General Merchandise

PLANO, Texas — Crossmark on Monday announced the acquisition of the assets of PromoWorks, an insights-driven shopper marketing solutions firm. PromoWorks will be led by industry veteran Julie Beck. Prior to joining PromoWorks in 2011, Beck held a variety of leadership positions at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft and the Partnering Group.

CHICAGO — Underwhelming fall sales and continued economic and federal budgetary concerns have U.S. retailers in a “wait and see” mode this holiday season, according to a recent BDO USA survey released Monday. 

NEWARK, Calif. — Logitech has introduced a line of accessories for Apple's new iPad Air, the electronics maker said.

The line includes the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, the Ultrathin Keyboard Folio and the Folio Protective Case, all designed to protect against bumps, scratches and spills while remaining thin and light.

LOS ANGELES — Albertsons has placed an order for what is being called the "first true food bar" for dogs.

All American Pet Co. said Friday it received an order from the grocer for NutraBars, which are designed to be high in protein and low in fat, and are made in the United States.

The company said it also was expecting an order for Chewies Dog Treats, which are all-natural and made with peanuts, cheese and bacon. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 1,119 stores under 12 banners in 29 states.

NEW YORK — Procter & Gamble may be able to sell its Iams pet food unit to Del Monte Foods Co., according to published reports.

Bloomberg reported that P&G CEO A.G. Lafley was under pressure to improve the company's business and that shareholder HighMark Capital Management said it could increase its share price by selling some assets, including Iams. Del Monte, HighMark said, would be a "logical" buyer for Iams, valued at around $2.5 billion, because it's looking to grow its pet food business.

PHILADELPHIA — Many pet owners are confused about pet nutrition and industry standards, according to a new survey.

The survey, conducted by petMD, found that nearly 80% of respondents were aware of the importance of a balanced diet for their pets, but less than half had ever checked the label of their pet's food to make sure it met industry-wide standards.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — A new product is designed to allow people to carry their smartphone, money, photo ID, credit card and key in one container, and the company is giving thousands of them away for free as part of a limited-time offer.

Grab N Go Band said it would give one free band for everyone who signs up at its website, and the final number of giveaways is limited only by the number of backers of the associated Kickstarter campaign.

NEW YORK — Keeping counterfeit and diverted drugs out of the U.S. drug supply chain will require closing vulnerable regulatory gaps that risk letting them in, according to a new report by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.