Condom sales on the rise

Posted Feb 16th 2009 6:00PM by Beth Gaston Moon
Filed under: Walgreen Co (WAG), CVS Corp (CVS)

Economic times are tough, and people are skimping on pricey outings, gourmet meals, and new purchases. There's one activity, however, which is relatively free of charge, entertaining, and accessible in one's own home. Perhaps the word "recession" is an aphrodisiac, or maybe people simply have more time on their hands. Either way, many may be leery about expanding the family at this time, so condom sales have been on the rise.

With other retail sales slipping across the board, condom sales jumped up 5% in the fourth quarter of 2008 and 6% in January, compared with the same time periods during the previous years, according to the Nielsen Company.

Jim Daniels, VP of marketing for Trojan, told USA Today, "Trojan gives [people] some real affordable ways to stay in and make some great memories together..." What a romantic! Indeed, a recent Consumer Reports survey of couples revealed that while about half planned to spend less this Valentine's Day, 78% said economic pressures haven't stifled their sex life.

Condoms are available for purchase across a wide variety of stores, however, so it isn't just pharmaceutical retailers such as CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS), Walgreen Company (NYSE: WAG) that will benefit. Grocery stores, gas stations, discount retailers, and even vending machines in some public restrooms (classy!) make the birth control method easily accessible. Stay safe, all.

Beth Gaston Moon works for WeSeed.com. The above comments are not intended as trading or investment advice.

Tags: birth control, BirthControl, condoms, featured, recession, sex

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-16-2009 @ 6:44PM

william lindblad said...

Maybe it is just the cold weather of winter, or simply an economic reflection. With no money to go out, indoor sports start to look appealing.
If you check the garden suppliers I think you will find that their business is up much more than condoms.
Sec is good, but eating beats it.