General Merchandise

Consumers may be cutting their budgets, but when it comes to toys, there’s always room for a little splurge. Parents are more likely to cave when the toy offers educational value or is a classic.

Traditional toys are a mainstay of the category—particularly in the drug channel, where price points in the toy aisle rarely top $10. “Evergreen, classic games continue to be popular,” said Adrienne Appell, a spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association. “They are affordable and have appeal across generations, particularly around the holidays.”

CLEVELAND Jokers will be sure to embrace the latest laugh-out-loud card line from American Greetings.

The greeting card company announced its first-ever whoopee-cushion greeting card line, called "It's a Gas!" Each card in the collection is an actual whoopee cushion that can be signed and sent in an accompanying envelope.

WASHINGTON The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday unveiled a new comprehensive tobacco control strategy that includes proposed new bolder health warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements. Once final, these health warnings on cigarettes and in cigarette advertisements will be the most significant change in more than 25 years.

LOS ANGELES The first season of TV Land's "hot" sitcom, starring Betty White, will be available as a two-disc DVD set on Jan. 11.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. Kodak was the recipient of two awards for its Playsport video camera and Pulse digital frame from the International Consumer Electronics Association.

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. Household paper goods manufacturer Marcal has appointed a new CEO.

Fred Smagorinsky joins Marcal from Schofield Stone, a privately held quarrier, fabricator, wholesaler and retailer of natural stone products, where he served as CEO. Smagorinsky also served as an executive at Sealed Air Corp., a global food and specialty packaging leader. "I'm joining a talented team at an exciting time, with consumer awareness of recycled paper goods and their environmental benefits growing rapidly," Smagorinsky said.

BETHEL, Conn. Duracell has expanded its Smart Power portfolio with a new charger that keeps devices connected without the hassle of searching for an outlet.

Duracell's myGrid USB charger is compatible with virtually anything that can be connected with a USB cable. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel and convenient to have on hand as an everyday accessory for reliable extra power, Duracell said.

WILTON, Conn. Clear Conscience Pet has developed a new line of pet treats that include natural roasted bison liver and bison cartilage chews.

The treats are grain-free and gluten-free, with no chemical preservatives or additives, as well as no added growth hormones, steroids or antibiotics. The liver treats are made with a patent-pending process that combines organic vegetables with these healthy meats, the company said.