General Merchandise

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble on Friday announced a decrease in third-quarter profit, as sales rose 2%.

Net sales during the quarter rose 2% to $20.2 billion. Organic sales rose 3%.

Net earnings totaled $2.41 billion, or 82 cents per diluted share, compared with $2.87 billion, or 96 cents per diluted share, in the year-ago period.

In the company’s beauty segment, net sales rose 1% to $4.8 billion on unit volume growth of 1%. Organic sales grew 2%. Net earnings rose 3% to $523 million.

DALLAS — Universal Pest Solutions has introduced its latest Terminix AllClear mosquito solutions product.

The Terminix AllClear mosquito mister lantern is designed to protect areas up to 300 sq. ft. by automatically misting Naturals, an all-natural concentrate of geraniol — a botanical extract of a lemongrass plant — known for its effective insect repelling power, the company said. The Naturals formula is nontoxic, free of synthetic chemicals and residues and also is safe for use around children, pets, food and the environment.

NEW YORK — Pressman Toy is launching a line of games and puzzles based both on the first movie and the classic artwork of "The Smurfs."

The line includes a range of memory, action and board games, as well as floor size puzzles and puzzles in tins, all priced under $20, the company said. Additionally, Pressman Toy also will launch a line of new products inspired by Columbia Pictures'/Sony Pictures Animation's 3D release "The Smurfs 2," scheduled to be released next summer.

DALLAS — Huggies once again is promoting its MomInspired grant program to encourage women to make their startup business dreams a reality.

Now in its third year, the grant program provides seed capital and resources to help fund women-owned business startups and new product innovations inspired by personal motherhood challenges and experiences. Now through July 31, women can apply to win $15,000. Up to 12 moms will be named as grant recipients this fall.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition and the Food Marketing Institute announced they are working together to remind pharmacists about their legal obligations when selling dietary supplements in a retail setting.

COPPELL, Texas — Dexas has introduced two new kitchen products: a new melon slicer and watermelon cutting and serving board.

Dexas said its new watermelon cutting and serving board features a nonslip, raised edge that performs two functions: it holds the cutting board firmly and safely in place on the counter while also acting as a raised barrier to keep juice and seeds on the board. The item, which also is available in eggplant, lemon, tomato, green apple and orange shapes, also touts a propylene surface and is dishwasher safe.

ST. LOUIS — Tidy Cats has launched a new campaign to support its latest cat litter formula.

Technology is changing the general merchandise aisles. Online greeting cards have grabbed share from traditional cards, and photofinishing is taking a hit as consumers move to digital photo publishing.

When retailers look for products or services to fill the vacuum left by shrinking categories, they’re looking for something consumers want today and will still need tomorrow.

The uBreakiFix concept suggests one possibility. The electronics repair chain specializes in iPad, iPhone, iPod and smartphones, and offers walk-in repair services while consumers wait.