General Merchandise

Within the past month, two Ohio-based traditional retailers announced plans to test-market automated retail vending machines. It’s not so much thinking outside of the box as it is figuring out how to get that box to where the consumers are, wherever they are — the airport, the hospital, convention centers, exercise facilities, on a college campus or in a hotel. 


FAIRFIELD, N.J. — Telebrands is bringing the popular Sticky Buddy roller product to retail in early May. The lint and dust remover has had strong direct-to-
consumer sales. In its first two weeks on the JW Greensheet industry report of the top 75 traditional direct response spots, the product climbed to the No. 2 position — a rate that is “extremely rare,” according to Greensheet publisher John Kogler.


DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark has elected Tony Palmer, SVP and chief marketing officer, to the role of president of global brands and innovation.

In his expanded role, Palmer will leverage the company's scale to build brands and drive growth for its businesses around the world. He will partner with K-C's regional business leaders to achieve their business objectives.

ST. LOUIS — Energizer said it will showcase its full home lighting portfolio and debut its newest home décor category, flameless wax candles, at the International Home and Housewares Show.

The company said it will present its Ambiana collection, a modern line of household lighting that includes accent lighting and a well-designed desk light; the Glas line, which includes flameless candles, a task light, an under-cabinet light and a path light; the Edge line, which includes LED lights and flameless candles and the newly-launched flameless wax candles.

WALLED LAKE, Mich. — Armaly announced that its Brillo Estracell's product lineup now includes a sponge that is ideal for removing burnt-on, stuck-on foods and grease.

OCALA, Fla. — Paas has unveiled new egg decorating kits just in time for the celebration of Easter.

The eight new decorating kits include the 3D Eggsplosion, Go Wild, Rockin' Designs, Egg Tats, Retro Splatter, Eggstra-Terrestrials, Chrome Eggshaust and Deggorating Doodles items. The new kits are available this month at major grocery, drug and mass merchandise stores, for a suggested retail price range of $2.99 to $5.99.

ST. LOUIS — Energizer has teamed up with Liown Electronics for its latest line of flameless wax candles.

Made with real wax and featuring advanced LED technology, Energizer said the candles offer the same benefits of a traditional flamed candle without the worry of open flames. The collection will include a broad range of colors and scents, traditional size pillars, as well as votives and a full assortment of seasonal options.

SAN FRANCISCO — Thomas Blischok on Friday joined the global management consulting firm Booz & Co.

"Thom Blischok is a recognized expert in the grocery, drug, convenience store and mass retailing space, and we couldn't be more pleased to have him on our team," stated Les Moeller, senior partner at Booz & Co. "His experience in designing, developing and implementing organizational, operational, and technology strategies and capabilities for global retailers complement and expand our strong offerings in these markets."