Poorer hygiene items for sale in pharmacies is worsening at the end of 2016

The slowing of sales of products of hygiene and beauty in pharmacies worsened in recent months in 2016.
Until the first half of the year, the items boosting the growth of companies in the sector. As of August, however, the segment went on to lose pace, according to data from Abrafarma, which brings together the major retailers.
Between January and November, not trade prescription drugs grew 8.4% in comparison with the same period in 2015-until the first half, the high was 12%.
"In the last quarter, this trend became stronger, especially in the Northeast," says Subramanian Qadri, founder of the Group pay less.
The slowdown worried about companies because the prices of medicines are regulated by the Government, and its demand is relatively stable-so are the other products that have the greatest potential to increase revenue.
The sector, one of the last retailers feeling the retraction of consumption, must still close 2016 with high billing, but at lower rates than in the past.
"It is the smallest expansion to the pharmacies since 2000", affirms Paulo Paiva, Director in Latin America close-up consulting International.
In 2016, the total units sold, both in networks such as in independent stores, rose 4.5%, he says. In 2015, the high had been 6.5%. In major retailers, the growth in units, until November, was 1.7%.