Financial News

Sales of craft kits and art supplies “remain strong with a slight uptick,” according to Adrienne Appell, a spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association. This segment of the toy category was up 7% in 2010 over 2009, according to the NPD Group, and is expected to perform well in 2011.

Some big winners for the holiday season were Spin Master’s Bizu, Crayola’s Glow Book and Fashion Angels’ “Project Runway” fashion design sketch portfolio. All retail for less than $20.

Having flawless-looking skin is not only a result of high-performing facial makeup that delivers exceptional coverage; it also really starts with clear, healthy skin. That’s why it comes as no surprise that sales of facial cleansers and acne treatments are still on the rise.

According to data from SymphonyIRI Group, sales of facial cleansers rose about 4%, as sales of acne treatments rose 3.4% at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) during the 12 weeks ended Nov. 27.

Portable power is the growth area of the battery category. While sales of alkaline batteries remain challenged, rechargeable batteries and chargers are becoming a bigger part of the category.

“This year, we expect overall revenue for primary alkaline batteries to decline about 3% as fierce competition among manufacturers continues to pressure pricing for round cells,” said Tim Doyle, a Consumer Electronics Association spokesman.

CHICAGO — A biscotti maker now owns a Canada-based cookie brand.

Nonni's Foods said it has acquired the ThinAddictives brand from V.I.S., which is known for its nameksake almond thins, along with its state-of-the-art baking facility in Ville St-Laurent, Quebec. The ThinAddictives brand includes cranberry almond, pistachio almond and chocolate almond flavors.

STAMFORD, Conn. — In an effort to help chronically ill Americans that rely on safety net clinics for their medical care, AstraZeneca has donated $3.8 million worth of prescription medicines to AmeriCares.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals has acquired the Australia and Southeast Asia generic pharmaceutical business of Strides Arcolab for $392.4 million in cash.

New products and innovation helped drive sales of depilatories. According to SymphonyIRI Group, sales of depilatories rose more than 15% to $23.4 million for the most recent 12 weeks ended Nov. 27 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).


Olay recently entered the segment with its new Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo, a two-step system to remove unwanted facial hair. Earlier in 2011, Veet launched its Ready-to-Use Hair Removal Wax Strips For Face & Body and also reformulated its Veet Fast Acting creams for normal and sensitive skin.

AMSTERDAM — Ahold experienced several bright spots during its fourth quarter and full year, the Dutch supermarket company said.

Fourth-quarter net sales totaled $9.4 billion, a 4.5% increase above the year-ago period, while net sales for the year increased by 2.5% to $39.1 billion.