General Merchandise

CLEVELAND — American Greetings is introducing digital slideshow cards for Mother's Day.

The cards, which are available in both preloaded and customizable versions, feature full-color LCD displays, high-quality audio and multi-image slideshows set to music.

DALLAS — Cottonelle is bringing back its Get Fresh With a Friend program that allows consumers to get a free tub of the brand's flushable moist wipes and send one to a friend or family member.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — During the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting, Procter & Gamble is showcasing several of its health and beauty brands, such as Old Spice, Fusion, CoverGirl and Pantene, as well as its efforts to further partner with retailers to bolster sales via its health and beauty studios.

Women who visit the P&G Him/Her Studio are able to indulge in such services as hair and makeup touch-ups, and guys can take advantage of grooming services.

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. — MidWest is expanding its accessories lineup with a new way to keep gardens organized.

New MidWest Garden Markers are 10-in. high steel wire constructions with copper marker identification panels. The markers are available in packaged sets of six markers with a black waterproof marker pencil, letting garden enthusiasts easily identify what is growing in their garden and where.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hallmark is touting postage-paid greeting cards for Mother's Day.

The greeting card maker said it has developed 90 postage-paid greetings specifically for Mother's Day, ranging from $2.69 to $3.99.

Hallmark postage-paid greetings feature the U.S. Postal Service's Intelligent Mail bar code on the front of the envelope, the company said. When the cards are processed at a Postal Service facility, the bar code automatically indicates to the Postal Service that the postage is paid.

Hallmark cards are available in retailers nationwide.

RACINE, Wis. — Consumers looking for containers that are designed to store, heat and serve can look no further than Ziploc's latest innovation.

Ziploc VersaGlass products are designed to go from the fridge to the microwave or oven — at temperatures of up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit — and straight to the dinner table, the company said. The containers also are dishwasher-safe and available in six sizes, ranging from $4.19 to $8.99, or in a variety pack of three containers for $17.99.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Purina One has introduced a new line of pet food for dogs and cats that boasts meat as the No. 1 ingredient. Purina One Beyond is crafted without wheat or corn, added fillers or artificial preservatives. The line includes two adult dog recipes: chicken and whole oat meal, and lamb and whole barley. The line also features two adult cat recipes: salmon and whole brown rice, and chicken and whole oat meal. Purina One Beyond dog recipes are available in 3-lb., 15-lb. and 26-lb. packages. Purina One Beyond cat recipes are available in a 1-lb.

Drug retailers are doggedly pursuing the pet care category, with Rite Aid fetching its own piece of the $47.7 billion category, according to the 2009-2010 “National Pet Owners Survey” conducted by the American Pet Products Association.