General Merchandise

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced on Thursday that 10 chemicals found in various supplier products — including some personal care items, cosmetics and cleaning products — will be phased out of stores, according to published reports.

From DSN's sister publication, RetailingToday:

Madison, N.J. — ChapStick, part of the Pfizer portfolio of consumer brands, on Friday announced a new lip balm with advanced moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients.

CHICAGO — Contigo, an Ignite USA LLC brand, announced on Thursday a new reusable tumbler with a lid that snaps shut to ensure 100% leak-proof shaking and mixing to prepare on-the-go drinks and shakes.

Volume sales of pet foods have been flat, but a rash of premium brands have kept the category profitable for retailers. Dog owners spend an average of $239 annually, and cat owners spend $209 annually on pet food, according to American Pet Products Association.

While consumers are price sensitive, they won’t cut corners when it comes to what they feed their pets. A recent report by Mintel found that healthy eating trends are driving innovation and marketing strategies in the pet food market. The trend also is driven by the soaring obesity rates among cats and dogs.

Products that focus on convenience are winning big in the pet category. “Boomers are still driving so much of the category,” said Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association. “They love their pets, but they still live active lifestyles. Products that make pet care more convenient have become very popular.”

A proliferation of high-drain electronics and healthcare devices are keeping consumers in need of more battery power. Recent category introductions have focused on providing consumers with such longer-lasting options as Duracell's new Quantum alkaline battery and Energizer's improved Ultimate Lithium batteries.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced today that starting Sept. 21 consumers will be able to receive immediate credit toward the purchase of a new smartphone when they trade in their current smartphone at more than 3,600 participating Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Club locations across the United States. Wal-Mart's trade-in program offers an immediate credit from $50 to $300 for more than 100 smartphones.

Consumers are spending when it comes to pet care and grooming. "Overall, the humanization of pets is driving both the grooming and dental categories," said Brian Collier, a spokesman for Naturel Promise. "Pet parents are, more than ever, concerned about the well-being, comfort and health of their pets."