1、Circana,Inc.and Circana Group,L.P.|Proprietary and confidentialU.S.Drug Channel LandscapeQ1 2023May 2023Retail Thought LeadershipCircana,Inc.and Circana Group,L.P.|Proprietary and confidential2Executive summaryIn this report,we follow up on trends identified in previous drug channel analyses from 20
2、22 and examine how these trends compare to the broader multioutlet and convenience channel landscape.In Q1 2023,drug channel sales continue to lag the multioutlet market as the channel laps significant growth last year during COVID-19 vaccination-led traffic.U.S.inflation has softened;however,consum
3、ers report financial anxiety as they are consolidating trips to value channels and spending cautiously,negatively impacting traffic in the drug channel.Key TrendsDrug channel dollar sales grew 0.4%in Q1 2023,while lapping strong YA performance(vs.+7.4%in Q1 2022)that had been influenced by COVID-19
4、vaccination traffic to the drug channel last year.Average prices are rising at a slower rate at drug compared to MULOC,because the drug channel is less dependent on food-related categories that have been most impacted by rising food inflation.Promotion frequency at drug returned to pre-pandemic leve
5、ls in Q1 2023;however,depth of discounts remain lower that pre-COVID-19 levels as retailers continue to manage rising prices.Valentines Day candy sales hit a record high this year at drug and in the overall market,highlighting that consumers are returning to the channel for special occasions and sea
6、sonal needs.Drug sales improved in Q1 2023 led by beauty,food&beverage and general merchandise departments,while the health department declined by 3.6%vs.YA.Reduced need for home health care kits(COVID-19 test kits)led to the overall decline of the health department in Q1 2023,even though upper resp