CHICAGO — Sales were mixed in c-stores’ over-the-counter medicine sets in 2019. Pain relievers declined in unit sales across segments, with units off 3.5% overall, according to IRI. C-store sales of cold/allergy/sinus tablets and liquids grew; only gastrointestinal liquids posted gains, with tablet unit sales falling more than 4%.
In the weight-control segment, dollar and unit sales were up for liquids and powders but off for candy/tablets and refrigerated liquids. The downward trend in c-store sales of energy shots worsened in 2019, with unit sales down nearly 7%, IRI data shows.
C-store sales, 52 weeks ending Dec. 29, 2019
| Remedy type | C-store sales ($ millions) | PCYA* | Unit sales (millions) | PCYA* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain Relievers | ||||
| Internal analgesics tablets | $393.6 | 1.2% | 148.1 | (3.5%) |
| Internal analgesics liquids | $8.0 | 2.6% | 1.0 | (2.5%) |
| Feminine pain relievers | $5.4 | (4.8%) | 1.5 | (5.5%) |
| Cold/Allergy/Sinus | ||||
| Tablets/packets | $162.6 | 5.3% | 43.2 | 1.9% |
| Liquids | $41.2 | 4.5% | 4.6 | 0.9% |
| Cough Remedies | ||||
| Cough drops | $115.2 | 2.5% | 63.7 | (0.7%) |
| Cough syrup | $6.2 | 3.1% | 1.0 | 2.3% |
| Gastrointestinal | ||||
| Tablets | $124.9 | (0.3%) | 56.7 | (4.2%) |
| Liquid | $32.1 | 23.8% | 6.5 | 28.8% |
| Energy and Sleep Aids | ||||
| Energy shots | $674.9 | (5.5%) | 217.5 | (6.7%) |
| Sleeping remedies | $22.8 | 58.7% | 3.6 | 2.5% |
| Weight Control/Nutrition | ||||
| Liquids/powders | $328.9 | 1.5% | 97.0 | 3.3% |
| Candy/tablets | $26.0 | (11.9%) | 11.8 | (12.1%) |
| Refrigerated liquids/powders | $7.7 | (25.5%) | 2.8 | (30.3%) |
| Vitamins and Nutrition | ||||
| Mineral supplements | $144.3 | 28.6% | 19.8 | 11.1% |
| Liquid vitamins/minerals | $110.1 | 28.5% | 16.9 | 3.9% |
| Multivitamins | $5.5 | (10.6%) | 2.3 | (10.2%) |
| Anti-Smoking Products | $6.4 | (41.4%) | 1.1 | (47.1%) |
Source: IRI
* Percent change from a year ago
Click here to review complete category sales data.
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