Content about General Merchandise

March 11, 2013
Lysol introduces Touch of Foam hand soap

Lysol, a Reckitt Benckiser company, has announced a new line of foaming hand soaps, the company said.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Lysol, a Reckitt Benckiser company, has announced a new line of foaming hand soaps, the company said today.

Lysol's Touch of Foam hand soap is a foaming soap that helps protect hands against germs while moisturizer-enriched micro-bubbles leaves them feeling soft. Studies have shown that hand washing alone can prevent both gastrointestinal and respiratory infections by nearly 50%.

March 11, 2013
Post-it brand from 3M introduces Post-it Big Pads

The Post-it brand from 3M announces the launch of Post-it Big Pads, the company said.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Post-it brand from 3M announces the launch of Post-it Big Pads, the company announced this weekend at the SXSW 2013 trade show.

March 8, 2013
Convenient cleaning

SC Johnson's new Windex Touch-Up Cleaner offers consumers a fast and convenient way to clean and sanitize the most frequently used surfaces in the home.

RACINE, Wis. — SC Johnson's new Windex Touch-Up Cleaner offers consumers a fast and convenient way to clean and sanitize the most frequently used surfaces in the home. An inventive new pump design makes it easy to clean and sanitize surfaces. A push on the pump applies the formula onto a paper towel, bath tissue or clean sponge, making cleanup convenient. Windex Touch-Up Cleaner is available in two varieties: Bathroom Fresh Scent and Kitchen Glistening Citrus Scent.

March 8, 2013
Premium builds battery

Research from the Freedonia Group indicates that the mature battery category is seeing modest topline growth largely due to a shift in the product mix toward premium batteries.

Research from the Freedonia Group indicates that the mature battery category is seeing modest topline growth largely due to a shift in the product mix toward premium batteries. Growth also is being driven by an increased proliferation of battery-dependent devices in the home, from toothbrushes to glucose monitors.

Alkaline batteries still dominate the consumer primary battery market, accounting for 84% of demand, according to the Freedonia Group. Alkaline batteries also are expected to record solid gains in consumer applications through 2015.

March 8, 2013
Reinventing Rexall Pharma Plus

It has been just over a year since Frank Scorpiniti took the helm at Canada's Rexall Pharma Plus. And, as the Canadian retail market continues to heat up, the company has officially taken the lid off a reinvention of its business, from its stores and its brand, to the products and services in its stores.

It has been just over a year since Frank Scorpiniti took the helm at Canada's Rexall Pharma Plus. And, as the Canadian retail market continues to heat up, the company has officially taken the lid off a reinvention of its business, from its stores and its brand, to the products and services in its stores.

March 8, 2013
Stanley celebrates 50 years of PowerLock tape measure with special editions

Stanley Tools is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its launch of the PowerLock tape measure line by releasing a limited-edition series of five tape measures featuring new designs to highlight its history, the company said.

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Stanley Tools is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its launch of the PowerLock tape measure line by releasing a limited-edition series of five tape measures featuring new designs to highlight its history, the company said Friday.

March 7, 2013
Bounty introduces cloth-like DuraTowel

Bounty, a Proctor and Gamble brand, has unveiled the new DuraTowel, a cloth-like paper towel designed to use instead of reusing dishcloths, which the company said can redeposit millions of germs after just one use.

CINCINNATI — Bounty, a Proctor and Gamble brand, has unveiled the new DuraTowel, a cloth-like paper towel designed to use instead of reusing dishcloths, which the company said can redeposit millions of germs after just one use.

March 6, 2013
‘Project Runway’ contestants to make high-fashion styles with Duck Tape

Duck Tape is heading to the runway this Thursday on Lifetime’s “Project Runway,” as season 11’s aspiring designers face the “Unconventional Materials Challenge,” a competition in every season that challenges them to create high-fashion clothing from something other than fabric.

AVON, Ohio — Duck Tape is heading to the runway this Thursday on Lifetime’s “Project Runway,” as season 11’s aspiring designers face the “Unconventional Materials Challenge,” a competition in every season that challenges them to create high-fashion clothing from something other than fabric.

March 5, 2013
Chummies reinvents the classic friendship bracelet

Chummies, an innovative friendship bracelet, hit the market on Tuesday. The silicone, latex-free interlocking bracelets are sold in pairs and can be pulled apart to give to various close friends, or "chums."

CHICAGO — Chummies, an innovative friendship bracelet, hit the market on Tuesday. The silicone, latex-free interlocking bracelets are sold in pairs and can be pulled apart to give to various close friends, or "chums."

March 1, 2013
Red Cup Living introduces four new reusable, dishwasher-safe cups

Red cups aren't just made for beer pong anymore. Red Cup Living has taken them to a whole new level with reusable designs made specifically for wine, margaritas, cocktails and coffee.

PHOENIX — Red cups aren't just made for beer pong anymore. Red Cup Living has taken them to a whole new level with reusable designs made specifically for wine, margaritas, cocktails and coffee.

February 28, 2013
Awareness, use of e-cigarettes increasing rapidly, CDC study finds

The number of adult smokers who had used electronic cigarettes more than doubled in the space of a year, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ATLANTA — The number of adult smokers who had used electronic cigarettes more than doubled in the space of a year, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

February 28, 2013
Nonprofit provides 'food stamps' for pets

While the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program helps to keep some 50 million low-income Americans from going hungry, it excludes pet food, forcing many to give up their nonhuman family members. But a new program aims to alleviate the problem.

NEW YORK — While the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program helps to keep some 50 million low-income Americans from going hungry, it excludes pet food, forcing many to give up their nonhuman family members. But a new program aims to alleviate the problem.

The Pet Food Stamps Program is a nonprofit group in New York that has a partnership with online pet products retailer PetFlow.com, whereby beneficiaries can receive a monthly home delivery of supplies for free.

February 27, 2013
Energizer introduces new portfolio of lighting products

Energizer is set to launch a new portfolio of lighting products this spring, the New York Times "Gadgetwise" blog reported.

NEW YORK — Energizer is set to launch a new portfolio of lighting products this spring, the New York Times "Gadgetwise" blog reported today. The new line is expected to hit Target shelves in late March, followed by other mass merchandisers later on.

February 27, 2013
Sun Products launches new All detergent

Sun Products, makers of such laundry brands as Wisk and Snuggle, has launched a new All detergent: All Fresh and Sensitive.

WILTON, Conn. — Sun Products, makers of such laundry brands as Wisk and Snuggle, has launched a new All detergent: All Fresh and Sensitive.

February 26, 2013
Hispanic consumers often find existing stain-removal tactics ineffective

Nearly two-thirds of Hispanic consumers have discarded garments ruined by bleach or home remedies up to five times per year, according to a new survey by Procter & Gamble's Tide division.

CINCINNATI — Nearly two-thirds of Hispanic consumers have discarded garments ruined by bleach or home remedies up to five times per year, according to a new survey by Procter & Gamble's Tide division.

February 26, 2013
Product of the Year USA names top products for 2013

Sun Products' All Mighty Pacs laundry packs, Aquafresh Extreme Clean Pure Breath Action Paste, M&M's Brand Snack Mix, Reckitt Benckiser's Resolve All-Stains, Sun Products' Surf Liquid Laundry Detergent and GlaxoSmithKline's Tums Freshers were among the winners of Product of the Year USA's recently announced top products for 2013, the group said.

NEW YORK — Sun Products' All Mighty Pacs laundry packs, Aquafresh Extreme Clean Pure Breath Action Paste, M&M's Brand Snack Mix, Reckitt Benckiser's Resolve All-Stains, Sun Products' Surf Liquid Laundry Detergent and GlaxoSmithKline's Tums Freshers were among the winners of Product of the Year USA's recently announced top products for 2013, the group said.

The named products were the result of a vote among 50,000 consumers.

February 26, 2013
Reports: Sears Holdings launches Mygofer same-day pick-up pilot in Chicago

Sears Holdings will add some of its own products and allow customers to pick up products ordered from its flagship store in Chicago on the same day, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Sears Holdings will add some of its own products and allow customers to pick up products ordered from its flagship store in Chicago on the same day, according to published reports.

February 25, 2013
Bartell collects teddy bears for children's campaign

Bartell Drugs is collecting donations of teddy bears to give to children in stressful and traumatic situations, the Seattle-based regional retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs is collecting donations of teddy bears to give to children in stressful and traumatic situations, the Seattle-based regional retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Bartell said it would work with local radio statement Warm 106.9 FM in the annual "Teddy Bear Patrol" campaign, which will take place through March 30. The chain's 58 stores will collect donations of $7 "Bartell Bears" or new or gently used bears smaller than 12 in.

February 25, 2013
Chasing the elusive omnichannel shopper

Omnichannel. It's one of the hottest topics in retail. It's seamless retailing in real-time. It's making sure that the brand experience coming out of a retailer is exemplary no matter how a consumer chooses to engage — on the e-commerce site, through an app for the tablet or smartphone, within the brick-and-mortar location or any two of those venues simultaneously.

Omnichannel. It's one of the hottest topics in retail. It's seamless retailing in real-time. It's making sure that the brand experience coming out of a retailer is exemplary no matter how a consumer chooses to engage — on the e-commerce site, through an app for the tablet or smartphone, within the brick-and-mortar location or any two of those venues simultaneously.

February 25, 2013
Consumers pamper pets with good health

Pet supplies may have had limited growth this past year, but the stars of the segment are healthcare-related products. Pet supplies saw a 2% increase, bringing sales to $11.1 billion, according to Packaged Facts. The market research firm projects that this year, pet supplies will grow 4% over 2012 sales.

Pet supplies may have had limited growth this past year, but the stars of the segment are healthcare-related products. Pet supplies saw a 2% increase, bringing sales to $11.1 billion, according to Packaged Facts. The market research firm projects that this year, pet supplies will grow 4% over 2012 sales.

February 25, 2013
Sheba to introduce sustainable fish-based food for cats

Mars Petcare will use responsible sourcing of fish for its fish-based Sheba product lines, the company said Monday.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mars Petcare will use responsible sourcing of fish for its fish-based Sheba product lines, the company said Monday.

The company said it plans to use only sustainably sourced fish by 2020, offering only fish that are farmed or wild-caught from environmentally sustainable sources. The new sourcing program is based on the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program sourcing recommendations.

February 25, 2013
Upgrading gadget cases

Speck recently launched a line of cases for the iPad Mini. New CandyShell cases have a hard outer shell in a stylish glossy finish and a soft interior that absorbs shock from bumps. A raised bezel protects the iPad's screen and rubberized covers shield its buttons.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Speck recently launched a line of cases for the iPad Mini. New CandyShell cases have a hard outer shell in a stylish glossy finish and a soft interior that absorbs shock from bumps. A raised bezel protects the iPad's screen and rubberized covers shield its buttons.

Also new, Speck's Smart-Shell for iPad Mini protects the back of the Mini, securing the Smart Cover in place when open so the tablet can lay flat from edge to spine.

February 25, 2013
Weevil Away releases 100% organic pest repellant

Weevil Away, a 100% organic pest repellant, is a new product that prevents infestations of weevils, roaches and pantry moths that's safe to use around food, the company said.

OLDSMAR, Fla. — Weevil Away, a 100% organic pest repellant, is a new product that prevents infestations of weevils, roaches and pantry moths that's safe to use around food, the company said in a statment released today.

February 21, 2013
Jackery releases powerful, rechargeable external batteries for mobile devices

Jackery, a provider of premium rechargeable battery products for mobile devices, announced on Thursday the launch of the Jackery Bar and Jackery Mini batteries.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Jackery, a provider of premium rechargeable battery products for mobile devices, announced on Thursday the launch of the Jackery Bar and Jackery Mini batteries.

With 120 hours of extra operation time and a weight of only 5.4 oz., the Jackery Bar is the world's smallest power bank with 2.1A output operating at 5600 mAh. The bar is fast-charging, and ideal for users that need a powerful and compact mobile charging solution. It retails for $39.95 on Amazon.com.

February 19, 2013
Cascades makes short list for innovation awards

Cascades has been named a finalist in the 2013 Edison Awards, the company said Monday.

CANDIAC, Quebec — Cascades has been named a finalist in the 2013 Edison Awards, the company said Monday.

The company said its antibacterial paper towels made the short list in the awards' "Consumer Packaged Goods: Cleaning Solutions" category. Award winners will be named on April 25 at the Edison Awards Annual Gala in Chicago.