By Leslie Patton | Bloomberg Costco Wholesale Corp. is switching manufacturers for its popular Kirkland Signature brand of diapers as its supplier moves away from store brands to increase profitability. First Quality is replacing Kimberly-Clark Corp. as the maker of Costco’s diapers, with the official change set to happen in January, according to people familiar with the decision who weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the matter. More on Costco: Not a Costco member? Shoppers have tips to skip new entry scanners Consumer goods makers have been focused on restoring profit margins to pre-pandemic levels and scrutinizing their business models after years of higher costs. For Kimberly-Clark, which makes the Huggies brand of diapers, that means a shift away from low-margin private label contracts and a stronger focus on selling more higher-priced premium items under their own brand names. First Quality didn’t respond to requests for comment. Representatives for Costco and Kimberly-Clark declined to comment. Earlier this month, Kimberly-Clark Chief Financial Officer Nelson Urdaneta said that the company’s exit of private label businesses, “allows us to dedicate our capacity and our investments to our own technologies and brands to differentiate them.” In October, Chief Executive Officer Mike Hsu said that the company’s percentage of sales from private label will go from about 4% in 2023 to about 2% next year, and that it would decline further “over time.” Also read: Discount retailer Panda Mart leases former Sears in Orange First Quality, which also makes Cuties diapers along with paper towels and toilet paper, hasn’t disclosed the arrangement with Costco. In May, the New York-based company said it was increasing capacity for diapers and training pants by 50% at its Macon, Georgia, manufacturing factory. Costco’s Kirkland Signature diapers have become popular with parents, especially as years of inflation for basic goods crimps spending. The company has said in past years that private label items are a good value versus brand names, thanks to their price point. Costco says it expects to increase sales of Kirkland-branded items, which generally earn higher margins for the retailer versus national labels. Kirkland diapers made by Kimberly-Clark have a curved fit that many shoppers perceive to be more ergonomic for their babies, said Natalia Richer, director of business development at consultant Diaper Testing International. “It will be noticeable to the consumer if they change it,” she said. Kimberly-Clark also makes Kotex tampons and pads, along with Kleenex tissues and Scott toilet paper. Huggies recently introduced a new type of diaper and wipes, dubbed Skin Essentials, designed to protect against rashes. Related Articles Retail | Status Update: Gifts urgently needed for OC Rescue Mission children, adults Retail | Status Update: Barnes & Noble returning to Orange, but with a twist Retail | Cyber Monday shoppers expected to set a record on the year’s biggest day for online shopping Retail | SunFed cucumbers and Costco eggs recalled due to potential salmonella contamination Retail | Gifting on a budget: 5 secrets to being generous without going broke
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died. He was 100 years old and had spent more than a year in hospice care. The Georgia peanut farmer served one turbulent term in the White House before building a reputation as a global humanitarian and champion of democracy. He defeated President Gerald Ford in 1976 promising to restore trust in government but lost to Ronald Reagan four years later amid soaring inflation, gas station lines and the Iran hostage crisis. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, then formed The Carter Center, and he earned a Nobel Peace Prize while making himself the most active and internationally engaged of former presidents. The Carter Center said the former president died Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia.
Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 PalestiniansEarly numbers point to rebound in annual Minnesota deer harvest
In conclusion, the downfall of the South Korean 707 Special Forces Team serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of reputation and the consequences of allowing complacency and disrespect to tarnish the hard-earned legacy of elite military units. It is a cautionary tale for all those who serve in uniform, a reminder that honor, integrity, and professionalism must always be upheld, no matter the cost. The road to redemption for the 707 Special Forces Team will be long and arduous, but with humility, accountability, and a renewed commitment to excellence, they may yet reclaim their rightful place among the elite forces of South Korea.Ants are known for their ability to predict changes in weather patterns, and this proverb highlights their behavior as a predictor of winter temperatures. The idea is that if ants are observed moving their hill or nest before Christmas, it is a sign that they are preparing for a particularly harsh winter. This behavior is believed to be a survival instinct, as ants are able to sense changes in temperature and climate and adjust their living conditions accordingly.Another notable signing is a versatile defender who has proven his defensive prowess and tactical awareness in La Liga. With his solid defensive skills and ability to read the game, he is expected to solidify Beijing Guoan's backline and provide stability and leadership to the team's defense.
Secondly, economic restructuring and industrial upgrading continue to drive innovation and technological advancement in key sectors. High-tech industries such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and new energy vehicles have seen rapid growth, contributing significantly to China's overall industrial output. This shift towards a more innovative and knowledge-based economy positions China for sustainable long-term development and global competitiveness.We all want power and control over our own lives. The irony of power and control over others is that it almost always results in violence and destruction of the other. We see this on the interpersonal level, when someone trying to control their partner usually results in domestic violence. We see this on the international stage with wars between countries: Isreal's desire to control the Palestinians is destroying Gaza; Putin's desire to control Ukraine is destroying Ukraine. Here in our country, power over results in discrimination and bias against others we fear and try to control, resulting in their misery and death. The ultimate irony is that power and control over others also destroys those who try to control. We're likely to see lots of politically controlling actions with the new federal administration over women, immigrants, and other marginalized communities who already lack control over their own lives. Tim Wernette Foothills Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star. Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!
During his time at Inter, Whatshisname's market value soared as he delivered impressive performances, showcasing his ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. His skillful displays caught the attention of top clubs, and it seemed only a matter of time before he would command a transfer fee in the range of 50 million euros or more.EXPERTS have called for a return of social distancing as cases of the flu surge across the UK this Christmas. Even those with symptoms of a mild cold should consider self-isolating in case they carry a virus which could be fatal to those most vulnerable, health specialists warn. Advertisement 2 Health experts call for a return of social distancing (stock image) Credit: Getty 2 Family gatherings should also be avoided as well as wearing masks and social distancing - all to avoid passing on the horror bug, experts told MailOnline. Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said: "If you are ill with flu you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week. "This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk." For many people, having the flu will feel like an exaggerated cold. Advertisement read more in health SYMPTOM CHECK How to tell if you've got a hangover, Covid, flu or meningitis FLU BLOW Thousands of turkeys killed after bird flu outbreak days before Christmas The NHS states that flu symptoms can come on very quickly. They include: A sudden high temperature An aching body Feeling tired or exhausted A dry cough A sore throat A headache Difficulty sleeping Loss of appetite Diarrhoea or tummy pain Feeling sick and being sick The dry cough could be similar to the cough experienced by people who have contracted coronavirus . Most read in Health Breaking SHUT UP SHOP Major supermarkets recall jewellery stocking fillers over ‘chemical’ fears HAIR THIS Physical trait makes you '6 times more likely to go bald' - find clue in fingers BIRTH TRAGEDY Mum who begged 'don't let me die' after giving birth was 'left to bleed out' 'TOTAL SHOCK' After years of trying, a scan showed '1% miracle triplets' - then tragedy hit The NHS states that the symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active. Advertisement The health service offers a free flu jab to those most at risk of getting the virus, so if you qualify then you can get it free anywhere that offers it. Who is eligible for free Covid, flu and RSV vaccines? In line with JCVI advice, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include: From October 3: Those aged 65 years and over Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book) Those at serious risk, including those with a BMI over 40, diabetes, heart and breathing conditions Those in long-stay residential care homes Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme - including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants. From September 1: Pregnant women All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024 Primary school-aged children (from Reception to Year 6) Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11) All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are: Residents in a care home for older adults All adults aged 65 years and over Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women Frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults Those eligible for an RSV vaccine are: Pregnant people from 28 weeks onwards People aged 75 to 79 his can be at your doctor's surgery as well as supermarket pharmacies like Asda and high street favourites like Boots. If you're not in the eligible groups entitled to a free vaccination listed below, you can pay for a flu jab at certain stores. All children aged two and three All children in primary and all children in school Years seven to 11 in secondary school Children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions Those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk group Pregnant women Those aged 65 years and over Unpaid carers Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals Frontline health and adult social care staff The latest data shows a high flu burden within the NHS with almost 3,000 Brits in England hospitalised as of the end of last week with the virus. Advertisement Over 150 of those are considered to be in a critical condition. In comparison, there were just 700 total hospitalisations at the same time last year. And experts also warn that the worst could be coming with there being a surge in illness brought on from socialising over the holiday season and New Year. Earlier this month, an average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospital every day, up from 1,099 the previous week - 3.5 times higher than the same time last year. Advertisement Health chiefs pleaded with Brits to get vaccinated immediately if eligible to avoid “festive flu" before it was "too late". Professor Sir Stephen Powis, boss of NHS England, said: "The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS - the figures are adding to our 'quad-demic' worries." Read more on the Scottish Sun SHOCK SWOOP Former Celtic boss 'lines up shock January transfer swoop for Kyogo Furuhashi' MAKE THE YULETIDE GREY White Christmas update for Scots as snow & 80mph winds wreak chaos He added: "With one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid 'festive flu.'" Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting , said: "With A&Es facing record demand, we are continuing to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.” Advertisement Which cold and flu remedies actually work? Isabel Shaw, health reporter, put nine well-known cold and flu remedies to the test when she was struck down with the lurgy. Over a week, she tested products that targeted all symptoms associated with cold and flu, as well as treatments that only aimed to get rid of specific issues. These included: Hot honey and lemon Steam inhalation and Vicks Vaporub Echinacea Chicken soup A spicy curry Beechams All-in-One Oral Solution Strepsils Lemsip Max Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray She took into account pain reduction, and how quickly and for how long they worked. Read her full verdicts here .In conclusion, the rise of "edgy" internet celebrities has created a vast and complex universe of controversy and boundary-pushing content. While these individuals have succeeded in capturing the attention of audiences with their daring and provocative personas, there are inherent risks associated with the normalization of extreme and controversial content. As we navigate this new era of digital celebrity culture, it is essential for creators and audiences alike to approach edgy content with a critical eye and a sense of responsibility towards the impact it may have on society as a whole. The realm of the "edgy" internet universe may be alluring, but it is imperative that we proceed with caution and mindfulness in our exploration of this controversial landscape.
5 Best Gold ETFs to Invest InIn a shocking case that has sent shockwaves through the intelligence community, a former top graduate of a prestigious university has been convicted of selling highly classified national secrets to a foreign government. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed to protect ongoing investigations, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for betraying their country and compromising national security.
In a dramatic showdown that unfolded in a secluded warehouse, the police officer finally managed to corner the scammer and put an end to his fraudulent activities. With evidence gathered and charges filed, justice was finally served, and Sarah was able to reclaim a portion of her lost funds.
One of the most noticeable changes that occur after quitting coffee is improved sleep patterns. Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. By eliminating coffee from your daily routine, you may find that you are able to achieve a deeper and more restful sleep, leading to increased energy and mental clarity during the day.
Former US president Jimmy Carter dies, aged 100As concerns grew, local health authorities launched an investigation into the possible cause of the mysterious illnesses. Initial tests on water samples from the center's facilities did not reveal any contamination, leading investigators to shift their focus to the air quality within the premises. The ventilation system in the sauna and steam rooms is now being closely examined for any abnormalities or potential sources of toxic fumes.Pep Guardiola has stressed Manchester City’s current malaise is not down to one player as he again defended Erling Haaland. City’s 2-1 loss at Aston Villa on Saturday, the Premier League champions’ ninth defeat in 12 matches in all competitions, saw Haaland fail to score for the fifth time in six outings. After the game the Norway striker told TNT Sports: “First I’m looking at myself. I haven’t been scoring my chances. I have to do better, I haven’t been good enough.” City boss Guardiola subsequently stuck up for Haaland, who has netted 108 times for the club since joining in 2022, saying that “without him we will be even worse” and that “he needs to be delivered the right balls in the right spots”. And speaking on Christmas Eve at his press conference ahead of the Boxing Day home clash with Everton, Guardiola said: “It’s about us, not just one player. “When in the past we score goals and Erling was so prolific, helping us, it was because of the team. “And when you have problems at the back, in the middle, it is for everyone, it is a team, it is not about one player. It would be easy, if it was just one player, the reason why. It’s not about that. PEP 💬 It is about us, not just one player... when you have problems at the back and middle, it is all about the team, not just one player... Erling [Haaland] is so important for us, will be important for us and has been and we need to use him better. pic.twitter.com/VBgJywyCT2 — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 24, 2024 “Erling is so important for us, will be so important for us, has been. (We have to) try to do things better, to use him better.” He added: “In this situation, this tendency for all of us (is to say) ‘the reason why is this one, and this one and this one’. It’s about us, about everyone. “The guys are running, making effort more than ever. All the tendency ‘it’s because we don’t run, because we don’t fight, the reason why is this situation or this player or this manager’... It’s not about that. “It’s many little details or big details that make all together not as good as we were. But we have another opportunity on Boxing Day.” City have a sidelined list that includes key midfielder Rodri, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in September, and Ruben Dias, who was ruled out for up to four weeks after sustaining a muscular problem in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United on December 15. Fellow defender John Stones made his return to action in the Villa game after a foot issue, only to be substituted at half-time. City have been assessing him, along with goalkeeper Ederson and midfielder Matheus Nunes, both of whom were absent on Saturday. What is an unprecedented slump in results in Guardiola’s managerial career has featured six losses in eight in the league. And City, who had gone into the season targeting a fifth successive title under the 53-year-old, head into Christmas lying seventh in the table, 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool having played a game more. Their next five league fixtures are all against sides currently in the bottom half, with Everton sat 15th. Guardiola emphasised the Toffees should not be regarded as the “perfect opponent”, and added: “It’s about us, to come back at our best. We will take time because we don’t have players, but we have to get results as quick as possible.” Ahead of the 12.30pm kick-off, City’s players are set to train on Christmas Day before staying at the training ground that night, and Guardiola said: “Today they will be at home with the families, tomorrow (they will be) in the morning and in the night they will be here – hopefully they want to be here, because it’s our job and our duty.”
Franklin VNA & Hospice to hold free advanced care planning walk-in session
DeSantis appointee says he won't help his elected replacement take office