General Merchandise

Hush Baby won the ECRM/Drug Store News Buyers Choice Award for its sound-absorbing Hush Hat during ECRM’s Baby and Infant EPPS, held recently in Orlando. Attitude was a finalist for its biodegradable baby wipes.

The two companies were selected from dozens of entries in the award program, samples of which were displayed in the ECRM hospitality area during the EPPS meetings. Buyers cast their votes based on product innovation and packaging.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — As part of its Clean Honest Ingredients label initiative, Hy-Vee plans to eliminate more than 200 artificial ingredients or synthetic chemicals in 1,000 Hy-Vee label products by July 2018.

WAUKESHA, Wis. —Hamacher Resource Group is getting into the e-book game with the release of  “The Most Important 20 Minutes of Your Year, Buyer Presentations: A Guide for CPG Manufacturers.” The book provides an overview of what presenters should consider when getting their buyer presentations ready.

SAN FRANCISCO — Method will be debuting a limited-edition product collection that showcases the work of artists from Creative Growth, an Oakland, Calif.-based nonprofit art center serving adults with disabilities.

The collection features work from four artists paired with four new fragrances inspired by their work — palm garden, jasmine lily, cedar spice and vanilla sky — and will be available exclusively at Target through the end of the year.

WILTON, Conn. — Natural pet food maker Blue Buffalo — which has heretofore been only available at specialty pet retailers — is bringing its Blue Life Protection Formula line of products to mass and grocery stores.

In a letter filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that was sent to existing retail partners, Blue Buffalo SVP North America sales Modestino “Dino” Mele said the company has begun shipments to Target, Kroger, Meijer and Publix, and expects it to be available in August.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble on Tuesday unveiled its latest effort to ensure consumer safety, launching its Child-Guard child-resistant tub closure on two of its products. The Child-Guard tubs are now launching on its Tide PODS and Gain Flings tubs in an effort to reduce accidents related to its liquid laundry packs, the company said. The lids require individuals to squeeze both sides of the lid and twist at the same time to open.

SAN DIEGO — Acenda announced Wednesday that it has integrated with Walmart.com's global marketplace, connecting Acenda store owners and third-party sellers with Walmart's significant customer base.  Acenda now helps retailers and brands optimize their product listings across major marketplaces including Walmart, Amazon, Google and eBay as well as leading retailers.