General Merchandise

Not a jetpack, but close
RFA Brands has launched Powerbag, a line of bags and backpacks with a built-in charging system for devices ranging from phones to tablets to music players.
Price: $139.99
MyPowerBag.com
 

Private-label penetration at CVS/pharmacy locations is expected to grow to more than 20% in the next two to three years, and to help drive that growth, the retailer has developed its new Just the Basics line of store-brand products.


Officially launched in February 2011, the brand represents a functional, value-
priced, smart-simplicity positioning. It is comprised of nearly 100 items, and there are plans to expand the line going forward.


OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox remains the dominant player in kiosk DVD rentals with an average of 55 million rentals monthly in second quarter 2011. The company, which built its market dominance on $1 rentals, is testing price increases in some markets. Redbox and Foursquare are partnering to allow consumers to use their smartphones to check availability and reserve titles at their nearest kiosk.


Competitor NDR is experimenting with DVD sales as well as rentals from its kiosks, and may expand the concept.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Energizer’s power-on-the-go products made their debut at the IFA Consumer Electronics Global Trade Show in Berlin last month.


The lineup includes the portable charger line’s new design; the SP1001 solar charger; the AP750, which adds extra talk time for almost any micro-USB smartphone; the AP1201 for the iPhone 4, a silicone rubber case with built-in rechargeable battery; and the XP2000K and XP1000K travel kits, which offer all-in-one portable power for the home, car and all points in between.


Americans are becoming greener, and eco-friendly products are es­pecially relevant in the greeting card aisle. Victoria Sutton, CEO of All in The Cards, said the company has doubled production of craft recycled products for holiday 2011.

Energizer has expanded its portfolio with its new line of Energizer Universal USB chargers and cables, as well as the addition of the Energizer Single Zone inductive charger to its line of Qi-enabled products launched last year.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Catalina Marketing announced on Monday that its board of directors has tapped Jamie Egasti, former CEO of the Folgers Coffee Co. and president of Procter & Gamble’s global snacks and coffee, to serve as CEO and member of the board.

Egasti succeeds Catalina co-founder George Off, who has served as interim CEO and a member of the board since May 2011.


WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Summer Infant announced that it has become a national partner of the March of Dimes.

The partnership will be showcased on the packaging of Summer Infant's SwaddleMe products and marketing outreach platforms, Summer Infant said. Additionally, the company also will be advocate safe sleep practices that support the removal of any loose or dangerous bedding from the crib.