HBC Growing; Drug Stores Capturing Largest Share: IRI

NEW YORK -- Although health and beauty care categories have grown by more than $800 million in 2006, vs. $671 million in 2005, the growth of consumer packaged goods in drug stores was at a 4% rate increase, while supermarkets saw a 1.1% rate increase, according to figures from Information Resources Inc., Chicago, revealed at a presentation here this week. Skin care led the way with growth of $336.8 million in the food, drug and mass channels, including Wal-Mart Stores, for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 24, 2006. Hair care followed at $272.2 million, with soap coming in at $116.1 million, cosmetics at $84.7 million and fragrance losing $20.4 million. Thirty-nine percent of consumers‘ overall spending in 2006 was for “urgent need” trips, and the drug store channel captured 68% of consumers‘ “quick trips,” according to the presentation. Overall, the average number of trips per shopper per month fell from 13.44 in 2005 to 13.09 in 2006.