General Merchandise

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Clorox Co. on Tuesday announced that COO Lawrence S. "Larry" Peiros, 57, will retire from the company effective April 1, 2013.

Peiros, who joined Clorox in 1980 as a summer intern, was appointed a member of the company's executive committee in 1999 and then to the COO role in 2007. He also oversees the marketing, sales, research & development and product supply functions as well as Clorox's Eco office.

TORONTO — Shrink costs Canadian retailers almost C$4 billion per year, according to a new report.

The report, released Wednesday by PwC and the Retail Council of Canada and based on a survey of 34 retailers from across Canada, estimated that retailers in Canada lose about C$10.8 million per shopping day to theft by customers and employees, counting mistakes and organized crime. Cosmetics and fragrances, alcohol and women's clothing were the three most popular items to steal, according to the report.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – Sears Holdings said it was “rushing” emergency supplies to stores on the East Coast ahead of Hurricane Sandy.

The company, which operates the Sears and Kmart chains, said it would stock up on portable generators, chainsaws, gasoline cans, flashlights and other equipment at stores from North Carolina to Maine.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble's Downy Unstopables brand is giving Americans their chance at "12 Seconds to Fame" with a contest that asks consumers, "How fresh are you?"

SAN ANTONIO — Consumers plan to buy more gifts this year, according to a recent survey commissioned by USAA and released Monday. The fourth annual USAA holiday spending survey indicated that consumer sentiment toward holiday budgeting has become more positive in 2012 when compared to 2011 (53% vs. 45%).

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble's diaper brand, Pampers, and international superstar Thalia are celebrating the influential role of music in Latino children's development with the launch of "Mi Música, Mi Herencia," an online initiative for Latino parents.

PLANO, Texas — Cracker Jack is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of "a prize in every box" by teaming up with Walgreens stores to give consumers the chance to win a diamond ring valued at $1,000, the company announced Monday. 

ANKENY, Iowa — A supermarket chain and a convenience store chain in the Midwest have launched a program that they said would allow customers to save on gasoline at all their stores.