General Merchandise

CHICAGO — The majority of consumers see a brighter future for 2017, according the latest IRI Consumer Connect survey released Wednesday. The Q4 2016 findings reveal that 70% of consumers feel their household finances will improve in the next six months, and they are willing to pay a premium for higher quality and highly differentiated packaged goods products as well as for the convenience of shopping online.

NEW YORK — Nielsen on Monday integrated with RichRelevance through the Nielsen Marketing Cloud that enables retailers to deliver personalized ecommerce experiences.  With this retailers can leverage the power of Nielsen audience data, analytics and technology to engage more shoppers with better personalized content, product recommendations and search results, including those who have not previously shopped with the brand.  

Americans can’t do enough for their furry friends. To that end, growth continues to be the watchword in the pet care category.

Research released by the American Pet Products Association, or the APPA, indicated that American consumers would spend a total of $62.75 billion on pet supplies and care in 2016, up from $60.28 in 2015 and $58.04 in 2014.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Valentine’s Day 2017 will not be as sweet for retailers. U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average of $136.57 this year, compared to last year’s record high of $146.84, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This would be the first such decline on Valentine’s Day spending in a decade.

Total U.S. spending for Feb. 14 is also expected to drop from last year’s record of $19.7 billion to $18.2 billion this year.

CAMP HILL, Pa.  — Rite Aid stores nationwide are stocking the essentials needed to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. From cards to chocolates, fresh cut flowers, loveable plush and seasonal décor, Rite Aid's 4,600 locations are ready to help its customers celebrate the "season of love."

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble’s Mr. Clean brand, which has been named the official cleaner of Super Bowl LI, will be making its Super Bowl debut with a new 30-second commercial during the third quarter of the game on Feb. 5.

CINCINNATI — George native Mike Jackson was selected #TheNextMrClean, filling in for Mr. White during his extended vacation.

Procter & Gamble selected Jackson for his “innovative and creative take on Mr. Clean’s jingle, his strength, bald head and willingness to tackle any mess.” Jackson takes home $20,000, as well as a large supply of Magic Erasers. He starred in a production of the 2017 limited-edition Mr. Clean calendar.