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Soap Cleans Up By Raising The Bar

Thanks to a lot of mass marketing, liquid soap has become the suds of choice over the past 10 years. But market data suggest that more Americans are raising the bar, or at least incorporating it into their daily routine. Mass-retail sales of bar soap increased 4.7%, to $1.2 billion in 2011, from $1.1 billion in 2010, according to Chicago-based market-research firm Mintel. That’s more than double the growth of body-wash sales, which were up 2% year over year to $1.9 billion.
The rise in bar soap now playing out in the luxury and specialty space indicates that the shift isn’t being driven by recession-induced penny-pinchers. And it’s not a shift driven by marketing, but almost anti-marketing: With the rise of overly fragrant body washes such as Axe, bar soap seems to represent something, well, pure.
“People try handmade bar soap for different reasons — [for] some, it has to do with allergies, sensitivities to [mass-produced] fragrances,” said Cathleen Timberlake, president of the Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild. “But I also think there’s just a big interest in products that are homemade.” The trade group has seen its membership increase to 1,700 soapmakers from 1,242 in 2010.
Boutique apothecary chain Space NK — almost a Sephora for niche brands, with stores across the U.S. and in Europe — added multiple soap SKUs over the past year. “Bar soap evokes a sense of tradition and craftsmanship that you simply do not get with a hand-sanitizing utilitarian liquid soap in a pump container,” said Space NK founder Nicky Kinnaird. It also helps that the formulas are better than before. “They’ve improved beyond measure,” said Ms. Kinnaird. “Antioxidants and skin hydrators are being added to triple-milled vegetable bases.”

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

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Natural Relief for Flu Misery

When seeing patients at his own allergy, sinus and asthma practice in Central Florida, Ed Neuzil, ARNP, PhD and developer of Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator nasal cleansing spray (http://www.IrrigatorNasalSpray.com) encourages patients to use a nasal rinse with natural essential oils to:

•    Reduce congestion and cough associated with thick nasal mucus and post nasal drainage;
•    Soothe irritated sinuses;
•    Moisturize nasal passages thereby preserving natural protectants in our noses.

Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator is approved for children age four and up and has the Parent Tested, Parent Approved Seal of Approval. It comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle so relief is at hand when you need it, unlike other sinus rinses that are messy and require mixing.

•    It will rinse out dust, pollen, pet dander and other potential allergic triggers which cause sinus irritation and often lead to congestion, cough, itchy eyes, etc.
•    The spray will moisturize nasal passages thereby preserving the cilia or tiny hairs in the nose which trap airborne germs and irritants.
•    Saline sprays will help open up nasal passages so patients breathe easier throughout the day.

For more information on how you obtain Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator for your customers, please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Snap Infusion
Candy Industry | November 2012

Supercandy has a natural ingredient profile consisting of B vitamins to boost energy, antioxidants to protect the immune system and electrolytes for maintaining fluid balance.  It is the official “super candy” of the U.S. Ski, Snowboarding and Freeskiing teams.

Study: Parents confident in administering correct acetaminophen dose with AccuDial dosing label
Drug Store News | October 26, 2012

In 2011 Concentric Research conducted a two-phase label comprehension and dosing study on behalf of AccuDial Pharmaceutical. In phase one, 61 adult parents/caregivers with children below 18 years old participated. In phase two 565 adult parents/caregivers with children below 18 years old participated. Of those, 10% of the parents were in the lower literacy category based on the REALM literacy test that all participants were required to take prior to participating in the study.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of parents with children below age 18 to understand the dosing instructions of AccuDial’s Children’s Acetaminophen product with a new rotating weight-based dosing label (dosing comprehension) and to demonstrate their understanding by measuring a dose (dosing behavior) when given various scenarios.

Parents that evaluated AccuDial scored significantly higher — between 84% and 93% — in their comprehension of the correct amount of medication to give a child. There was less comprehension associated with using the Age/Weight Ranging Dosing chart.

In situations where a child’s age and weight match the dosing directions on the Age/Weight Ranging Dosing chart, the comprehension was 80.6%. However, when the child’s age and weight did not match the age/weight range on the chart, dosing comprehensions was between 58% and 67%. Parents were less sure of how to dose when their children were heavier than indicated on the chart against the corresponding age range.

The phase two study was conducted in 10 cities across the United States. Comprehension results for AccuDial ranged between 84% and 97%, and were statistically comparable to the comprehension results in phase one.

In phase one AccuDial included a calibrated dosing spoon, and the Age/Weight Comparator product used a calibrated dosing cup. Between phase one and phase two, AccuDial replaced the calibrated dosing spoon with an oral syringe (and a Push-In Bottle Adapter). The syringe proved easier to measure the correct amount of medication, was easier to administer the medication directly from the syringe and parents were concerned that the thick viscosity of acetaminophen caused between .5 mL and 1.5 mL to remain in a dosing cup or spoon.

Subsequently, AccuDial includes a Push-in Bottle Adapter and oral syringe with all acetaminophen products.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Somersets shaving line announces U.S. debut
Drug Store News | October 18, 2012

The brand’s launch in the United States is marked with the unveiling of 11 products and is supported by the launch of a new web site at www.somersets.com.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Majestic Introduces Senzzzzz Away
Drug Store News | October 24, 2012

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

AccuDial launches line of Go-Green children’s cough and cold products
Drug Store News | October 10, 2012

Natural items become fixture in baby aisle
Chain Drug Review | September 24, 2012

As parents grow increasingly concerned about the ingredients in the products they use on their baby’s skin, the all natural side of the baby care market is flourishing.

In fact, some market researchers say sales of premium, all natural baby care products in the United States increased by nearly 70% between 2005 and 2010.

While the sales of natural baby care items has so far been mostly limited to specialty stores and Internet-based operations, these items are increasingly making their way onto the shelves of America’s drug stores.

Sundial is among a growing list of suppliers that have made inroads into the natural and organic baby care segment, joining such perennial players as Burt’s Bees, which offers a variety of washes and soaps, lotions and moisturizers, diaper care formulas and sun care products, and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and its natural baby care lines offered under the Johnson’s and Aveeno labels.

And, the company stresses, its natural baby care lines offer something many other all-natural collections do not – an affordable price point.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

AccuDial introduces five APAP products featuring readily comprehensive weight-based dosing instructions
Drug Store News | October 2012

AccuDial is set apart by its easy-to-use dosing system that helps parents consistently identify the proper dosing of acetaminophen. Parents dial their children’s weight in pounds and the label shows the most accurate dose of acetaminophen.

In a recent study conducted by Concentric Research, 97% of parents who used AccuDial were confident they administered the correct amount of medication.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Topricin: A Friend to Pharmacists Everywhere

Since 1994, we have been and remain dedicated to pharmacists, nurses, doctors, and therapists in providing a superior adjunct to primary care.  Topricin was developed 25-years ago as a proprietary patented innovative pain management and healing technology by inventor Lou Paradise.  He was inspired to create Topricin to treat his own painful wartime injuries resulting from the rigorous physical demands of serving two tours of active duty.  Topricin is odorless and non-irritating and contains none of the harsh chemicals found in typical analgesic topical ointments and gels.

Distribution:  Whole Foods, Duane Reade, Wegmans, Publix, Vitamin Shoppe, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Harmons,  Kinney,

Supported with a $3.5 Million DRTV National Campaign

Pharmacists Face Fierce Competition Every Day:
Pharmacists are under increasing pressure to effectively compete in the marketplace. This is complicated by online pharmacies, patients seeking safer products, and every pharmacy looking for additional robust profit centers. Topricin provides a profitable, highly ethical product line.

How Does Topricin Work?
Topricin’s biomedicine’s match the molecular size of the body’s natural healing chemistries. The medicines are readily absorbed through the skin and deep into the affected area.  The combination of medicines supports the healing process by stimulating lymphatic drainage of toxins and fluid build-up from the affected area, while at the same time relaxing the capillaries to restore oxygen rich blood flow to the cells. The pain relief is the result of enhancing the healing process so the body can address and repair the cause of the pain.
Benefits of Topricin Pain Relief and Healing Cream Technology:
–Known for reducing the time of recovery of trauma injury and post-surgical trauma
–Reduces need/dependency for all classes of chemical oral pain pills

Topricin Provides Profitability for Pharmacists:
–Patient comes to the pharmacy with a pain script for Oxycontin Vicodin Percocet or other opioid meds. The pharmacist or tech hands patient a 2-gram sample of Topricin and asks him/her to try the product while filling the script. 95% of the time it results in an immediate sale of Topricin.
–Same scenario but this time the patient brings a script for Cymbalta, Lyrica or Neurontin (none of which have proven very effective for nerve pain and can increase the risk of suicide). Patient gets a 2-gram pack of Topricin; 95% of the time a sale occurs.
–Equation:  40% on a $19.00 item, verses $1.75 and co-pay for the script.

Topricin Safe Effective Produces No Side Effects= High Customer Satisfaction and Profitability

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

The Annual Ragweed Ritual

Now is the time retailers should stock your shelves with antihistamines, a variety of saline sprays and more to for your customers to get relief.

According to Ed Neuzil, ARNP, PhD and founder of Herbal-Enhanced Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator nasal cleansing spray, people who suffer to the point that pollen affects their quality of life and the symptoms appear consistently each allergy season, should meet with a medical professional to determine the best plan of action.

1.    Keep your windows and doors close so that the airborne pollutants don’t come inside.
2.    If you spend a lot of time outdoors, remove your clothing, wash your face and even wash your hair to get rid of any pollen that may have gotten on you.
3.    Install HEPA filters in your home. They’ll do a better job of filtering out pollen and can be found at most home improvement stores.
4.    Rinse your nose! Seriously. It’s the same as washing out anything else that has trapped dirt and other pollutants.

Some opt for using the ancient saline rinsing system called the “Neti Pot.” This natural therapy involves making a saline concoction that is poured through the nose and helps rinse out nasal passages.

Still, Neuzil cautions Neti Pot and saline rinse users that the simple saline alone can lead to other sinus problems if used too much and he suggests you consult with a practitioner if you use them frequently.

There are other methods, however. In fact, Neuzil developed his non-medicated saline nasal spray, Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator, which is enhanced with essential oils that help moisturize nasal passages. It is effective at rinsing out irritants while soothing irritated nasal passages.

Whatever your allergy therapy of choice, it’s important that you don’t try to suffer through season without getting appropriate relief.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Parents seek out safe alternatives
Chain Drug Review

“Homeopathic cold remedies are safe for children, even those under age 4, unlike most over-the-counter cold medications,” comments Stephanie Crumley Hill, a contributor to the health pages on the website ehow.com.

As more parents become concerned about what they use to treat their young

Earlier this year, for example, Homeolab USA extended its Kids Relief line while Hyland’s Cold ‘n Cough 4 Kids is among the newest items added to that company’s roster of homeopathic remedies. The formula is the 17th homeopathic item Hyland’s offers for relief from coughs, cold, flu and sinus trouble.

“Our 100% natural formula offers safe and effective symptom relief of common cold symptoms, including sneezing, sore throat and congestion,” a Hyland’s spokeswoman says. “This fast-acting homeopathic formula is safe for kids 2 years old and up.”

SymphonyIRI Group Inc. data shows products marketed by homeopathic suppliers Similasan, Hyland’s and Boiron ranked among the 15 best-selling cough syrups during the 12 weeks ended August 7.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Natural Remedies Find Flavor
MMR | February, 2012

The market for natural remedies recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2009 to 2011, according to the study by worldwide consulting and research firm Kline & Co. The traditional O-T-C market, by contrast, recorded a CAGR of 2.5% between 2005 and 2010.

The study,”Natural O-T-Cs 2011: Impact of Non-Drug Products on the U.S. O-T-C Market,” found that close to 40% of consumers said they were using more natural O-T-Cs last year than in 2010, suggesting that the trend toward natural products, already well established in the personal care industry, is becoming an important movement in the O-T-C market as well.

The report predicts that the natural O-T-C market will maintain healthy growth rates over the next five years, reaching nearly $750 million in sales by 2016. By contrast, the traditional O-T-C market is forecast to grow as little as 3% per year.

Kline’s research suggests that there is room for both types of O-T-Cs on the market, because 53% of the consumers surveyed said they use both natural and traditional O-T-Cs to treat themselves or their family members.

There may be opportunities withing this environment for companies to augment their portfolios of traditional O-T-C products with natural O-T-C brands, the report suggest, pointing to Procter & Gamble Co.’s Align, GlaxoSmithKline’s Breathe Right and Bayer Groups Phillips’ Colon Health as examples of how seriously the natural O-T-C trend is being taken.

The size of the natural O-T-C opportunity varies by product category, Kline health care practice industry manager Laura Mahecha pointed out when the report was released last fall. Also critical to the segment’s growth is that consumers believe the products represent a viable alternative to traditional products.

“Growth in natural O-T-Cs also will be dependent on whether consumers continue to find them effective and safe,” Mahecha explained.

Kline’s survey on the usage and perception of natural O-T-Cs reveals that presently more than 45% of the respondents find natural O-T-Cs effective, and over 40% consider natural O-T-Cs to be safer or have fewer side effects than traditional O-T-Cs.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

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Study: More men are investing in high-end skin care products
Drug Store News | August 23, 2012

On track with the sales in the men’s current retail business, men’s skin care sales increased 6% year-to-date (January through July) 2012, compared with the same time last year, generating $45.5 million. In addition, NPD found that at least seven out of 10 men are buying facial skin care products for themselves.

“The growth in men’s skin care sales echoes the strong performance in the overall prestige beauty market,” stated Karen Grant, VP and senior global industry analyst for The NPD Group.

“Many men are catching up to women with embracing the routine of a facial skin care regimen. The double-digit increase in sets and kits, which are often introductory products, is quite promising leading us to believe that more and more men are conquering the facial skin care frontier,” stated Grant.

For the first time in the last four years, the sub-segment of age specialist declined in both dollar (down 21%) and unit growth (down 25%).

The overall best-selling men’s skincare products for year-to-date 2012 were Clinique’s Skin Supplies for Men Face Scrub 3.4 oz., followed by Skin Supplies for Men: Lotion tube, another Clinique best seller.

“With substantial growth in a number of smaller categories, it seems that men are stepping out of their comfort zone even further to try the latest skincare innovations,” added Grant. “Men are purchasing toners and clarifiers to brightening specialists and ‘In Sun’ protection products, making it quite an interesting time for men’s grooming products.”

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

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Outlook Positive on Quality, Expansion
Health & Beauty Care Executive | June 25, 2012

“Trends indicate that consumers want authentic, certified quality across multiple product categories, and being Certified Organic through the USDA is the highest and most trusted position,” Ruffalo says. “We have addressed all the key barriers through trial and usage of organic products with accessible

Burt’s Bees brings new consumers into the category in three ways: relevant, efficious innovation; consumer conversion into natural personal care; and investing at the point of decided with our retail partners,” Risby explains. “We also see a lot of opportunity in lip color and face care, along with health and baby care.”

Chen says the penetration of natural personal care is still relatively small, given the total size of the personal care category. “At Yes to Inc., we see huge potential in all segments, especially hair and skin care.”

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Many of you have seen Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator nasal cleansing spray in the Summer Show, online in our blog and in the Sample and Information mailing. You are able to order this item direct with CDMA or per the request of a few other members  if you would prefers to order from McKesson, please send the following message to your specific account representative to have them start to carry Dr. Neuzil’s.

According to the McKesson channel manager, they will introduce a new product into their line based on retail client queries that come through the McKesson sales team.

Please cut and paste the message below into an email that you can send to your McKesson account representative:

We would like to request that McKesson make Dr. Neuzil’s    Irrigator nasal cleansing spray available through our D/C so that we can order it for our customers.

The non-medicated, herbal-enhanced nasal spray is manufactured by Lor-Ed Enterprises, LLC and comes in a 30 ml bottle with bright, colorful, eye-catching packaging. It will stand out in the McKesson planogram.

The spray would fall under the personal care or health category and is used for allergy relief and a variety of sinus conditions. (http://www.IrrigatorNasalSpray.com)

Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator is a saline formula with natural essential oils. It is approved for children age 4 and up and recently received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval®.

The Lor-Ed distribution contact is Marc Robertz and he can be reached at (352) 267-7247 or by email at marc@irrigatornasalspray.com. Mr. Robertz is in conversation with Steve Standifer, McKesson Channel Manager, who seeks retailer requests for the product.

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Snacks Take Healthful Turn
MMR | June 18, 2012

Crunchies Food Co. recently launched the new single-serving Munch Pak in six fruit flavors, and it will soon add four veggie Munch Paks as well.

“Crunchies Munch Paks are the perfect size to throw into a lunch box to replace unhealthy, high-sugar snacks,” says president and chief executive officer James Lacey.

Available in four flavors, the product is higher in protein and has 40% less fat than a traditional potato chip.

In addition, Plentils are completely free of genetically modified food ingredients. Warady says the product, introduced in March, is also the only certified gluten-free lentil chip on the market, making it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Kind Healthy Snacks, meanwhile, recently launched its Kind Nuts & Spices lines of snack bars. Each contains five grams of sugar or less and has no artificial ingredients.

The four flavors available are Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt, Madagascar Vanilla Almond, Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan, and Cashew & Ginger Spice.For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Maybelline expands foundation, lash lines
Chain Drug Review
June 25, 2012

Among the most recent of these new items are Dream Fresh BB, the latest addition to the company’s global foundation brand, and Mega Plush by Volum’ Express, a gel-mousse mascara formula that contains 40% less hard waxes to help leave lashes plump with supple volume but never stiff or brittle.

“Mega Plush gives women the lush lashes they crave,” said vice president of marketing Ali Goldstein. “The look is fullness to the max, yet the technology behind the formula keeps lashes soft and supple so they won’t feel stiff or brittle. This is a breakthrough in the volume category.”

Lash volume is further amplified, she said, by the product’s unique flexor brush technology. “The oversized brush works two ways for a new application sensation,” Goldstein said. “The big bristles envelop each lash, while the flexible head shock-absorbs for less pulling and more lifting, almost like caressing the lashes.” Mega Plush by Volum’ Express mascara is being offered in three washable shades and two waterproof shades.

“Our Dream franchise has taken over the world,” Maybelline senior vice president of marketing Carolyn Holba said at the time, noting that it is the No. 1 foundation brand worldwide, as measured by unit sales.

“This new trio of exciting products fulfills the modern woman’s main desire when selecting a makeup collection–sheer coverage that feels incredibly light on the skin, as if she were wearing nothing at all,” she said.

In April, Dream Fresh BB, a beauty balm that has been popular in markets in Europe and Asia debuted in the United States. Described as an 8-in-1 skin perfecter and a one-step wonder, the lightweight beauty balm is oil-free and contains 70% water.

Marketers say it offers skin care benefits plus immediate perfecting coverage in a single step.

“Today’s consumers are hyper-attuned to the latest global beauty trends,” said Maybelline president David Greenberg. “The introduction of Dream Fresh BB brings a new category to our face portfolio of products so that we offer our consumers the most comprehensive portfolio to address her face needs.”

Greenberg said that the company’s launches over the past year make for “a perfect combination of spectacular color and terrific makeup.”

“We’re helping women look great, feel excited about their looks, and get out and be who they need to be,” he said.

Like Dream Fresh BB, some of the recent Maybelline launches have been inspired by products offered in Asia and other fashion-forward parts of the world.

And, Greenberg noted, some are banging prestige product concepts to the mass market for the first time, while others deliver Maybelline’s own technological breakthroughs.

“All told, it’s a lot of real innovation,” he said.

Retailers have already taken notice, and consumers are sure to follow suit, Greenberg said.

The company’s ongoing advertising and promotional campaign will help Maybelline meet that goal.

Already recognized as a company with powerful media spending, Maybelline has significantly expanded its promotional efforts this year.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

New Viviscal Hair Repair tablets battle damaged hair from within
Drug Store News
June 20, 2012

The new tablets specifically target women with hair damaged from heat treatments, chemical treatments, coloring, extensions, poor diet, pollution and stress. Hair Repair features a new formulation that is designed to target damaged and over-styled tresses, repairing from within and restoring health and strength.

Viviscal Hair Repair tablets are available at Rite Aid and retail for $29.99 for a 30-day supply.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

NFLPA and THERAPEARL, LLC Partner to Provide Athletes with Game Changing Innovations in Hot and Cold Pack Therapy
The Wall Street Journal

“We’re thrilled to partner with the NFLPA in developing products that impact a player’s training and recovery,” said Daniel Baumwald, President of TheraPearl. “Our products maximize targeted hot and cold therapy and are uniquely designed for athletes and athlete recovery. We are happy to make this technology available to the NFL players for whom recovery is such a crucial part of the game.”

The technology has appealed to a wide range of celebrities and athletes including current and former NFL players.

“Health and safety is a great concern for all professional football players,” said Keith Gordon, President of NFL PLAYERS, INC. “We are pleased to bring on an innovative company like TheraPearl as an official licensee. Proper recovery between practice and games is a crucial piece of staying healthy, and TheraPearl technology aims to enhance and maximize the recovery process. We hope that both players and fans will embrace their products”

TheraPearl products include various shape and size packs that can be chilled or heated to provide targeted therapy and specialty athletic recovery products that include adjustable shin wraps, shoulder and knee wraps. The packs easily conform to your body when frozen, allowing for maximum therapy. When heated, the conformable packs help stimulate blood flow while relaxing and soothing stiff muscles.

ABOUT THERAPEARL: Founded in Maryland in 2008, TheraPearl creates innovative hot & cold therapy products using proprietary Pearl Technology(TM). Easily chilled in the freezer or heated in the microwave, TheraPearl packs are the doctor-designed, drug-free way to calm pain and inflammation. For more information visit us at www.therapearl.com . You can also follow TheraPearl on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Name: Candice BeitlerEmail: Candice@therapearl.comPhone: 301.362.5018 x-7003

SOURCE TheraPearl, LLC

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

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Tune in with Dr. Neuzils Irrigator Nasal Cleansing Spray

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/victoria-gaither/2012/06/07/its-summer-time-how-to-prepare

Shopping for home health care now an easier task
Chain Drug Review | November 2011

Once spread throughout the store, segments such as durable medical equipment (DME), adult incontinence, home diagnostics, braces and supports, bath safety, compression therapy, massagers, respiratory care, and wound care are now often in one aisle or section–and merchandised as a distinct category.

For seniors, this means items can be found more quickly, those with mobility issues can shop more easily and the shopping trip can be more convenient, especially if they’re already dropping off or picking up a prescription or a medical supplies dealer is farther away. A dedicated home health area also creates a destination for another fast-growing consumer group: caregivers, who now might be more apt to turn to their local drug store for their patient’s needs.

Rite Aid Corp. and Walgreen Co., for example, have devoted sections to home health care in their latest store formats.

In its new “wellness store” Rite Aid has allocated more space to DME and related items, merchandising them in a dedicated section under the banner

“We’ve expanded the DME sections and they’re doing very well,” Martindale said in a store tour this summer. “We’re trying to expand this opportunity and bring people back to us, because a lot of them are going to specialty stores for their DME.” Besides more space for items such as wheelchairs, Family Care includes some new offerings, such as support hosiery, he added.

Walgreens, too, has given DME and related products their own home in a “health and daily living” concept that it’s testing at 20 stores in Chicago. The aisle, with signage identifying it as “home health care,” includes such offerings as incontinence products, canes and crutches, wheelchairs, bathroom aids, spa items, walkers, pillows and cushions, and accessories.

The home health section also is strategically positioned just off the pharmacy area and within easy reach of the new “health guide,” who acts as a health care concierge. “The health guide can come out and help a patient or customer find the items that they need,”

Other drug chains also have made home health care a fixture. CVS/pharmacy, for instance, offers a range of home care products at all of its stores. Some locations feature an expanded offering of DME and home medical supplies, spanning such areas as bath/bathroom safety, daily living aids, ostomy, urology, compression therapy, mobility, orthotics, wound care, incontinence, respiratory therapy and power mobility. And at some stores, CVS has Home Health Centers that specialize in DME products and services.

To make home health care easy to shop at retail outlets like drug stores, suppliers have been proactive in adapting their products and packaging. “Brown Medical Industries understands that the aging population is changing the landscape of chain drug stores,” director of retail sales Rachel Stewart said, adding that the company designs new products and modifies current products with that in mind. “Brown Medical Industries has worked to streamline our products without sacrificing quality or innovation. In 2010 we introduced the Seal-Tight Freedom Universal Cast and Wound Protector that protects both arm and legs. This unique design saves shelf space while still giving the consumer a water-tight option safe for swimming, showering and bathing.”

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

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Price Sheet

Appeal of natural remedies on the rise

Chain Drug Reivew

“There are more homeopathic products than ever on store shelves today,” says Michele Boisvert, president of Homeolab USA, the domestic division of Montreal-based Homeocan. “Consumers are buying and rebuying these products because they are finding that the products work.”

That is exactly the message that Hyland’s Inc. is trying to convey for its recently released Defend line of homeopathic products for adult cough, cold and sinus symptoms.

In addition, those on the homeopathic side of the cough and cold category say, recalls and safety concerns have caused several traditional products to be pulled off store shelves during the past few years, leading shoppers to seek out other methods to treat their cold symptoms.

As a result, cough and cold remedies are just one category where more consumers are seeking more natural products and homeopathic options.

Health and wellness in chain drug stores, they stress, should no
longer be dominated by
traditional O-T-C medicines. Studies have shown that a rising number of consumers are wary
of using O-T-Cs too often. Marketers of alternative cough
and cold products say that by
filling this void with homeopathic medicines, retailers can capitalize on this self-imposed limit on traditional O-T-Cs.

The homeopathic cough/cold/
flu medicine category, they say, generates over $100 million a
year in sales, with only a small portion of that total currently coming from drug stores.

Appeal of natural remedies on the rise

Chain Drug Reivew

“There are more homeopathic products than ever on store shelves today,” says Michele Boisvert, president of Homeolab USA, the domestic division of Montreal-based Homeocan. “Consumers are buying and rebuying these products because they are finding that the products work.”

That is exactly the message that Hyland’s Inc. is trying to convey for its recently released Defend line of homeopathic products for adult cough, cold and sinus symptoms.

In addition, those on the homeopathic side of the cough and cold category say, recalls and safety concerns have caused several traditional products to be pulled off store shelves during the past few years, leading shoppers to seek out other methods to treat their cold symptoms.

As a result, cough and cold remedies are just one category where more consumers are seeking more natural products and homeopathic options.

Health and wellness in chain drug stores, they stress, should no
longer be dominated by
traditional O-T-C medicines. Studies have shown that a rising number of consumers are wary
of using O-T-Cs too often. Marketers of alternative cough
and cold products say that by
filling this void with homeopathic medicines, retailers can capitalize on this self-imposed limit on traditional O-T-Cs.

The homeopathic cough/cold/
flu medicine category, they say, generates over $100 million a
year in sales, with only a small portion of that total currently coming from drug stores.

Are you in an Asthma Capital?

TUESDAY, April 24 (HealthDay News) — Dark chocolate may lower your risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood glucose and bad cholesterol while boosting levels of good cholesterol, a small new study suggests.
Chocolate contains compounds called flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous research has shown a link between flavanol intake and risk for cardiovascular disease.

In this study, San Diego State University researchers assigned 31 people to consume 50 grams per day of either dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa) or white chocolate (0 percent cocoa). Dark chocolate was used because it has higher flavanol levels than milk chocolate.

The participants’ blood pressure, forearm skin blood flow, circulating lipid (fat) profiles and blood glucose levels were recorded before and after they consumed the chocolate for 15 days.

The tests revealed that those who ate dark chocolate had lower levels of blood glucose and “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and higher levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than those who ate white chocolate.

The study is scheduled to be presented today at the Experimental Biology 2012 meeting in San Diego. Research presented at meetings should be viewed as preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Despite these and other findings that dark chocolate may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the researchers said chocolate must be eaten in moderation because of its saturated fat and caloric content.

It’s estimated that the typical American consumes more than 10 pounds of chocolate a year.

More information
The U.S. National Institutes of Health has more about chocolate and health.
– Robert Preidt

SOURCE: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, news release, April 24, 2012
Last Updated: April 24, 2012

Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Lady Lake, Fla. (April XX 2012) – More than 6,000 independent retailers now have access to Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator nasal cleansing spray with the product’s introduction to the Chain Drug Marketing Association’s (CDMA).

The national trade association has accepted the saline nasal spray into its distribution channel and is now marketing the product to regional drug chains, independent pharmacies, regional drug wholesalers, specialty distributors and buying groups.

Developed by a Central Florida nurse practitioner, Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator is a saline-based formula that helps remove airborne irritants that cause nasal discomfort such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, dust, etc. Its essential oils soothe and moisturize nasal passages leaving the user feeling refreshed.

“Our CDMA retailers tell us their customers are more inclined to purchase natural products,” said Jaime Zagaroli, senior category manager at CDMA. “We had never seen a product like Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator before and were impressed by its herbal-enhanced, all natural active ingredients. Adding the spray to our distribution program enables us to meet a growing demand from our retailers.”

The spray is available in more than 125 locations including drug stores, natural product and health food stores, e-tailers and medical practitioner offices.

“CDMA has built its reputation as an organization whose sole purpose is to support retail owners with marketing and merchandising efforts. Having Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator in CDMA’s product offering gives us enhanced and targeted exposure to a mainstream consumer audience,” said Ed Neuzil, ARNP, PhD and founder of Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator.

Suitable for children four years and older, Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator nasal cleansing spray recently was awarded the Parent Tested-Parent Approved Seal of Approval after a panel of unbiased parent volunteers tried the spray on themselves and their children and loved it!

About CDMA
The Chain Drug Marketing Association (CDMA) is owned by over 100 regional drug chains, independent pharmacies, regional drug wholesalers and specialty distributors, who collectively serve more than 6,000 drug stores.  We help suppliers communicate with our members through our extensive marketing programs.  We differentiate ourselves by supporting suppliers’ sales teams 52 weeks a year, offering centralized billing, and hosting trade shows for networking and relationship building, including our unique and innovative Virtual Trade Show.  We have created a store brand of 900 + skus exclusively for our members and have formed strategic alliances to help fulfill our mission.  CDMA has been helping suppliers “make the connection” for over 85 years.

About Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator
Developed by a Central Florida allergy and sinus medical practitioner, Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator nasal cleansing spray provides fast and easy-to-use relief for sinus irritation caused by various factors.  An alternative to common nasal therapies such as a Neti pot or simple saline rinse, the herbal enhanced spray is pleasant to use and not as messy as other sinus solutions.  For additional information about Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator, its ingredients and directions for use, visit www.IrrigatorNasalSpray.com.

###

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nanci Schwartz
(305) 788-8256
Nanci@IrrigatorNasalSpray.com

Arm Your Customers For Allergy Season

CDMA Platinum Member Lor-Ed Enterprises LLC

Did you know that allergic rhinitis is the most common of all childhood allergies? It causes runny, itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip and nasal congestion. Many prefer non-medicated, natural treatments for themselves and their children to avoid potential side effects associated with over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator nasal cleansing spray, now available through CDMA, is a pleasant, easy-to-use saline rinse that everyone will enjoy using. Its natural essential oils moisturize irritated nasal passages leaving users feeling fresh and clean. It is approved for use by children age four and up.

Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator was awarded the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval after a panel of unbiased parent volunteers tried the spray themselves and on their children.

Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator’s colorful packaging is a winner with retailers stocking it for their customers. It comes in a 30 ml spray bottle which can be taken anywhere and used as needed.
“Customers who use it regularly come back for more. Because of its colorful packaging, it catches the eye of new users,” said Jeff Wittman, owner of The Lake Nutrition Center in Central Florida.

###

Submitted by Nanci Schwartz, Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator, (305) 788-8256, nanci@IrrigatorNasalSpray.com

New to CDMA and the timing couldn’t be better!  It’s that time of year – projected to be one of the worst Spring allergy seasons on record (USA Today, March 22, 2012).  From kids to golfers, travelers to pet-lovers, Dr. Neuzil’s Irrigator herbal enhanced nasal spray is bringing non-medicated, non-addictive sinus relief to those suffering irritated sinuses due to pollen, dust, dander and other irritants.  Enjoy our short “Sniffle Symphony” video and help put an end to the congestion cacophony!

Watch the video here!

Poison ivy spray eases application

Chain Drug Review
March 26, 2012

The newest Ivy-Dry Super employs a continuous-spray applicator that allows the formula to be easily applied to hard-to-reach areas of the body.

Ivy-Dry Super, he says, can be used to relieve the itching associated with poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, insect bites, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rashes, and requires less effort to use than traditional finger pump sprays.

Ivy-Dry, Inc. is a CDMA Associate Member. For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com

Men’s Grooming IS Burgeoning

According to the survey, titled “Men’s Grooming Consumer Report,” more than 90% of men age 18 and older are using some sort of grooming product, including shaving, fragrance, facial and body skin care, and hair care. However, only about 25% are using skin care products, which remains a market to be developed.

“There is a huge opportunity with men for facial skin care,” says Karen Grant, vice president and senior global industry analyst. “Seventy-five percent of men ages 18 and up are not currently using facials skin care products. There is a feeling that facial skin care products are not needed unless they have a specific problem, such as acne.”

Data compiled by SymphonyIRI Group Inc. for the 25 weeks ended December 25 shows healthy sales gains in several core men’s grooming segments.

Wahl Clipper Corp. is enjoying double-digit sales growth propelled by products featuring the company’s lithium ion technology, which offers the benefits of more power, longer run time and quicker charging. Wahl has met the demand for multifuncionality with the Triple Play Lithium Ion 3-in-1 Shaver and Trimming System.

Most recently P&G has brought together specialists from its Braun and Gillette units to develop a 3-in-1 solution for styling men’s facial hair. The result is the Gillette Fusion ProGlideStyler, a combined web and dry shaving system that boasts Gillette’s most advanced blade technology, Fusion ProGlide blades. The product includes a power trimmer featuring Braun engineering, a precision edging blade and an ergonomic handle.

The Fusion ProGlide Styler is appearing on store shelves this month, along with Fusion ProGlide Clear Shave Gel. They Styler has a suggested price of $19.99 while the gel is priced at $3.99.

The growing popularity of these grooming devices is welcomed by retailers because men are willing to pay higher price points for the functionality they deliver. For example, the average unit price of the Philips Norelco offerings is about $35, according to SymphonyIRI, while the Braun Series 3 shaving system, the eighth-ranked brand, averages nearly $61 per unit.

Wahl executives note that there is pent-up demand for premium high-tech products, and a price tag as high as $80 or more does not discourage the consumer who is looking for that level performance.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com

Shoppers decide to go natural

According to the consulting and research firm Kline & Co., the market for natural remedies grew at a compound annual rate of 5.9% from 2009 to 2011. The traditional O-T-C market recorded a compound annual growth rate of 2.5% between 2005 and 2010.

The report predicts that the natural O-T-C market will maintain a healthy growth rates over the next five years, reaching nearly $750 million by 2016.

Researchers found that 53% of the consumers surveyed say they use both natural and traditional O-T-Cs to treat themselves or their family members.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com

Health care in a hospital or at home?

While it has been difficult to accurately determine the exact rate of new infections among patients receiving care at home, there is no question that Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) have reached a critical stage in the United States and in many other highly developed countries.  Nobody is suggesting surgery in your garage.  But care at home, with the consultation of medical professionals, and the help of willing family members (skilled and unskilled) has now become routine for many medical conditions.

While women have been practicing home pre-natal care since the dawn of time, and home treatment for diabetes has been routine since the 1970’s, we don’t often think about the numbers of people receiving Kidney Dialysis at home, or more recently Home Antibiotic Infusion Therapy.

Nobody spends weeks in a hospital waiting for broken bones to mend, and it is rare to be hospitalized for a severe cold or chronic cough.  Baby boomers who were treated at home in the 1950’s and 1960’s for Measles, mumps, and chicken pox, are more likely today to seek remedies for urinary tract infections, sinusitis, and gastrointestinal reflux disease.

This all brings us back to the issue of infections, and how to avoid the spread of infection at home.  When someone is ill, germs can be spread through the air, by skin contact and from the hard surfaces surrounding the germ carrier.  Other family members can get sick, and it becomes harder for the infected individual to get well and stay well, with their own germs migrating from one family member to another, before possibly coming back to re-infect them again.

While hospitals, ambulatory care centers and nursing homes have products that were designed to kill the resistant strains of bacteria and viruses that populate healthcare facilities, consumers are left with watered down consumer grade products that kill 99.9% of only the three specific bacteria mentioned on the label.

It is possible to get hospital products made for home healthcare, and it makes good sense to put those products together in a store display designed to stop the spread of germs from the sick room to the kitchen, and on to other places in the home, the workplace, and school.

Home healthcare products need to be as innovative and convenient as those provided in the hospital setting.  The trend in infection control and the only way to fight those Hospital Acquired Infections is to bring antiseptics (for skin) and disinfectants (for surfaces) as close to the patient and treatment site as possible.

AIC has recently introduced its lineup of Point of Care Packs™, which include convenient soft packs containing alcohol based hand wipes that won’t dry the skin, surface disinfectant wipes, adult personal care wipes, a full body bath wipe system, and a waterless disposable shampoo cap for those who cannot get to a sink or tub to wash their hair.  Larger sizes are also available in traditional canister dispensers too.

Right product, right size, right price.  The Point of Care™ Pack is a natural choice for a community centered drug store and the community it serves.

American Infection Control Contact:
Howard J. Bochnek
VP, Technology and Scientific Affairs

Olbas has been featured in Drug Store News New Product Digest! Check out the link below to read about their tasty Black Currant lozenges. Now available in counter displays or open stock. Contact me at 800-935-2362 x677 for more information.

Read the entire article here

Click here to view the video

Check out this: Tecnu First Aid Gel

Does Your Diabetes Care Section Measure Up?
By Jennifer Johnston

Is your business adequately catering to their needs? If not, it should be. After all, the shopper with diabetes is worth eight times as much as the typical shopper for over-the-counter products, spending $2,200 more a year on retail pharmacy purchases.

Why do these shoppers spend so much more? The reason is because diabetes is no an acute or passive condition. This chronic condition requires patient commitment to the self-management of the disease, including daily self-testing of blood glucose, insulin injections, sugar regulation, and modifications in diet and lifestyle. Therefore, many prescriptions and OTC products needed for ongoing treatment.

Data from research firm Symphony-IRI  Group Inc. shows that home health care kits, of which diabetes-related products are a main

However, there are hundreds of other products that also meet the needs of the diabetes consumer, including crossover items from categories such as skin care, pain relief, cold and allergy, foot care, and even digestive health. Are your customers aware of these products and their benefits? Is your staff actively engaging diabetes shoppers?

Some individuals are reluctant to bring up their questions of concerns with their pharmacist of other staff members. All it takes to strike up a conversation about health options and create add-on sales opportunities is an inquisitive pharmacist asking question, “Do you need a refresher on checking your blood sugar levels?”

If a one-on-one approach seems to time consuming, invite patients to in-store events that feature expert advice, health screenings, product demonstration, coupons and health snacks. These events could be ongoing throughout the year and not limited to November during National Diabetes Awareness Month. Prediabetes should also be addressed in your retail setting. Encouraging and promoting healthy eating, exercise and overall health management every day will help the at-risk population while showcasing your business as an epicenter for health and awareness.

With more young people developing diabetes, technology is playing a greater role in the category than ever before. Smartphones are equipped with diabetes monitoring functions, meters are smaller, and testing requires less blood or no blood at all – some test kits even measure glucose through tear ducts. Personalization is becoming important as well. Glucose monitor cases can be customized with colorful skins, just like cell phones. Diabetes patients may now inject insulin through the use of slick-looking, customizable pens.

Does your diabetes care section measure up, or is it still geared to an aging population that does not embrace the condition? Today’s diabetes shopper is more self-sufficient than ever. Is your business still housing some products behind your pharmacy counter? From a merchandising standpoint, diabetes meters and strips belong in the front end. Limiting patient access can limit sales opportunities.

There are many ways to improve the experience of diabetes care shoppers in your store, and it’s important to take steps in that direction before a third of the population – and a third of your shoppers – is living with diabetes.

Frozen peas inspired doctor, patient to create hot-cold pack
By Abha Bhattarai, January 8
The Washington Post

“She handed me a pack of peas, and I was like, ‘Seriously? Peas?,’ ” said Dubbé, a managing partner at Walker Ventures in Glenwood. “Personally I think peas are made for the dinner plate, not to be sitting on my face.”

Dubbé did wind up using the peas, though. With the vegetables perched on her face, Dubbé and her doctor, Carol Balthazar, began to talk.

“We were sort of lamenting that there was no new or innovative solution for cold packs,” Dubbé said. “There was nothing that could form to your face.”

Four months and $10,000 later, the women had created TheraPearl, a hot-cold pack filled with squishy glycerin beads.

Balthazar engineered the product and helped secure the patents. Dubbé sent samples to spas across the country. Both women kept their full-time jobs.

In the four years since, TheraPearl has become profitable and has expanded to include 15 full-time employees.

Revenue has grown 200 percent in the past year, according to Daniel Baumwald, a senior vice president at TheraPearl. He estimates that the company had sales between $12 million and $15 million in 2011.

“We cannot believe how people have embraced the product,” Dubbé said.

Along the way, the company has scrapped many of its earlier notions about TheraPearl, which was originally being marketed exclusively to spas and beauty salons.

“We got the occasional mom at the spa, but for the most part the packs got lost in the hair and beauty products,” Baumwald said. “Now we’re fishing where the fish are.”

TheraPearl products now are sold in 10,000 pharmacies and stores across the U.S. and Canada, including Duane Reade in New York and Meijer stores in the Midwest. Tschiffely Pharmacy on K Street in the District has been carrying the packs for about two years.

“It’s pretty much one of the top sellers because it’s hot and cold, instead of just one or the other,” said Colpon Jones, a technician at the pharmacy.

Before he quit his job at Vitamin Water in May 2009, Baumwald stood outside the food court at Columbia Mall. He had samples of TheraPearl and spent a few hours asking passers-by what they thought of the product.

“I just asked them, ‘Do you think this is cool?,’ ” Baumwald said. “And when every single person said yes, I knew this had legs.”

The company is evolving. It plans to introduce shin and knee wraps this year, and hopes to expand into sporting goods stores. There are more superficial changes, too, such as changing to vertical packaging to take up less space on the shelf.

“Most of us are from the beverage industry, so we’re not only learning a new brand, but we’re also learning a new industry,” Baumwald said. “But the thing is, when you think of soft drinks, you think of Coke and Pepsi. When you think of sports apparel, it’s Under Armour and Nike. When you think of hot-and-cold packs — well, it’s nothing. It’s been an asleep, mundane category for all these years. We want to bring it back to life.”

Congratulations Betty Evans!

Wednesday January 25, 2012

Betty Evans of Evans Pharmacy won a gift from Olbas Herbal Remedies booth at CDMA’s 86th Annual Trade Expo. Karen Page of Olbas Herbal Remedies presented the Alps the Olbas Dog’s Hug-In-a-Mug Gift Basket, congratulations!

Patented Salese offers hours of relief from the symptoms of Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth causes serious oral health problems and it is estimated that 1,800 prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including medications for pain, obesity, allergies, asthma, colds, anxiety and depression cause dry mouth.  In addition, diabetics and patients receiving radiation treatment or chemotherapy typically suffer from dry mouth.

Salese is the answer for long lasting dry mouth relief.  Salese is a soft lozenge that slowly delivers ingredients over an hour or more.   Longer contact with the oral tissues equals to longer lasting relief and better oral health.

The key to Salese’s long-lasting properties is the patented Sustained Release Technology (SuRe™).products – Blistex Cold & Allergy Lip

In a recent clinical, Salese users had significantly longer dry mouth relief when compared to Biotene and OraMoist and over 60% stated that they would buy Salese.

Salese has built a strong following amongst dental professionals and is currently rolling out national pharmacy distribution.  In the coming months, Salese will be supported by traditional media such as print, couponing as well as targeted online media.
Salese™ is available in: Original Peppermint, Soothing Wintergreen and Sensitive Mild Lemon.
For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Cross-merchandising drives lip balm sales
Chain Drug Review

For lip balms to sell, they stress, multiple placement is critical.

And for their part, suppliers are helping to build interest in the category by keeping their lines fresh and innovative.

Formulated with soothing ingredients and an advanced analgesic, the product is said to alleviate lip discomfort and bring relief to those experiencing allergies, a cold or the flue.

Data from SymphonyIRI Group Inc. shows drug store sales of lip balms and cold sore medications during the 12  weeks ended August 7 soared by 9.5%. Overall mass market sales increased 7.6%.

Although the strong performance of these products owes a lot to seasonality and the need to protect one’s lips from summer sun, the lip balm and cold sore segment continues to be anchored by a cold-related product – GlaxoSmithKline’s Abbreva – which, according to SymphonyIRI data, accounts for more than a quarter of all sales in the category.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Homeopathy boosts shelf presence
Chain Drug Review

“Products from homeopathic manufacturers need to stand alongside traditional O-T-C category leaders,” says A. Nelson & Co. marketing director Curt Finckler. “However, they also need to clearly declare points of difference to drive consumers to them.”

In that study 11 mystery shoppers visited 52 drug stores across the United States and often picked out a conventional medication when they wanted a homeopathic formula and vice versa.

Representatives of the drug chains that stock homeopathic items in several categories say they merchandise these remedies alongside conventional over-the-counter items because consumers shop by symptom. Only a few drug chains still have separate homeopathic sections.

Andy Bormeth, a pharmacist who was executive director of the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States at the time of the Consumer Reports story, told the magazine that “official” homeopathic remedies should carry the initials HPUS, indicating that they conform to the organization’s guidelines.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Innovations in Denture Care
Health & Beauty Care Executive
November 26, 2011

Proctor and Gamble’s Fixodent brand takes a preventative approach to sealing dentures. Its Food Seal helps keep food out from between dentures and gums. “Fixodent Food Seal’s precision-tip nozzle gives control to apply thin lines of adhesive,” the company says. “This places the right amount of Fixodent where it can give a great fit and longlasting hold with less ooze and mess.” P&G also offers a travel-sized kit of adhesive solutions.

Combe Inc.’s line of denture care products includes adhesives, baths, and brushes. The company’s well-known Sea-Bond Denture Adhesive is “a thin wafer seal with three powerful adhesives that holds dentures in place all day without the ooze and mess of pastes,” Combe points out. The adhesives are available in Original, which is flavor-free, and Fresh Mint.

Majestic Drug specializes in niche items for oral care. “Dentemp O.S. is the best temporary dental cement on the market,” according to Larry Fishman, ceo/pres. “In addition, Repair-It is the only denture repair kit on the market, and Reline-It is the only FDA-cleared denture reliner on the market. We are developing a product scheduled to be introduced at NACDS and ECRM in 2012.”

GlaxoSmithKline’s Polident brand uses a formula that is safe, hygienic, and non-abrasive. “Polident’s MicroClean formula kills 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria and more of the micro-organisms found on dentures than leading regular toothpastes,” the company says. The Polident line includes 3-minute Anti-Bacterial Denture Cleanser, Overnight Whitening, Partials, Smokers, and Dentu Crème.

Majestic Drug offers a selection of tools for denture cleaning. “For daily care, we feature Proxi-Plus, the only interdental brush on the market with a flosser on the other end,” Fishman says. “Our Dentool Jr. is a patented two-in-one dental instrument that is small enough to fit in a pocket, but becomes a full-size dental pick or scraper.”

Prestige Brands emphasizes thorough cleaning with Efferdent. “Innovations have come through our successful launch of Efferdent PM, an overnight denture cleaner,” says Joseph Juliano, senior brand manager oral care. “Now, we are preparing to launch a breakthrough product called Efferdent Power Clean Crystals in 2012.”

Growth Expected in Expanding Market
Suppliers are working to identify and capitalize on opportunities in this expanding category.

“The advances in technology and the Internet and the ever-changing needs of consumers will fuel Majestic Drug’s growth,” Fishman says. “This will keep the company at the forefront of the category with niche OTC oral and personal care products.”

Prestige Brands believes the biggest opportunity at retail is adjusting shelf space to better meet shoppers’ demands. “We believe retailers can benefit by carrying products on their shelf that better reflect these consumer demands,” Juliano says. “This includes carrying more productive SKUs from larger brands. In return, retailers will likely generate higher turns.”

Revive expects to continue contributing to market growth by attracting new consumers seeking natural solutions to everyday needs, Lesser says. “There is also opportunity in attracting consumers on budgets to our economical products through bonus offerings that help reduce expenses.”

Caregivers; A Costume-less Superhero
November 29, 2011

Out of love and devotion, over 44 million Americans commit themselves to caring for their loved ones. Their role, unpaid and often unacclaimed, is vital to the wellbeing of many of our friends and family.

Their work is nothing short of superhero. The family caregiver is tasked with balancing their professional and family life with the demands of caregiving. To do so requires no small sacrifice. And yet, our family caregivers do so with humility, abiding devotion, and without a flashy costume to flaunt their superhero status.

They’re not your prototypical spandex clad hero. They don’t tout their saving powers with bright hues. They carry on without distinguishing their caregiver status as anything extraordinary.

Their self-sacrificing is an inextricable element of our healthcare system, and they deserve more than our applause. Their invaluable service ensures that the aged and those suffering from chronic illness or disability have the long term care they need to live a quality, dignified life—something that cannot be matched in dollars.

This November, be sure to thank a caregiver. They don’t need a cape. Their love, compassion, and untiring service ensure our loved ones get the complete care they deserve.

Celebrate beyond November.

If you or someone you know is a family caregiver, rest assured a caregiver’s work does not go unnoticed. There is respite and ongoing support for the selfless service of a family caregiver. The demands are great, the work is wearying, and the life balance is difficult. Get the support you deserve.

Let this November be a caregiver’s November. To them, their daily sacrifices have become ordinary and routine. Let them know they are beyond ordinary.

Today and always, thank a caregiver!

Brought to you by Pill Pouch LLC.

RADIUS Retailer Portal Goes Live!
November 11, 2011

RADIUS is thrilled to announce the debut of our new RADIUS Retailer & Broker Website!

RADIUS website

*All brokers and stores will need to register and will be assigned an Acct # for access and ordering

PLEASE NOTE: Independent Natural Stores across the USA will receive postcards to notify them of our new website and Direct Ship Offers in the next few days. *You will receive a copy in the mail too. Please bring in your postcard to present to stores.

·        Access and PRINT all sell sheets, forms, etc.
·        24/7 Access to Training Videos, Recordings, Presentations, Materials and more
·        Order Carstock, Merchandising, and Sales Materials online
·        Direct your Buyers to order online 24/7 for easy access and increased sales when you are not available (*All accounts will be noted with appropriate Sales Representative to ensure proper allocation of commissions)

BENEFITS FOR STORES:

·        24/7 Ordering Online – Order anytime now!
·        50% Keystone Pricing and higher margin than Wholesale Pricing
·        Free Merchandising Materials can be added to any order – Displays, Trays, Buttons, Sell Sheets, Posters, Samples,  & other Sales Tools

*Please note, $75 minimum for DIRECT SHIP ORDER FREE FREIGHT

Thank you for all of your support and hard work and we look forward to any feedback you may have!

Happy Selling!!

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Sonic toothbrushes for kids debut
Chain Drug Review

Both Dr. Fresh Inc. and Brush Buddies have launched sonic toothbrushes for children.

According to spokeswoman for Dr. Fresh, the Batman and Barbie brushes – which mark the first time the company has offered sonic toothbrushes for children – use high-frequency sound waves and bristles that rotate at high velocity to reduce plaque, stimulate gums and help remove stubborn food particles from between teeth.

Meanwhile, the Justin Bieber sonic brush is the latest entry in Brush Buddies’ growing line of educational and entertaining oral care products. It is also the company’s sixth Justin Bieber product, joining a pair of singing toothbrushes, and manual toothbrush, a microphone shape flosser, dental floss and travel kit.

The battery-powered device provides more than 30,000 brush strokes per minute and comes with a replaceable brush head and built-in tongue cleaner.

Colgate-Palmolive Co., for instance, offers a wide array of toothpaste and toothbrushes for younger consumers based on popular toys and cartoon programs.

Among the names licensed by Colgate are Bakugan, Littlest Pet Shop, Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants.

In addition, the company offers My First Colgate, a line of toothbrushes and toothpastes designed for infants and toddlers.

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Consumers are willing to spend for cough/cold relief
Chain Drug Review
September 26, 2011

And with the cold and flu season just around the corner, those in the category expect even stronger sales going forward.

According to SymphonyIRI Group Inc., sales in six of nine segments related to cough, colds, allergies and sinus conditions increased during the 12 weeks ended August 7. Those that declined – cough syrup, chest rubs and sore throat remedies – are expected to pick up as the colder weather sets in across much of the country.

In addition, some suggest that the strong performance of over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications is, in face, a result of the sluggish economy.

Investing in relatively inexpensive O-T-Cs, they say, can reduce the risk of having to incur the expense of a visit to the physician and the costs related to that visit. Some suppliers also see a bright future for many product areas on the broader cough and cold market because of the year-round need for these items and the fact that the nation’s demographics are working in the category’s favor.

“Growth potential remains strong for the overall category, given the opportunity to continually attract new users due to its year-round need,” says Brendan Leonard, president of Health Enterprises Inc., which markets a line of nasal cleansing products and washes. “The retail challenge is streamlining the assortment to provide consumers a compelling range of delivery options, not simply an assortment of brands.”

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

The Future of Natural Personal Care
Health & Beauty Care Executive
October 17, 2011

As more consumers are expressing interest in the category, Burt’s Bees, Inc. plans to shift that interest into desire in a couple of ways, says Jim Geikie, vp global brand marketing.

“First, we will introduce over 50 new products across categories, focusing on clinical benefits and superior natural ingredients,” Geikie explains. “Second, we will increase our marketing investments to broaden consumer awareness and understanding of the benefits of natural personal care products.”

With the growth in the natural personal care category comes increased innovation in ingredients, according to Elie Donahue, marketing director at Yes to Inc. “With advances in research and development, Yes to Inc. is creating natural formulas that achieve results without the use of harmful chemical additives. We are able to do a lot more with our formulas than even three years ago.”

As the technology of natural ingredients and formulas evolves, Watkins Inc. looks for new formulas and applications for its natural personal care products, says J.R. Rigley, vp sales & marketing.

“We incorporate these new ingredients and formulas into tangible products consumers desire,” Rigley explains.

Accessible, Updated Lines, Pkg. Attract Sales
With the surge of natural personal care products in the market, brands are reformulating their “naturally inspired” products to be truly natural, Rigley says.

“As natural products become more accessible and efficacious with great scents and effective prices, consumers will ask more often for truly natural products,” Rigley adds. “Watkins is in the process of launching new, all natural fragrances such as grapefruit and products like dry oil body mist and body scrubs.” Awareness extends beyond natural ingredients with the introduction of packaging with post consumer resin and other sustainable packaging.

Geikie says that while some consumers may dabble natural personal care and have an interest in natural personal care, Burt’s Bees discovered many are largely missing from the category because current offerings do not appeal to preferences from an indulgent product experience.

“To address the white space in the category, Burt’s Bees is launching gud, a line of products that will appeal primarily to millennial women who ‘live life through their senses and savor every moment,’ or a woman of any age with the same spirit,” Geikie says, “gud products offer a fun and fragrance-led approach to body and hair care that are at least 97% natural,”

Meanwhile, Donahue says natural personal care is increasingly being seen as a viable alternative to traditional personal care, with products that work as well and feel as good and are as affordable. In turn, Yes To has created a brand that delivers on it four “love points” – do consumers love a product’s feel, look, and price point and will they love telling their friends about it.

“Yes To Cucumber Facial Towelettes epitomizes theses points and has been the number-one selling item in all of natural facial care for almost a year,” Donahue says. “At $5.99, this product is a seamless transition from its non-natural counterparts.”

Wide Offerings Draw Consumers to Natural
Yes To Inc. will continue to be a leader in product innovation within the natural personal care segment, according to Donahue. “We’ll maintain our philosophy of creating products that allow consumers to make an easy switch to natural alternative.”

Looking ahead, Watkins will expand its product line to offer more personalized regimens, Rigly says. “Whether it’s a new 100% natural baby line or new hand and body care application, we have the opportunity to optimize on the following our natural products and formulas offer to all consumers.”

For more information please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Salese offers hours of relief from symptoms of Dry Mouth
Featuring CDMA Associate Member Nuvora, Inc.

Dry mouth can cause serious oral health problems and it is estimated that staggering 1,800 prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antacids, decongestants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, antidepressants and diuretics, have the potential to cause dry mouth. In addition to medication-induced xerostomia, dry mouth may also result from Sjogren’s syndrome, Diabetes, radiation treatment for head and neck cancers, chemotherapy and salivary gland disease.

Traditional products for xerostomia have included gums, hard candy and frequent water intake.  But the helpful ingredients delivered by conventional dry mouth products, such as sprays, rinses, gums and mints, are eliminated from the mouth very quickly.

Salese™ is the answer to long lasting dry mouth relief. Salese is a soft lozenge that slowly releases ingredients over an extended period of time of an hour or more.   Longer contact with the oral tissues equals longer lasting relief for the dry mouth sufferer.

Because Salese™ is a sustained release product, active ingredients (including essential oils, Xylitol, calcium phosphate) are delivered efficiently and continuously in small, optimum doses. These doses are up to 1,000 times less than conventional mouthwash, where the important ingredients are spit out and washed down the sink. Due to the extended contact created by Salese™, patients require fewer doses during the day and realize greater oral hygiene benefits and the fresh mouth-feel essential to those suffering from dry mouth. Salese™ is sugar-free, alcohol-free. It also helps to maintain a neutral pH balance in the mouth, which is essential to oral health.

The ingredients used in Salese lozenges are generally regarded as safe (GRAS). They kill bacteria, prevent or capture the malodors caused by VSCs, impede the formation of biofilm and help to achieve a healthy oral environment. Evidence shows that lowering the total bacteria in the mouth promotes cleaner teeth and fresher breath.

Salese™ is available in: Original Peppermint, Soothing Wintergreen and Sensitive Mild Lemon.

Learn more about Nuvora here!

For more information and orders, please contact Jaime Zaguroli, CDMA Senior Category Manager at
(248) 465-0677 or Zaguroli@chaindrug.com, or contact Lisa Hansen at (262) 377-9553 or lisa@hansenstahl.com.

Majestic Drug Co.
CDMA Platinum Member, Majestic Drug Co. is featured in the New Product Digest edition of Drug Store News.

Check it out here!

Will “Cantagion” film trigger sanitizer sales?
By Mike Duff
Source: Homeword Business

Executives at Walmart, Target, and elsewhere have commented on the trend toward more practical holiday gifts that has emerged since the recession, and more evidence emerges from the enthusiasm with which supermarkets are promoting their gift cards. However, home and housewares items also have benefited from the trend and, as this year winds down, sanitizers in particular can look forward to an extraordinary boost.

But the movie… sanitizers… gift-giving… do they really tie together?

They did for those promoting “Contagion,” as Violight can attest. Johnathan Pinsky, Violight’s vp, noted that, not long before its launch, the movies marketers bough 300 of the company’s cell phone sanitizers, which they included in the press package used to generate publicity for the movie.

“We’re counting on that,” Gregory Rosenthal, the company’s merchandise director makes them feel good. And it helps to dress up the bathroom

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at
(248) 465-0677 or Zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Drugstore Food More Costly
A new survey finds that groceris in drug stores and pharmacies typically are more expensive than in grocery stores.
Source: NACS Daily News

Consumerworld.org compared the prices of three drug stores – CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreen – with three supermarkets – Market Basket, Shaw’s and Stop & Shop – in the Sommerville, Mass., area. On the 25 household and grocery products compared, the drug stores priced the items 36 percent more than the average grocery store cost.

CVS spokesman Michael DeAngelis said customer demand was behind its addition of more groceries in stores, and that it focused more on the health and beauty care products than grocery items.

Featuring CDMA Platinum Member and CDMA staff favorite!

Questions about Radius products answered by Dr. Deborah Klotz and Dr. Robert Schlossberg

Watch the video now!

Retailers can get the right mix with Mars
Featuring CDMA Platinum Member Mars
Chain Drug Review June 27

“We attribute the category’s outstanding growth to Mars’ product innovation,” Mars Chocolate North America vice president of trade development Tim Quinn says. “In the past year we’ve introduced several popular new items, including M&M’s pretzel chocolate candies, DOVE chocolate swirl and SNICKERS brand peanut butter squared.”

In addition to offering new confectionery products, Quinn says that drug retailers should focus on merchandising, seasonal sales and healthy options for consumers. He says there are several ways that drug store retailers can transform three consumer trends into sales opportunities. First, Quinn notes, confection sales are impulse-driven. In the drug channel, more than 70% of confectionery brand decisions are made in the store, so retailers should maximize merchandising opportunities.

“Since candy is an impulse purchase, it’s important to place multiple points of interruption throughout the store to allow consumers to see and buy their favorite chocolate snacks,” he says.

In addition to the candy aisle, magazine racks and checkout counters, drug stores should merchandise candy in the cooer vault area, so consumers can pick up a candy par along with a beverage. The pharmacy and the cosmetics aisles are also great places to merchandise candy and capitalize on the high traffic and wait times for shoppers, Quinn says.

The second trend is consumers’ growing reliance on the trade class as a place to purchase seasonal snacks. Drug retailers should create strategic merchandising plans for seasonal candy, since it represents50% of confection sales for the channel, Quinn says.

“Retailers can maximize their shelf set’s performance by carrying an assortment of seasonal products from Mars Chocolate,” Quinn explains. “Mars items have the fastest on-shelf turn in the industry, averaging three times the shelf turn as the category average,”

Since 83% of Halloween consumers decide which candy brands they will purchase for trick-or-treating when they are inside the store, in-aisle signage and secondary displays are critical, according to Quinn. A new Mars dump-bin will remind consumers that their favorite brands are also in the seasonal aisle. Quinn recommends that retailers showcase what he calls the “candy dish” items together in one section. This includes candy for decorating, snacking and parties. Must-haves include a variety of M&M’s brand candies in a harvest blend of red, gold, and brown and a holiday blend of red and green.

For the winter holidays, two-thirds of households use candy as a gift – from stocking stuffers to hostess gifts. Several new items featuring the M&M’s characters carry suggested retail prices of $1.99, including stocking tin ornaments and box shaped like a Christmas tree. This year DOVE chocolate will debut several elegant holiday gift box options at $5.99.

Fortified with a blend of eight essential vitamins and minerals, MARATHON SMART STUFF bar is described as an excellent source of calcium. In addition, each bar contains 3 to 5 grams of fiber per serving. The new bar meets the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Competitive Food Guidelines for Snacks, meaning that is has less than 35 % calories from fat, 10% calories from saturated fat and less than 35% of its weight from sugar. The bar includes wholesome ingredients, such as blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts, and comes in Crunchy Multi Grain, Crunch Chocolate Crisp, Crunchy Honey Graham and Crunch Trail Mix flavors.

Quinn adds, that Mars can offer additional shopper insights via its “Mars V-Store,” which uses 3-D computer renderings and virtual reality technology to facilitate various types of retail testing. The insights gathered are used to improve merchandising, placement and signage; optimize SKU assortment; and ultimately advance consumer and shopper research.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at
(248) 465-0677 or Zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

TheraPearl brings next-gen relief
TheraPearl is a CDMA Platinum Member
Chain Drug Review July 18

TheraPearl’s doctor-designed Pearl Technology allows the packs to be malleable, reusable and nontoxic. There is no leakage or electric cord to contend with. The packs can be frozen or microwaved.

TheraPearl packs disseminate their cold or warmth in 20 minutes, the doctor-recommended time for heat or ice.

Athletic trainers and doctors recommend hot-cold therapy to prevent and treat sports injuries including back pain, strains and bruises. By helping to minimize the aftereffects of exercise, TheraPearl helps reduce downtime between gym visits.

“My patients are constantly asking more for the best way to implement hot and cold therapy into their fitness routine,” says Dr. Carol Baltazar, co-founder of TheraPearl.

The packs come in a range of shapes and sizes priced from $6 to $30. The latest line extension is TheraPearl Pals for children.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at
(248) 465-0677 or Zaguroli@chaindrug.com.

Natural Cold Remedies
Featuring CDMA Platinum Member Penn Herb Co.
Health & Beauty Executive August 15, 2011

Homeopathic medicines such as Boiron USA’s flagship Oscillococcinum for flu-like symptoms and Chestal and Children’s Chestal cough syrups offer consumers alternatives to traditional medications, along with the benefits and features consumers want, says John Durkin, vp sales & marketing.

“These medicines have an extraordinary record of safety for any class of drug,” Durkin adds. “They do not cause side effects or interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins. Boiron homeopathic medicines for cough, cold, and flu are also safe for children aged 2 to 4.”

The cough & cold remedies market has undergone significant fluctuations during the past few years, and the industry is facing strong challenges from the FDA regarding the efficacy and safety of children’s remedies, according to Karen Page, national sales manager at Penn Herb Co.