General Merchandise

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is offering some extra holiday cheer for shoppers who are looking to buy last-minute gifts and, perhaps, save some money in the process. The company is inviting the public to a three-day Holiday Open House from Friday, Dec. 20 to Sunday, Dec. 22.

The event allows shoppers to take advantage of lowered prices on the season's hot items, like smartphones and notebooks, without paying non-member upcharges.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mistic, a maker of electronic cigarettes, on Monday announced that Walmart has added Mistic's Ultimate Gift Set to store shelves across the nation.  

NEW YORK — More Americans now say they are loosening the purse strings in advance of the holiday season, and fewer say they are tightening their belts, according to a recent Citi national survey released Monday. Only 35% said they would be spending less than last year, reflecting the lowest level of holiday budget cutbacks since the financial crisis. As many as 63% of Americans plan to spend more (11%) or the same (52%) on holiday shopping this year.

NEW YORK — Club retailers like Costco and Sam's Club may have some competition from Amazon.com, according to published reports.

USA Today reported Thursday that the Seattle-based online retailer was creating a new business called Pantry that would allow members of its Amazon Prime premium service to buy consumer packaged goods in large quantities in a box of a pre-set size. Members will be able to put in as many items as the box can fit, up to a certain weight limit, and Amazon will ship the box for a small fee, as long as everything fits and isn't too heavy.

CAMBRIDGE, Minn. — A new product is designed to provide babies with neck support and comfort while they're in the seated position.

Baby Elephant Ears, invented by mother Alicia Overby, provide spinal and neck alignment and can be placed behind babies' necks while they're in the stroller, swing, car seat or on the changing table.

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Dog owners have two new reasons to rejoice this holiday season, thanks to Freshpet.

Freshpet, which makes fresh, refrigerated dog and cat food, has announced the introduction of two new products to the mix: Dog Joy Chicken Strips with Flaxseeds and Dog Joy Sausage Slices.

CHICAGO — Consumers spent a majority of last week recovering from “Black Weekend” holiday shopping. ShopperTrak on Wednesday reported that for the week of Dec. 2 to Dec. 8, GAFO (general merchandise, apparel, furniture and other products) brick-and-mortar retail sales decreased 2.9% compared to the same time last year. Last week’s retail shopper traffic decreased 21.6% compared to the same time period in 2012.

WATERBURY, Vt. — Green Mountain Coffee Roasters on Wednesday announced the introduction of college-branded Keurig K-Cup Mini Plus brewers, giving students and alumni even more reason to cheer during their daily coffee break.