You may have caught on this morning's news how Hershey, trying to control costs and retain profits, has replaced the cocoa butter in many of its chocolate candy products with vegetable oil. The FDA says it's not real milk chocolate without the cocoa butter, which gives it its rich, creamy taste. So Hershey's has changed its labeling and wrappers. Will most consumers take the time to read the new labels that say "chocolately taste"?
Yesterday, I saw another interesting way that retailers are trying to save costs, and this idea, at least, wouldn't seem to hurt consumers or give them less product for their money.
I had a free-after-rebate offer (courtesy of this website) to try Arm & Hammer's Essentials Multi-Surface Cleaner. When I found it on the shelf, I was surprised because the plastic spray bottle was completely empty. Attached to it was a much smaller vial which contained a powder that is designed to be mixed with water in the container. You can then buy the small vial refills as needed, and continue to reuse that same plastic spray bottle.
Now this was a good idea. Just think how much Arm & Hammer is saving on shipping costs if their bottles are, well, filled with air rather than liquid. And consumers are actually helping the environment by avoiding the need to buy additional full-sized, plastic spray bottles. (Of course, one could help the environment even more by using a home-made vinegar mixture in your own reusable spray bottle.)
Have you come across other ways you've seen retailers trying to save some money?
Will Fake Chocolate Flood Store Shelves?
September 19th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
September 19th, 2008 at 02:56 pm 1221836186
oh, and you CAN tell, if you REALLY are a chocolate lover...just like you CAN tell a cake that was made using "ready mix" from a "real" cake baked from scratch...If you grew up eating "the real thing", you can tell...believe me!...I got that distinct "boxed cake" taste at a local bakery...needless to say, that was the first and last time I ate there!
September 19th, 2008 at 03:02 pm 1221836534
September 19th, 2008 at 04:04 pm 1221840269
I have heard about the Arm and Hammer product though. They are marketing as a way to be more eco-friendly (less packaging) and their marketing ploy is "why spend more for water"
September 19th, 2008 at 04:29 pm 1221841774
I am dating myself but I actually remember when a 1# can was actually 16 oz. instead of the 14.5 ounces it is now.
September 19th, 2008 at 05:41 pm 1221846104
I think the powder cleaner is a great idea btw.
September 19th, 2008 at 06:06 pm 1221847573
September 19th, 2008 at 08:42 pm 1221856943
September 20th, 2008 at 02:37 am 1221878248
September 20th, 2008 at 03:24 am 1221881065
i had another thought about the decreasing of sizes though - of course it's bad that it still costs more, but it might be good in terms of the world combating the obesity epidemic!