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Beauty market research company the NPD Group recently reported that total prestige makeup dollar sales in U.S. department stores were on the rise during the first 10 months of 2011, and gift sets proved to be no exception.

Between January and October, total prestige makeup dollar sales in U.S. department stores were $2.8 million, an increase of 8% in dollars compared with the same time last year. All prestige segments saw dollar growth.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid Facebook fans are getting an early shot at coupons for gifts and stocking stuffers as part of a new promotion announced Monday.

Rite Aid launched its "25 Deals of Christmas" promotion, which will allow visitors to a special tab on Rite Aid's Facebook page to download coupons for such items as beauty items, men's grooming gift sets, electronics and toys. The promotion started Monday and lasts until Dec. 23.

MINNEAPOLIS and SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Zipnosis, which offers an online Web portal that allows patients to have virtual visits with a clinician for minor ailments, and Verizon Wireless have announced that Zipnosis will be a featured technology in the Verizon booth at the mHealth Summit Convention in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5 to 7.

The mHealth Summit is the largest conference in the world focused on mobile and wireless health solutions.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Zak Designs has introduced new on-the-go drinkware items that allow adults to bring out the kid in them.

Zak said its Metallix tumblers are made from durable materials and patented technology that creates an outside shimmer on the tumbler, while the HydroCanteen is made of BPA-free tritan material and feature a leak-proof lid and a carrying loop. Both on-the-go items are adorned with popular licenses from Disney and 20th Century Fox that provide adults with "new ways to show off their inner child," the company said.

NEW YORK — A new report by social media software maker Conversocial examined the customer service offerings of the 10 most loved and most hated retailers in the United States, and how these retailers are meeting the challenge of delivering great social media experiences for their customers.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble once again is highlighting the benefits of many of its brands via the “Have You Tried This Yet?” program, a campaign that now is in its second year and is designed to highlight products for self, family and home.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The second season of "Extreme Couponing" debuted on TLC Wednesday evening, and with the new season came a renewed concern as to how extreme couponers will impact value promotions at retail.

That may be one of the more significant concerns for retailers, according to a Bloomberg report published Wednesday — that promotions are attracting one-time buyers who cherry-pick their way through the weekly shopping trip in place of loyal consumers.

PARIS — The Consumer Goods Forum released the Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability, a global measurement system designed to help the consumer packaged goods industry to better assess the relative sustainability of packaging.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Global Market Development Center earlier this week named Mark Mechelse to the role of director of industry insights.

"We are excited to welcome Mark Mechelse into GMDC as one of our newest team members," stated Dave McConnell, president and CEO of GMDC. "The addition of his skill set is a compliment to the GMDC strategy that will enhance the connection between our members, as well as GMDC's education programs; and he will provide insight into market trends."

NORWELL, Mass. — Carex Health Brands on Thursday announced the launch of the Ultra Grabber, a mobility device that provides wrist support and enables users to reach up to 32 in. to retrieve items in high areas, on the floor or within common reach that could otherwise present a challenge for individuals. 
 
With a push button lock, a nonslip trigger and rubber grabber cups, the Ultra Grabber features a twist and click shaft with 360-degree rotation enabling greater mobility.
 

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — PNI Digital Media on Monday announced an agreement with Walgreens to provide and operate an online stationery service for the Chicago-based pharmacy.

The service will allow Walgreens customers to create and customize unique cards, invitations and other printed material, including personalized photobooks and photo calendars, wedding invitations and business cards.

According to reports, the PNI Digital Media Platform reaches more than 14,000 retail locations around the world, 9,000 of which offer a one-hour pickup service.

NEW YORK — SmartSource has enhanced its online coupons with Quick Response codes that can provide real-time identification of fraudulent coupons.