General Merchandise

Rechargeable batteries represent a growth area for retailers. A report from the Freedonia Group indicated that alkaline batteries remain the most prevalent type of primary battery, accounting for more than 70% of demand. Sales of other battery chemistries, most notably primary lithium, are expected to gain traction in the market through 2015.


As the population ages, sales of hearing-aid batteries and primary lithium batteries for implantable medical devices are expected to soar.

RACINE, Wis. — SC Johnson has teamed up with Cornell University's Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise to launch a new product concept.

SUPPLIER NEWS — An iPhone and iPad waterproofing solution that offers antimicrobial product protection has hit the market. Seal Shields are form-fitting polyurethane covers that make iPhones and iPads 100% waterproof, washable and disinfectable, according to the product’s manufacturer. The product, which is completely invisible and preserves the original Apple design, contains an antimicrobial fungistatic agent that protects the product by inhibiting the growth of microbial bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi on the products’ surfaces.

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.

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.

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.

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."