General Merchandise

SHELTON, CT. — Bic Consumer Products, a distributor of stationary products, lighters and shavers, announced today a new highlighter tape, the first to hit the market, according to the company.

Bic Brite Liner Highlighter Tape is a bright fluorescent tape that can be used to highlight documents without bleeding through paper. It also erases easily, making it convenient to use on textbooks, magazines, newspapers and other important documents.

TROY, Mich. — Five regional retailers — including mass-merchandisers Meijer and Fred Meyer — are selling a mobile point-of-sale credit card processing system compatible with most smartphones and tablets in their stores.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has proposed increasing federal taxes on cigarettes, drawing criticism from tobacco companies and praise from anti-smoking groups.

As part of his proposed budget, Obama proposed raising the tax on cigarettes by 94 cents per pack, with similar increases on other tobacco products. The current tax is $1.01 per pack.

EWING, N.J. — OxiClean, a trademark of Church and Dwight, has launched a new 2-in-1 laundry booster designed to clean tough stains and help protect the intensity of colors.

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — World Care Products, a manufacturer and marketer of air care products, has teamed up with Church & Dwight as a licensee of the Arm & Hammer Brand for its new air care category.

New Arm & Hammer air care products are available in a variety of formats and fragrances to meet the consumers' needs. The Arm & Hammer branded products will include two different aerosol spray formats, solid gel cone, gel beads, two different scented candle formats, plug-in scented oil and decor scent gel refill, all available in five different scents.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — In recognition of National Park Week April 20 to 28, Reckitt Benckiser's Air Wick is launching a new line of air fresheners inspired by the essence of America's national parks. Proceeds will help benefit the National Parks Foundation.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Beginning today through Tuesday, April 30, Bi-Lo will host its fourth annual PAWS "Feed the Love" campaign. "Feed the Love" is a pet food drive in which food donations go to local area food banks for families in need to be able to provide food for the four-legged members of their families.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Same-store sales at Rite Aid decreased 2% in March, including a 3.8% increase in same-store sales on the front end and a 4.5% decrease in pharmacy sales due in part to new introductions of generic drugs, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The 4,621-store chain reported total sales for the month of $1.939 billion, a 2.5% decrease compared with $1.989 billion in March 2012, while same-store prescription count increased 0.3%.