Duane Reade sells topical pain reliever, marks first entry in U.S. market

NEW YORK According to a recent survey of New York office workers commissioned by Haw Par Healthcare, makers of Tiger Balm, 61% are feeling more stress than before the economic crisis began and 43% are working more than they did a year ago.

In addition, six-in-10 of those surveyed report spending six or more hours a day at their desk, and more than half 53% say that this time at work causes stress and physical pain, particularly in the neck and shoulders.

The survey also found that at the same time that stress and stress-related pain is increasing, more than half of residents report cutting down on “self-pampering” indulgences, such as massages, hair maintenance and manicures, while looking for more affordable alternatives to manage and relieve their stress-related pain.

In response to these trends, Duane Reade stores throughout New York area are selling Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub, a topical pain reliever that provides a “massage on-the-go.” This is the product’s first entry into the U.S. market, Haw Par announced.

“Since New York is the home of the nation’s financial center, it’s not surprising that almost three quarters of New Yorkers surveyed believe that they are feeling it worse than everybody else,” stated Ak Han, director and general manager of Haw Par. “We’re pleased to help New Yorkers manage their stress and relieve their pain by launching a new neck and shoulder pain version of Tiger Balm. People suffering from neck and shoulder pains may think that there is nothing they can do about it. Whether it be during times of economic crisis or during the normal day-to-day grind, we’re glad to provide new, effective, pain relief, so that people will not have to suffer in silence.”