FEWER PEOPLE ARE SHOPPING AT DRUG STORES
By Adnews Staff
Consumer spending in drug stores is on the decrease, according to Nielsen Marketing Research of Markham, Ont. The decline is seen as a likely result of competition from mass merchandisers and supermarkets. Overall, dollar sales are down 3%, compared to an increase of 5% a year ago. Baby products have seen the biggest drop: a sales decrease of 14%. Snacks and candy were down 4%, personal hygiene products 3% and goods in the grooming and skin care category 2%. Spending in the self-medicating products category has remained flat. Nilesen also attributes flat supermarket sales of home care products because of intense competition from warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers. During the 12 months ending July 22, supermarkets had a no increase in home care sales, according to Nielsen figures. Supermarkets had their best growth in beverage sales - up 10%. Both frozen foods and snack foods increased 8%, while sales from the dairy case grew 7%. Beauty care, paper and wrapping products and canned and bottled food categories each grew 5%.