ReportersNotebook — General Merchandise, 6/27/11
SUPPLIER NEWS — Pampers has introduced Prints, a limited-edition diaper line with designs that include floral and polka dot prints for girls, and argyle and toy car prints for boys. The diapers are available through the summer in sizes 1 through 4.
Procter & Gamble’s Tide brand is bringing its mobile laundry program to Missouri to provide free laundry services to victims of the recent tornadoes in the area. The program includes the Tide Loads of Hope truck outfitted with 32 energy-efficient Frigidaire Affinity washers and dryers. Collectively, Tide has washed more than 44,000 loads of laundry for more than 35,000 families impacted by disasters since the program launched in 2005.
In related news, the company announced the packaging for its Bounce, Downy and Tide brands will sport a retro look for a limited time, giving a nod to P&G’s past packaging for the products. The vintage packages will be available at Target from May 22 to June 10.
The world’s largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods is calling on brands to submit their newest products. The Product of the Year USA awards will honor consumer brands that participate in the survey conducted by TNS, a custom research agency. U.S. shoppers will be called upon to vote and select a new generation of winners who will earn the POY endorsement in their product category — and will be given the opportunity to tout the Product of the Year logo on their packaging. The winners will be announced in February 2012. The final deadline to submit entries is Aug. 31.
Cool Gear has introduced a new set of reusable water bottles, cups and food containers that are designed to keep food and drinks chilled for a long period of time. The lineup includes the EZ Freeze Freeze n’ Lock leak-proof, stackable food storage containers; the EZ Freeze Eco 2 Go Gel Chiller reusable, double-wall insulated cup with lid and straw; the redesigned Pure line of on-the-go, 24-oz. water filtration bottles; and the Design-a-Bottle, which allows users to create a customized 20-oz., double-wall hydration bottle complete with personal photos, graphics and text by using the Design-a-Bottle feature on Cool Gear’s website.
Racing fans at the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina on May 21 broke a Guinness World Record for most flashlights simultaneously lit, dubbed “Light Up the Night.” Energizer outfitted race attendees with 65,000 Energizer LED headlights. The company also donated $30,000 worth of flashlights and batteries to the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross, as May 22 kicked off the start of Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Off! insect repellant has introduced its latest innovation, Off! Deep Woods Dry ($5.99 for a 4-oz. can), which offers comfortable protection in heavily wooded areas. The brand also introduced Off! Botanicals towelettes and lotions ($4.99 each), which are made with a plant-based repellent that protects against mosquitoes, black flies, gnats and no-see-ums.