Cold and allergy category promising for independents, HRG says

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Cold and allergy is the leading front-of-store category as measured by dollar sales for independents, Hamacher Resource Group reported in a blog on Monday. All told, the category represents 17.9% of all health, beauty and wellness sales.



That total is slightly down, 0.6%, from last year’s percentage, but HRG is confident cough cold sales will swing up in the coming season.



"There were several new launches in 2017 that will hopefully drive sales back up," reported Kyle Lentz, HBC category analyst, HRG. "The allergy brand Xyzal from Chattem is an Rx-to-OTC switch that hit stores in March," he noted. "Significant launches within the children’s subcategory include the re-emergence of Children’s Tylenol cold products, and Mondelez International added HALLS Kids Cough & Sore Throat suckers. Adding these new products to [an independent's] assortment will help drive consumers to the department and boost sales."



In addition, the lip care segment continues to evolve, he said. "Pack changes for brands like EOS and Carmex can revitalize sluggish sales, while entries from specialty manufacturers like Burt’s Bees and O’Keeffe’s are seeing sales climb," Lentz suggested. He suggested independents merchandise a wide selection of lip balms that cater to a vast array of customer preferences.