General Merchandise

CHICAGO — SymphonyIRI Group on Thursday released a brand report highlighting what elements help drive brand selection and brand loyalty.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Pedigree is encouraging Walmart shoppers to help feed homeless dogs by scanning the QR code on any package of Pedigree sold at Walmart with their smartphone.

Every QR code scanned represents one bowl of Pedigree food for dogs, which the brand will donate to an animal shelter (up to 500,000 8-oz. bowls).

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.— Hanes is bringing comfortable socks to the masses with its latest line.

New Comfort Toe Seam socks do not bunch and are designed to reduce the bulk of conventional socks, resulting in a more comfortable fit.

CINCINNATI — Swiffer has updated its products with high-definition technology to offer a deeper clean.

“Swiffer is going beyond traditional methods to deliver a clean so extraordinary that the definition of clean as we know it has been elevated to the idea of ‘high definition,’” P&G's home care external relations manager Jeff Pierce said. “Consumers will be pleasantly surprised when they use our products and discover the new level of shine and clarity we’re providing.”

PARIS — The Consumer Goods Forum released the Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability, a global measurement system designed to help the consumer packaged goods industry to better assess the relative sustainability of packaging.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Facial tissue brand Scotties has launched the Laura Ashley Collection, an exclusive line that will be sold at Target this month.

Offering a new twist on home décor, Scotties has paired its facial tissue with Laura Ashley's signature prints. Scotties said it plans to expand its design portfolio in 2012, with plans for retail expansion across the United States.

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Velcro has introduced a new solution designed for securely hanging framed pictures, photos and posters.

Velcro said that its removable poster and picture hangers are designed to securely hang items without damaging the surface of the wall. Featuring pre-cut pieces and cut-to-length tape for quick application, Velcro's new removable poster and picture hangers are available in 0.25-lb., 1-lb. and 3-lb. sizes.

NEW YORK — Walt Disney Studios is slated to release three films on Blu-ray and the latest seasons of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" on DVD.

"The Tempest," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and the "Count of Monte Cristo" each will be released as a single-disc Blu-ray. "The Tempest" will carry a suggested retail price of $39.99, while "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and the "Count of Monte Cristo" will carry a suggested retail price of $26.50.