by Tara Kaifesh, category analyst, and Kelly Zygowski, category analyst, part of Monthly Retailer Category Tips
Read on for tools and tips to reenergize your feminine care and family planning departments!
In early 2024, Option 2, an emergency contraception product, was launched. In April 2024, Opill, a full prescription strength over-the-counter birth control pill, became available to consumers. Both of these female contraception options have received widespread publicity and were released close to one another. First, be prepared to describe the difference between the two items. Second, make customers aware that you have these products available — with in-store signage to draw shoppers’ attention, especially if you are keeping them behind the counter. Use your digital channels to get the word out, too, promote them on both your website and social media pages.
There are four (there are 6 items listed below – four items, two with different counts) family planning and feminine care items on the Drug Store News 2023 Future 50 list, powered by HRG. They are:
| Product | UPC |
| Clearblue Early Digital Pregnancy Test 3ct | 63347260225 |
| Trojan Magnum Raw Condom 3ct | 02260020016 |
| Trojan Magnum Raw Condom 10ct | 02260020014 |
| U By Kotex Balance Ultra Thin Pads with Wings Extra Heavy Overnight 22ct | 03600054933 |
| U By Kotex Balance Ultra Thin Pads with Wings Overnight 26ct | 03600054909 |
| Clearblue Menopause Stage Indicator Test 5ct | 63347260224 |
With the new feminine contraception products mentioned above, and the feminine care and family planning items that made the Future 50, consider expanding the space you devote to these two categories. If you aren’t able to expand, be sure to at least make room for these new items to spark interest and draw shoppers in.
HRG category management analysts have updated our cross-merchandising infographics, including feminine care and family planning. Check them out for ideas of products from other sections to bring into these departments if you have space, or consider building an endcap incorporating the suggested items from other categories.