General Merchandise

LOS ANGELES — The All American Pet Co. said its new line of nutrition bars for dogs is on its way to Walmart.

The company said Thursday that its three SKUs of NutraBars were on their way to "the world's largest retailer" for its first purchase order, though it didn't mention Walmart by name.

"We can get the retailer, but we can't write the retailer's purchase order," AAPT CEO Barry Schwartz said. "We created the bar and have the capabilities to meet the demand."

LOS ANGELES — Consumers expect to spend slightly more on Valentine's Day merchandise this year than last year, according to a report by market research firm IBISWorld.

The report forecasts spending of $134.08 per person, compared with last year's $133.99. Total revenue for the holiday is expected to grow by 3.2%, to $20.8 billion, despite incomes and consumer sentiments remaining below what they were before the recession.

Walmart recently announced that it would source $50 billion of the products sold in its stores in the United States over the next 10 years, according to a report in USA Today.

MINNEAPOLIS — Pampers, part of Procter & Gamble, is expanding its line of Swaddlers diapers, the company announced this week. Previously available only up to size 3, the company will now offer sizes 4 and 5 at Target stores nationwide. From Jan. 27 through Feb. 2, Target guests will receive a free $20 Target gift card with an in-store purchase of two Pampers Swaddlers, Cruisers or Baby Dry economy packs.

CHICAGO — One-in-5 consumers between the ages of 35 years and 54 years are choosing products due to a loyalty card discount, SymphonyIRI Group reported Wednesday as part of its fourth quarter 2012 MarketPulse survey. And almost one-third are forsaking their preferred brands due to a sale price. The survey found that shopper sentiment dropped to its lowest point since Q3 2011.

DALLAS — In the height of the one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, Kleenex is hand-delivering care packs to unsuspecting fans all across North America. Three fans will receive what could be the surprise of a lifetime.

CHICAGO — Growth in 2013 will be slow-going in the first half of 2013 but will pick up at the end, suggested James Russo, SVP global consumer insights for Nielsen, during a webinar Wednesday afternoon. "The consumer remains in maintenance mode," he said. "Consumers are being pragmatic in their spending. Uncertainty dominates."

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — The Yankee Candle Co. has introduced a new line of scented candles for spring, the company said Tuesday.

Yankee announced the launch of five new Yankee Candle fragrances and six new fragrances in its Pure Radiance line, with beach and exotic fruit scents to remind people of vacations in tropical places. The candles will be available at more than 564 Yankee Candle stores, yankeecandle.com and various specialty retailers and gift shops.