I have noticed that the number of brands offered at big box stores like Wal-Mart and large grocery chains like Kroger’s have been shrinking. I used to be able to buy Close-up toothpaste at Wal-Mart, but no more. They carry just three or four of the most popular brands, but dozens of varieties among these brands, such as Crest. It’s hard to find Mrs. Myers soaps, and certain soft drinks, like RC Cola. Most stores have also dropped ERA laundry detergent. They have acres and acres of Tide and Gain products, but none of Proctor & Gambles’ premier laundry detergent – ERA. Our Wal-Mart phased it out, Lowe’s once carried it, but no more, and Kroger’s dropped it years ago.
ERA is easily the best detergent on the market. My wife, Nancy, insists on it.
Says Nancy, “I have been using ERA Oxibooster Liquid Laundry Detergent for
more than the 50 years that I have been doing laundry. I have tried every brand
imaginable, but ERA is by far my favorite. It comes in 2X and a 3X
and I prefer the 3X. I buy the large 154 oz. size that does 87 loads and I
get it from Amazon because it’s hard to find the 3X in
stores. I always add it to the water in the washer and NOT on top of the
laundry. If Jim gets grease or ink marks on his shirts, a little ERA will
take it right out. I use a white tablecloth in our dining room and
often when we spill red wine, it’s ERA to the rescue.”
I think the big stores are making a mistake by not spreading out their selections a bit, particularly with quality products like ERA. In doing so, they are allowing Internet companies like Amazon to gain a stronger foothold in the marketplace.
