I know that in times like these, my brand loyalty is constantly being tested. Whether I’m standing in the middle of the cosmetics or detergent aisle, I seem to second guess myself. “Do I go with the cheaper generic brand or the slightly more expensive and familiar brand? Do I go with the brand I know and I am used to?” Yes I know the generic brand is probably made at the same manufacturing plant as the pricier brand, and the same ingredients and labor are put into both, but it’s the brand loyalty that holds me back.
A recent Consumer Report surveyed over 1,000 women to see which products performed better – generic versus brand-name. They found that most of the generic brands performed better and cost less then their well-known, brand name competitors. For instance, Great Value laundry detergent from Wal-Mart did a bit better than Tide with a Touch of Downy. And store-brand dishwasher detergents from Wal-Mart and Target cleaned dishes as well as brand-name detergents, but cost a lot less.
One thing about the report that I found very interesting was that women, and I am guilty myself, are less wiling to switch from well-known brands of cosmetics and personal-care items, but 68% say they would go for over-the-counter medications. I am ok with battling a cold for a week or two, just as long as I have my Tresemmé moisture rich shampoo!
Katie, Gurney, Media Coordinator
