General Merchandise

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. — More than 130 Canon ImagePrograf iPF6300 large-format photo printers now are in operation at digital photo centers in Fred Meyer stores in the Northwest, Canon announced Wednesday.

The printers are designed so that consumers can print high-quality, poster-sized print collages of memorable moments.

Sales of craft kits and art supplies “remain strong with a slight uptick,” according to Adrienne Appell, a spokeswoman for the Toy Industry Association. This segment of the toy category was up 7% in 2010 over 2009, according to the NPD Group, and is expected to perform well in 2011.

Some big winners for the holiday season were Spin Master’s Bizu, Crayola’s Glow Book and Fashion Angels’ “Project Runway” fashion design sketch portfolio. All retail for less than $20.

WAYNE, N.J. — A leader of the "As Seen on TV" consumer goods category has appointed a new EVP marketing.

Ideavillage Products said Jordan Stanley, a former executive at Y&R Worldwide, will serve as EVP marketing for the company, overseeing the company’s marketing and new product positioning efforts, as well as manage its Direct Response TV initiatives under Ideavillage CEO Anand “Andy” Khubani.

Portable power is the growth area of the battery category. While sales of alkaline batteries remain challenged, rechargeable batteries and chargers are becoming a bigger part of the category.

“This year, we expect overall revenue for primary alkaline batteries to decline about 3% as fierce competition among manufacturers continues to pressure pricing for round cells,” said Tim Doyle, a Consumer Electronics Association spokesman.

CINCINNATI — In an effort to support its Children’s Safe Drinking Water program, Procter & Gamble is enlisting Facebook users to participate in the program's global efforts.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Clorox has partnered with Spanish television network Vme in an effort to encourage germ prevention among Hispanic consumers.

CHICAGO — SymphonyIRI Group on Thursday identified the executives sitting on its new board of directors, including the naming of Lawrence Benjamin as chairman.

A 25-year veteran, Benjamin most recently held several executive positions at Royal Ahold, including CEO of U.S. foodservice, COO of Ahold's U.S. retail businesses, EVP and a seat on the company's global board. Previously, he was CEO for NutraSweet and president of the frozen meals division of Kraft. Benjamin currently is a senior adviser at New Mountain Capital.

SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass. — A new collection of contemporary candles has entered the market.

Yankee Candle said its Pure Radiance collection is made of a custom soy wax blend and features an all cotton wick that provides a consistent burn and a wide, radiant flame, by featuring patent-pending LumiWick technology. The line features 12 new scents, including After Dark, Emberlight, ice crystal, denim, lavender chiffon, beachfront, petals, key lime, nectar, grapevine, creme brulee and cinnamon scone.