General Merchandise

MONACO — Del Monte is partnering with SodaStream International to produce a series of new flavors for the carbonation machine maker, the two companies said Tuesday.

The portfolio of Del Monte-branded syrups include tropical, Caribbean and orange flavors.

"Del Monte is excited to partner with SodaStream as we enter the category of homemade sparkling drinks," Del Monte EA VP food operations Frans Van Melis said. "We are delighted that our consumers will be able to experience our high-quality brand in a fun, new, innovative way."

BREA, Calif. — Electronic cigarette manufacturer Rejuve is selling its products through Famima!!'s nine stores in southern California, the company said Tuesday.

Rejuve, whose products include electronic cigarettes, hookahs and vaping liquids, said its newest vaping liquid flavor, Brazilian Watermelon, would make its debut in Famima!! stores and is offered at 12-mg and 18-mg nicotine dosages. Other flavors include Classic Tobacco, Menthol, Italian Coffee and French Vanilla.

SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B has opted to buck the trend of retailers opening their doors to Black Friday deals as early as Thanksgiving Day, the company announced Friday. 

’Tis the season for toy and electronics gifts. It’s no coincidence that it’s also the biggest time of the year for battery sales. Ramping up displays can help retailers optimize the season.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)

MIDDLETON, Wis. — Spectrum Brands Holdings’ Rayovac battery division recently launched a new line of portable charging products, including the Rayovac 2-Hour Power mobile charging device, which provides instant power to Apple and Micro USB mobile devices. Other new products are the 7-Hour Back-Up Power Pack, the Phone Boost Keychain Charger and portable USB Car & Wall Chargers.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Energizer has made improvements to its Ultimate Lithium and Energizer Recharge AA and AAA batteries. Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries now hold power for up to 20 years when not in use. Energizer says that no other AA or AAA battery holds power longer, making Ultimate Lithium ideal for high-drain devices. Energizer Recharge AA batteries have also been infused with extended-life additives for a battery life of up to five years.

CHICAGO — Target will play host to a new series of educational events sponsored by Bump Club and Beyond, an event company focused on educating mothers and expectant mothers.

NEW YORK — According to a Credit Suisse analysis of the drug channel published Wednesday, drug stores are in for a challenging winter across the front-end with an embattled consumer continuing to hold back and the continued proliferation of dollar stores that are attracting value-driven trips to their channel.