General Merchandise

CLEVELAND — A greeting card company and a singer-songwriter are celebrating the first anniversary of their partnership with a new line that commemorates spring birthdays, friendship and love.

American Greetings said it is extending its partnership with Taylor Swift with the new Taylor Swift spring collection, which includes 28 designs and features a "handmade" format. In addition to these personal touches, there also are six new music cards featuring several of Taylor's hit songs, including "Love Story," and "You Belong With Me."

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — A new tomato planter that has gardening enthusiasts looking up now is available at retailers nationwide.

The Topsy Turvy upside-down tomato planter takes on the vertical gardening trend by saving space and time.

How it works: Plant the seedlings, hang the Topsy Turvy planter and water. The process helps avoid such typical gardening frustrations as fungus, harmful pests and labor-intensive garden maintenance, the company said.

Topsy Turvy also offers planters for strawberries, hot peppers and more.

NEW YORK — Rising gas prices will prompt consumers to be more mindful of their spending habits, according to Nielsen projections.

In the United States, Nielsen noted, households could be paying an extra $52.50 with a 50-cent increase in gas prices, $105 with a $1 increase and $210 if prices jump up $2, prompting consumers to tighten their wallets. This will mirror historic trends, which include increased trip compression, more value-conscious shopping alternatives and increased use of coupons, Nielsen said.

ATLANTA — The maker behind such brands as Goody and Sharpie has expanded its board of directors to 12 members.

Newell Rubbermaid said it elected Kevin Conroy, Univision Interactive Media president, to its board. Prior to his position at Univision, Conroy worked as AOL's EVP global products and marketing.

SHELTON, Conn. — Bic is expanding its Pro Series of lighters with new Mexican soccer designs.

The lighters are emblazoned with Chivas and Club America teams' logos and colors. The eight lighters are targeted to Mexican-American males ages 25 years and older, Bic said.

Lighters in the Bic Pro Series Mexican soccer series have a suggested retail price of $1.69 per lighter.

MONTREAL — A new documentary film released by Institut Rosell-Lallemand discusses the discovery of beneficial bacteria and the role they play in our bodies, as well as the latest research on their potential to improve our lives.

“Microwarriors: The Power of Probiotics,” is available on DVD for an introductory price of $9.99. The film highlights probiotics and their contribution to overall health and well-being, the company said. The film was produced by Health Point Productions, a Los Angeles-based company.

WASHINGTON — Atico International USA issued a voluntary recall of 57,000 holiday rattle baby slippers amid a choking hazard, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The CPSC reported that the soft shoes with built-in rattles were imported from China by Atico International USA of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and sold nationwide at Walgreens stores from October 2010 through January 2011 for about $5.

CLEVELAND — In an effort to reach consumers that celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, American Greetings has introduced a new collection of greeting cards.

This year's L'Chayim to Life! collection includes depictions of traditional symbols of the holiday, as well as more humorous takes on the practices that occur over the eight-day celebration, which will take place from sunset on April 18 through April 26.