General Merchandise

CINCINNATI — Gain, a Proctor & Gamble brand, has introduced a new product to store shelves designed to prolong the fresh laundry scent of clothes for up to 12 weeks in storage.

NEW YORK — In spite of a court ruling striking down a ban on large-sized sugary drinks, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg has another health initiative in the works: a requirement that retailers hide tobacco products.

Bloomberg's legislation, which would make New York the first city to keep tobacco products out of the sight of customers, will go to the city council for consideration. The New York Times noted that Bloomberg skipped this procedure with the soft drink rule.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is stocking Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

The 4,623-store chain said items at its stores included chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, SweeTarts, Ducks & Bunnies, Cadbury Eggs and other candy brands, as well as baskets and other accessories.

In addition, the company is selling such gardening supplies as planters, figurines, bird feeders, wind chimes and outdoor fountains and lighting, including solar-powered devices.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. has purchased two online retailers of cooking equipment in a move designed to expand its cooking and kitchenware business, said the mass merchandise retailer, which has lately made major investments in multichannel retailing.

Target announced the purchase of Cooking.com and CHEFS Catalog, both of which will continue to operate under their current names as a single, wholly owned subsidiary of Target. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

WASHINGTON — The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is organizing more than 1,200 events across the country to promote smoking abstinence and cessation.

The group announced Friday the 18th annual Kick Butts Day, on March 20, in which young people will encourage peers to stay tobacco-free and educate their communities about the health effects of smoking. While youth smoking rates have gone down, 18.1% of high school students still smoke, the group said.

SAN FRANCISCO — A new technology will allow standard point-of-sale laser scanners to scan coupons, loyalty cards and gift cards on the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone without any changes to existing technology.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Black Diamond Stoneworks’ cleaning products will soon be seen on the shelves of Walmart across the country.

 NEW YORK — A new adventure from Thomas the Tank Engine and will be available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide April 9, 2013.

The new DVD, Thomas & Friends: Railway Mischief, features five brand new episodes and a bonus, collectible “Calling All Engines” poster. There are also bonus features including a hide and seek game, a music video and a "Guess Who?" puzzle. 

The DVD will be sold for a suggested retail price of $14.98.