Content about Category Reviews

October 9, 2012

Pet products have moved into the OTC aisles and even behind the pharmacy. Sales of pet supplies/OTC medicine are expected to reach $12.56 billion in 2012, according to the American Pet Products Association. 


Pet products have moved into the OTC aisles and even behind the pharmacy. Sales of pet supplies/OTC medicine are expected to reach $12.56 billion in 2012, according to the American Pet Products Association. 


One of the key drivers of the category, according to Packaged Facts, is the growing population of pets with specialized health needs, especially senior and overweight dogs and cats.


September 18, 2012

Judging from the number of dietary supplement companies that are being snatched up by heavy-hitting suppliers in the over-the-counter space, the 5% uptick in supplement sales for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 12 is one trend that stands to continue.

Judging from the number of dietary supplement companies that are being snatched up by heavy-hitting suppliers in the over-the-counter space, the 5% uptick in supplement sales for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 12 is one trend that stands to continue. Sales across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for that period totaled $1.5 billion, according to SymphonyIRI Group data. 


Procter & Gamble in March acquired New Chapter, and with that now fields a comprehensive line of supplements that goes well beyond the probiotic Align and the fiber supplement Metamucil it already owned. 


September 18, 2012

Candy is a sweet spot for drug retailers. The drug channel is outperforming food and mass in total category dollar sales, according to data from the National Confectioners Association.

Candy is a sweet spot for drug retailers. The drug channel is outperforming food and mass in total category dollar sales, according to data from the National Confectioners Association. “Total category dollars are up 2.6%, while drug is up 3.3%,” said Jenn Ellek, a spokeswoman for NCA. “Drug stores do a great job with promotion, in-store display and multiple points of interruption.”

September 18, 2012

Similasan is one homeopathic company making a move into pediatric cough/cold.

Similasan is one homeopathic company making a move into pediatric cough/cold. “Pharmacists have endorsed the Similasan brand,” noted Dan Quail, VP sales at Similasan, which will help bridge the eye/ear care sets with pediatric cough/cold. “So when mom goes into cough syrup, there’s a natural tie-in to take care of the ears and the eyes,” he said. “It’s a solution-driven process.”


September 18, 2012

Do you think that most consumers are using professional whitening services to brighten their smile? Think again.

Do you think that most consumers are using professional whitening services to brighten their smile? Think again.

According to recent research by Mintel, only 10% of those looking for whiter teeth took a seat in the dentist chair for a professional whitening service. Many consumers are actually turning to toothpaste, mouthwash or at-home whitening strips. That’s good news for retailers and suppliers.

September 18, 2012

The overall foot care category was relatively flat — down 0.9% — with $587.2 million in sales for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 12 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group data. However, almost 2-out-of-3 foot care products sold are insoles, which bodes well for sales 
going forward. 


The overall foot care category was relatively flat — down 0.9% — with $587.2 million in sales for the 52 weeks ended Aug. 12 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI Group data. However, almost 2-out-of-3 foot care products sold are insoles, which bodes well for sales 
going forward. 


September 18, 2012

A trillion of anything is difficult to wrap one’s head around, whether it’s the number of grains of sand on a beach or stars in the sky. It’s so much easier for the human mind to look at such a quantity as the sum of its parts rather than on the basis of its individual components.


A trillion of anything is difficult to wrap one’s head around, whether it’s the number of grains of sand on a beach or stars in the sky. It’s so much easier for the human mind to look at such a quantity as the sum of its parts rather than on the basis of its individual components.


September 18, 2012

Sales of hair spray experienced a slight lift during the 12 weeks ended July 8, according to SymphonyIRI Group, as beauty mavens continued to turn to styling products to achieve a desired look and lock it in place.


Sales of hair spray experienced a slight lift during the 12 weeks ended July 8, according to SymphonyIRI Group, as beauty mavens continued to turn to styling products to achieve a desired look and lock it in place.


September 18, 2012

It’s a little hard not to say “Oh, how the mighty have fallen” when a retailer announces that it will give away for free what was once the world’s top-selling drug. But for retailers, it also makes good business sense.


It’s a little hard not to say “Oh, how the mighty have fallen” when a retailer announces that it will give away for free what was once the world’s top-selling drug. But for retailers, it also makes good business sense.


September 18, 2012

Over the last few years of DSN’s coverage of the impending patent cliff and how it would affect the generic drug industry, IMS Health VP industry relations Doug Long predicted that the gradual commoditization of primary care drugs — long the lifeblood of generic drug makers — would lead to consolidation of the industry.


Over the last few years of DSN’s coverage of the impending patent cliff and how it would affect the generic drug industry, IMS Health VP industry relations Doug Long predicted that the gradual commoditization of primary care drugs — long the lifeblood of generic drug makers — would lead to consolidation of the industry.


September 18, 2012

The mouthwash segment experienced a slight uptick, as formulas that offer multiple benefits catch consumers’ attention — a trend that is likely to continue as consumers increasingly seek value.

The mouthwash segment experienced a slight uptick, as formulas that offer multiple benefits catch consumers’ attention — a trend that is likely to continue as consumers increasingly seek value.

Among those shining stars that experienced double-digit growth is ACT Total Care, according to 52-week data from SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago-based market research firm. 

ACT Total Care is an alcohol-free formula that promises to strengthen teeth, help rebuild enamel, prevent cavities and freshen breath.

 

September 18, 2012

As Seen On TV products have become a powerhouse general merchandise category.

As Seen On TV products have become a powerhouse general merchandise category. Products backed witha substantial television advertising move year-round with sell-through rates that industry sources say range from 10% to 30%. Several chains have upsized the space they devote to 
the category.


New products are crucial to the category, and manufacturers keep new items flowing to retail. The pet category, housewares and personal care products have been particularly strong segments within the category.

 

 

September 18, 2012

Whether packing lunches or providing an on-the-go pick-me-up, parents want more from the snacks they give their kids.

Whether packing lunches or providing an on-the-go pick-me-up, parents want more from the snacks they give their kids. “Snacks have to be nutritious, convenient and nutrient-dense,” said June Jo Lee, VP of The Hartman Group. Alternative grains, low-sugar and bean-based snacks are hot, and portion control is important. With nut allergies on the rise in the last decade, sales of nut-free snacks are increasing. Consumers are moving away from soy, which could be the next high-fructose 
corn syrup.


 

 

September 18, 2012

2012 is turning out to be a pretty important year for generic drugs, important enough that some of the things happening over the past several months have begged comparison to 1984, probably the biggest milestone year for the industry.


2012 is turning out to be a pretty important year for generic drugs, important enough that some of the things happening over the past several months have begged comparison to 1984, probably the biggest milestone year for the industry.


September 18, 2012

L’Oréal Paris is looking to make the hair color aisle at mass easier to shop and is eliminating the guesswork out of choosing the right hair color shade with its new “My L’Oréal Colorist” mobile app, which serves as a personal color consultant.


NEW YORK — L’Oréal Paris is looking to make the hair color aisle at mass easier to shop and is eliminating the guesswork out of choosing the right hair color shade with its new “My L’Oréal Colorist” mobile app, which serves as a personal color consultant.


September 18, 2012

For branded drug makers, the pharmaceutical patent cliff has never loomed higher or steeper. The exposure of so many of the world’s biggest-selling medicines to generic competition for the first time is redefining the pricing model for many of the most widely prescribed classes of pharmaceuticals.

For branded drug makers, the pharmaceutical patent cliff has never loomed higher or steeper. The exposure of so many of the world’s biggest-selling medicines to generic competition for the first time is redefining the pricing model for many of the most widely prescribed classes of pharmaceuticals — reducing costs for health plans, payers and patients; scrambling drug makers’ balance sheets; and potentially boosting both drug utilization and adherence rates as reduced out-of-pocket costs induce more patients to fill their prescriptions.


September 18, 2012

The teeth-whitening strips segment has lost some of its luster, according to data from SymphonyIRI Group, likely due in part to the economy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that products that promise to whiten teeth are losing popularity.

The teeth-whitening strips segment has lost some of its luster, according to data from SymphonyIRI Group, likely due in part to the economy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that products that promise to whiten teeth are losing popularity.

According to 52-week data ended July 8 from the Chicago-based market research firm, sales of tooth bleaching/whitening products dropped about 11% at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).

September 18, 2012

Housewares have moved beyond the Christmas selling season at drug stores. The products are becoming a year-round category for the channel as drug chains find ways to tie in kitchen items, tabletop accessories and appliances to key selling seasons.

Housewares have moved beyond the Christmas selling season at drug stores. The products are becoming a year-round category for the channel as drug chains find ways to tie in kitchen items, tabletop accessories and appliances to key selling seasons.

September 18, 2012

The saturated oral care segment is benefiting — and is poised to continue to benefit — from toothpastes that promise to deliver value-added benefits.


The saturated oral care segment is benefiting — and is poised to continue to benefit — from toothpastes that promise to deliver value-added benefits.


Once again, those toothpastes that promise to offer such value-added benefits as relieving tooth sensitivity and whitening teeth experienced the greatest lift and, judging in part by the slew of new product launches, that trend will likely continue.


September 18, 2012

The hair care segment has lost some of its luster. However, manufacturers of ethnic hair care products have been working feverishly to bring greater innovation to 
the market. 


The hair care segment has lost some of its luster. However, manufacturers of ethnic hair care products have been working feverishly to bring greater innovation to 
the market. 


According to SymphonyIRI Group, sales of hair styling gel/mousse slipped about 1.5% during the 12 weeks ended July 8 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart). During the same period, sales of women’s hair coloring dropped 4.6%, and hair relaxer kits were 
down 12.5%. The double-digit drop in hair relaxer kits comes as little surprise as many ethnic beauty shoppers are choosing to 
go natural.


August 22, 2012

Acne is the most common skin disorder within the United States, impacting millions of Americans and paving the way for researchers to feverishly develop new therapies and revamp existing treatment options at retail.

Acne is the most common skin disorder within the United States, impacting millions of Americans and paving the way for researchers to feverishly develop new therapies and revamp existing treatment options at retail.

While acne usually begins in puberty, the reality is that it is not restricted to any age group. Even adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s can develop acne.

August 22, 2012

Cleaning the face of makeup, dirt and other impurities in the morning and night is clearly an important part of a healthy skin care routine, and manufacturers continue to answer the call with products that promise to deliver even greater results.

Cleaning the face of makeup, dirt and other impurities in the morning and night is clearly an important part of a healthy skin care routine, and manufacturers continue to answer the call with products that promise to deliver even greater results.

According to the most recent 52-week data from Chicago-based market research firm SymphonyIRI Group, sales of facial cleansers rose nearly 6% to about $635 million.

Manufacturers continue to innovate in an effort to further grow sales and capture greater market share.

August 20, 2012

Snacking is no longer limited to between-meal munching. “The food culture is changing, and snacking occasions are much broader,” said Blaine Becker, a representative for The Hartman Group.

Snacking is no longer limited to between-meal munching. “The food culture is changing, and snacking occasions are much broader,” said Blaine Becker, a representative for The Hartman Group. Becker said consumers are snacking more frequently during the day and often are reaching for more substantial, healthier snacks.

Research from The Hartman Group indicated that for millennial consumers, the lines between meals have blurred, and “three squares” a day are being replaced by smaller, more frequent meals.

August 17, 2012

The slew of new facial anti-aging products hitting the mass market shows little signs of slowing — despite the lackluster category sales — as manufacturers feverishly work to stay on the cutting edge of innovation and bank on consumers’ undying desire to turn back the hands of time.


The slew of new facial anti-aging products hitting the mass market shows little signs of slowing — despite the lackluster category sales — as manufacturers feverishly work to stay on the cutting edge of innovation and bank on consumers’ undying desire to turn back the hands of time.


According to SymphonyIRI Group data, sales of facial anti-aging products slipped 0.8% to just shy of $800 million at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for the 52 weeks ended July 8.


August 17, 2012

Carma Labs last month celebrated its 75th year of distributing its lip balm to a rabid fan base, with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker joining in on the company’s anniversary celebrations.

Carma Labs last month celebrated its 75th year of distributing its lip balm to a rabid fan base, with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker joining in on the company’s anniversary celebrations. Carma Labs was founded by Alfred Woelbing in 1937 — who sold the lip balm from the trunk of his car in the Chicago area. Today the company is a third-generation, family-owned-and-operated business that currently is run by grandsons Paul and 
Eric Woelbing.