General Merchandise

The recession has taken a toll on the pet category, according to some companies. A recent report from Cascadia Capital revealed that 35% of consumers said they curtailed pet expenditures in 2011 due to the economy. Spending on pets is expected to hit the $50 billion mark in 2011, an increase of 5% over 2010, according to the American Pet Products Association. Packaged Facts predicted that the industry will grow 5.9% in 2012.


HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The latest "Transformers" film is making its debut in a four-disc set that includes Blu-ray and DVD formats.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has extended the Febreze brand with a new vent strip for the car. Febreze Car vent clip, available in five new scents, is designed specifically for the car to eliminate odors and keep air fresh for up 
to 30 days.


The Febreze Car vent clip easily attaches onto a vehicle’s air vent, and the product’s unique delivery system slowly releases scent day after day without becoming too overpowering. Suggested retail price on the new product is $2.99 for a single and $5.49 for a double pack.

To Drug Store News and the industry at large:

As the year comes to a close, ECRM would like to express our collective gratitude for the industry’s support over the past year. I personally want to thank the many retailers, suppliers and brokers for their overwhelming expressions of encouragement, sympathy, and compassion directed to me personally and to all of us at ECRM during this difficult period.  At a time of inexplicable tragedy for me, your collective support  helped to keep our vision alive and I am forever grateful.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In an effort to focus on its digital growth initiatives and accelerate its transformation to a digital company, Eastman Kodak said it is selling its Eastman Gelatine business to Rousselot, which is part of the Vion Food Group.

SMYRNA, Ga. — Bubba Brands has introduced its Envy tumblers.

The tumblers, which are made of Eastman Tritan material, safeguard hot contents for 3 hours and conserves cold contents for up to 5 hours, the company said.

Bubba Envy tumblers are available in 17-oz. and 24-oz. sizes at Publix stores and on ShopBubba.com.

BILLUND, Denmark — Lego has introduced a new line of construction toys that caters to girls ages 5 years and older.

Lego Friends, the company said, is a collection that will consist of 23 products that tailor the Lego construction experience to the demographic, the company said. The sets now will roll out through summer 2012.

NEW YORK — Nielsen Holdings on Monday announced that Rick Kash has been appointed vice chair and will join CEO David Calhoun and vice chair Susan Whiting in the office of the CEO. Nielsen also named Mitchell Habib COO.