In this Issue

Two Rx-to-OTC switches in the past year may serve as a harbinger of what the Food and Drug Administration will consider “switch” worthy. They both address chronic care needs, and they both represent first of their kind medicines to the nonprescription aisle.

Where would the candy category be without seasonal merchandise? Seasonal candy sales are a driving force in the category, with seasonal period sales accounting for 55% of the confectionary pie, according to the National Confectioners Association. Unique seasonal in-and-out items shaped and colored specifically for a season represent 22% of category sales. In 2014, NCA estimates that seasonal candy sales will account for $7 billion.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — CandyRific has introduced two novelty items for spring. The Cinderella Light and Sound Wand with Candy, an extension of CandyRific’s princess line with Disney Consumer Products, features Cinderella in her classic blue ball gown on top of the wand, which makes a magical sound, lights up and includes .53-oz. of microbytes candy.

A Spiderman Candy Fan also has been introduced, featuring Spidey atop a candy fan, which also includes .28-oz. tube of microbytes candy.

Both products retail for $3.99 and are available in 12-count displays.

The nature of beauty products invokes a highly engaging shopping experience whereby customers are accustomed to touching, feeling, smelling and trying on each product and color to find the best fit. Despite this, beauty brands are making strides in the digital world, and e-commerce continues to be a consistent vehicle for how beauty mavens shop, according to recent research by digital marketing firm PM Digital.

Overall, the OTC sector in 2013 realized $40.2 billion in sales, according to data culled from OTC categories tracked by IRI. That’s up from the $38.3 billion that DSN reported last year. The 2013 sales numbers reflect a strong 2012-2013 cough-cold season and the relaunch of Tylenol, Excedrin and Motrin.

With a history that goes back more than 100 years, Softsheen-Carson’s Magic Shave has become a legacy brand within the African-American male grooming segment. To learn more about the brand’s history and its new Bump Rescue Skincare line, Drug Store News recently talked with Mezei Jefferson, director of education for Softsheen-Carson.

DSN: After more than 100 years, Magic Shave was reformulated and revamped with a new look. Can you elaborate?

Where is pharmacy automation headed, and how will it be put to use by pharmacists and the companies that employ them?

Prevention. That’s currently one of the predominant themes in cough-cold. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times. With the economy still undergoing a slow recovery, 90% of workers recently reported they would opt to report to work sick vs. calling out, according to the fourth annual Flu Season Survey from Staples.