General Merchandise

SARATOGA, Calif. — Men have become significant players participating in a self-gifting trend, according to a survey released Wednesday by Roku. When it comes to self-gifting, men are most likely to hide their gift (43% more likely than women), claim it’s from someone else (150% more likely) or even create an imaginary friend (118% more likely) rather than own up to the purchase, according to the survey conducted by Omnipulse on behalf of Roku. 

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble brand Charmin on Wednesday announced improvements to its toilet paper. The retooled Charmin is now more flushable and is designed to help alleviate the strain on home plumbing systems, the company said.

LOS ANGELES — Feline Internet celebrity Grumpy Cat is the mascot for a new pet odor-eliminating product from Accuy Natural Solutions, the company said.

Grumpty Cat's Odor Eliminator uses a liquid extract from the Yucca schidigera plant to remove odors, binding to any form of ammonia-based odors, particularly cat urine, and converting ammonia to ammonium, a non-toxic form of ammonia that lacks its odor.

CHICAGO — Shoppers are already looking past the holiday season and not liking what they see, according to a special survey conducted between Oct. 31 and Nov. 5 by IRI that was released Tuesday. While consumers are hoping for the best, they're bracing for the worst when it comes to the possibility of another government shutdown and debt ceiling crisis in early 2014. 

NEW YORK — Nearly 60% of global respondents said that loyalty programs were available where they shopped, and of those, 84% said they were more likely to visit those retailers, according to a new study by Nielsen published Tuesday.

ATLANTA — A new product for gift wrapping is designed to save both time and trees.

Atlanta entrepreneur Ashley Edmonds has created Lilywrap, a reusable wrapping that mimics the look and feel of traditional wrapping paper, including the bow, using patent-pending stretching fabric wrap.

MONACO — Del Monte is partnering with SodaStream International to produce a series of new flavors for the carbonation machine maker, the two companies said Tuesday.

The portfolio of Del Monte-branded syrups include tropical, Caribbean and orange flavors.

"Del Monte is excited to partner with SodaStream as we enter the category of homemade sparkling drinks," Del Monte EA VP food operations Frans Van Melis said. "We are delighted that our consumers will be able to experience our high-quality brand in a fun, new, innovative way."

BREA, Calif. — Electronic cigarette manufacturer Rejuve is selling its products through Famima!!'s nine stores in southern California, the company said Tuesday.

Rejuve, whose products include electronic cigarettes, hookahs and vaping liquids, said its newest vaping liquid flavor, Brazilian Watermelon, would make its debut in Famima!! stores and is offered at 12-mg and 18-mg nicotine dosages. Other flavors include Classic Tobacco, Menthol, Italian Coffee and French Vanilla.