HEALTH

The Trump Administration in August signed legislation mandating that devices addressing mild-to-moderate hearing loss be made available over the counter, which will create a new in-store destination center for an entire class of products once only available by prescription.

Officials at the Global Market Development Center think that retailers have a great opportunity to build sales through several key general merchandise categories, including gift cards, clothing, books and media, this holiday season.

GMDC says that a National Retail Federation study found that sales during the holiday season will increase by 3.4%, with online shopping becoming the most popular consumer experience for the first time in survey history.

Smartphones may be smart, but sometimes they still are not always accessible.

Enter Smart Meter, a Tampa, Fl.-based company that has recently gained FDA approval for its iGlucose blood glucose meter, which eliminates syncing or paring complications when trying to share blood glucose test results.

PITTSBURGH — Foundation Consumer Healthcare has announced a new addition to its product offerings. The company has completed its $675 million acquisition of Plan B One-Step and two value emergency contraceptive brands from Teva. Alongside its new products, the company has added Greg Bradley, a  34-year CPG industry veteran, as its president and CEO.

Truth 7: Regulations no excuse for poor branding

Regulation, varying from country to country, affects many substantive aspects of what constitutes OTC branding and what is allowed in packaging design, claims, evidencing, marketing communications and sampling. And it changes all the time, with very little chance of any form of regional harmonization any time soon, let alone global.

Hyland’s has introduced three products to the sleeping aids category, with company officials hopeful that there is more demand for products in the growing category.

How do retailers get an edge in the all-important OTC medications market? Finding the answer, according to a number of industry officials, may be one of the most important factors for any merchant looking to build its image and profits in the OTC market.