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In this Issue

  • Mars launches three new Bites flavors

    HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Building on the 2013 introduction of Snickers Bites and Milky Way Bites, Mars Chocolate North America added three new flavors of unwrapped, bite-sized treats: Twix Bites, 3 Musketeers Bites and Milky Way Simply Caramel Bites.

  • Study: Top 5 social media trends for retail

    Pinterest will emerge as a stronger alternative to Facebook and Twitter, according to global research and analytics firm Blueocean Market Intelligence. The company analyzed the online data of the nation’s top 100 retailers from September through December 2013 as part of its ongoing study assessing the business impact of top retailers’ social media efforts. Blueocean Market Intelligence predicts the following top social media trends for the retail industry in 2014:

  • FDA makes unprecedented Rx-to-OTC switches

    Two Rx-to-OTC switches in the past year may serve as a harbinger of what the Food and Drug Administration will consider “switch” worthy. They both address chronic care needs, and they both represent first of their kind medicines to the nonprescription aisle.

  • Consumers seek more novelty, seasonal options

    Where would the candy category be without seasonal merchandise? Seasonal candy sales are a driving force in the category, with seasonal period sales accounting for 55% of the confectionary pie, according to the National Confectioners Association. Unique seasonal in-and-out items shaped and colored specifically for a season represent 22% of category sales. In 2014, NCA estimates that seasonal candy sales will account for $7 billion.

  • CandyRific introduces new novelty items

    LOUISVILLE, Ky. — CandyRific has introduced two novelty items for spring. The Cinderella Light and Sound Wand with Candy, an extension of CandyRific’s princess line with Disney Consumer Products, features Cinderella in her classic blue ball gown on top of the wand, which makes a magical sound, lights up and includes .53-oz. of microbytes candy.

    A Spiderman Candy Fan also has been introduced, featuring Spidey atop a candy fan, which also includes .28-oz. tube of microbytes candy.

    Both products retail for $3.99 and are available in 12-count displays.

  • Search engines, social media key to unlocking opportunity for beauty brands

    The nature of beauty products invokes a highly engaging shopping experience whereby customers are accustomed to touching, feeling, smelling and trying on each product and color to find the best fit. Despite this, beauty brands are making strides in the digital world, and e-commerce continues to be a consistent vehicle for how beauty mavens shop, according to recent research by digital marketing firm PM Digital.

  • Baby boomers, preventive solutions drive OTC

    Overall, the OTC sector in 2013 realized $40.2 billion in sales, according to data culled from OTC categories tracked by IRI. That’s up from the $38.3 billion that DSN reported last year. The 2013 sales numbers reflect a strong 2012-2013 cough-cold season and the relaunch of Tylenol, Excedrin and Motrin.

  • Q&A: The 'magic' touch with Mezei Jefferson of Softsheen-Carson

    With a history that goes back more than 100 years, Softsheen-Carson’s Magic Shave has become a legacy brand within the African-American male grooming segment. To learn more about the brand’s history and its new Bump Rescue Skincare line, Drug Store News recently talked with Mezei Jefferson, director of education for Softsheen-Carson.

    DSN: After more than 100 years, Magic Shave was reformulated and revamped with a new look. Can you elaborate?

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