Private label sales set a record

Not a big surprise, really. PL sales have been increasing even in good times, and of course an economic downturn gives PL an extra bump.

Generic brands made up 13.5 percent of all household and personal-care products in September, a record, according to the report, which used data from research firm AC Nielsen.

As the article notes, many branded products have had price increases recently, to offset increased costs of raw materials, packaging (especially plastics), and transportation. Many consumers, predictably, have reacted by switching to lower-priced alternatives.