Ethnic Hair, Beauty and Cosmetics Products in the U.S., 6th Edition

Packaged Facts conservatively estimates that the U.S. retail market for ethnic-specific haircare, makeup, and skincare products is continuing to post strong growth in 2008 -- close to 7% -- and will finish the year at nearly $2.6 billion.

Estimating the amounts that ethnic consumers spend on general-market HBC involves some speculation; however, it is clear that this sector spends far more on general-market haircare, makeup, and skincare products than it does on ethnic-specific versions. In 2008, Packaged Facts figures that ethnic purchases of general-market HBC have risen by a total of approximately 12%, or by $825 million, during 2004-2008.

Three key positive factors in the ethnic HBC market's sales growth are:

1) The ethnic population in the United States continues to grow.
2) Ethnic-specific HBC is influenced by America's ongoing yen for things upscale. While products are still often value-oriented, the door is open to big potential for premium-to-prestige-tier versions selling through prestige, pop prestige, natural food/HBC stores and mass.
3) The U.S. retail scene is in flux. The traditional retail channels are transforming, affording ethnic HBC marketers the chance to greatly expand distribution.

Report Methodology

Ethnic Beauty Products: The U.S. Market is based on information gathered from primary, secondary, and syndicated sources. Primary research involves on-site study of how ethnic HBC is sold through retail stores; Packaged Facts also consults with industry executives. Secondary research involves the evaluation and comparison of data from articles found in financial, marketing, and retail publications, as well as on corresponding types of websites. Company literature, government agencies, and other sources also provided valuable secondary data.

Statistics on market revenues and growth trends derive from all available data on the ethnic HBC marketplace, be they quantitative or qualitative; that is to say, a broad range of societal and economic trends are factored in, to help shape the most accurate possible view of sales progress.

Brand share data are provided by Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), which taps directly into checkout scanners in the three main mass-market channels -- supermarkets, chain drugstores, and mass merchandisers.

Analysis of consumers' purchase and use of ethnic HBC is based on semi-annual surveys by Simmons Market Research Bureau, Inc., one of the leading compilers of demographic data in the United States. Topical data on consumers' purchasing habits are provided by BIGresearch LLC, which conducts monthly online surveys.