In this Issue

Alarming statistics are as common in the healthcare world as healthcare workers themselves, but some of the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are particularly dramatic: Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, the agency said in late January, and an estimated 79 million U.S. adults — representing more than one-third of all adults in the country — have prediabetes.

The core drug store shopper is a likely consumer of cell phone and computer accessories, according to research from the Consumer Electronics Association.

CEA research showed that while both men and women are likely to select a car charger as a desired accessory, women are more likely to choose extra batteries, hands-free kits and extra battery chargers. CEA research also revealed that women are more likely to purchase wireless mice and pads, zip drives and extra cables.

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A funny thing happened on the way to the cash register. A coveted diabetic shopper intent on saving money saw promotions that resonated with value. She was hooked.

On this trip, promotions influenced her to expand her basket from just insulin to related care items, foot cream and a sugar-free treat. It was as if the retailer and suppliers completely understood her daily regimen, lifestyle, shopping behaviors, willingness to spend and purchase triggers. Indeed, they did.

How? They mastered the process of promotion optimization.

It is no secret that oral care is a mature market, yet consumers have shown a willingness to pay for products that make oral health easier. In light of this, some industry observers predicted that growth will be in the form of those products that are “value-added,” “improved benefit” and “simplified.”

The definition of snacking has broadened, and more choices are competing for the consumer dollar. Consumers also continue to want more for their money.

Value is a big issue for consumers when it comes to purchasing snacks. Research from SymphonyIRI Group revealed that 80% of consumers actively look for the best value when buying snacks, and 42% are cutting back on money spent on snacks.

Meanwhile, competition is increasing from fast food chains that are adding smaller-sized snackable foods to their menus.

The drug store channel isn’t maximizing its potential in the consumer electronics category. According to research by TWICE and the Stevenson Co., CE sales at Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS amounted to $111 billion last year, less than 1% of the chains’ combined revenue. At Walmart, electronics comprise about 7% of sales. TWICE’s research also revealed that CE sales at all three drug chains were down last year.

All the hype around H1N1 
that was so prevalent in 2009 is gone, leaving only the tough comparisons a year later. That makes the first half of the 
2010-2011 cough-cold season an H1N1 hangover with overall sales of $4.6 billion, representing a slight decline of 1.8%, for the 52 weeks ended Dec. 26, 2010, according to SymphonyIRI Group. What was missing in 2010 was the 2009 summer of sickness that reached a crescendo in September.