General Merchandise

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — The Yankee Candle Company today announced the launch of its new Relaxing Rituals line. The company says each blend of three different essential oils creates a special fragrance combination designed to soothe the mind, body and soul and provide an easy, relaxing ritual that fits busy lifestyles.

The new line includes warmer oils, reed diffusers, votive candles and tumbler candles in four new scents.

SAN ANTONIO — Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree on Monday joined forces for the upcoming pre-school season to gather school supplies for military children across the country. Beginning Tuesday, supplies can be purchased by customers at the more than 4,000 Dollar Tree and Deal$ stores nationwide and placed in collection boxes in each store. 

The Back to School Brigade program is a nationwide campaign by Operation Homefront and Dollar Tree, now in its sixth season. Last year, Dollar Tree patrons donated more than $3 million of supplies nationwide.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Royal Ahold's U.S. division has appointed Juan De Paoli to head the division's brand management and private-label development, the company said.

Ahold USA announced that it had hired De Paoli as SVP brand management and own brands, effective Monday. Ahold USA runs the Stop & Shop, Giant Food of Landover, Md., and Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa., chains, as well as the Peapod online grocery service.

CHICAGO — Less than a year after it unveiled its "virtual grocery store" concept at commuter rail stations in Chicago and the Northeast, online grocer Peapod is taking the idea on the road in a new promotional campaign.

OMAHA, Neb. — To address pet behavior issues, Sergeant's Pet Care Products has created a new product called Vetscription PetStop! behavior correction spray for dogs and cats that is available now at Walmart stores nationwide.

NEENAH, Wis. — GoodNites, a Kimberly-Clark brand, is helping bed-wetting kids feel confident overnight with a new design that fits more like real underwear.

DEERFIELD, Ill — Walgreens today announced its app is available for download on mobile phone devices across the Windows Phone 8 platform. A Windows 8 version for desktops and tablets is expected to become available at a later date.

Additionally, the company will soon release its QuickPrints API designed for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — Kidz Gear announced today that it has been named a 2013 National Parenting Publications Award (NAPPA) Gold winner, recognized for its KidzControl Volume Limit Headphones.

Kidz Gear headphones feature the proprietary KidzControl volume limit technology. The technology works by “limiting” the volume to approximately 80% of the maximum volume output capable from audio devices in the market today.