General Merchandise

CHICAGO — Gold Bond Powder announced today the company is releasing its classic powder formula in an easy-to-use spray.

The new spray can offers a continuous, targeted stream delivering the product right where its needed, the company stated. Gold Bond No Mess Powder Spray provides odor and wetness protection that cools on contact, absorbs moisture and soothes skin.

WASHINGTON — Organized retail crime may have decreased very slightly last year, according to a new National Retail Federation study, but it remains a massive problem and the nation’s largest cities are especially prone to organized activities.

SAN FRANCISCO — Retail pharmacy may soon have another product to showcase as part of a comprehensive pet care set — a mobile health device to track activity for dogs. Whistle, a technology company dedicated to helping pets live longer and healthier lives, on Wednesday debuted its flagship product, a device that connects to a dog’s collar to measure key health indicators including activity and rest.

DALLAS — A startup company is looking to broaden its distribution reach offering a bevy of new health-and-wellness organizers and accessories with a unique, modernized look, the company stated this week.

Sabi's Vivacity line of pill organizers and accessories was designed with both functionality and style in mind, the company noted. The Vivacity line of products includes:

PHOENIX — Nielsen on Tuesday awarded its 14 Breakthrough Innovation Winners for 2013 at the company's Consumer 360 event here. 

“What’s fascinating about this year’s Breakthrough Innovation Award winners is their diversity,” stated Rob Wengel, SVP innovation, Nielsen. ”No matter the industry or category, Breakthrough Innovation is possible where there is a vision for innovation, pervasive leadership to drive support, and alignment throughout the organization to make it happen.“

The winners are:

CHATSWORTH, Calif. — The maker of a line of 3-D kiosks is installing them at 200 Rite Aid stores in New York and Los Angeles after the completion of a 10-store pilot program last year.

Provision Interactive Technologies said Tuesday that it had entered a multi-year deal with Rite Aid to install its 3-D Reward Centers, which generate 3-D holographic videos, information about the Wellness+ loyalty card program and promotions.

SAN ANTONIO — GMDC and The Retail Gateway on Sunday will showcase the latest virtual connectivity innovation — GMDC365 — that will help bridge the gap between retail buyers and suppliers at the GMDC/FMI Health & Wellness @Retail 2013 conference.

The GMDC365 website helps vendors and buyers connect within their specific categories and retail channels.

Yoga products have become a high growth category, and drug store retailers are finding ways to capitalize on the growing trend. "Yoga participation has grown at a 12% compounded annual rate since 2000. There has also been a 10% annual growth rate in revenues related to yoga instruction from 2008 to 2012," said Mary Elisabeth Plowden, principal at Partnership Capital Growth. The investment firm estimated that there are approximately 16 million people in the United States who practice yoga, and at least half that many have indicated they would like to try it.