In this Issue

Energy shots have delivered a jolt to pharmacy sales to the tune of an incremental $50 million in the past year. That business was borne out of targeting the typical all-nighters: college kids cramming for exams, truck drivers and third-shift workers. But seniors?


The humble coupon is back, in a big way.


Two years after the nation’s economy hit bottom in the most wrenching tailspin since the onset of the Great Depression, coupon use in the United States has staged a remarkable comeback. 



Sports drinks and energy beverages remain the driving forces behind the beverage category. Dollar volume across all three channels for both segments spiked nearly 15% for the 12-week period ended April 17, according to SymphonyIRI Group data.


Nail color continues to be a rock star in the beauty aisle, as many women have forgone the pricey salon and embraced the do-it-yourself trend, and as manufacturers increasingly launch innovative nail products.


“Lending a strong hand to the success of the makeup category was nail polishes, which [were] up by 20.4% in 2010 due to new product activity ad­apted to achieving at-home salon results and easy application,” consulting and research firm Kline & Co. recently stated in its Cosmetics & Toiletries USA 2010 report.


A shift in consumers’ shopping behavior to one that is focused on value, coupled with a desire to escape everyday stresses, likely helped drive the growth of bath and body scrubbers/massagers.


As shoppers increasingly have been watching their dollars, many have been creating an at-home spa experience versus spending their money at a pricey salon. This desire to create an at-home oasis has benefited the bath and body segment.


Happy days are here again! Consumer confidence rebounded 1.6 points in April from a dip in March, according to the Consumer Confidence Index, despite the fact that high-gas-price stories are dominating the airwaves. That suggests consumers may be willing to try new things again — in other words, to buy something new — and that is excellent news for niche manufacturers.

TEANECK, N.J. — Aetrex Worldwide is bringing shoppers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience featuring the most advanced technology in the footwear industry with the opening of its first retail concept in Englewood, N.J. An invite-only grand opening celebration will be held June 2.



The wider availability of relaxants and perms — which largely are geared toward African-American hair — coupled with consumers seeking greater value due to a challenging economy has helped fuel sales of the niche segment.