General Merchandise

Housewares have moved beyond the Christmas selling season at drug stores. The products are becoming a year-round category for the channel as drug chains find ways to tie in kitchen items, tabletop accessories and appliances to key selling seasons.

ATLANTA — Case-Mate has released a portfolio of cases for the new Apple iPhone 5.

MEMPHIS — Fred's on Friday launched a holiday layaway plan featuring no fees and a down payment of only $1.

"Fred’s realizes that the current economy presents difficult challenges to its customers and Fred's wants to offer as much assistance as it can," Fred's SVP sales and marketing Dave Mueller said. "That’s why we came up with a layaway plan that — with just one dollar down and absolutely no fees — is unlike any others and will stretch shoppers’ dollars during a time when it will be most welcome."

BETHEL, Conn. — Duracell has tapped National Football League All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis for the brand's Trust Your Power program, which aims to encourage fans to follow their dreams.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced its Top 20 Toy List for the upcoming holidays and said the items now are available at Walmart stores in time for the retailer's layaway program, which launches this Sunday.

In a social media tie-in, customers who "like" their local Walmart store's Facebook page can begin using the service immediately.

ATLANTA — Rubbermaid has extended its portfolio to include bathroom scrubbers and the Clean and Dry plunger.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — An expanded offering of private-label pet care products will come soon to retailers' shelves, following the acquisition of Sergeant's Pet Care Products by Perrigo, the leading global provider of store-brand health and personal care items.

Perrigo said it signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Sergeant's, a privately held Omaha-based company, for $285 million in an all cash deal that enables Perrigo to enter the $8 billion pet care market.

RACINE, Wis. — SC Johnson is combining two of its brands for a new line of cleaning products.

Scrubbing Bubbles and Fantastik have come together to create the following items:

• Scrubbing Bubbles total kitchen foaming all-purpose cleaner with Fantastik: A light foam, it is specially formulated for your kitchen to cut through grease and grime, leaving a brilliant shine and fresh citrus scent;