General Merchandise

The drug store channel isn’t maximizing its potential in the consumer electronics category. According to research by TWICE and the Stevenson Co., CE sales at Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS amounted to $111 billion last year, less than 1% of the chains’ combined revenue. At Walmart, electronics comprise about 7% of sales. TWICE’s research also revealed that CE sales at all three drug chains were down last year.

BETHEL, Conn. — A new lineup of Duracell power inverters and laptop power adapters has been introduced for a spring launch. This is the first line to market advanced USB 2.1 Amp charging ports across inverters and laptop adapters.

NEW YORK — Consumers always want more, whether it is a thinner, lighter iPad, a faster car or a muffin with more blueberries. The same is true in the world of coupons, where a stumbling national economy caused shoppers to demand more coupons from consumer packaged goods companies.

The core drug store shopper is a likely consumer of cell phone and computer accessories, according to research from the Consumer Electronics Association.

CEA research showed that while both men and women are likely to select a car charger as a desired accessory, women are more likely to choose extra batteries, hands-free kits and extra battery chargers. CEA research also revealed that women are more likely to purchase wireless mice and pads, zip drives and extra cables.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Hallmark has partnered with the U.S. Postal Service to make sending greeting cards hassle-free. New postage-paid greetings, which will range in price from $2.69 to $3.99, feature the U.S. Postal Service’s Intelligent Mail bar code on the front of the envelope. More than 200 varieties of everyday postage-paid greetings will be available.

NEW YORK — Gaiam on Wednesday said it released the latest fitness DVD developed by Shape magazine, starring Olympic gold medalist Summer Sanders.

"400-Calorie Fat Blast" includes three 15-minute workouts, which are interval training-based workouts that blend multiple toning techniques with a strong cardio component, Gaiam said.

NEW YORK — Gaiam on Tuesday said it would release "Trudie Styler's Weight Loss Yoga," the sixth DVD release starring Trudie Styler, an actress and environmental activist, and her personal celebrity trainer James D'Silva.

"Trudie Styler's Weight Loss Yoga" works to create a strong mind-body connection meant to help viewers become more aware of what they eat and how it feels to be full, Gaiam said. The DVD features the following exercises:

LOS ANGELES — The critically acclaimed film that captivated and horrified moviegoers this year is coming to Blu-ray and DVD from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.