General Merchandise

CHICAGO — SymphonyIRI Group on Thursday identified the executives sitting on its new board of directors, including the naming of Lawrence Benjamin as chairman.

A 25-year veteran, Benjamin most recently held several executive positions at Royal Ahold, including CEO of U.S. foodservice, COO of Ahold's U.S. retail businesses, EVP and a seat on the company's global board. Previously, he was CEO for NutraSweet and president of the frozen meals division of Kraft. Benjamin currently is a senior adviser at New Mountain Capital.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After weeks of speculation, Kodak and its U.S. subsidiaries officially filed voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 business reorganization.

NEW YORK — A wide range of factors and "moving parts" will likely make 2012 a challenging year for pharmacy retailers as the economy, generic drugs and the dispute between Walgreens and Express Scripts figure prominently, analysts say.

Still, they say, various factors may serve to benefit drug stores and other retailers that operate pharmacies.

SOLON, Ohio — An analysis conducted by ECRM of retailers’ ad circulars during 2011 showed some familiar names dominated the list of top promoted brands and revealed some interesting movements among others.

The ECRM report showed use of circular print ads grew by 5.5% in 2011 despite increased activity overall in the areas of online, mobile and social.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Zak Designs has created drinkware items for on-the-go toddlers that feature a valve that controls liquid flow.

Zak said its Toddler Go cups feature the patent-pending FloControl valve, designed to cater to children as they age and require a more flowing drinking spout. Additionally, the cups are spill proof, dishwasher safe and BPA free.

Toddler Go cups will be available in Disney designs, including "Cars" and "Disney Princesses."

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After announcing patent infringement suits against Apple and HTC related to its digital imaging technology, Kodak also announced it filed a similar lawsuit against Fujifilm.

Kodak said the complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York and was related to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,493,335; 6,292,218; 6,573,927; 6,441,854; and 5,164,831.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Mark Feldstein and Associates has introduced a new line of holiday clocks that feature images captured by animal photographer Keith Kimberlin.

The Keith Kimberlin puppy and kitty Christmas carol clocks are 8-in. clock dials that feature puppy and kitten images and 12 traditional carols, one played at the top of each hour.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Global Market Development Center on Tuesday announced that it is expanding its “365 Days of Value” program through its advisory boards to support members throughout the year.