Toilet Paper is Not Recession Proof?
photo credit: powerbooktrance
There are some things that you just assume are recession proof. Toilet paper seems like something that people just need to continue buying regardless. I mean, it’s not like people are going to use yesterday newspaper, right? Or are they?
Advertising Age is reporting that sales of toilet paper are down 5.5% from the previous quarter:
Consumers appear to be staying away from buying larger packs in addition to buying cheaper private labels, Mr. Falk said in a conference call with analysts today. “They are conserving cash and don’t want to build any household inventory,” he said. “And things like [paper] towels and facial tissue, which are a little more discretionary, if you [run out] at home, it goes on the list, but … it may wait till the next purchase cycle.”
Discretionary, really?
You can tell the fiscal health of a company is in bad shape when they drastically reduce the quality of the toilet paper they stock in their restrooms. I’ve actually experienced this as an employee. One day it was the single ply and the next day it was pink slips.
Not that there’s any reason to buy colored toilet paper or fancy dispensers, but decent toilet paper is just good customer service.
I’ll know we’re in trouble if my wife starts dispensing single squares at the bathroom door.
Inspired by Toilet paper is not recession-proof.
Jaclyn on January 28th, 2009 11:55 am
That is so very true. while i was one of those who use to buy the smaller pack’s, but you got the 3 ply toilet paper that was twice the thickness of one roll cause they were softer. now…i buy once a month if that, the large 24 roll pack’s that are single ply and one roll maybe lasts three day’s, but it’s way cheaper. it’s amazing the thing’s that people adapt to and learn to cut corners on during a recession.
Toni on January 28th, 2009 4:34 pm
This I heard on the radio this morning – ha! Nice to see a blog about this. I guess we’ll be holding back on the colored papers for now :)
Matt-CapForge.com on January 28th, 2009 9:33 pm
I don’t care what anyone else says- it’s recession proof at my house!! :)
Lee on January 29th, 2009 6:45 am
No cutting back here either and I am sure I do not want to know who is cutting back.
cassy on January 29th, 2009 7:31 pm
interesting post! but funny i dont know why toilet paper become an example of a not recession proof, pls explain me why? i want to know coz i only knew and see toilet paper on the comfort room, i dont see the logic of being the proof of not recession, will there are two ply but that is part of marketing strategy of the company who want to have a big market!
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