Arrr, the scurvy Brits be skippin' on soap, tryin' t' pinch a penny durin' this crisis o' high livin' costs.
2023-07-22
Arr! A jolly British charity be claimin' that 6% of scurvy adults have suffered from the foul curse of hygiene poverty, a number that be risin' to 13% among the lowly lover-income households! But alas, this cruel trend be spreadin' like a storm on the high seas, all thanks to the dreadful inflation.
In a surprising move during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, British people have been cutting back on soap during bath time. Sales in the personal health care category have significantly dropped, suggesting that consumers are avoiding non-essential products. The impact of the pandemic can still be seen, with hand sanitizer being the only product type that has not seen a decline in sales. Data from three leading supermarket chains revealed a 48% decline in demand for soap during the first six months of 2023 compared to the previous year, with hand wash sales down 23%. The average price of a bar of soap has also increased by 50%, making it difficult for families to maintain their previous purchasing levels. This phenomenon is part of a larger issue known as hygiene poverty, where consumers cannot afford everyday hygiene and personal grooming products. Price increases have affected other essential products such as toothpaste and shampoo.The Hygiene Bank, a charity organization, has been working to address this hidden crisis by donating products to those who cannot afford them. Hygiene poverty is disproportionately impacting vulnerable individuals, with 6% of adults and 13% of lower-income households affected. Similar trends have been observed in Australia, where spending on clothes, beauty treatments, and home improvements has decreased, resulting in a 26% drop in hair and wash product sales. These findings highlight the widespread impact of the cost-of-living crisis on personal hygiene and the need for support and affordable options for consumers.