Treatments, accessories aid growth

Addressing everything from minor cuts and abrasions to skin rashes and muscle aches, the first aid category is doing well — sales of first-aid treatments are up 5.5% to $1.4 billion for the 52 weeks ended June 14 across total U.S. multi-outlets, according to IRI, and the larger accessories category — including heat/ice packs — is up 7.2% to $1.8 billion.

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Across the treatment section, what was once a category that realized a big lift in the spring and summer may be evolving into more of a season-agnostic category with the launch of products addressing year-round skin conditions like eczema and diabetic skin care.

In the accessories segment, there have been several product launches of copper-infused compression devices in the past year — Idea Village’s Copper Fit ($14.8 million in sales within less than a year on shelf) and Telebrands’ Copper Hands ($10.4 million in sales). Sport tape also continues to do well, as evidenced by the growth of KT Tape Pro, up 52.5% to $8.1 million.