General Merchandise

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Shoppers that take advantage of Redbox rentals should expect to see a change in price.

Redbox's parent company Coinstar on Thursday said that the daily rate for standard DVD rentals will increase 20 cents to $1.20. Prices for Blu-ray format movie rentals and for video game rentals, however, will not change and continue to be $1.50 and $2, respectively.

NEW YORK — Two volumes of an animated series based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers has arrived on Disney DVD.

Walt Disney Studios has launched "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Vo1. 3: Iron Man Unleashed" and "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Vo1. 4: Thor's Last Stand" on DVD. In each episode, the Avengers defend Earth from such threats as dangerous super villains, time-travelling conquerors, alien invaders and mythical beasts.

ST. LOUIS — The maker of ZhuZhu Pets has introduced a new line of toys for this holiday season.

Cepia said Xia-Xia (pronounced "shah-shah") consists of four colorful, collectible hermit crabs that dance and play. The line also includes playsets and accessories, the company said.

NEW YORK — In an annual study that tracks the brand preferences of Americans ages 8 to 24 years, it looks like Apple takes the cake.

Among 5,077 U.S. consumers ages 8 to 24 years — which presented 121 brands to 8- to 12-year-olds and 167 brands among 13- to 24-year-olds — Harris Interactive found that Apple brands ranked highest among the categories of computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

KAUAI, Hawaii — MicroLite Tech has introduced new micro-sized lighting devices that provide hands-free illumination.

Pop-up MicroLites are compact and durable LED lights that feature an adhesive backing, allowing it to attach to almost any surface, including plastic, metal, wood, leather and cloth, the company said. The Pop-up MicroLite is the first in an entire line of hands-free micro-lighting products being developed by MicroLite Tech.

FREMONT, Neb. — Natura Pet Products has expanded its California Natural grain-free line.

California Natural grain free now includes two varieties of adult dog food: kangaroo and red lentils formula and salmon meal and peas formula. Both products contain novel proteins, in addition to essential vitamins and minerals to ensure canines have a complete and balanced diet, the company said.

The new formulas are available in 5-lb., 15-lb. and 30-lb. bags, and will hit retail next month.

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark set an all-time record high in net sales during its third quarter.

For the period ended Sept. 30, K-C said third-quarter net sales rose 8% to $5.4 billion. Diluted net income per share decreased, however, from $1.14 in third quarter 2010 to $1.09.

SEATTLE — Regional chain Bartell Drugs recently opened its "next generation" store format, a remodel of an existing store in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood. Developed in conjunction with Hartman Group, the store includes a "Fresh Beauty" cosmetics section with natural and organic product lines; a "Wellness Courtyard" for supplements, vitamins and healthy beverages; a "Sweets & Snacks" section with new displays and lighting; and an "Urban Market" the showcases unique and locally produced products.