General Merchandise

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is hoping to enhance the experience of customers shopping for baby items with a new pilot program in Chicago.

(See below for a video from Target about the program.)

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is donating $25,000 for relief efforts in Colorado following devastating floods there, the mass merchandise retailer said Thursday. The donation includes $20,000 for the American Red Cross and $5,000 in food, water and baby items.

According to media reports, about half a dozen people are confirmed dead and 200 are unaccounted for amid floods caused by what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration called once-in-a-millennium rainfall. Property losses are estimated at nearly $2 billion.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — A new research institution set up by the federal government will conduct tobacco-related research around the country using more than $50 million from the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Customers at Meijer can use their digital coupons to get savings on baby items, the mass merchandise retailer said Thursday.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Rocketcases announced on Tuesday a new line of protective cases for the iPhone 4 and new iPhone 5 styled after retro gaming devices.

Rocketcases' iPhone cases protect iPhones from falls and scratches with a hard silicone and plastic materials. The retro gaming cases are available in two options.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart has compiled a list of 15 toys that it is encouraging members of its loyalty program to send as gifts to children in need.

The mass merchandise retailer unveiled its annual "Fab 15" holiday toy list, allowing customers to "gift it forward" as part of the Shop Your Way Charity Gift Registry, part of a partnership between Kmart and Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign.

CHICAGO — Sales of general merchandise are expected to increase by 2.4% during the holiday season of November and December, but shoppers will visit fewer stores, according to a new forecast.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Hefty announced on Tuesday a new trash bag with advanced odor-control, the company stated.

Hefty Ultimate with Arm & Hammer provides a trio of advanced technology to give the consumer everything needed in one bag. The Arm & Hammer patented odor-neutralizing technology helps eliminate kitchen odors. Hefty Ultimate bags come in scent-free, lavender and clean burst scents.