General Merchandise

NEW YORK — Volume sales for U.S. consumer packaged goods have fallen since last year due to higher prices, less promotional support and soaring temperatures, according to Nielsen SVP consumer and shopper insights Todd Hale.

PLANO, Texas — Five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin is teaming up with Fisher-Price to help introduce the new, interactive Fantastic Gymnastics Dora doll.

Fantastic Gymnastics Dora, based off of the Nickelodeon show “Dora the Explorer,” performs two gymnastics routines, features seven unique moves — including splits, handstands and back-bends — and enhances imaginative role-play for kids ages 3 years and older. Fantastic Gymnastics Dora also features more than 40 phrases in English and Spanish and a special song celebrating teamwork.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. — It’s Academic has launched its new Re:writes dry erase notes.

Re:writes are thin, flexible and can adhere to virtually any flat or gently curved surface in both heat and cold with help from its patent-pending specialized plastic core. The product is available in more than 50 color and size combinations.

SIKESTON, Mo. — Sabona of London is offering an in-store retail display as part of its marketing support program for retail partners.

Sabona's point-of-sale Christmas display holds 12 pieces of Sabona magnetic bracelets in the most popular styles. The display features a user-friendly, interchangeable graphic, allowing retail partners to use the same display year-round, yet highlight Christmas during the appropriate sales period.

NEW YORK — A line of watch bands that allows users to sport their iPod Nano like a watch has hit retail.

iWatchz offers nine collections of Nano watch bands, all of which tout the iWatchz patent-pending clip system, offering a snug and secure fit for the iPod Nano. The bands range from vibrant silicone to soft-touch leather to stainless steel links to cater to every style-conscious music lover, the company said.

Retailing for $24.99 and up, iWatchz Nano watch bands are available at various stores, including Target, Apple, Best Buy, Amazon.com and iWatchz.com.

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — Yankee Candle has appointed Brad Wolansky to serve in the newly created role of president of direct and chief marketing officer.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Nestle USA announced that it has appointed a new VP corporate and brand affairs following the retirement of executive Laurie MacDonald.

MacDonald, who worked at the company since 1985, will be replaced by Hannah Coan, who joins the company from Waggener Edstrom Public Relations, where she led communications for Microsoft's office division. In her new role, Coan will be responsible for Nestle USA's internal and external communications, public affairs and the Nestle USA Culinary Center based in Glendale, Calif.

NEW YORK — Natural personal care brand Burt’s Bees has inked a licensing deal with Ayablu to launch a Burt’s Bees Baby-licensed lifestyle brand for babies and moms.