Article: General merchandise a key factor in profitability equation.

NEW YORK -- The status of general merchandise in chain drug stores presents something of a paradox.

In terms of sales, the wide array of product segments that comprise the category--everything from batteries and writing instruments to panty hose and playing cards--has a modest part in the merchandise mix. According to The Chain Pharmacy Industry Profile--2006, just issued by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, general/other merchandise accounted for $3.1 billion in sales in the trade class in 2005, or 2.5% of the total. When photo supplies and nonedible consumables--which NACDS tracks separately but many consider to be general ...

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