Product Placement

Companies pay lots of money for good product placement. They pay to make sure you see your favorite character using their product. The goal is to get in your head and make them the first name you think of n your next trip to the grocery store.

On a recent trip to the grocery store I became super aware of product placement in a different way. Stores place products in groups and in such a way as to get you to make connections like if I need this then I will probably need that to go with it. They also place things that you need just far enough that you have to walk past a bunch of crap you don't need, but will be coerced into buying. I went to the store during that time and as I made a quick decision between super and super plus and reached for my box of 24, something caught my eye. To my right was the prophylactic section (condoms). All I could think was "Really?" Nothing about what I am reaching for stimulates any interest in this other product. There is just nothing sexy about having your cycle. I laughed a little inside and then noticed that to my left was the pregnancy/ovulation section. That is a depressing choice. If you are struggling to get pregnant and can't the last thing you want to look at when dealing with your period (a 3-7 day reminder that you are in fact not pregnant) is to look at that smiling lady on the first response box and when you are praying for he minus sign you don't want to reminded that you are a week or two late. I am surprised I don't find more women crying in this isle.

I get why they are all together. They are all things that relate to your lady parts and there really is no good place to put them. Unless, you put the pads near the chocolate, the pee test near the ice cream and the condoms next to the men's deodorant (it is as much for him as for her. Wear it or risk it falling off.)  the condoms for me are what is really out of place. I feel like by putting it in a section clearly dominated by women there is an inference that it is a woman's responsibility and that is crazy to me. Put it next to the athletes foot cream and jock straps because it is is another place he does not want o be itching.

Just a thought.