Americans are primping and preening again.
As vaccinations widen, face masks come off and more people emerge from nationwide pandemic lockdowns, sales of grooming products are rising, according to manufacturers.
Deodorant, teeth whitener, perfume, and nail polish are in high demand, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Sales of merchandise related to travel or just getting out of the house are also surging, including swimsuits, sunscreen, tuxedos, luggage and alarm clocks.
“You can tell that the masks are coming off,” Walmart’s chief financial officer Brett Biggs told the Journal, pointing to spiking demand for beauty products and teeth whiteners during the most recent quarter.
Walmart’s alarm clock sales doubled in April compared to a year ago and luggage sales rose by 400 percent, he said.
Fragrances are another key merchandise category that’s showing signs of life as vaccinations widen across the US.Alamy Stock Photo
Condom sales have also been brisk this year as COVID-19 restrictions ease worldwide, according to UK-based manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser. Sales of its Durex condoms, lubricants and sex toys rose by double digits in the first quarter compared to a year ago, the company said in April.
Macy’s and Target also reported strong beauty and apparel
