General Merchandise

NEW YORK — Gaiam announced the release of Seane Corn's "Detox Flow Yoga" DVD.

The DVD stars Corn, a renowned yoga instructor, which introduces users to poses that improve circulation and digestion, build strength, and help lose weight, the company said. The DVD features two Vinyasa practices, along with a bonus downloadable practice, including a 30-minute Twist and Flow routine, a 60-minute Purify routine a 10-minute Core Energy bonus routine.



It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It’s that kind of Dickensian double-speak that personifies the tone of the holiday forecasts this year — forecasts that have really been all over the board.

Alkaline batteries are showing tepid growth, and experts expect sales to plunge as much as 3% as fierce competition among manufacturers continues to pressure pricing. More devices are using built-in rechargeable battery systems — another trend hurting primary battery sales.


Texting and social media have not killed the traditional greeting card business. “Facebook has caused most people to acknowledge more birthdays than ever before, but they aren’t sending fewer cards as a result,” said Susan January, president of the Greeting Card Association and VP of Leanin’ Tree Cards.

NEW YORK — A film based on a bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett will make its debut in Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, digital download and on-demand formats on Dec. 6.

"The Help," starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard, tells the story of women in the the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project.

"The Help" has been packaged as follows:

• 3-disc Blu-ray combo pack (Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy) for $44.99;

LOS ANGELES — A thriller starring Academy Award winners Rachel Weisz and Vanessa Redgrave is coming to Blu-ray and DVD from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

"The Whistleblower" tells the story of a United Nations peacekeeper (Weisz) in post-war Bosnia, who uncovers a deadly sex trafficking ring and seeks to expose the corruption. The Blu-ray and DVD formats both include such features as special cast and crew interviews.

"The Whistleblower" will debut on Blu-ray and DVD Jan. 24, 2012.

NEW YORK — While sales figures for pharmaceuticals are frequently reported on, drugs for people's four-legged friends also are a money maker.

According to Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, retail sales of pet medications — including sales through retail stores, online retailers and veterinarians — will reach $6.7 billion this year.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In an effort to help community pharmacies to effectively compete in the marketplace, the National Community Pharmacists Association has launched an initiative that is designed to help these retailers create better business opportunities for front-end merchandise.