General Merchandise


The supplier in the greeting card aisle may not be enough to capture consumer interest. While smaller, niche players make up less than 5% of category sales, according to one manufacturer, those companies can offer a point of differentiation to retailers that larger manufacturers can’t provide.


NEW YORK — The world's largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods is calling on brands to submit their newest products.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Racing fans at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina this past Saturday broke a Guinness World Record for most flashlights simultaneously lit.

PHILADELPHIA — Phosphate-free and biodegradable Dropps laundry detergent is getting greener. The premeasured, disposable pack detergent, made by Cot’n Wash, has partnered with TerraCycle to give consumers a zero-waste liquid laundry detergent option.


CALGARY, Canada — A new fitness DVD featuring Jari Love's "Get Ripped!" workout series has made its debut.

"Get Ripped! Revved to the Max" is an 80-minute fitness DVD that gives users the option to do two 30-minute workout segments of linked, fast-paced sets of compounded exercises or combine them into a 60-minute set.

"Get Ripped! Revved to the Max" is available on JariLove.com for $14.99.

RACINE, Wis. — An insect repellent brand has revamped its product line.

Off! introduced its latest innovation, Off! Deep Woods Dry, which offers comfortable protection in heavily wooded areas. The brand also introduced Off! Botanicals towelettes and lotions, which are made with a plant-based repellent that protects against mosquitoes, black flies, gnats and no-see-ums. What's more, the Off! brand has redesigned its Off! Clip-On mosquito repellent, which now is 25% smaller.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble's Charmin Sensitive was voted the best new bathroom tissue of 2011 in a study conducted by BrandSpark International and published in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine's third annual Best New Products Awards issue.

The third annual Best New Products Awards are part of the magazine's June issue. Charmin Sensitive will be featured among the 42 winning consumer products in the categories of health and beauty, food and household care.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble is taking its packaging for three of its laundry products to the past.

The company said that its Bounce, Downy and Tide brands will sport a retro look for a limited time, giving a nod to P&G's past advertising for the products.

Tide, Bounce and Downy vintage packages will be available at Target from May 22 through June 10. What's more, P&G will feature $1-off coupons for Tide and Bounce and 75-cent coupons for Downy in Sunday newspapers nationwide on May 29.