7-Eleven partners with Perrigo on line of store-brand OTC products

DALLAS — 7‑Eleven, which has long offered single-dose blister packs of the most popular, national brand over-the-counter medications, on Tuesday entered the private-label drug business with its own 7-Select-branded, nonprescription medicines, at a savings of up to 85% per pill or ounce for equal to or better quality, according to the retailer. Participating stores carry 7-Select OTC remedies in five major categories, including pain relief, cough-cold/allergy, gastrointestinal upset, cough/throat and sleep aids. 

 

“With recent changes in health care, an aging population and the transition from prescription to the OTC status of some popular medicines, more people are looking for ways to self-treat minor ailments,” said Rebecca Frechette, 7‑Eleven SVP merchandising. “Just like when our customers are hungry or thirsty, if they come to our stores feeling ill, they have an immediate need they want fixed fast,” she said. “With the new 7-Select high-quality alternatives to popular OTC drugs, we can offer them relief from their ailment with great products at value prices.” 

 

7-Eleven has partnered with Perrigo to create its assortment.

 

Most 7‑Eleven stores will continue to carry popular national brands in single-dose and larger packages alongside its 7-Select options. However, some stores may choose to carry only the new value-priced, private-brand children’s pain, cold and allergy remedies.

 

“As popular prescription drugs transition to over the counter, we will refine and add to our OTC selection if it makes sense to include in our selection,” Frechette said. “OTC medication is a $30 billion business and, in some categories, private-brands account for more than half of these sales. More people are becoming accustomed to choosing private brand OTC drugs, and as our 7-Select brand is gaining recognition, this seemed a natural extension for us," she said.“We are trying to create convenient solution centers for our customers. That means carrying tissues and eye drops next to allergy medicines, lip balms and Vitamin C with cold and flu remedies, or hand sanitizer, topical medicated sprays and elastic bandages next to pain relief.”

 

7‑Eleven introduced products sold under the 7-Select banner in 2004, and today its stores carry up to 300 different items under its private brand.