General Merchandise

DSN profiled six companies that sell on their American-made heritage as part of its "Made in America" report.

GREEN TOYS
MILL VALLEY, Calif. — Green Toys makes a line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled, food-safe plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. The products not only help fuel the “Made in America” movement, the use of recycled materials helps distinguish the toy manufacturer by reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

NEW YORK — Consumers showed more confidence in October as a recovery in the housing market indicated a greater willingness to spend — especially among people who shop through multiple channels — but some headwinds remain, and the issues in Congress could threaten the gains, according to a new report by Deloitte.

The monthly Deloitte Consumer Spending Index rose significantly last month, to 4.02, from September's 3.54. The index measures tax burden, initial unemployment claims, wages and home prices.

CINCINATTI – Procter & Gamble's Mr. Clean brand on Friday announced that is has manufactured 1 billion Mr. Clean Magic Erasers since the product's launch in 2003.

"Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a remarkable product, and we are extremely proud to reach this landmark for the history of the brand," said Mr. Clean communications manager Michelle Lohman. "We are excited that in nine years, it has become a cleaning staple among our fans."

DENVER — Ibotta on Friday officially launched its free mobile application for iPhone users that gives consumers a new way to earn as much as $40 in cash each time they shop. With Ibotta, consumers earn cash rewards for answering a trivia question, watching videos and/or providing feedback on their favorite products, then buying the products in major national retailers, such as Walmart, Target and Walgreens.  

LONDON – The makers of Aquatina, the collapsible pocket drinks bottle, have launched its successor, Ohyo, the company announced on Thursday.

Ohyo, currently available from Ohyo.me, has a pop-out spout so the product can be used one-handed, making it suitable for children, commuters and gym users.

With more people working from home, the office products category continues to expand. For the past year, sales of office supplies were up 4%, according to NPD analyst Lora Morsovillo, driven by sales of writing implements, mailing and shipping supplies, and office essentials, including paper clips and 
rubber bands.


Morsovillo said the trend toward personalization is evident in the category, creating more demand for products like coordinated pens 
and folders.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar on Thursday announced it is expanding its holiday selection to include hundreds of toys and gifts retailing for $10 or less. 

"We know our customers look to Family Dollar to help them celebrate the holidays," stated Michael Bloom, Family Dollar president and COO. "This year, we are proud to offer an expanded selection of items to make this holiday season even more memorable and budget-friendly."

This holiday season will be both a splurge and save season for toys. Parents will splurge for one or two toys, but will round out their holiday shopping with less expensive items, according to Adrienne Appell, a spokesperson for the Toy Industry Association.