A (Mile) High Profile Show

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores will highlight technology and the future at its Total Store Expo in Denver. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is taking its Total Store Expo to Denver. This year the combination trade show and senior level conference will take place August 22-25 at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. The NACDS changes its Total Store Expo location each year so that attendees can learn more about regional issues, changing demographics and other differences across their territories, say officials for the Arlington, Va.-based association. Jim Whitman, NACDS senior vice president, member programs and services, says that the food, drug and mass retailer members of NACDS are national players. “They have operations in 50 states-plus,” he says. “So it makes sense to take the show regionally.” One of the show highlights will be Vision 2026, an exhibit featuring technology platforms, displays and interactive experiences that will provide attendees a glimpse into the future of retail-centric health. Other highlights will include Meet the Market, prearranged appointments for manufacturers and retailers; Insight Sessions seminars; and an exhibitor floor with representatives from companies from across the U.S. Tom Brokaw will deliver the keynote address on Sunday morning, and the band Goo Goo Dolls will perform Monday evening. NACDS offers tools such as online videos and webinars to help manufacturers and retailers before they arrive in the Mile High City. The NACDS Events App can help attendees get up-to-date information about the show, keep track of scheduled meetings and access social media buzz about the event. Whitman expects the show to be well attended, as the exhibitors’ hall was nearly sold out by July. “The response has been excellent. We have always said, we don’t deal in quantities, rather we focus on the quality of attendees, and we are very excited.” Here is a preview of what just some of the manufacturers will be exhibiting: American Greetings Corp. Booth #1333 www.corporate.americangreetings.com American Greetings Corp. will present 11 new product innovations for 2015. The cards have eye-catching features, laugh-out-loud messages and music to surprise and delight consumers, says a spokesperson for the Cleveland-based company. The new products are designed to bring consumers fresh new ideas for birthdays and holidays and create a memorable greeting card experience for the recipient. In addition to the greeting card and gift presentation innovations, American Greetings will be showcasing the recently launched ThankList social movement that encourages everyone to practice gratitude in an effort to make the world a more thoughtful and caring place. Also, American Greetings is expanding its partnership with Disney, and will introduce more Disney greeting cards in early 2016. Consumers are also looking for authentic ways to connect with family, friends and others. “We address those needs with our deep understanding of the consumer, superior portfolio of brands and content partners and visionary innovation,” says the spokesperson. “We are proud to offer a broad range of social expression products that assist consumers in making the world a more thoughtful and caring place.” derma e Natural Bodycare Booth #2549 www.dermae.com The natural skincare company derma e Natural Bodycare will present its Purifying skincare lineup, which features seven SKUs: Gel Cleanser, Toner Mist, 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask (full size and single use sachets), Daily Detox Scrub, Youth Serum and Oil-Free Moisturizer. The formulas contain on-trend ingredients such as marine algae extract, activated charcoal, green tea and aloe juice. “The Purifying line will address growing concerns of toxin buildup and micropollution, key issues that are impacting human health and wellness both near and long term,” says Jennifer Norman, vice president of marketing for the Simi Valley, Calif.-based company. “We’ll be targeting younger individuals with oilier skin, people who lead active, athletic lifestyles who are prone to sweat and sebum overproduction and people who live in more urban, polluted areas.” Diva International Booth #1547 www.divacup.com For Diva International and its Diva Cup, 2015 is all about merchandising. The Kitchener, Ont., Canada-based company will show its new shelf trays, clip strips, counter displays and other merchandising initiatives. There is also a television commercial and a digital ad campaign. Sales are going so well, says John Szustaczek, director of sales and marketing, that the company had to develop three-foot wide end cap displays for a large drugstore chain that recently began selling the menstrual cups. “We have a lot of great things going on,” he says. Szustaczek adds that the brand is growing at a rate that outpaces the rest of the feminine care category. “What we’re seeing is a resurgence in interest in menstrual cups,” says Szustaczek. “The category is in decline but our same store sales are up more than 20%.” Much of that growth comes from consumers shifting from other formats such as tampons and pads. Millennials are especially interested in the product, says Szustaczek, and that is helping Diva Cup gain distribution. “We added 10,000 doors last year,” he says. “That continues to grow as we are expanding now into Mexico and South America.” Diva Cup will launch new products in 2016. Energizer Household Products Booth #1635 www.energizer.com Energizer Household Products is presenting Energizer EcoAdvanced, which the company says is the world’s first AA battery made with 4% recycled batteries and the company’s longest-lasting alkaline battery. The 4% recycled battery material by total weight accounts for nearly 10% of a key active ingredient. The St. Louis-based company’s vision for Energizer EcoAdvanced is to increase the amount of recycled battery material ten-fold to 40% by 2025. Over the years, Energizer conducted in-depth studies in multiple countries to better understand consumers’ needs and desires. Officials say the company learned that consumers have expanded their definition of battery performance beyond long-lasting, and they want a high-performing and responsible battery. Hallmark Booth #733 www.hallmark.com Hallmark will present its expanded greetings portfolio for 2015, and its new everyday gifts portfolio. Officials for the Kansas City, Mo.-based company will also talk about various national marketing initiatives. Hallmark is introducing a Hallmark-branded everyday gifts portfolio this fall. “Our focus is on increasing velocity with repeatable, familiar formats designed for gifting,” says James Melton, vice president/general manager, national accounts. “We’ve infused new categories, including an impulse category to increase card attachment rates and market basket.” This new gift shop assortment will include three types of gifts. Core gifts are an evergreen gift assortment that includes women’s scarves and other accessories; drinkware such as wine glasses, pillows and other décor; stationery including journals; and $5 and under impulse gifts like coin purses. Novelty gifts are fun, innovative items for celebratory gifting occasions. Baby gifts include baptism or christening gifts such as plush animals, blankets, mini-books and mini-hats. “We know shoppers are looking for high-quality, branded products that create just-right gifts for everyday occasions,” says Melton. “We’re making sure we’re appealing to the consumer by not only having the right products but the right designs. We’ve also heard from consumers that they want functional baby gifts, as well as more personal meaningful baby gifts.” Hallmark is also expanding its Shoebox humor line, which turned 29 this year. The line returns to its more rebellious roots to appeal to younger shoppers. In June, Shoebox brand launched The Writers’ Room, an online destination for consumers to meet the Shoebox team, browse Shoebox content and view the related social media. Hyland’s Booth #2532 www.hylands.com More and more, consumers are trying to limit the amount of internal over-the-counter medications they take, and Hyland’s offers homeopathic products to answer this demand. In fact, says Leila Fenelon, director, consumer insights and product innovation, company research indicates that 56% of pain sufferers say that they try to limit the amount of internal OTC pain medications they take, and this increases to 65% for pain sufferers age 65-plus. The research further indicates that 28% of pain sufferers are concerned about the side effects of traditional OTC pain medications. To that end, Los Angeles-based Hyland’s is introducing three products. Hyland’s 4Kids Bumps ’n Bruises features the healing power of Arnica Montana, a homeopathic remedy for bruising and swelling, in an easy-to-apply ointment stick. The product is safe and effective and it is presented in environmentally friendly packaging, say company officials, adding that the colorful and fun push-up paper ointment tube is made of 90% paperboard and is biodegradable. The formula is also free of PABA, synthetic preservatives, fragrances, parabens, petrolatum and dyes. Hyland’s Traumex, a topical pain relief ointment, is designed to provide targeted and effective relief of back, muscle and minor joint pain. This formula is paraben-free and petrolatum-free. Hyland’s Leg Cramps Ointment is a topical ointment for the relief of cramping in the legs. This is a reformulation of an existing product that provides better consistency, easier application and does not contain parabens and petrolatum that were in the original formula. Fenelon says Hyland’s invested in research to find ways to make the packaging more sustainable and the inactive bases even more natural. “This focus is a direct result of listening to our customers and consumers who have sought an even more eco-friendly product from Hyland’s,” she says. IdeaVillage Products Corp. Booth #2442 www.ideavillage.com IdeaVillage Products Corp. is looking forward to a big holiday season, says Ronald J. Boger, president and COO, adding that the Wayne, N.J.-based company has had much success with its Snackeez combination snack container and 16-ounce cup. The item is now available in a Snackeez Junior version, with licenses for Minions, Star Wars and Shopkins. There is also a disposable version, with 10 cups to a package. IdeaVillage offers products under several brands. One of the newest products under the Wham-O brand is Hamper Hoops. It is a basketball hoop and backboard setup that hangs over the top of a door to a children’s bedroom. Kids can toss their dirty clothing into the hamper that hangs under the hoop. “It’s a great way to get kids to clean up,” says Boger. “Consumer response has been over the top.” Another new Wham-O product is Magic Pens Amazing Color Changing Pens. The set consists of pens of different colors and erasing pens. Kids can draw something, then change or erase the color. “You can write and decode secret messages,” says Boger. “You can write over colors and create three dimensional colors.” Parents love the pens, he says, because the pens help parents interact with their kids, who might otherwise be staring into their tablet or smartphone. For the grownups, IdeaVillage presents the Miss Waist Belt Trainer, a corset-like item that gives women an hourglass figure, reduces their dress size, and helps tuck in the belly and support the back. The item is available in black or nude. Boger says celebrities such as the Kardashians have popularized the phenomenon on the Internet. “Right now it’s the hottest item on Instagram,” he says. Majestic Drug Co. Booth #1448 www.majesticdrug.com The Majestic Drug Co. makes over-the-counter dental repair, denture care, dental health and personal care products. Among the company’s newest launches is SenzAway, a tooth desensitizer that works instantly to eliminate tooth sensitivity from cold, sweets and heat. David J. Fishman, executive vice president for South Fallsburg, N.Y.-based Majestic, says tooth sensitivity is on the rise because consumers are eating acidic foods, brushing their teeth aggressively and using tooth whiteners. SenzAway offers instant relief, says Fishman, adding that that is a competitive advantage. “The most common remedies currently available are toothpastes, which often take three to four weeks before they start working and then require regular use,” he says. The multi-use vial of SenzAway contains enough gel to treat all the teeth in one’s mouth, and one application of SenzAway lasts for at least three months, he adds. Meda Consumer Healthcare Booth #125 www.medaconsumer.com Meda Consumer Healthcare is a division of Stockholm-based pharmaceutical company Meda AB. The U.S. company, based in Somerset, N.J., offers over-the-counter products under brands that include Contac, Geritol, MidNite and Vivarin. MidNite, a natural dietary supplement that works as a drug-free sleep aid, is available in several formulas, including MidNite, MidNite PM for pain and MidNite for Menopause. All contain melatonin. In 2013, Meda conducted a survey of 1,800 adults in the U.S. and found that adults over the age of 34 experience sleep problems more frequently, an average 13.2 nights per month, compared to people aged 18-34, who experience sleep problems an average of 11.7 nights per month. Among consumers who experience trouble sleeping, 61% use a sleep aid, and about half use an OTC sleep aid. Another Meda brand, Geritol, has had some updates. Geritol Complete is now Geritol multivitamin, and Geritol Tonic is now Geritol liquid. The packaging was revamped and is now more vibrant, but the 26 vitamins and minerals formula remains the same. Mueller Sports Medicine Booth #756 www.muellersportsmed.com Mueller Sports Medicine will highlight FasciaDerm PF Tape, a pain relief system for plantar fasciitis. The condition, which causes heel and foot pain, affects up to 10% of consumers according to Mueller research. Plantar fasciitis occurs among a range of adults, including runners, people who are obese and people who work on their feet all day. The new tape is intended to alleviate the symptoms, controls plantar stress, and stabilizes the foot to limit pronation (inward roll) and supination (not enough inward roll). Each package of FasciaDerm contains seven applications, and each application provides 24 hours of relief. “You put it on in the morning, leave it on all day, and go about your normal routine,” says Dave Beal, director of sales for the grocery channel for the Prairie du Sac, Wis.-based company. “It relieves the pain in your heel and arch. It’s really revolutionary.” Beal adds that FasciaDerm tape is more effective and more comfortable than other treatments on the market. “The products that are out there just don’t really work,” he says. “There are the boots you wear at night, but after you fall asleep they get kicked off.” The tape is one size fits all, suitable for men and women, and is a patented technology that is different from kinesiology tape. ScriptPro Booth 708 www.scriptpro.com ScriptPro will demonstrate its Third Party Management System. The system has been available for some time and major chains are currently using it, says Shafi Shilad, vice president, business development for the Mission, Kan.-based company. “We help them manage their pharmacy business,” he says. “The majority of patients are people who have insurance cards. They go there, get prescriptions filled and pay a $10 copay. What happens after that?” What happens, Shilad says, is the pharmacy must get reimbursed. ScriptPro Third Party Management System helps the retailer send the correct bill, collect payment and remain in compliance of many regulations. Getting paid is an important detail in any business, but the pharmacy business has become more complicated over the years. The sheer volume of prescriptions has increased as the population ages. Retail pharmacies can fill tens of thousands of prescriptions per year, and the accounting department wants to know more than whether these were all paid. “If you are a CFO you will be up at night if you don’t know revenues, adjustments, what your write-offs are,” says Shilad. “We give them transaction level detail.” The system also provides analytics, such as which drugs the stores dispensed, where the chain is losing money and how reimbursement costs compare to the real purchase cost. Also, certain specialty drugs, which are medications for conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and hepatitis C, are very expensive. “The billing becomes critical,” says Shilad. “If you miss a penicillin reimbursement you lose $20. If you lose reimbursement for a specialty drug you lose thousands of dollars.” Unilever Booth # 1538 www.unileverusa.com Unilever is highlighting what it calls its biggest deodorant innovation. Unilever Dry Sprays are antiperspirants that go on instantly dry for a cleaner feel, with no visible residue. Officials for the Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-based company say they watch consumer trends and noticed that the antiperspirant/deodorant category was increasingly becoming more sophisticated. The new Unilever Dry Spray antiperspirants are available through five brands in a variety of fragrances. Each provides its signature brand benefits and 48-hour odor and wetness protection. Officials say Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant provides all the care of Dove with one-quarter moisturizers. Dove Men Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant is tough on sweat, not on skin with a non-irritant formula that includes one-quarter moisturizers. Degree Men Dry Spray Antiperspirant offers superior protection and includes proprietary MOTIONSENSE Technology designed to respond directly to body movement. Degree Women Dry Spray Antiperspirant offers superior protection and includes proprietary MOTIONSENSE Technology designed to respond directly to body movement. AXE White Label Dry Spray Antiperspirant is designed to help men feel confidently fresh for 48 hours and features fragrances developed by perfumers. Officials add that Unilever expects to see the deodorant segment expand over the next few years as consumers discover the superior experience of this format. Wahl Clipper Corp. Booth #1131 www.wahl.com The personal grooming industry is a tale of two cities, says Steven Yde, divisional vice president of marketing for Wahl Clipper Corp. “The hair cutting world is slow growth, 3 to 4%, but the trimmers are growing by double-digits so they are on fire.” Wahl, based in Sterling, Ill., manufactures several Lithium Ion and other products that can be used on facial hair, an area that has become one of self-expression for young men. “Two of three Millennials are wearing facial hair,” says Yde. “It’s the next generation wanting to set their mark.” He adds that Baby Boomers grew their hair long for self-expression decades ago, but Generation Y might opt for anything from a tidy trim to the more hairy “lumbersexual” look. They also like the old fashioned barbershops and other vintage elements that are coming back into style. “Millennials do not want to be their parents,” says Yde. “But they think their grandparents are cool.” Millennials are also willing to shop at their local drugstore, which Yde says has become the new convenience store. That presents an opportunity for another category: pet products. Drugstore shoppers will likely pick up a five-pound bag of dog or cat food, as well as other easy to carry items. Yde says Wahl dog shampoo, wipes and deodorants are really starting to gain traction in the channel. “You have all these Millennials shopping at the drugstore,” says Yde. “They are already there, and they don’t want to drive to the super center.”