ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 28, 1997 TAG: 9701280071
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
Newest way to win germ warfare: toys
PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Parents who worry their toddlers are picking up germs when they pick up their play things have a new weapon: a line of ``germ-fighting'' toys.
Hasbro's Playskool division introduced 15 bacteria-busting toys Monday following what it said was a response to a high chair with an antibacterial tray.
A doctor questioned the need for the toys, however, saying they may simply tap into unfounded parental fears.
``People may think it's a great idea, but I haven't seen anything in the medical literature that says we should be doing this,'' said Dr. David Carter, a Pawtucket physician.
Like the antibacterial 1-2-3 High Chair introduced last May, the toys are treated with a process called Microban, which permanently bonds germ-killing pellets to plastic or fiber.
Hasbro officials said it stops mold, mildew, fungi and a range of bacteria that can cause sore throats, skin infections and stomach ailments.
- Associated Press
G.C. Murphy store to close
The G.C. Murphy store at Lake Drive Plaza in Vinton is one of 300 McCrory Corp. five-and-dime variety stores nationwide that will close as part of a bankruptcy court restructuring, the company announced Monday.
Store-closing sales begin this week at 285 locations, including 10 in Virginia. All merchandise will be discounted and sales will continue until all goods are sold, the company said.
- STAFF REPORT
CVS, Revco talking merger
CLEVELAND - Revco D.S. Inc. and CVS Corp. confirmed Monday that they were discussing a possible merger, giving Revco stock a short-lived boost before the uncertainty of the deal eroded most of the gains.
The combination would create the nation's No. 2 drugstore chain in terms of sales behind Walgreen Co. and slightly ahead of Rite Aid Corp. Together, Revco and CVS have about 4,000 stores and revenue of $11 billion.
- Associated Press
Hilton bid for ITT worth $6.5 billion
NEW YORK - Hilton Hotels Corp. on Monday offered to buy ITT Corp., owner of the Sheraton hotel chain, Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks and the Rangers, for $6.5 billion. ITT had no immediate response.
- Associated Press
Treasury bill rates up over last week
The Treasury Department on Monday sold $11.6 billion in three-month bills at an average discount rate of 5.06 percent, up from 5.03 percent last week. Another $11.6 billion was sold in six-month bills at an average rate of 5.12 percent, up from 5.11 percent.
In a separate report, the Federal Reserve said Monday that the average yield for one-year Treasury bills was unchanged from the previous week at 5.61 percent.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Medium: 64 linesby CNB