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The article evaluates products perfect as gifts for the holidays, including the Miss Viv L'ArcoBaleno bag from fashion brand Roger Vivier, the Valextra Card Case from luxury goods brand Valextra and the Leica X compact camera.

The article introduces a section of the issue devoted to 50 style-related items said to be suitable for fall.

The article evaluates several consumer electronics products featured at the 2016 annual high technology industry trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, including the Lego Education WeDo from toy maker Lego, the laptop computer the EliteBook Folio G1 from HP, and the smartwatch Blaze from Fitbit.

The article states that Cincinnati, Ohio, consumer goods firm Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) eliminated a sixth of products from its skin-care brand Olay as of late December 2015 in an effort to increase sales. According to the article, the move runs counter to standard industry practices of growing brands and new products. The article presents comments from P&G global skin care and personal care president Alexandra Keith.

The article states that U.S. chemical industry companies pressed the U.S. Congress for further regulation of their products, which resulted in passage of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Modernization Act in the U.S. Senate in mid-December 2015. According to the article, chemicals used to make numerous consumer products had become targets of consumer activism and U.S. state regulations. The article states that the U.S. House passed a version of the legislation earlier in 2015.

The article states that Boca Raton, Florida, consumer products firm Jarden Corp. agreed to merge with Atlanta, Georgia, consumer products company Newell Rubbermaid Inc. in a $15.4 billion deal on December 14, 2015. The article presents comments from Jarden founder and executive chairman Martin Franklin.

The article states that Atlanta, Georgia, consumer-products manufacturer Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Boca Raton, Florida, rival firm Jarden Corp. were in negotiations to merge as of early December 2015. According to the article, a combined company would have about $14 billion in annual sales. The article also discusses the significance of a potential merger to Jarden founder and former chief executive officer (CEO) Martin Franklin.

The article profiles the Portland, Oregon, food store SamplingLab. The article states that consumer-product firms such as Redhook Ale Brewery, Fishpeople, and Dave's Killer Bread utilize SamplingLab, which gives customers free samples of various products in exchange for their feedback, as a focus group to test the popularity of their products. According to the article, SamplingLab was founded by marketing consultant Jeff Davis.

The article discusses the dangers of children accidentally ingesting laundry detergent tablets and the difficulty medical experts were experiencing in explaining why the tablets are so harmful while powered detergent is not. It states that young children have been hospitalized at a rate of nearly one per day in the U.S. since the tablets were widely marketed in 2012. The article also discusses actions taken by U.S. consumer goods firm Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G). The article discusses the efforts of Iowa Poison Control Center director Edward Bottei.

The article discusses the concept of weight-out, also known as nonfunctional slack fill, in the food industry and consumer products industry. It discusses spice maker McCormick & Co.'s decision to ship 25 percent less pepper in its packaging without reducing prices, complaints made to U.S. federal and state government regulators by spice rival Watkins Inc., and complaints against the firm ConAgra Foods Inc. product Slim Jim and deodorants manufactured by firms Procter & Gamble Co. and Unilever PLC for low slack levels in product packaging.

The article states that Seattle, Washington, retailer Amazon.com Inc. was attempting to expand its private-label brand lineup to include grocery items such as household cleaners, milk, and cereal as of mid-2015. According to the article, Amazon approached several private-label food manufacturers such as Oak Brook, Illinois, producer TreeHouse Foods Inc. to establish a partnership and worked to establish trademark protection under its Elements brand. The article also discusses Amazon competitors such as Costco Wholesale Corp., Target Corp., and Walgreens Boots Alliance.

The article discusses a shift in strategy in developing countries among consumer product companies such as Unilever PLC and Procter & Gamble Co. Instead of focusing on goods that can be sold in small quantities at low prices, firms are increasingly boosting both the quality and prices of their soap, shampoo, and other offerings. Slowing sales in developing markets have prompted companies to raise prices in search of growth.

The article discusses the impact on markets for consumer goods of strong demand from China. Particular attention is paid to Teddy Bears produced by Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Nabowla, Tasmania. Proprietor Robert Ravens has responded to heavy demand by rationing sales to those visiting his farm and ending online sales completely. Chinese consumers are attracted to the lavender the bears contain, which to them connotes an all-natural purity.

The article discusses a logistical arrangement online retailer Amazon.com Inc. has with consumer-products company Procter & Gamble Co. Amazon has established a presence within one of Procter's warehouses, an arrangement that allows both firms to reduce costs. Stock analyst Mark Mahaney says consumer staples such as paper towels represent a big opportunity for Amazon.

The article discusses premium versions of basic household products introduced by consumer-goods producer Procter & Gamble Co. Procter has rolled out more expensive versions of its Bounty paper towels and Cascade dish-washing detergent, among other items. Although retailing consultant Burt Flickiinger III says consumers may be reluctant to pay extra for such goods, Procter chief executive A. G. Lafley maintains that price is not the only consideration for value-conscious shoppers.

The article discusses high prices for imported consumer goods in China, and a growing awareness of them by Chinese consumers. Chinese who travel abroad or use the Internet to compare prices have become increasingly reluctant to pay full domestic prices. Authorities in China have taken action against companies including baby-formula maker Danone SA they believe have charged too much for their products.

The article discusses economic conditions in China as of July 15, 2013, reporting that a decline in economic growth rates has adversely impacted commodities industries but could benefit consumer goods manufacturers. Topics include consumer spending, economic forecasts, and the potential international economic impact of supply and demand in China.

The article discusses falling sales of laundry detergent in the U.S. Some blame pre-measured pods of detergent sold by consumer-products company Procter & Gamble Co. and others for the decline, claiming that such items reduce sales by preventing consumers from using too much detergent. Procter maintains that the success of its pods has diminished sales of less-expensive detergents.

The article discusses the importance to consumers of accessing the last drop of household and beauty products, and what manufacturers are doing to help them. Packaging producer MeadWestvaco Corp. says being able to completely empty a package is what consumers desire most from packaging for beauty and personal-care products.

The article discusses efforts some companies make to ensure the products they sell produce sounds that are pleasing to consumers. Cosmetic company Estée Lauder Cos. has introduced a mascara in a container that, when closed, is said to create a reassuring clicking noise. Beverage maker Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. has deliberately designed the popping noise that accompanies the opening of a Snapple drink bottle.

The article discusses the decreasing profits of Chinese consumer goods provider Li and Fung Limited. According to the article, despite providing products to retailers such as Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and increasing its acquisitions Li and Fung's revenue rose only 4% during the first half of 2012. The article also looks at how direct sales from factories to retailers and the global economy have affected Li and Fung's profits.

The article discusses the decreasing market share dominated by multinational corporations in China, with a focus on the growing manufacturing industries for consumer products within China. Topics include Chinese brands' focus on marketing, toothpaste brand sales in China, and the falling sales for foreign imports in China.

The article discusses the economic performance of U.S. household consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G) as of June 21, 2012. According to the article, the company warned that sales and profits would be lower than previously estimated. It also states that many P&G investors were frustrated with the company's inability to gain market share from rival consumer goods firms such as Unilever PLC and Colgate-Palmolive Co. and with P&G chief executive Bob McDonald.

The article reports that coffeehouse Starbucks Corp. has acquired juice maker Evolution Fresh Inc. for $30 million in what is seen as an effort by Starbucks to broaden its presence in consumer products. Starbucks will make Evolution beverages available at more retail outlets, and also pursue plans to open juice bars in 2012. Starbucks executive Jeff Hansberry will be in charge of those initiatives.

The article discusses a desire on the part of consumer-products manufacturer Procter & Gamble Co. to gain more Hispanic customers in the U.S. The company has performed market research to determine preferences among Hispanic consumers, and has also hired Hispanic celebrities such as actress Jennifer Lopez to promote its products.

The article discusses a trend among companies to omit using articles such as "the" and "an" when referring to their products. Advertising from consumer-electronics maker Apple Inc. has referred to the company's tablet computer as simply "iPad," while chief executive Jeff Bezos of online bookseller Amazon.com has done similarly when discussing his firm's Kindle electronic book reader. Branding executive Allen Adamson says products seem more iconic without an article.

The article discusses how consumer-products maker Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) is adapting to a decline in median household income in the U.S., and a trend among middle-class consumers to substitute lower-priced goods for more expensive ones. P&G has reduced prices on some of its products and is introducing new ones at lower price points.

The article discusses efforts by consumer-products makers to cater to aging baby boomers, many of whom don't care to be reminded of their age. Kimberly-Clark Corp. has revamped the packaging and marketing for its Depends brand of adult diaper. Medical-alert systems sold by ADT have been relabeled "companion services." Diamond Foods has changed the shape of its almonds packages to make them easier to grasp.

The article discusses the beauty-products division of consumer-products company Procter & Gamble Co. Although beauty accounts for around one-third of Procter's revenues, its growth has been stunted by a weakened U.S. economy and a small presence in faster-growing emerging markets. Procter executive Ed Shirley reconfigured the beauty division in 2009 in an effort to spur growth.

The article discusses consumer-products firm Procter & Gamble Co.'s efforts to boost North American sales of its newer products. Procter executive Melanie Healey will oversee a marketing initiative that includes coupons, a Webs site, and a temporary store in New York City, all aimed at getting consumers to try Procter products that have debuted within the past 18 months.

The article discusses a major research and marketing effort at consumer-products company Procter & Gamble Co. to better understand how women feel about their hair and emotions evoked by the use of hair car products. Particular attention is paid to consumer reaction to Procter's "Pantene" brand of shampoo.

This article is focused on the microwave oven. It is noted that the number of meals prepared at home in the U.S. increased by 9.5 percent in 2009 as compared to the year prior, to 47 billion meals. Microwave manufacturers including Sharp Corp. and Whirlpool Co. are attempting to attract consumers through product innovations, such as steam-based microwaves.

The article discusses Procter & Gamble's (P&G) efforts to win back customers who have substituted cheaper household products for P&G's premium-priced offerings. Although Procter lowered some of its prices amid an economic recession, going forward it will combine discounts with strategies such as introducing improved products without hiking prices.

The article discusses the growing frequency with which products once sold exclusively via infomercials are appearing on store shelves. A device marketed by TeleBrands Corp. for cleaning the insides of car windshields enjoyed strong sales at Walgreen stores during the 2009 holiday season. Target Corp. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. are among retailers who have stocked infomercial products.

The article discusses efforts by firms in India and abroad to develop products tailored specifically to the needs of poor people. A $2200 car from Tata Motors and a $43 water-purification system from Hindustan Unilever represent a reversal of the usual order of events, in which companies focus mainly on creating products for people in developed nations.

The article discusses extended warranties for consumer products. In the author's view retailers' eagerness to sell them suggests they probably aren't a good deal for consumers. The publication "Consumer Reports" says survey data show almost two-thirds of warranties purchased on new cars result in a net loss for the buyer.

The article reports that Procter & Gamble Inc. has released a budget version of its popular Tide laundry detergent. In response to growing sales of less-expensive rival offerings, Procter has departed from its usual strategy of introducing more capable products at premium prices. For the second quarter of 2009 Procter's net income fell 18%.

The article discusses a sponsorship deal between Procter & Gamble Co. and the National Football league (NFL). Said to be valued at $10 million or more per year, the arrangement will give Procter the right to use the NFL's logo on various of its household products. Mark Waller of the NFL said the two sides had been working on the pact for nearly three years.

The article discusses creativity among manufacturers of household cleaning products in creating fragrances for their offerings. Scents such as "lime" and "pine" have long denoted freshness and cleanliness. Procter & Gamble Co., Clorox Co. , and other companies constantly seek to update their products with new fragrances.

The article presents skateboarder Tony Hawk's favorite products including a Burton Canyon skateboard, a 1963 Stingray automobile, and Sonos sound system.

The author presents a humorous commentary on developing machines such as karaoke machines that refuse to play music for bad or drunk singers, grills that do not operate if being used improperly, and television sets that do not allow shows that the owner dislikes.

The article reports on efforts of consumer-goods company Unilever PLC to introduce more high-end products in Europe and North America including opening of boutique-like stores in London, England and Paris, France and acquiring premium skin-care brands.

The article reports on a variety of technological innovations, including a three millimeter thick television from Sony, that are being seen at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. A discussion of expected sales of consumer electronics which is expected to grow 6.1% to $171 billion in 2008 is presented.

The article focuses on toy recalls in China. Particular attention is given to the public apology made by Mattel Inc. in September 2007 to China for damaging the country's reputation after numerous recalls. Article topics include the design flaw's involving 18 million playsets, details on Mattel's apology to China, which the company felt was taking too much blame for the recalls of its products, as well as information on the business relationship between China and Mattel.

The article provides reviews of a number of products and games designed to mentally challenge users. The author discusses the growing market for mental puzzle games to help older people stay mentally active. Even though there is not conclusive evidence of the mental health benefits of such activities, there are an increasing number of games to choose from, according to the article.

The article reports on the clothing industry and green products. Making garments which satisfy environmentally conscious consumers is difficult as the products can be unusually difficult to maintain or are uncomfortable to wear. Among the problems encountered are Ingeo (a corn-fiber based fiber) cannot sustain ironing, and banana fiber is too itchy. Several companies, their forays into eco-fashion and unusual creations are discussed.

The article reports on new products which use silver nanoparticles as anti-bacterial agents. The products include food storage containers, clothing, personal hygiene items and household appliances, all of which tend to be expensive due to the precious metal content. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies has expressed concerns over environmental contamination from the metal.

Companies that were reluctant to spend a large portion of their advertising budget online are now beginning to do so, according to this article. Consumer packaged-goods companies are changing their advertising strategies as consumers do more things online, including downloading music and videos. Packaged-goods companies spent more than 11% of all U.S. advertising dollars in 2005, however, only 1.6% of that was online. The advertising strategies of PepsiCo, Unilever, and Anheuser-Busch are discussed.

This article discusses the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the alligator skin retail trade. The destruction cause by the hurricanes have reduced the number of alligator nets and controlled breeding grounds in the swamps of Louisiana, which has major fashion designers stock-piling alligator skin in anticipation of a shortage. This in turn has caused the price of alligator skin products, such as belts and handbags, to rise considerably. INSET: The Skin Trade.

This article reports that venture capitalists are beginning to fund companies that manufacture consumer electronics and gadgets. After years of funding start-up technology companies that catered to business, venture capitalists are paying lofty sums to fund consumer-focused start-ups that do everything from connecting digital devices in homes to making games for cellphones. The consumer-investing craze is being driven, in part, by the prevalence of high-speed Internet connections in homes, opening up a low-cost delivery channel for Web services, such as photo-sharing sites, and inspired the creation of gadgets for handling digital music and video. Another factor in the decision of venture capitalists to fund consumer-driven start-ups is that business from companies selling old-style technology -- licensed software, semiconductor and telecommunications equipment -- to businesses is slowing down. An assessment of the products from several venture-capitalist-funded consumer-device companies is given.