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Rite Aid Looks to ‘Ease the Sneeze’ This Allergy Season

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Rite Aid aims to mitigate seasonal allergies through consumer engagement and product insights. In May, shoppers purchased nearly one million units of allergy relief medications, the peak sales month during allergy season. Approximately 40% of allergy sufferers opted for Rite Aid's generic medications, saving on average 70% compared to brand-name products. Pills dominate as the preferred remedy, with cherry being the top flavor. Last season, customers used over 156 million tissues, showcasing significant demand for allergy-related items. The company is positioning itself as a key player for seasonal allergy relief while emphasizing humor and customer connections.

Positive
  • Nearly one million allergy relief medicine units sold in May, indicating high demand.
  • 40% of allergy sufferers chose Rite Aid's generic medication, reflecting consumer confidence.
  • Consumers saved an average of 70% on allergy relief products by choosing Rite Aid's brand.
Negative
  • None.

On the Hunt to End Seasonal Allergy Suffering, New Data Uncovers Insights on Remedies

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- It’s no secret seasonal allergies are here. From runny noses and itchy eyes to tissues carried in all pockets and bags, spring has sprung and mother nature has brought the dreaded sneeze with her. To help its suffering shoppers, Rite Aid has spent the last few weeks dusting off last season’s sales data* and speaking with real allergy victims to once and for all ‘Ease the Sneeze.’

B.T.S. (Behind the Sneeze) with Real Allergy Sufferers

With a curiosity for allergy habits, Rite Aid took to the streets to speak with allergy sufferers first-hand to get the 4-1-1 on sneezing, pollen and everything seasonal allergies have to offer – the good, the bad and the ugly.

“Although spring is a time of year many eagerly anticipate, for those with allergies, the season can bring unwelcome health hardships, discomfort and downright frustration,” said Summer Kerley, Dr. of Pharmacy and VP of Clinical Services & Market Access Solutions at Rite Aid. “We strive to find the right relief remedy for our customers. Not only are we offering the tissues and medications, but we’re throwing in a little humor along the way because after all, laughter is the best medicine.”

Spike in Springtime Sniffles

April showers bring May flowers… and also allergies! Last allergy season, Rite Aid shoppers bought nearly one million units of allergy relief medicine in May alone – the highest selling month of the whole allergy season. With blooming blossoms causing an uptick in pollen, there’s no denying that May is the month that consumers are on the highest alert regarding allergy symptoms.

Generic Greatness

There is a common misconception that more often than not, shoppers will reach for a name-brand medication over a generic one because of name recognition, but Rite Aid has proven that not to be true. Last season, approximately 40% of all allergy sufferers looked to Rite Aid’s own allergy medication to relieve their symptoms.

Not only did opting for the generic selection help save their seasonal sorrows, but it also saved their wallets! Consumers who chose the Rite Aid branded allergy medicine over its name-brand counterpart, saved on average 70% more money throughout the entire season on allergy relief products.

Gold, Silver and Bronze of Medicine

While allergy sufferers dispute over alternative remedies to get through the spring months, shopping patterns from last season revealed one mutually agreed upon thing: allergy pills are the favorite of all over-the-counter medicines. According to Rite Aid allergy medication sales, more than three-quarters of all seasonal allergy sufferers prefer the pill form of medication more than any other form. Although pills are chosen by a landslide, an unexpected runner-up is nasal spray medication, beating out liquid dosage forms.

However, fan favorites don’t end at just the type of remedy. The results are in, and the number one medication flavoring is – cherry!

Allergies Call for T.L.C. (Tissues, Loud Sneezes & Candy)

Last allergy season, Rite Aid customers used more than 156 million tissues to blow runny noses and catch sneezes, that’s enough tissue to stretch the entire distance of more than six cross-country road trips!

Beyond tissue needs, shoppers are turning to Rite Aid as their one-stop destination for all allergy season must-haves, as allergy sufferers seek a little extra T.L.C. and something sweet to get them through their various symptoms. According to cart affinity data from last season, candy is the second most included item in carts behind allergy products from March to June, showing consumers look to treat themselves during discomfort with their favorite chocolate and candy delights.

For more information on how to beat seasonal allergies, speak with your local Rite Aid pharmacist for a personalized recommendation or visit www.riteaid.com/wellness/solution-centers/allergy. For all of Rite Aid’s ‘Ease the Sneeze’ content, follow Rite Aid on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and/or YouTube.

About Rite Aid Corporation

Rite Aid is a full-service pharmacy that improves health outcomes. Rite Aid is defining the modern pharmacy by meeting customer needs with a wide range of vehicles that offer convenience, including retail and delivery pharmacy, as well as services offered through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Elixir, Bartell Drugs and Health Dialog. Elixir, Rite Aid’s pharmacy benefits and services company, consists of accredited mail and specialty pharmacies, prescription discount programs and an industry leading adjudication platform to offer superior member experience and cost savings. Health Dialog provides healthcare coaching and disease management services via live online and phone health services. Regional chain Bartell Drugs has supported the health and wellness needs in the Seattle area for more than 130 years. Rite Aid employs more than 6,300 pharmacists and operates more than 2,300 retail pharmacy locations across 17 states. For more information, visit www.riteaid.com.

*Methodology: Data is approximate and reflects Rite Aid sales of allergy products and other items from March 1June 30, 2022

Alicja Wojczyk

(717) 975-5718

press@riteaid.com

Source: Rite Aid Corporation

FAQ

What were Rite Aid's allergy medicine sales in May 2023?

Rite Aid sold nearly one million units of allergy relief medicine in May 2023, marking the highest sales month of the allergy season.

How much can consumers save by choosing Rite Aid's generic allergy products?

Consumers can save an average of 70% on allergy relief products by opting for Rite Aid's generic medications over brand-name options.

What type of allergy medication do most Rite Aid customers prefer?

More than three-quarters of seasonal allergy sufferers prefer pill form of medication, according to Rite Aid's sales data.

What is the most popular flavor for allergy medication at Rite Aid?

Cherry is the most favored flavor of allergy medication among Rite Aid customers.

How many tissues did Rite Aid customers use during the last allergy season?

Rite Aid customers used over 156 million tissues to manage allergy symptoms during the last allergy season.

Rite Aid Corporation

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