In this Issue

NORCROSS, Ga. — Hibiclens, an antimicrobial cleanser recommended for use before surgery to help reduce surgical site infections, MRSA or a Staphylococcus infection, is a perfect example of how pharmacists can help transition patients from hospital to home.

(Click here to view the full Category Review.)

Randy Edeker, president, CEO and chairman of Hy-Vee presents Martin Otto, chief merchant and CFO of H-E-B, with the gavel for the chairmanship of NACDS.

Niche products like external analgesics, both creams and patches, continue to represent significant incremental value to the overall pain-relieving category. According to the latest IRI figures, sales of external analgesics were up 8.6% to $560.2 million for the 52 weeks ended March 20 across total U.S. multi-outlets.

The bath category is once again bubbling at drug stores thanks to several trends. First is the fusion of skin care and shower/bath thanks to product launches that multitask while cleaning.

WALTHAM, Mass. — NeuroMetrix is aiming its wearable pain relief device Quell at a customer it believes is underserved. “Today, in terms of a serious therapeutic wearable device for chronic pain, we’re pretty unique,” NeuroMetrix SVP and general manager of consumer health Frank McGillin said. “There’s been an adoption of fitness trackers ... and obviously rapid growth of those primarily around the ‘worried well’ — they’re either active people trying to be even more active or they’re focused on their health.

As consumer demand for more natural food products grows, many retailers are responding by adding healthier options, and the non-chocolate candy aisle is no exception.

MANCHESTER, U.K. — Aspire Brands sold Bonne Bell and Lip Smacker last year and now has unveiled what it has been up to since then. The company launched ShampYou at Ulta Beauty. Thirteen different items can be blended together to make 144 different combinations as consumers pick and choose scents and benefits that best suit their preferences and hair types.

PRESTON, Wash. — Sparkling Ice has rolled out Sparkling Ice essence of sparkling water. The new collection is free of sweeteners, contains zero calories, has no artificial colors or preservatives, and delivers an “essence” of natural flavors. The new product line offers four SKUs: a non-flavored sparkling water and three lightly-flavored versions, featuring lemon lime, peach and tangerine. The new lightly-flavored Sparkling Ice collection will be available at Target stores nationwide beginning in May, and also in select Stop & Shop and Safeway stores.