General Merchandise

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eastman Kodak on Friday announced the renewal of its agreement with Ohio-based Discount Drug Mart to be the drug chain’s exclusive supplier of photo finishing technology, products and services.

Kodak will continue to support Discount Drug Mart’s fleet of Kodak Picture Kiosks and Kodak Adaptive Picture Exchange thermal dry labs.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has launched a new photo website that it said would make ordering prints, photo books, calendars and photo gifts easier, the retail pharmacy chain said Wednesday.

The company said items ordered through the website, Mywayphotos.riteaid.com, can be mailed to any address or picked up at any Rite Aid store.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — A beverage can supplier has introduced a new can in the North America market.

Ball said its 568-mL can (which is about 19.2 oz.) is 100% recyclable and is ideal for energy drinks, teas, alcoholic beverages and other premium products. The can touts a unique size, having the approximate height of a 24-oz. can and the diameter of a 16-oz. can.

With this introduction, Ball now offers more than 20 can sizes worldwide.

ODENTON, Md. — M-Edge Accessories recently debuted new iPad 2 accessories that show off the devices in military style.

The military-inspired lineup includes the trench runner series and the recon jacket. The trench runner series of products, which includes a messenger bag, jacket and sleeve, are vintage military style accessories in weathered cotton canvas, while the recon jacket is a ruggedized case designed for the outdoor adventurer, M-Edge Accessories said.

ST. LOUIS — Energizer announced that its VP and general counsel will retire.

The company said Gayle Stratmann, who was named VP and general counsel in March 2003, will leave her post in the first half of 2012.

"Gayle has done an outstanding job as our general counsel," Energizer CEO Ward Klein said. "Her wisdom, deep understanding of the business and strategic counsel has served management and the shareholders well. We wish Gayle the very best in her retirement."

The fourth quarter is always the busiest season for As Seen on TV products. Products in the $9.99 to $19.99 range are expected to generate the most movement in the drug channel.

Jordan Pine, president of SciMark Corp. anticipated solid sales in comfort products (Ahh Bra, Miracle Socks), restoration products (Furniture Fix repair system, Flex Seal liquid rubber) and trend products (Snap-On Feathers).

DALLAS — Diaper brand Huggies announced it is the founding sponsor of a national nonprofit dedicated to helping raise awareness of diaper need, build capacity of diaper banks and close the diaper gap in America.

October sure was a busy month for news in the drug channel. It began in earnest on Oct. 1, the day CVS’ new president officially began his new job. Before the month was over, CVS’ chief merchant left to become president of Family Dollar, and his responsibilities would be carved up between three key executives.