General Merchandise

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In support of the health and well-being of its patients and customers, CVS Caremark announced on Wednesday that it will stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products at its more than 7,600 CVS/pharmacy stores across the United States by Oct. 1, making CVS/pharmacy the first national pharmacy chain to take this step. It also will undertake a robust national smoking-cessation program that will launch in the spring.

SHENZEN, China — Paick, a mobile digital device brand, on Monday announced the launch of Sleek, a thin, portable power bank. Sleek features a glossy smartphone shape with an attached micro USB/USB cable/handle to charge devices.

The 5-oz. Sleek is available in white gloss and features a UV-processed surface complete with anti-scratch technology. Other features of Sleek include:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Global Market Development Center on Monday released a new whitepaper, “Amazon in Focus: Overview,” which summarizes an analysis of Amazon’s business model, presented by Keith Anderson, VP and senior analyst at RetailNet Group, in a GMDC* Connect Videocast.

NEW YORK — Nielsen Holdings on Monday announced that it has completed the tender offer by Nielsen and its wholly owned subsidiary, Prime Acquisition Corp., to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Harris Interactive, a global market research firm. Nielsen expects to complete the acquisition of Harris through a merger under Delaware law. Upon the completion of the merger, Harris Interactive will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen and its shares will cease to be traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market.

RICHMOND, Va. — Altria Group on Monday announced that its subsidiary, Nu Mark, agreed to acquire e-vapor business Green Smoke and its affiliates for approximately $110 million in cash and up to $20 million in incentive payments.

DANIA BEACH, Fla. — Vapor Corp., a U.S.-based electronic cigarette company, will unveil a store-in-store "authorized dealer" retail concept at the Tobacco Plus Convenience Expo in Las Vegas, which is set to take place with the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2014.   

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Former Coca-Cola executive Scott Young has joined Hallmark Cards as VP strategic relationships and business development.

He succeeds longtime Hallmark VP Vince Burke, who retires Jan. 31 after more than 30 years with the company.

WILTON, Conn. — Sun Products, a provider of household care products, has announced new additions to the Snuggle laundry brand, which includes Snuggle Scent Boosters, All Free Clear liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets, and All Mighty Pacs OXI.