Bright spots can be found in performance of GM
By Colleen Volheim, category research & analysis manager, as seen in Chain Drug Review General merchandise is subject to the same challenges nearly all products are currently experiencing — supply chain issues and inflation. According to the NPD Group, April 2022 U.S. GM unit sales were 7% lower than a year ago, creating a 1% decline […]
Keeping tabs on trends in independent pharmacy
By Colleen Volheim, category research & analysis manager, as seen in Chain Drug Review Planning for new product launches, existing product growth, or expansion — of a product line or into a new channel, market, or region — is best guided by market research, consumer feedback, and performance data. Extensive market research isn’t always easy […]
Beauty consumers seek richer in-store experience
By Dave Wendland, vice president strategic relations, as seen in Chain Drug Review According to a study released earlier this year by Kline and Co., “Cosmetics and Toiletries USA,” the U.S. beauty and personal care market surpassed $85 billion in retail sales in 2021, a rise of $7 billion from 2019 sales levels. This marks the […]
HRG’s Monthly Publication, IN.depth, has been a Trusted Resource for Independent Pharmacies for Ten Years
Waukesha, Wisconsin — September 27, 2022 — HRG’s premiere publication for independent retail pharmacies, IN.depth, has reached a milestone: its tenth year of circulation. Developed to provide health, beauty, and wellness manufacturers an opportunity to provide messaging directly to pharmacy staff, as well as be a vehicle for HRG retail experts to share their tips, […]
Manage the product journey tightly to the very end
By Sean Grudzinski, product research & analysis manager, as seen in Chain Drug Review Controlling the product journey all the way from planogram to the shopping basket isn’t easy but, to deliver the shopping experience you want for your customers, you must find a way. With the right resources (internal or trusted partners) you can […]
5 Keys to Success in an Omnichoice and Unboxed Retail World
By Dave Wendland, for Forbes Agency Council, as appeared on Forbes.com I began talking about the concept of unboxed retail about five years ago. You may be scratching your head wondering what I mean by “unboxed retail.” The fact of the matter is that shopper behaviors have changed dramatically from their reliance on brick-and-mortar storefronts. Today’s shoppers are […]
Differentiate From Your Grocery Competitors by Offering Unique Products in Your Assortment
By Megan Moyer, corporate marketing manager, as seen on National Grocers Association website Finding a niche in your community is a good way to build a competitive advantage. If you and your competitors carry many of the same brands and items, bringing in products that are unique to your store can be a strong differentiator. […]
Online brand integrity is paramount to e-commerce sales
By Julie Bonnell, vice president operations, as seen in Mass Market Retailers As the focus on e-commerce has been heightened the past few years, manufacturers and retailers have, in many cases, invested in their websites. In some cases, functionality needed streamlining, in others, content needed updating and/or improvement, and in others still, e-commerce had to […]
The inspiration for innovation
by Megan Moyer, corporate marketing manager, as appeared in Inside Beauty for Drug Store News There’s no question innovation is a driver in retail. New, innovative products drive sales by drawing shoppers to a store — and sometimes a category — that they may not have shopped before. In the consumer packaged goods industry, […]
HRG Makes Significant Update to Industry-standard Fine Line Classification System
Waukesha, Wisconsin — September 1, 2022 — HRG has completed its semiannual update of its Fine Line classification system for health, beauty, and wellness (HBW), home health care (HHC), and general merchandise (GM) products with notable adjustments to reflect industry changes. The September 2022 updates include extensive modifications which support the Fine Lines mission of […]