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WASHINGTON — Consumer packaged goods companies and retailers that sell their products have managed to stay strong despite economic difficulty, according to a new report.

The 2013 financial performance report, "Growth Strategies: Unlocking the Power of the Consumer," conducted by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and PwC, found that despite overall slowing net sales growth rates in 2012, food, beverage and household product companies had respective sales growth of 7%, 5.5% and 3.2%.

NEENAH, Wis. — Kimberly-Clark Co. announced today a new addition to its line of kids potty training pants with characters from the sequel to Disney's "Monsters, Inc."

Kimberly-Clark has added Monsters University character potty training pants to its line of baby products, offering a new, fun way for parents and children to enjoy the ritual of potty training. The new licensing agreement comes in the midst of National Potty Training Month in June.

SAN ANTONIO — During the 2013 HBW conference held in San Antonio, from May 31 to June 3, one of the most anticipated events by attendees was The Showcase. The Showcase venue gave suppliers an opportunity to highlight their innovative new products or packaging to retailers and wholesalers attending the event. The Showcase also offered an opportunity to present any type of merchandising vehicle available to display their products: floor or counter-top displays, pallet programs, clip strips, wing panels and others, as well as single retail Items.

NEW YORK — Kmart got mixed, albeit largely positive reviews, from a couple of ads placed on YouTube, but many people are saying a recent parody of the ads goes too far, and it has attracted a response from the retailer.

The two Kmart-produced ads — "Ship My Pants," to tout the mass-merchandise retailer's buy-now ship-later service, and "Big Gas Savings," about discounts on gasoline for members of the Shop Your Way loyalty program — quickly went viral on YouTube while also making some people question their taste.

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio — Arco Health, Inc., makers of Diet-Burst gum, announced last week new packaging designs for its dietary supplement gum, as well as new nicotine replacement products available in July.

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — White Cloud Electronic Cigarettes has announced the addition of two new menthol flavors to their roster: iced berry and zero K.

Menthol triggers cold-sensitive nerves in the skin without providing a drop in temperature and the new flavors were designed to refresh the user. Iced berry is a cool hint of mint that is surrounded by wild berries. Zero K is a cold blast of peppermint.

Exclusively made in the USA, both iced berry and zero K are offered in light, full and Xtra nicotine strengths. Zero K will be offered in XXtra as well.

BOSTON — Snuggle announced this week a new line of longer-lasting fabric softeners available in five fragrance combinations.

Snuggle Exhilarations is a new and improved line of the Snuggle brand of fabric softeners designed to keep clothes smelling fresh with scents that last from wash to wash, the company stated.

Snuggle Exhilarations are available in five fragrance combinations:

YONKERS, N.Y. — The Consumer Reports Index, an overall measure of Americans’ personal financial health, shows Americans are reporting significantly fewer financial troubles, Consumer Reports National Research Center announced Tuesday. The Index’s trouble tracker measure fell sharply to 34 from 41.7 a month earlier — the lowest level since the organization first measured it in April 2009.