups. The campaign was created by Havas Chicago to promote Hefty’s new crack-resistant plastic cup, a potentially important feature for extreme partying utility.

Apple Watch sales remain online only

SAN FRANCISCO – If you’re planning on buying the new Apple Watch, don’t expect to walk into a store and leave with one next week.

Apple, which began accepting advance orders for the watch last week, had previously said it would be available for sale in stores Friday. But with supplies limited, Apple’s retail chief told store workers this week that the watch will continue to be sold only online for at least the next several weeks.

Apple stores have the watches on display, and the company is still offering in-person demonstrations for customers who want to try different models.

Higher gas prices spark modest inflation

WASHINGTON – Rising gas prices in March led to a slight increase in inflation, a sign that some of the broader economic impact from cheaper oil is fading.

The Labor Department said the consumer price index rose 0.2 percent in March. Inflation moved at that same pace in February, which ended three straight monthly declines caused largely by falling oil and gasoline prices.

Gas prices remain about 33 percent lower than a year ago, but they bounced up 3.9 percent from February to March. Over the past 12 months, consumer prices have slumped 0.1 percent.

Outside food and energy, core prices also rose 0.2 percent in March. The cost of clothes, housing, cars and medical care increased, while food and airfare decreased. Core prices have risen 1.8 percent in the past year.

Verizon lets customers choose channel packs

NEW YORK – Verizon is giving its customers more control over the channels they pay for as the cacophony of cord cutting reshapes cable TV.

Verizon’s FiOS Custom TV, available Sunday, gives customers the option to buy a $55 base package with more than 35 channels plus two additional themed channel packs.

There are currently seven channel packs to choose from, including genres such as sports, children and lifestyle. Customers can add more channel packs – which include 10 to 17 channels on average – for $10 each. They may also swap out channel packs after 30 days.

Verizon Communications Inc. says no contract is required.