Consumers can keep over-the-counter medicine affordable

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Dan Weil
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Consumers can keep over-the-counter medicine
affordable by using store brands
NEW YORK – Over-the-counter healthcare costs can be a burden on the average
American consumer. However, a new survey of store brand over-the-counter products
aimed at treating various ailments from the common cold to diabetes, can offer
significant savings for those consumers.
The research, conducted by the Private Label Manufacturers Association, assembled a
market basket which focused on over-the-counter healthcare products, including those
essential for treatment of pre-diabetes and diabetes. These products – according to the
American Diabetes Association – include blood glucose testers, pulse oximeter, and
circulatory socks.
All are available as a national brand, but the store brand alternative can save shoppers
more than 40%. For example, according to the survey, the national brand blood glucose
test cost $19.99 while the store brand offering was only $9.99. The store brand
alternative doesn’t just offer great savings but, in some cases, products like latex
gloves, finger protectors, and needle dispensers are solely provided by a store brand.
According to a 2013 study by the American Diabetes Association, individual costs to
treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes can add up to hundreds of dollars a year. With 30
million Americans living with diabetes and another 86 million diagnosed as prediabetic – according to the Center for Disease Control – the savings with store brands
can multiply.
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630 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 ● Telephone: (212) 972-3131 Fax: (212) 983-1382 Website: www.plma.com
Consumers can save with store brands healthcare products
2
Typical Store Brand vs. National Brand Market Basket Comparison
Diabetic Supplies
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Glucose Strips
Circulatory Socks
Pulse Oximeter
Latex Gloves
Finger Protectors
Needle Dispenser
AVG MARKET BASKET TOTAL
National Brand
Unit Price
$19.99
$38.79
$10.99
$77.49
N/A
N/A
N/A
$147.26
Store Brand
Unit Price
$9.99
$22.99
$3.99
$49.99
$9.29
$5.79
$6.99
$109.03
In addition to diabetic supplies, the study also examined other products consumers
need to maintain and improve their health, such as nicotine gum for smokers trying to
quit which shows a store brand savings of 20%; store brand blood pressure monitors
can save consumers 22%; even acne treatments can save consumers 27% if they switch
to the store brand offering.
For every category in the study, a leading national brand product was compared to a
similar store brand product and prices were adjusted to account for all known
discounts, coupons and promotions available for each of the four shopping visits in the
study.
Typical Store Brand vs. National Brand Market Basket Comparison
Health & Beauty Supplies
Acetaminophen
Acne Lotion
Acne Pads
Adhesive Bandages
Adult Diapers
Air Vaporizer
Antacid
Anti-Bacterial Cream
Anti-Itch Cream
Aspirin
Aspirin (81mg)
Blood Pressure Monitor
Body Lotion
Cane Tips
Cold Remedy (pill form)
Cough Drops
National Brand
Unit Price
$7.99
$7.29
$6.49
$10.99
$14.24
$22.79
$5.79
$6.99
$9.99
$6.99
$7.49
$99.99
$13.29
$5.99
$9.29
$1.99
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Store Brand
Unit Price
$6.49
$4.99
$4.99
$8.79
$11.99
$18.49
$4.49
$5.79
$7.99
$2.49
$6.29
$77.49
$10.79
$4.49
$6.79
$1.57
Consumers can save with store brands healthcare products
(cont’d)
Cushioning Insoles
Ear Thermometer
Electric Tooth Brush
Eye Drops
Gel Cushioning Insoles
Hearing Aid Batteries
Heat Wraps
Laxative (pill form)
Mouthwash
Nicotine Gum
Oral Thermometer
Petroleum Jelly
Shaving Gel
Sinus Spray
Sleep Aid
Stomach Med
Vitamin C (1000mg)
AVG MARKET BASKET TOTAL
National Brand
Unit Price
$5.49
$55.99
$30.76
$5.29
$18.49
$10.99
$7.29
$7.29
$7.99
$55.99
$15.39
$4.59
$5.79
$7.11
$10.99
$7.49
$13.29
$507.81
3
Store Brand
Unit Price
$3.79
$30.49
$23.79
$3.99
$13.79
$7.99
$5.79
$5.49
$4.59
$44.99
$13.99
$3.59
$4.19
$5.49
$8.49
$5.99
$9.29
$379.65
Prices shown are averages based on weekly shopping trips conducted over a 4-week period
from 2/15-3/15. All prices are net after known discounts, coupons and/or promotions.
The Private Label Manufacturers Association is the industry trade association devoted
exclusively to store brands. Founded in 1979, PLMA today represents 3,300 companies
who are involved in the manufacture and distribution of store brand products. The
products supplied by PLMA members include food, beverages, snacks, health and
beauty aids, over-the-counter drugs, household cleaners and chemicals, outdoor and
leisure products, auto aftercare and general merchandise.
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For information about store brands or to arrange an interview with PLMA President Brian
Sharoff, contact PLMA’s press representative at (212) 972-3131.