General Merchandise

BETHEL, Conn. — Duracell has unveiled new portable power lines that address the growing use of USB electronic devices.

Duracell's five new portable power inverters and two new laptop power adapters give on-the-go customers more efficient options to charge their devices. The inverters convert the 12-volt DC power from vehicle cigarette outlets into 120-volt AC and 5-Volt USB power, while the laptop adapters are designed to use 90% less energy than comparable adapters and work on all popular laptop models, the company said.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox, with the help of Orville Redenbacher's gourmet popping corn, is encouraging Facebook fans to go head-to-head with film critic Richard Roeper to predict this season's movie award winners.

CINCINNATI — The latest made-for-TV movie made for Walmart and Procter & Gamble's Family Movie Night initiative will premiere this weekend on Fox.

"Change of Plans," starring former "American Idol" contestant Brooke White, Joe Flanigan and Phylicia Rashad, will premiere on Jan. 8. The film, which is the fourth installment, builds on the companies' successful initiative that was launched this past year.

NEW YORK — A new fabric softener from Henkel is sure to revolutionize the laundry category.

Henkel has rolled out its Purex Complete crystals softener, which can be directly added to laundry at the beginning of every wash cycle. Unlike traditional oil-based softeners, this innovative product infuses fibers with long-lasting fragrance. The softener also is 100% safe to use on baby clothes and children’s sleepwear.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Mattel announced that it has appointed Bryan Stockton, Mattel’s president of international, to the new position of COO, effective immediately.

Stockton will report to Robert Eckert, Mattel chairman and CEO.

The company also announced that Neil Friedman, president of Mattel brands, will be leaving the company in March.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Elmer’s Products revamped its hardware line in November with the addition of two products that offer consumers enhanced strength and performance. Elmer’s believes that by concentrating on the performance of products, it can help reduce consumer confusion at the shelf by providing all-in-one formulas.


TORRANCE, Calif. — A writing instruments leader, in partnership with a nonprofit group, is commemorating National Handwriting Day with a unique promotion.

Pentel's "Heroes Worth Writing For" contest aims to educate the importance of a handwritten letter by encouraging Americans to express their appreciation to U.S. troops. Pentel partnered with Operation Gratitude, which annually sends more than 100,000 care packages addressed to individually named U.S. Service members.

FROSTBITE FALLS, Minn. — Classic Media and Bullwinkle Studios are bringing the complete series "Rocky & Bullwinkle & Friends" to DVD in a collectible-edition box set.