General Merchandise

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods and beverage carbonation systems manufacturer SodaStream have formed a strategic partnership.

As part of the deal, SodaStream and Kraft Foods will manufacture, market, distribute and sell Kraft Foods branded flavors for use with the SodaStream soda making system. The initial Kraft Foods brands to participate will be several varieties of Crystal Light and Country Time, a lemonade brand.

Sales of household cleaning products have seen a decline over the last four years, according to a recent study by Mintel — a trend the market research company expected will continue until 2015.

Mintel attributed the dip in sales to consumers cleaning their homes on an as-needed basis and taking a more economy-focused approach to the category. Cleaning cloths/wipes, furniture polish and floor cleaners have had the best growth. Sales of green products slowed, but still show promise.

EL PASO, Texas — Helen of Troy has become the new owner of the Pur water purification products business, the company announced Tuesday.

The company previously announced its intent to acquire Pur Water Purification Products company — including the worldwide Pur trademark, its current and future product line, assets related to the operations of the Pur business, manufacturing equipment and more than 200 patents — from Procter & Gamble in December.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The latest "Transformers" film is making its debut in a four-disc set that includes Blu-ray and DVD formats.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has extended the Febreze brand with a new vent strip for the car. Febreze Car vent clip, available in five new scents, is designed specifically for the car to eliminate odors and keep air fresh for up 
to 30 days.


The Febreze Car vent clip easily attaches onto a vehicle’s air vent, and the product’s unique delivery system slowly releases scent day after day without becoming too overpowering. Suggested retail price on the new product is $2.99 for a single and $5.49 for a double pack.

DALLAS — Toilet paper brand Cottonelle has expanded its line of toilet paper roll covers with three new designs created by interior designer Jonathan Adler.

The three designs, which are part of Cottonelle's spring collection, feature a variety of color and patterns in an effort to change consumers' view on toilet paper.

NEW YORK — Everybody talks about “Health & Wellness” and “Product Innovation.” But what do those words actually mean to the consumer?

NEW YORK — Duane Reade continues to raise the bar and reshape how consumers shop consumables at drug stores with its revamped 24-hour location at 52nd Street and Broadway in New York.


To better reflect the needs of the neighborhood, which is brimming largely with tourists and business travelers, Duane Reade transformed the former 3,100-sq.-ft. Duane Reade Express store into a 20,000-sq.-ft. health, beauty and daily living destination.