In the HBC category, miscellaneous health remedies brought in $74,935,760 in dollar sales, a 4% decline from the previous year according to Information Resources Inc. (IRI) data for the 52 weeks ended Dec. 27, 2009. Meanwhile the cold allergy and sinus liquids and tablets were down 11.6% for the same period. “We’re seeing increases in…

The general merchandise/novelty category provides retailers with a unique opportunity to capture customers’ personal interests in a high-margin item. Novelty has evolved into a core category because retailers can anticipate 30-60% margins on novelty products. With such strong profit potential, chains in major markets can earn about $35,000 a year per store from the novelty…