General Merchandise

WAYNE, N.J. — A new product makes gripping such things as eating utensils, pens and toothbrushes easier for people with arthritis.

Maddak announced the availability of the Universal Built-Up Handle, designed as a "do-it-yourself" product to enlarge the gripping surfaces of common household items.

ODENTON, Md. — M-Edge — a leading designer of tablet, smartphone and e-reader accessories — on Tuesday launched an expanded line of cases for iPhone 5. The new cases are now available at MEdgeStore.com, as well as at nationwide retailers, including Best Buy, Target and Staples.

PURCHASE, N.Y. — A slowdown in retail spending happened after a boost that followed Hurricane Sandy, according to a new report by a division of MasterCard.

MasterCard Advisors released its SpendingPulse report, finding that a three-week recovery in retail spending after Sandy began to slow during the week that ended Dec. 8, while some sectors, like specialty apparel, slipped into negative growth.

JACKSON, Wis. — Wisconsin Pharmacal, in an exclusive licensing partnership with the Coleman Co., has introduced unique, individualized first aid tins. Each tin contains commonly used first aid components including bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes and more, and comes packaged in a nostalgic, brushed-metal tin case with an embossed first aid cross adorning the lid.

Found your cell phone cord has slipped behind the desk again as you're trying to recharge your phone before bed? Is this ritual turning into a nightly gymnastics event stretching, reaching, cursing that smug cord lying along the baseboards? Dotz cord and cable management products has the solution: Dotz Cord Catcher.

PHILADELPHIA — Commuters in Philadelphia who have forgotten to go holiday shopping may want to head to their nearest bus stop.

The shelter of the bus stop across the street from 30th Street Station includes a display from Target that allows passengers to buy gift items by scanning QR codes with their mobile phones.

NEW YORK — The award-winning "Shalom Sesame" DVD series is now available as part of a year-long DVD club designed to provide consumers a wide array of discount purchasing plans to meet their specific needs, SISU Entertainment announced today.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug is launching a holiday toy and food drive for families in need, the regional chain said.

Kerr said it was responding to the difficult economy by collecting toys and food items at all its stores around North Carolina.

Collection bins were set up at the front of stores starting on Nov. 20 and will be there until Dec. 21. The Kerr Cares for Kids Foundation will give donated items to charity groups in the state that will then distribute them to needy families.