Antibacterial liquid hand soaps have been stealing shelf space and sales from the traditional formulations, retailers told SN.
For example, Westward Ho Markets, Los Angeles, has removed some stockkeeping units because its wholesaler did so, said David Assayag, vice president at the independent retailer.
"Some of the moisturizing items have to be taken out before we can put out all the antibacterial [items] being introduced," he said.
Meanwhile, an informal poll of retailers and wholesalers across the country revealed that antibacterial products are causing a wave in many grocery product categories -- not just liquid hand soaps.
A buyer with a large Midwestern wholesaler said he has noticed manufacturers marketing toilet bowl cleaners, standard household cleansers and dishwashing liquid as containing antibacterial agents.