I love shopping my local drug store. In New York, there are three on every block making them the most convenient. They also, in reality, have everything you really need. And mostly, everything is incredibly affordable.  It’s a win, win, win!  Lately, drug store chains are bringing more than that.  They are returning to their roots as purveyors of all things health and so it was very obvious for me, as someone who sparks and spots health trends, to attend this year’s NACDS (National Association of Chain Drug Stores) Total Store Expo August 23-26 at the Boston Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts.  One of my favorite editors and spokeswoman for women, Linda Wells, reminds us in the 2014 October Best of Beauty issue of Allure, not to discount value drug store brands.  Big companies put big budgets into testing the best of breed products and are able to bring them to us at unbelievable prices. 

That said, with all the beauty brands to choose from, there were three other categories catching my attention. 

Snoring – I wrote an expose on snoring for GQ magazine in the last 80s.  I can’t believe the problem still exists.   There are more and more products on the market to help everyone in bed get a better night’s sleep.  The one I hear works the best is the original AntiSnor acupressure ring. 

Balding – We have hair for a reason.  It protects our skin.  Men think if they don't have hair they don't have to take care of their scalps but incidence of cancer of the scalp is rising! Whether people are bald by choice or not, it’s important to take care of the skin on your head.  It’s more exposed to sun and environmental toxins.  I’m very glad to see new options like Bee Bald tapping into this market with natural ingredients.

Incontinence – This category is getting a serious makeover.  One in every three women suffer from it, at every age, so they have to develop better more attractive options.  I’m happy to see any company addressing it.

I’m looking forward to seeing more innovations.  

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Nancy Trent is a writer and speaker, a lifelong health advocate, a globe-trotting trend watcher and the founder and president of Trent & Company, a New York-based marketing communications firm.  Trent & Company grew out of Nancy’s personal commitment to helping people live longer and healthier lives.  A former journalist for New York magazine, Nancy has written seven books on healthy lifestyles, serves on the editorial boards of several magazines and travels around the world speaking at conferences and trade shows on trends in the marketplace. She is a recognized expert in PR with more than 30 years of experience creating and managing highly successful campaigns. Nancy can be reached at (212) 966-0024 or through e-mail at nancy@trentandcompany.com.  You may also visit www.trentandcompany.com.

Posted October 17, 2014