Chain Drug Review articles from July 2004

Chain Drug Review archives from July 2004

Katz, L'Oreal dazzle shoppers at new Pharma Plus store.
July 19, 2004... TORONTO -- Katz Group Canada Ltd. and L'Oreal Paris have unveiled the result of their collaboration to create a unique Pharma Plus Drugmart retail environment. The new store gives dramatic emphasis to cosmetics and related beauty departments,...

NACDS Marketplace the place to be.(At Marketplace)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- True to its name, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Marketplace show is all about bringing retailers and suppliers together, and providing a showcase for new products. "The show is invaluable because of the...

Walgreens' newest DC state of art.
July 19, 2004... MORENO VALLEY, Calif. -- Walgreen Co. unveiled its 11th distribution center last month. The $180 million facility has robotic cranes, driverless pallet transports and about 14 miles of conveyor belts. Chairman and chief executive officer...

Med-X deal adds 22 units to USA Drug.
July 19, 2004... PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- With the purchase of Med-X Corp. last month USA Drug has quickly augmented its position in the Tulsa, Okla., market. The announcement came on the heels of USA Drug's recent acquisition of May's Drug Stores, which, like...

CVS reenters Calif. with clear goals.(Southern California)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... VAN NUYS, Calif. -- With the opening of its first drug stores in southern California, it appears that CVS Corp.'s plan to reestablish its banner here will hinge on a two-pronged strategy. The most readily apparent aspect of the plan is the...

Duane Reade lowers price to facilitate deal.(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Duane Reade Inc. has agreed to lower its acquisition price to $404 million from $416 million. The price cut, to $16.50 a share from $17 a share, was less than that sought by buyer Oak Hill Capital Partners, but the drug chain...

Albertsons leaves two markets.(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons Inc. is exiting the Nebraska markets of Omaha and Grand Island. Twenty-one stores will be sold to No Frills Supermarkets, Bag 'n Save Inc., Hy-Vee Inc. and Walgreen Co. The disposition decision is a component of...

Longs program targets well being of Hispanics.(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Longs Drug Stores is collaborating with Univision Communications Inc. to provide health and wellness solutions to Hispanic communities on the West Coast as part of the media company's ongoing health campaign: "Salud es...

Medicare drug benefit to be tested.(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... WASHINGTON -- A new demonstration project testing the Medicare prescription drug benefit is designed to provide low-income beneficiaries with even greater savings. The Bush administration says it will conduct a lottery to select 60,000...

Mac Naughton is Albertsons senior VP.(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... BOISE, Idaho -- Duncan Mac Naughton has been designated senior vice president of merchandising at Albertsons Inc. He had been group vice president of grocery merchandising. His new position gives him merchandising responsibilities across...

Corrections.(Correction Notice)
July 19, 2004... A report on laxative sales that appeared in the May 24 issue of Chain Drug Review identified the manufacturer of the Senokot and Senokot S brands as Purdue Frederick. It should have used the company's new name, Purdue Products LP. A chart...

SDMs Murphy to analysts: there's room to grow.(Shoppers Drug Mart )
July 19, 2004... TORONTO -- "Canada used to be 10 years behind the United States in terms of the acquisition of market share by pharmacy chains from pure independents; now we are 12 years behind," Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Shoppers...

Store brands play central role in merchandising.(Shoppers Drug Mart)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... TORONTO -- Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM), is bullish about store brands. Speaking to analysts at a recent meeting here, he explained the positioning of the drug chain's private label brands...

Four key departments help define SDM offer.(Shoppers Drug Mart)
July 19, 2004... TORONTO -- During a recent presentation to financial analysts Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) chairman and chief executive officer Glenn Murphy dealt in detail with four front-of-store sectors where the departments can be matched to location and...

Derma skin care section step beyond.(Pharma Plus Drugmart )(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... TORONTO -- As a customer progresses down the right side of Katz Group Canada's new Pharma Plus Drugmart here she moves from the cosmetics section through fragrances, skin care, nail care and hair care to the short bottom stroke of the L-shape...

Goal: create the ultimate shopping experience.(renovation of Pharma Plus Drugmart )(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... TORONTO -- A statement from L'Oreal Paris explains the beauty care company's motivation in working with Katz Group Canada on the renovation of its Pharma Plus Drugmart store here. In the statement L'Oreal distinguishes its objectives for the...

CVS finds the fun in GM, seasonal shopping.(general merchandise)
July 19, 2004... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- In chain drug retailing an assortment of seasonal merchandise has become standard for most retailers. However, few have put as much thought into the category and gotten as much out of its efforts as has CVS Corp. "This...

Another first for drug chain in digital imaging.
July 19, 2004... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has become the first nationwide retailer to combine Internet ordering of digital prints with in-store pickup. The chain's new photo service gives customers the ability to send digital images to CVS.com from...

Antiaging skin care products remain the hottest segment in beauty, as demonstrated by the plethora of innovative items displayed at this year's NACDS Marketplace Conference.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Antiaging skin care products remain the hottest segment in beauty, as demonstrated by the plethora of innovative items displayed at this year's NACDS Marketplace Conference. Retailers flocked to booths on the exhibit floor featuring the...

Another beauty powerhouse attracting considerable attention at the show was Procter & Gamble Co.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Another beauty powerhouse attracting considerable attention at the show was Procter & Gamble Co., capitalizing on the success of the recent introduction of its antiaging Olay Regenerist facial line with the launch of Daily Regenerating Serum....

Revamped AMAB gets bigger voice.(At Marketplace)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has restructured its Associate Member Advisory Board (AMAB). In announcing the move at its Marketplace Conference here last month, NACDS indicated that the AMAB leadership will now...

Glammies toast the best in HBC.(At Marketplace)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- The 13th annual Glammy Awards, honoring the best in beauty and health care, were presented at the NACDS Marketplace Conference last month. Sponsored by Glamour magazine, Chain Drug Review and NACDS, the awards are intended to...

One item that drew positive feedback from all age-groups at the show was St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... One item that drew positive feedback from all age-groups at the show was St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub, a new skin care product from Alberto-Culver Co. The scrub features a creamy formula with mild exfoliants specially designed for the needs of...

Attracting considerable attention in the skin/bath category were Colonial Dames Co.'s Colonial Dames 10,000 I.U. Vitamin E Skin Oil.(Buzz at the show)
July 19, 2004... Attracting considerable attention in the skin/bath category were Colonial Dames Co.'s Colonial Dames 10,000 I.U. Vitamin E Skin Oil, which can be used in bathwater and as an all-over body moisturizer after bathing, and Caboodles Cosmetics LP's...

Lotta Luv Snapple.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... While skin and bath care items drew the lion's share of attention at the event, a cornucopia of fresh beauty ideas in other segments caught the eye as well. Lotta Luv Snapple lip balms were but one of the company's Candy Corner Cosmetics...

One compelling change in the nail category was the new packaging of Markwins International Corp.'s repositioned Jonel line.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... One compelling change in the nail category was the new packaging of Markwins International Corp.'s repositioned Jonel line. The company also announced at the show that it will launch Jonel Cooling Nail & Cuticle Treatment early next year. ...

In the eye makeup segment, Ingrid Jackel, vice president of marketing for Pierre Fabre Inc.'s Physicans Formula line, announced that the supplier is adding five more shades to the four Physician's Formula Baked Collection eye shadows now available.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... In the eye makeup segment, Ingrid Jackel, vice president of marketing for Pierre Fabre Inc.'s Physicans Formula line, announced that the supplier is adding five more shades to the four Physician's Formula Baked Collection eye shadows now...

Moving from beauty to health, the popularity of such low-carb eating plans as the Atkins and South Beach diets has created opportunities for makers of nutritional supplements.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Moving from beauty to health, the popularity of such low-carb eating plans as the Atkins and South Beach diets has created opportunities for makers of nutritional supplements. Recognizing that a diet low in carbohydrates may also be low in the...

Curad Silver Bandage.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Beiersdorf Inc. has added some shine to the first aid category with its Curad Silver Bandage. The silver is not there just for show--according to the company, the metal has an antibacterial effect.

Tangle Inc., meanwhile, took a more playful approach to the O-T-C category with its Tangle Therapy product.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Tangle Inc., meanwhile, took a more playful approach to the O-T-C category with its Tangle Therapy product. Adapted from a toy, the device consists of 18 linked rubber sections that can be twisted, turned and bent. The action can be...

Del Pharmaceuticals Inc. won kudos at Marketplace for the latest products in its Pronto Plus lice treatment line.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Del Pharmaceuticals Inc. won kudos at Marketplace for the latest products in its Pronto Plus lice treatment line. The new items, Pronto Plus Lice Killing Hair and Scalp Masque and Pronto Plus Lice Killing Warm Oil Treatment and Conditioner, are...

Bringing greater convenience to the cough-cold category is one of the alms of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare's new Suda-Care Vapor-Plug.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Bringing greater convenience to the cough-cold category is one of the alms of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare's new Suda-Care Vapor-Plug. The small, waterless vaporizer plugs directly into an electrical outlet to release menthol, eucalyptus and...

Efforts to capture sales from consumers who are pursuing low-carb diets were very evident in the consumables section of the show.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Efforts to capture sales from consumers who are pursuing low-carb diets were very evident in the consumables section of the show. Among the exhibitors showing new items were Carbolite Foods Inc., which introduced Toaster Tarts, a breakfast food...

Pepsi-Cola North America gave out samples of its new cola--Pepsi Edge--a soft drink it says has half the sugar, carbs and calories of regular colas.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Pepsi-Cola North America gave out samples of its new cola--Pepsi Edge--a soft drink it says has half the sugar, carbs and calories of regular colas. It initially was available in 20-ounce bottles and six packs of 12-ounce cans and was scheduled...

At the show, Coca-Cola Co. also debuted its new lower-carb offering, called Coca-Cola C2.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... At the show, Coca-Cola Co. also debuted its new lower-carb offering, called Coca-Cola C2. The packaging graphics will help to make the new item stand out on retailers' shelves--the familiar Cola-Cola trademark is in black on a "Coca-Cola red"...

What beauty shoppers look for.(At Marketplace)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- Where have all the beauty care shoppers gone? "The Missing Beauty Consumer," a seminar presented by Glamour Magazine and WSL Strategic Retail at the NACDS Marketplace here last month, was well attended by retailers seeking...

Another endorsement for RFID.(At Marketplace)(radio frequency identification)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- Radio frequency identification (RFID) can benefit the pharmacy industry in several ways, according to Pete Abell, cofounder and senior partner of ePC Group, a consulting firm specializing in the technology. He presented a report,...

Among General Mills Inc.'s low-carb offerings on display were Momentum Bars.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Among General Mills Inc.'s low-carb offerings on display were Momentum Bars. The snack bars have 15 essential vitamins and minerals and come in three flavors--chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate and chocolate caramel nut.

Another new low-carb offering was at NEXT Protein's booth.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Another new low-carb offering was at NEXT Protein's booth. Its Slim Whey marks the company' entry into the controlled-carb market. The company says it is the first whey protein diet bar. The product comes in three variations: caramel peanut,...

Decidedly not in the low card arena were the No. 1 premium imported biscuits in the United States, which were on display at the booth of LU Biscuits/Great Brands of Europe Inc.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Decidedly not in the low card arena were the No. 1 premium imported biscuits in the United States, which were on display at the booth of LU Biscuits/Great Brands of Europe Inc. Two new items were introduced at the show. Pim's Chocolate...

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. is moving into the tooth-whitening arena with Orbit White gum.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. is moving into the tooth-whitening arena with Orbit White gum. The company began shipping the product to retailers this month. It is available in pellet form and in spearmint and peppermint flavors.

Teen trendspotters comb show for 'hot picks'.(At Marketplace)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- The five Teen People Trendspotters, who live in southern California and range in age from 14 to 19, selected their "hot picks" from a myriad of products exhibited at last month's NACDS Marketplace. The five judges were drawn...

'I'm just big-boned'.(At Marketplace)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- With obesity an increasing concern in America, the "I'm Not Overweight, I'm Just Big-Boned: Consumer Perceptions of the Obesity Issue" seminar at this year's NACDS Marketplace proved quite timely. A survey of 5,000 Americans...

Study shows POP pays off in sales.(At Marketplace)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO-- Most shoppers enter a drug store without a shopping list or store circular in hand. And more than half the time a consumer does not decide to buy a particular item or brand until she is perusing the aisles. Those are some of...

In the show's general merchandise section, photo processing was a noticeably "hot" area.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... In the show's general merchandise section, photo processing was a noticeably "hot" area. Eastman Kodak Co.'s booth included the self-service Kodak Picture Maker G3 Film Processing Station, which was created to quickly develop 35 mm film, and...

Meanwhile, Pixel Magic Imaging has new systems for retailers that can be used by people who use digital cameras or camera phones.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Meanwhile, Pixel Magic Imaging has new systems for retailers that can be used by people who use digital cameras or camera phones. They include the iStation 150 self-service, floor-standing kiosk and the iStation 150 Counter-Top. The systems can...

The general merchandise section also included innovative and unique items outside the photo arena.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... The general merchandise section also included innovative and unique items outside the photo arena. LongLite LLC offered an item that should ring up sales among consumers who want to cut their electricity bills. The company says its LongLite...

HoMedics Inc. received a Teen People Trendspotters award for the Hottest General Merchandise Item for its SQuSH Therapy Pillows.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... HoMedics Inc. received a Teen People Trendspotters award for the Hottest General Merchandise Item for its SQuSH Therapy Pillows. Filled with soft microbead pellets, the pillows come in heart and other shapes and a Wide variety of colors.

Greater listening enjoyment is the aim of Maxell Corp. of America's HP/NC-II Noise Cancellation Headphones.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Greater listening enjoyment is the aim of Maxell Corp. of America's HP/NC-II Noise Cancellation Headphones. They reduce distortion caused by overamplification and are collapsible for easy storage. The stereo headphones come With a dual-prong...

Aging, fashion-oriented baby boomers should be interested in ForresterVos' reading glasses.(Buzz at the show)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Aging, fashion-oriented baby boomers should be interested in ForresterVos' reading glasses. Seasonal and holiday designs are on the frames. Among the designs are wreaths and candy canes.

There's lots more than Rx in a chain drug store.(At Marketplace)(services provided)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- Pharmacists and pharmacies are the drug trade sector's strongest means of differentiating itself from such other sectors as supermarkets and discounters, according to a report presented at last month's National Association of Chain...

NACDS cites top products in 11 groups.(At Marketplace)(The National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores selected the best products in 11 categories at its annual Marketplace Conference here last month. The 2004 product showcase category winners were: * Baby care--PTS Labs'...

Del sold to Church & Dwight, Kelso; Wassong era ends.(Supplier News)
July 19, 2004... UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Del Laboratories Inc. has signed an agreement to be acquired by DLI Holding Corp., a joint venture between affiliates of Kelso & Co. and Church & Dwight Co. The deal is valued at approximately $465 million, including the...

Kong: protein bar with a difference.(Supplier News)(product introduction)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Next Proteins International has launched Kong, a product that it predicts will revolutionize the protein bar category by combining 30 grams of protein in a bar with the taste and texture of oatmeal. In addition, Next...

One-hour photo labs still thrive in ital age.(Supplier News)
July 19, 2004... Digital photography has made an impact on the photo industry much sooner than predicted. Five years ago the best consumer cameras on the market were 2-megapixel (MP) point-and-shoot models, priced at more than $600. "How could these...

Olay Moisturinse will revolutionize category.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble Co. is confident of generating a 100% incremental business opportunity for the personal cleansers category in chain drug stores and other retail outlets with its rollout of Olay Moisturinse In Shower Body Lotion....

Exec moves strengthen P&G, Clairol.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... CINCINNATI -- Barbara Hartman has been named vice president of customer business development for national customers at Procter & Gamble Co. Hartman, who had been manager of customer business development in that unit's Chicago offices, will...

Lola Products readies Spritz n ' Mop, other new items.(Supplier News)(product introduction)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... HACKENSACK, N.J.--Lola Products has launched Lola Rola Spritz n' Mop. The cleaning product was formally unveiled at the recent International Home and Housewares Show. According to the company, the mop provides the convenience of a...

Senokot-S, Senokot are back again.(Supplier News)(laxatives)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... STAMFORD, Conn. -- Senokot and Senokot-S tablets have begun returning to the shelves in the over-the-counter health care section of chain drug stores and other retail outlets. Purdue Products LP resumed shipments last month. Distribution of...

A better way to sell DVDs.(Supplier News)(product development)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... DANIA, Fla. -- Entertainment Resource Inc. (ERI) has developed the first functional antitheft module for items from the entertainment industry. Built of steel with reinforced parts, the module's trapdoor gives the customer one DVD at a...

Mangrove offers full line of marketing services.(Supplier News)(Mangrove Resources)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... SAN DIEGO -- Five companies with expertise in domestic brand launches in the personal care and health and beauty aids categories have joined forces to launch Mangrove Resources. "Mangrove Resources grew from our experience working together...

Another 'excellent quarter' chalked up by Walgreens.(Business)(company sales and earnings)
July 19, 2004... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- A combination of strong sales, increased margins and a lower expense ratio drove Walgreen Co. to a 16.4% bottom-line gain for the three months ended May 31. Earnings for fiscal 2004's third quarter rose to $344.6...

Rite Aid results reflect continued progress.(Business)(company sales and earnings)
July 19, 2004... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Continuing its turnaround, Rite Aid Corp. rolled on to its third consecutive profitable quarter during the 13 weeks ended May 29. After handily beating Wall Street's projections for the period, the drug chain also upped its...

Albertsons' profits fall 67.6%; sales off 2.5%.(company sales and earnings)
July 19, 2004... BOISE, Idaho -- Absorbing what should be the last major shock from the southern California labor dispute that was settled in early March, Albertsons Inc. saw first quarter earnings from ongoing lines tumble 67.6% on a 2.5% decrease in sales....

Suppliers see net slip in period.(Business)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- With a variety of unusual items again exacting a toll, major manufacturers of core drug store merchandise collectively saw earnings from ongoing lines slip 3.7% in the face of a 14.5% jump in sales during the first quarter of 2004....

What makes a winner a winner in the market.(My Turn)(determination to succeed)(King of Shaves)
July 19, 2004... As the recent NACDS Marketplace Conference--one of the more effective and successful in the series, by the way--demonstrated anew, among the more daunting challenges facing mass market retailers in this new millennium is the task of discovering...

Pharmacy, drug makers work to get message out.(My Turn)
July 19, 2004... With the intense focus on the cost of prescription drugs, the need to more effectively communicate the value of such medications to patients, payers and policy makers has long been evident. Much talk has been devoted to the subject within both...

Drug chains find family titles are best way to go.(Video)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- After years of being regarded as an afterthought in the video category, the chain drug channel has found its niche. With its preponderance of female shoppers and young mothers, the trade class is emphasizing titles that appeal...

Major studios jump on summer bandwagon.(Videos)(new releases)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- With summer in full swing, chain drug retailers are making the hottest video releases available to shoppers retreating to their air-conditioned homes for an evening of entertainment. This month Walt Disney/Buena Vista Home Video...

Evolution, transformation bywords at VSDA.(Video)(Video Software Dealers Association )(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... LAS VEGAS -- The Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) held its Home Entertainment 2004 show here earlier this month, with the theme "Evolution and Transformation." "Home Entertainment 2004 continued to offer superior business and...

Consumers are rushing to buy DVDs.(Video)(DVDs (Digital videodisks))(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Although it may be hard to fathom now, at the midpoint of the twentieth century many did not know what a TV was. Within five years it was among the most common acronyms in America. Similarly, less than a decade ago most...

Shifts in technology, buying patterns change the rules.(Batteries)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- While the long-term outlook for the battery category is positive the segment is continuing to struggle at present, in part because of changes in technology. The category overall is being dragged down by declining sales of...

Digital trend is now in the driver's seat.(Batteries)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Retailers and suppliers alike agree that the biggest trend reshaping the battery category is the growing popularity of rechargeable power cells. As sales of traditional alkaline cells have continued to decline, nickel metal hydride...

Who's spending what on batteries.(Batteries)(consumer preferences)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Nearly everyone buys batteries, but taking a closer look at the demographics of battery purchasers can yield some valuable insights into how to merchandise the segment most effectively. For chains, obviously, the demographics of...

Some niches a natural for chain drug stores.(Batteries)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Demographics and changing consumer attitudes are helping to fuel the sales growth of hearing aid and other specialized batteries. For retail pharmacy these segments represent an opportunity to build customer loyalty while boosting...

GMDC study pinpoints best practices in batteries.(Batteries)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- A new study by the General Merchandise Distributors' Council (GMDC) reveals some suggestive data on consumers' battery purchasing patterns as well as merchandising best practices. The study, "Merchandising for Success,"...

Bad news can be good news for flashlights.(Batteries)(flashlight sales up)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Events of the past few years, from Y2K to the Northeastern power grid failure last summer, have heightened Americans' disaster fears, and that insecurity has been good for the flashlight category. While chain drug stores cannot...

Energizer debuts innovation in flashlights.(Batteries & Flashlights News)(product information)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... The Lighting Products division of Energizer has introduced an innovative flashlight, the Energizer Quick Switch, which can run on two D, C or AA batteries. Other battery sizes can be used by adjusting a switch to the proper cell size. The...

More power from Panasonic.(Batteries & Flashlights News)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... September will also see the debut of a more powerful rechargeable battery system from Panasonic. Its latest entry is a 2300-mAH nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery system that includes a quick-charger that recharges four batteries in 30...

Rayovac, Sanyo join forces.(Batteries & Flashlights News)(alliances and partnerships)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... Rayovac Corp. has formed a strategic partnership with the Sanyo Mobile Energy Co., a unit of Sanyo Electric Co., to develop applications and markets for the next generation of Rayovac's I-C3 (In-Cell Charge Control) technology for NiMH...

Duracell introduces new rechargeable.(Batteries & Flashlights News)(Brief Article)
July 19, 2004... The Duracell division of Gillette Co. has introduced a new and improved 2300-mAh AA NiMH rechargeable battery. The new rechargeables will be available in September in 2- and 4-cell blister card packs at retail prices ranging between $6.99 and...

Innovative intros, sharp merchandising may do trick.(Depilatories)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Even better times may be ahead for a recently recovering depilatories category. While sales in drug stores dropped 17.3% to $71.7 million during the 52-week period ended May 16, 2004, the decline was not as deep as during the...

Men are getting, into the picture.(Depilatories)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Depilatories are no longer just for women. According to estimates by market researchers, sales in the men's depilatories category are now averaging about $9 million a year. While this is a small percentage of the overall market,...

Electric devices another option in hair removal.(Depilatories)(IdeaVillage Corp.)
July 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- The increasing interest among consumers in removing undesired hair has led some companies to develop products that do not fall under the traditional description of a depilatory. For example, IdeaVillage Corp. currently offers...