General Merchandise

LAS VEGAS — An iPhone and iPad waterproofing solution that offers antimicrobial product protection has hit the market.

Seal Shields are form-fitting, polyurethane covers that make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, washable and disinfectable, according to the product's manufacturer. The product, which is completely invisible and preserves the original Apple design, contains an antimicrobial fungistatic agent that protects the product by inhibiting the growth of microbial bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi on the products' surfaces.

AVENEL, N.J. — Mizco International has introduced iEssentials’ RoboBuds T earbud headphones for children, featuring a built-in volume control to protect children’s hearing. The new line of earbuds includes five colorful “robot’’ character designs — Phantom, Streke, Electrika, PowerBot and CrimsonRobo. The earbuds are designed with a volume limiting output of 85 decibels. The line was created to provide kids of all ages with a high-performance audio accessory that is safe to use and fun to collect. The earbuds retail for $9.99.

Experts said that despite competition from electronic cards and rising postal fees, there still is a future for the paper greeting card category. Sean O’Malley, an analyst for Wedge Capital, estimated the industry saw 1% unit volume growth last year. He estimated 2011 greeting card sales were $2.5 billion to $3 billion. Nearly 80% of category sales are driven by women ages 30 to 50 years whose “habits die hard,” according to O’Malley. Premium cards and value cards are performing best.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Glade has introduced its Expressions collection, which features two new designs: the fragrance mist, a refillable home fragrance spray; and an oil diffuser, a nonelectric diffuser that can disperse fragrances for up to 30 days. The four available fragrances include cotton and Italian mandarin; pineapple and mangosteen; fuji apple and cardamom spice; and lavendar and juniper berry. Glade Expressions fragrance mist is available for $4.49; refills are available for $3.49 each.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Arm & Hammer has introduced a new type of cat litter that's aimed at busy cat owners who don't have time to clean the litter box every day.

New Ultra Last clumping cat litter contains Arm & Hammer baking soda-coated granules and special odor neutralizers that continuously eliminate even the worst litter box odors, the company said. It also creates rock solid clumps that give way for easy removal of the source of odors and the moisture activated fresh scent deodorizes the litter every time the cat uses the litter box.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Paramount Home Media Distribution is bringing a Golden Globe-nominated animated adventure to Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD.

MONTREAL and NEW YORK — Mega Brands has introduced a new Mega Bloks line for boys.

The Mega Bloks Halo Universe "Metal Series" collector's line features small scale replica figurines and vehicles inspired by the Mega Bloks Halo construction line, and is designed for boys ages 8 years and older.

NEW YORK — Little Tikes has introduced TikeStix, a line of indoor and outdoor building sets for kids.

The company said the line is for children ages 4 years and older and includes 30 to 50 sturdy interlocking pieces that fit little hands, fabric and clips.

The following Little Tikes TikeStix products now are on store shelves nationwide: TikeStix Playhouse: 50 pieces ($49.99); TikeStix Clubhouse: 50 pieces ($49.99); TikeStix Rocket: 30 pieces ($29.99); TikeStix Doghouse: 30 pieces ($29.99).