General Merchandise

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.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is the latest in a line of retailers to put out a list of what it thinks will be the top toys of the holiday season. Many of Target's hottest toys, including FIJIT friends and the LeapFrog branded LeapPad, are also on toy lists for Toys"R"Us, Kmart and Walmart.

ARLINGTON, Va. — More than half of retail respondents to a survey conducted by the Retail Industry Leaders Association recently reported an increase in the frequency with which organized rings committed shoplifting, and 41% saw an increase in shoplifting by individuals acting alone. As many as 64% of respondents reported an increase in theft of pharmaceutical products, according to the 2011 Crime Trends and Leading Practices Survey released Thursday by RILA.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — While Toys"R"Us and Kmart were among the first retailers to release their hot toy lists, Walmart wasn't too far behind this year, offering many of the same toys as the aforementioned companies, and even some exclusives.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A hosiery brand has teamed up with a not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women.

L'eggs said that its new partnership with Dress for Success will be highlighted with a Facebook promotion, through which L'eggs will donate 12,000 pairs of legwear to Dress for Success through a virtual legwear drive.

PORT WASHINGTON — NPD has some good news for retailers worried about weak video game sales this holiday season, according to a survey of spending habits in second quarter 2011.

CHICAGO — Private-label share is slipping across several key drug store categories, according to SymphonyIRI Group’s latest Times & Trends report, “Private Label: Brand Positioning in the New World Order,” published Wednesday.