Bulletins

NPD, IRI Release Cross Channel Findings

A new study by the NPD Group and the market re-search firm Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) showed that although total beauty sales were down in both the prestige and mass sectors, consumers tended to switch channels in key categories, representing bright opportunities for retailers in a dark economic landscape.

Results were obtained through the use of a partnered product from NPD and IRI called the Beauty Cross Channel Monitor—reportedly the industry’s first point-of-sale tracking product that looks at sales performance across the prestige and mass markets (excluding Walmart.)

Makeup sales declined in the department store sector, but posted a slight increase at mass. Hair care, conversely, grew by 6% in department stores—where it represents a smaller portion of overall business—and declined 4% at mass.

Skincare sales were consistent across all channels, research found, particularly facial skin care at mass, which grew 2.1% in 2008. The top facial skin care brand in 2008 was Oil of Olay, followed by Clinique, Neutrogena, Estée Lauder, Lancôme, L’Oréal, Clean & Clear, Aveeno and Shiseido.

The Beauty Cross Channel Monitor also reported that the total U.S. beauty industry—excluding Walmart—is valued at approximately $19.1 billion dollars.

 

April 29, 2009 4:01 pm