BERKELEY, Calif. - Mayer Laboratories Inc. has sold its Digitex Gloves division to Shepard Medical in a move to free up resources for expansion of the company's sexual-health product lines.
Mayer manufactures Kimono condoms, fc female condoms and Aqua Lube. According to Mayer spokesman Fabio Rios, those are the brands that contribute most to the company's core vision: "a healthy, safe world community."
"The sale of Digitex provided an opportunity for Mayer Labs to exit the glove business profitably, and it allows us to focus more on our core brands in the reproductive healthcare industry," Rios told AVN Novelty Business. "We have seen a decline in our retail sales in the food/drug/mass-market segments, but that is in line with most of the other major condom manufacturers and could be related to retailer consolidation and slumping economy. However, we are seeing an increase in sales over this time last year in the adult class of trade."
Rios said interest in Mayer's products increased dramatically with the September 2007 launch of websites for the Kimono and fc female condoms lines.
"We believe that the increase sales we are experiencing in the adult market relates to the fact that Kimono, fc female condoms and Aqua Lube are premium niche brands," he explained. "This brings extra value to the adult retailer, as they are able to offer unique products at premium prices, with less concern about consumers ‘value shopping.'"
"Value shopping" is a growing concern for retailers and wholesalers as employment and average income per household shrinks with the global economic recession. In an effort to make ends meet without giving up products on which they rely, consumers sometimes resort to purchasing less-expensive brands. Rios said Mayer's sales reflect not only continuing brand loyalty, but also a shift in recreational focus.
"It's true that many consumers are spending less and bringing their entertainment indoors," he told ANB. "Sexual wellness products like condoms, female condoms and lubricants are a necessity, not a luxury. The question that remains to be answered is whether consumers will be willing to sacrifice quality and comfort to save a little money.
"We are confident that our brands bring value, that is, they are a bit more expensive but the deliver the best experience."
With the sale of Digitex, Mayer's research-and-development funds can be devoted to a product category the company expects to continue growing, Rios said.
"We are always looking to innovate and lead the sexual-wellness category," he told ANB. "Last year we launched new-and-improved Kimono MicroThin as ‘The Thinnest Latex Condom in America' at only 49 microns. Our most popular condoms, Kimono MicroThin are consistently rated the best among consumers. We are currently working on the launch of a new product, but it's still top secret."
More information about Kimono condoms is available at Kimono-Condoms.com. fc female condoms have a home on the Web at fcfemalecondoms.com.
Consumers and retailers who want to be among the first to know about Mayer Laboratories' new products may sign up for the company's e-newsletters at MayerLabs.com/ebulletin.
