General Merchandise

WAUKESHA, Wis. — On Jan. 23, 2014 Hamacher Resource Group will offer its most popular workshop, "How to Grow Sales Within Independent Pharmacy," at its headquarters in Waukesha, Wis., the company announced Wednesday. 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Mass merchandiser Kmart is planning to roll out lease-to-own financing at stores around the country this holiday season, the Sears Holdings-owned chain said Wednesday.

NEW YORK — Hallmark Cards will lay off up to 250 people and drop its party wares line as sales for the category decline, according to published reports.

The Kansas City Star reported that the layoffs equalled more than 7% of the company's 3,200 jobs in the Kansas City, Mo., area, out of about 12,000 employees worldwide.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — To celebrate the service and commitment of the nation’s military, Walgreens on Monday announced it is offering a Veterans Day discount to all veterans and active duty military personnel. 

On Monday, Nov. 11, customers with a valid military ID or proof of service will receive 15% off eligible store items and 20% off Walgreens, Nice! and W brand products at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drug store nationwide.

CHICAGO — Underwhelming fall sales and continued economic and federal budgetary concerns have U.S. retailers in a “wait and see” mode this holiday season, according to a recent BDO USA survey released Monday. 

PLANO, Texas — Crossmark on Monday announced the acquisition of the assets of PromoWorks, an insights-driven shopper marketing solutions firm. PromoWorks will be led by industry veteran Julie Beck. Prior to joining PromoWorks in 2011, Beck held a variety of leadership positions at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft and the Partnering Group.

NEWARK, Calif. — Logitech has introduced a line of accessories for Apple's new iPad Air, the electronics maker said.

The line includes the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, the Ultrathin Keyboard Folio and the Folio Protective Case, all designed to protect against bumps, scratches and spills while remaining thin and light.

LOS ANGELES — Albertsons has placed an order for what is being called the "first true food bar" for dogs.

All American Pet Co. said Friday it received an order from the grocer for NutraBars, which are designed to be high in protein and low in fat, and are made in the United States.

The company said it also was expecting an order for Chewies Dog Treats, which are all-natural and made with peanuts, cheese and bacon. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 1,119 stores under 12 banners in 29 states.