Content about Communication

Dear Editor,

Upon reading your June 7 cover story, “7 Deadly Sins of SKU Rationalization,” we at The Swanson Group/Mack Elevation Forum have identified 10 ways that a small- or mid-sized vendor can avoid being SKU-rationalized. Respectfully, we have offered them for fellow Drug Store News readers.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT The whole discussion around SKU rationalization -- or SKU optimization, depending upon your spin -- boils down to just one question: Just exactly how brand loyal is today’s shopper?

(THE NEWS: Report: Jewel-Osco SKU rationalization taken to new heights. For the full story, click here)

CINCINNATI Procter & Gamble voluntarily recalled its 4-hour decongestant nasal spray, a product distributed nationwide in the United States.

P&G said it is taking this voluntary precautionary step after finding that the product formulation for VapoSpray 4-hour nasal spray by Sinex may not meet the expiration dates on the package. This recall is not a result of consumer complaints, the company noted.

CLEVELAND —American Greetings’ new On Tap line of greeting cards takes interactive cards a step further. The cards combine a humorous greeting with a recorded message that’s activated when the card’s recipient taps the card. Bobble head characters, including a nun, cheerleader and President Barack Obama, are featured on the inside of cards, along with instructions to tap the card. The tap unleashes a song or funny punch line.