by Kyle Lentz, category analyst, part of Monthly Retailer Category Tips
Cold & allergy is consistently among the top-selling categories in independent pharmacies. Keeping the department well stocked and up to date ensures you’re ready when customers need relief — and helps maximize sales opportunities.
It’s time to refresh your cold
& allergy department, and your to-do list should include checking availability of the products below through your wholesaler. They were chosen as promising new products — HRG’s Future 50 items that were released in 2025, while the 2026 Products to Watch were launched this year. New items drive new sales and bring new shoppers to your store. If you feel like these would be a fit for your customers or community, add them to your assortment today.
| Product | Manufacturer | Subcategory/Product Type | Product to Watch or Future 50 |
| Blistex Cold Sore Treatment .07oz UPC: 4138801337 |
Blistex | Lip Care | Future 50 — 2025 New Item |
| TheraFlu Severe Cold 8.3oz Night Berry UPC: 30067000713 |
Haleon | Cough, Cold, Flu & Sinus | Future 50 — 2025 New Item |
| Zyrtec 24H 5mg Tab 35ct UPC: 30045025635 |
Kenvue | Allergy | Future 50 — 2025 New Item |
| Children’s Dimetapp Stuffy Nose Strips 12ct UPC: 85002666046 |
Foundation Consumer Healthcare | Children’s Nasal | 2026 Product to Watch |
| Zyrtec Allergen Shield Spray 100 nasal sprays UPC: 30045057801 |
Kenvue | Decongestant Nasal Sprays, Drops & Inhalers | 2026 Product to Watch |
The top-selling brand in cold & allergy at independent pharmacies is private label. These products offer higher profits for you and are a lower price point for your customers while matching the effectiveness of national brands. Be diligent in keeping your private label items in stock to maximize unit sales and boost profitability.
Cold & allergy is a top-selling category overall in the independent pharmacy channel. Now is the perfect time to conduct a space-to-sales analysis to ensure you have the right amount of shelf space devoted to the category. If you are an IN.store portal customer, you have 24/7 access to our space-to-sales calculator, if you are not an IN.store customer and would like our analysts’ assistance in conducting the analysis, reach out to info@hamacher.com.