General Merchandise

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.

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.


OAKLAND, Calif. — Clorox announced that EVP and CFO Dan Heinrich, who has served as financial chief of the company since 2003, will retire Nov. 16.

In addition to his current role leading all aspects of the finance, business development and investor relations functions and corporate administrative services, during his career with Clorox, Heinrich also oversaw the corporate communications, risk management and IT functions. Heinrich, who joined the company in 2001 and controller, also is a member of the company's executive committee.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Reckitt Benckiser has achieved 75% of its target goal for the company's Carbon 20 program, RB said in its sustainability report.

The Carbon 20 program, which was launched in 2007, is an initiative set by RB to reduce its own carbon footprint by 20% by 2020.

Additionally, RB also said in the report that all of its household products now tout 100% non-PVC packaging. This includes such brands as Finish, Vanish, Lysol, Harpic and Air Wick.

CVS Caremark may be highly focused on driving medication adherence, curbing rising healthcare costs and improving the health outcomes of its patients, but there’s no doubt that its retail segment remains a critical part of its business, as evidenced by the innovative initiatives playing out at the front end.


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.

ST. LOUIS — Energizer has introduced new ways to light up one's home.

The company said its Energizer Glas flameless candles offer a warm glow and natural flicker, combining a candle and holder into one decorative light, the company said. The classically-designed lights feature a clear, acrylic round shade and a black matte base, as well as a four-hour automatic timer.