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November 19, 2012
Made in America: ‘Buy local’ mentality leads to economic patriotism

Made in America. To suggest that this marketing message doesn’t resonate with today’s American consumer may come off as sacrilege, especially considering how job creation was a central issue in this month’s presidential election.

Made in America. To suggest that this marketing message doesn’t resonate with today’s American consumer may come off as sacrilege, especially considering how job creation was a central issue in this month’s presidential election.

But there are two questions marketers of “Made in America” have to ask. First, does this marketing message have staying power?  And second, where does it rank in a consumer’s purchasing decision tree?

November 19, 2012
Men’s hair coloring, shaving sales increase

The beauty segment continues to celebrate the success of several stars, including nail polish, and men’s grooming is no exception. In fact, industry eyes are once again zeroing in on this vibrant category, as sales enjoy an uptick in such segments as men’s hair coloring and grooming/shaving.

The beauty segment continues to celebrate the success of several stars, including nail polish, and men’s grooming is no exception. In fact, industry eyes are once again zeroing in on this vibrant category, as sales enjoy an uptick in such segments as men’s hair coloring and grooming/shaving.

November 19, 2012
Product innovation pushes depilatories toward growth

Depilatories continue to enjoy strong growth, thanks in large part to product innovation and new entrants to the segment.

Depilatories continue to enjoy strong growth, thanks in large part to product innovation and new entrants to the segment.

According to data from SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago-based market research firm, sales of depilatories rose about 13% for the 12 weeks ended Oct. 7 at total U.S. multi-outlets, which covers supermarkets, drug stores, mass-market retailers (including Walmart), military commissaries, and select club and dollar retail chains.

November 19, 2012
Widespread acne drives sales of treatments

With some 40 million to 50 million people in the United States battling acne, it is no surprise that sales of acne treatments continue to be on the rise.

With some 40 million to 50 million people in the United States battling acne, it is no surprise that sales of acne treatments continue to be on the rise.

According to data from SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago-based market research firm, sales of acne treatments rose 0.24% for the 12 weeks ended Oct. 7 at total U.S. multi-outlets, which covers supermarkets, drug stores, mass market retailers (including Walmart), military commissaries, and select club and dollar retail chains.

November 15, 2012
Branded generics transform the old into the new

In the classic Arabian Nights tale “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp,” the sorcerer who sold Aladdin the lamp containing the genie attempts to get it back by walking through the town where Aladdin and his wife live disguised as a merchant, trading “new lamps 
for old.” 


In the classic Arabian Nights tale “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp,” the sorcerer who sold Aladdin the lamp containing the genie attempts to get it back by walking through the town where Aladdin and his wife live disguised as a merchant, trading “new lamps 
for old.” 


Rubbing pill bottles isn’t likely to bring forth any genies ready to grant three wishes, but the idea of inputting something old and outputting something shiny and new is sort of the gist behind 
branded generics.


November 15, 2012
Consumers bite into classic, new cookies

After several lackluster years, cookie sales were up in 2011 and are likely to show slight gains this year.

After several lackluster years, cookie sales were up in 2011 and are likely to show slight gains this year. The category was buoyed largely by sales of basic cookies, according to a recent report from Mintel, while premium cookie sales were hurt by a tight economy and increased media attention on America’s obesity epidemic. Mintel forecasts more growth for the premium segment from 2013 to 2016.


November 15, 2012
Convenience meets freshness at Spar

Sometimes, in looking for new ideas in the retail industry, it helps to take a peek outside the borders of the United States. 


PENWORTHAM, England — Sometimes, in looking for new ideas in the retail industry, it helps to take a peek outside the borders of the United States. 


November 15, 2012
Diabetes management earns front-end spot

As more Americans join the ranks of diabetics, the opportunity to target these consumers at the shelf becomes more crucial. 


As more Americans join the ranks of diabetics, the opportunity to target these consumers at the shelf becomes more crucial. 


Retailers like Rite Aid are using pull-box displays that allow customers to physically handle a blood-glucose meter before they make that purchase decision. That kind of consumer engagement, evident throughout Rite Aid’s latest Wellness format store, for example, helps anchor diabetes as a front-end destination center. 


November 15, 2012
Digital opportunity looms larger

Increased attention was given to Walmart’s multichannel efforts in this year’s supplier survey — and for good reason. Amazon.com is now in a virtual dead heat with the dollar store channel in terms of the retailer/channel that suppliers view as the most significant competitive threat.


Increased attention was given to Walmart’s multichannel efforts in this year’s supplier survey — and for good reason. Amazon.com is now in a virtual dead heat with the dollar store channel in terms of the retailer/channel that suppliers view as the most significant competitive threat.


November 15, 2012
Doggie dental care

Pedigree’s new Dentastix line of oral care products for pets fights “dog breath.” These new Fresh Treats for dogs work to help banish bad breath and help with overall oral care, including tartar control.


FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Pedigree’s new Dentastix line of oral care products for pets fights “dog breath.” These new Fresh Treats for dogs work to help banish bad breath and help with overall oral care, including tartar control.


Oral care is the No. 1 health issue veterinarians see in dogs. Research from The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition indicates that bad breath can be a sign of such canine oral care issues as gum disease. Advanced, untreated gum disease can be associated with the development of heart and kidney disease, as well as some forms of cancer.

November 15, 2012
Generic drugs compete in game of differentiation

The year 2012 is coming to an end, and it’s been a big year for 
generic drugs.


The year 2012 is coming to an end, and it’s been a big year for 
generic drugs.


November 15, 2012
Generics target specialty pharmacy with biosimilars

Perhaps the iconic scene at the end of Ridley Scott’s 1991 movie “Thelma & Louise” — with Gina Davis’ and Susan Sarandon’s characters hurdling into the Grand Canyon in a green convertible — is a good metaphor for what’s happening in the generic drug industry these days.


Perhaps the iconic scene at the end of Ridley Scott’s 1991 movie “Thelma & Louise” — with Gina Davis’ and Susan Sarandon’s characters hurdling into the Grand Canyon in a green convertible — is a good metaphor for what’s happening in the generic drug industry these days.


November 15, 2012
Holiday season to bring hi-tech fun with apps

This holiday season will be both a splurge and save season for toys. Parents will splurge for one or two toys, but will round out their holiday shopping with less expensive items, according to Adrienne Appell, a spokesperson for the Toy Industry Association.


This holiday season will be both a splurge and save season for toys. Parents will splurge for one or two toys, but will round out their holiday shopping with less expensive items, according to Adrienne Appell, a spokesperson for the Toy Industry Association.


November 15, 2012
Hurricane Sandy and friends of friends

It’s been several weeks now since Hurricane Sandy, virtually erased neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and New Jersey. For those of us who live and grew up here, the stories of loss and devastation are all around us. 


It’s been several weeks now since Hurricane Sandy, virtually erased neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and New Jersey. For those of us who live and grew up here, the stories of loss and devastation are all around us. 


As many as 100 Rockaway boys from Xavier High School — my alma mater — lost their homes and everything in them. 


It’s times like these when you really understand what it means to be a part of this great city and its indomitable spirit.


November 15, 2012
Intimacy positioned more as health care

RH Labs just launched a line of intimacy health products endorsed by Laura Berman, a well-known sex and relationship expert who hosts the show “In The Bedroom” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Berman collaborated on the design of every product in her line, the company noted.


RH Labs just launched a line of intimacy health products endorsed by Laura Berman, a well-known sex and relationship expert who hosts the show “In The Bedroom” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Berman collaborated on the design of every product in her line, the company noted.


It’s the kind of endorsement that will heighten the importance of intimacy health as part of an overall healthcare regimen. 


Sales of intimacy enhancement devices were up 24.3% to $4.1 million over the 12 weeks ended Sept. 9, according to SymphonyIRI group data.

 

November 15, 2012
Keeping health on track

Abbott’s latest glucose meter, the FreeStyle Insulinx, is helping to bring blood-glucose monitoring up to speed with the latest in smartphone and tablet technology. The

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Abbott’s latest glucose meter, the FreeStyle Insulinx, is helping to bring blood-glucose monitoring up to speed with the latest in smartphone and tablet technology. The new meter features a touchscreen interface, automated logbook and is equipped with built-in FreeStyle Auto-Assist software that enables patients to track progress, analyze trends and easily display data for their healthcare providers.

November 15, 2012
NABP report: Rogue pharmacies prolific

At some point in their lives, most people learn the old lesson about things that look too good to be true, sometimes by hearing it from others, and other times from 
bad experiences.


At some point in their lives, most people learn the old lesson about things that look too good to be true, sometimes by hearing it from others, and other times from 
bad experiences.


November 15, 2012
Neighborhood Market format revisited

When planning commission officials in Northwest Arkansas gave Walmart the go ahead for a 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Bentonville, Ark., back in 1998, it was the retail industry’s biggest story that year.


When planning commission officials in Northwest Arkansas gave Walmart the go ahead for a 40,000-sq.-ft. store in Bentonville, Ark., back in 1998, it was the retail industry’s biggest story that year.


November 15, 2012
New products provide value-added benefits

Sales of facial anti-aging products continued to slip — perhaps as consumers continue to watch their spending or try to navigate the inundated anti-aging market — while sales of facial moisturizers experienced an uptick, according to data from SymphonyIRI Group.


Sales of facial anti-aging products continued to slip — perhaps as consumers continue to watch their spending or try to navigate the inundated anti-aging market — while sales of facial moisturizers experienced an uptick, according to data from SymphonyIRI Group.


November 15, 2012
NewsBytes — Chain Pharmacy, 11/19/12

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for leukemia made by a subsidiary of Par Pharmaceutical Cos.


FDA approves Par leukemia drug
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for leukemia made by a subsidiary of Par Pharmaceutical Cos.


Par said Oct. 25 that the FDA had approved Anchen Pharmaceuticals’ tretinoin capsules in the 10-mg strength.


The drug is a generic version of Roche’s Vesanoid, various versions of which have annual sales of about $29 million, according to IMS Health.



 

November 15, 2012
OTC use on rise as self-care trend grows

Over-the-counter medications continue to gain in popularity among consumers, who — whether as a matter of cost savings or convenience — are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. 


Over-the-counter medications continue to gain in popularity among consumers, who — whether as a matter of cost savings or convenience — are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. 


To see more Patient Views, click here.

November 15, 2012
Personalization drives category

With more people working from home, the office products category continues to expand.

With more people working from home, the office products category continues to expand. For the past year, sales of office supplies were up 4%, according to NPD analyst Lora Morsovillo, driven by sales of writing implements, mailing and shipping supplies, and office essentials, including paper clips and 
rubber bands.


Morsovillo said the trend toward personalization is evident in the category, creating more demand for products like coordinated pens 
and folders.

 

 

November 15, 2012
Pick your flavor

Red Bull energy drink brand has announced plans to roll out Red Bull Editions — three new flavors in color-coordinated 8.4-ounce cans — this coming March.


SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Red Bull energy drink brand has announced plans to roll out Red Bull Editions — three new flavors in color-coordinated 8.4-ounce cans — this coming March.


New flavors will include cranberry, lime and blueberry, in a red, silver and blue can, respectively. The new products mark the first time Red Bull has added new flavors to its offerings, something competitors have already done. Red Bull is the category dollar volume leader in 2012, according to Nielsen figures, with a 42% dollar share vs. 35% for 
competitor Monster.

November 15, 2012
ReportersNotebook — Beauty Care, 11/19/12

Pacific World’s at-home gel polish brand SensatioNail is gearing up for the holiday season with the launch of a limited edition 2012 holiday collection, SensatioNail Glitter Gel Polish Duos.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Pacific World’s at-home gel polish brand SensatioNail is gearing up for the holiday season with the launch of a limited edition 2012 holiday collection, SensatioNail Glitter Gel Polish Duos. Debuting in three festive shades — Confetti Glitz (steel gray/silver glitter), Champagne Cocktail (black/gold glitter) and Midnight Kiss (deep red/red glitter) — each set offers a traditional gel manicure with light-reflecting, sparkling effects. 


 

November 15, 2012
ReportersNotebook — Consumables, 11/19/12

Anheuser-Busch earlier this month donated 44,000 cases — 1,056,000 cans — of emergency drinking water and a cash donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid victims of Hurricane Sandy.


SUPPLIER NEWS — Anheuser-Busch earlier this month donated 44,000 cases — 1,056,000 cans — of emergency drinking water and a cash donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid victims of Hurricane Sandy.