General Merchandise

NOVI, Mich. — The Chain Drug Marketing Association recently announced that the debut of its “Make More Money Table Top Show” will take place in Philadelphia from Sept. 23 to 24. The show will provide CDMA-member regional drug chains, regional drug wholesalers and independent pharmacies an opportunity to preview table-top displays of CDMA's hot items, with items from various categories, including seasonal, health-and-beauty and soft goods, among others. 

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug is marking the back-to-school season with a school supply donation campaign through the Kerr Cares for Kids Foundation, the regional retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

On Thursday, each Kerr store set up a bin to collect donations of new school supplies, ranging from paper and pens to notebooks and backpacks. Supplies will be collected until Sept. 15 and will be donated to local charities.

CHICAGO — Despite gas prices being more than 30% higher than last year, cross-channel shopping is alive and well in the consumer packaged goods industry, according to a SymphonyIRI Group report released Thursday.

NEW YORK — Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is bringing two animated films to DVD and Blu-ray formats this month.

"Mars Needs Moms" and "The Fox and the Hound 30th Anniversary 2-Movie Collection" will be available Aug. 9 at retailers nationwide.

Mars Needs Moms" in the following formats:

• 4-disc Blu-ray combo pack (Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray 2D, DVD and digital copy) for the suggested retail price of $49.99;

• Two-disc Blu-ray combo pack (Blu-ray 2D + DVD) for $39.99;

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Sharpie is "highlighting" its writing tools lineup with its latest back-to-school item.

Sharpie said its new gel highlighter is resistant to smearing, making it perfect for use on all types of paper, and ideal for highlighting, writing, doodling and drawing.

The Sharpie gel highlighter is available in orange, yellow, pink, blue and green, for a suggested retail price of $4.40 for a 2-pack marker set, $6.59 for a 3-pack marker set and $8.79 for a 4-pack marker set.

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs' is partnering with manufacturers in its eighth annual school supply donation drive, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

Bartell, which operates 58 stores in Washington state's Puget Sound region — the metropolitan area around Seattle — said it would collect donated school supplies at all of its stores from Friday through Aug. 28. The chain is partnering with suppliers Mead, Avery and Bic to support the drive.

NEW YORK — Pacific Northwest retailer Bartell Drugs recently used social networking to attract attention to its photo department, according to published reports.

Online news site GeekWire reported that Bartell sponsored a "Free Print Weekend" promotion last week in which people who "liked" the Seattle-based chain's Facebook page received up to 20 free photo prints from its Kodak picture kiosks. Bartell operates 58 stores in the Puget Sound region, the metropolitan area around Seattle.

RACINE, Wis. — Global advertising agencies BBDO and Ogilvy & Mather have been selected to serve the marketing needs of SC Johnson, the company announced Friday.

SC Johnson said that BBDO will support the company's pest control and home storage divisions, while Ogilvy & Mather will support SC Johnson's home fragrance and home cleaning divisions.

Prior to the announcement, advertising agency network Draftfcb served the global marketing needs of SC Johnson.