General Merchandise

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.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens announced a series of changes in its merchandising division following a realignment of the group, aimed at “better integrat[ing] with and accelerat[ing] our strategy to become America’s first choice for health and daily living,” Walgreens president of daily living products and solutions Joe Magnacca said late Friday in a statement to Drug Store News.

As a result, Walgreens’ three general merchandise managers and areas of responsibility are:

LOS ANGELES — A new DVD designed to help workout enthusiasts, athletes or rehab patients improve their knee health and prevent injury has entered the market.

"Quickfix Rx: KneeHab" is part of the "Yoga Tune Up" library of fitness DVDs, starring fitness professional Jill Miller. In the DVD, which is divided into four sections, Miller demonstrates moves that open up new ranges of motion and recondition knees.

"Quickfix Rx: KneeHab" is 65 minutes long and carries a suggested retail price of $19.95.

CHICAGO — As many as 71% of consumers earning less than $100,000 per year are planning to trim back their spending this holiday season, according to new research, “Holiday Shopping 2011,” released Tuesday by SymphonyIRI Group.

Candles become a key general merchandise category later in the year — 35% of candle sales in the United States occur during the fourth quarter. Fall decorating, Thanksgiving and holiday gift-giving drive sales, according to a representative from the National Candle Association.

Holiday candle sales have been strong even in a tight economy, since they are a relatively inexpensive indulgence. Traditional cinnamon, berry and evergreen are key scents for the holidays; vanilla is most popular year-round.