ENCINITAS, Calif., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- All-natural Stopain®( )topical analgesic has been named a "Demand Brand" by Mass Market Retailers magazine. "Demand Brands" are defined by the publication as brands that "a retailer needs to carry because they possess a meaningful consumer franchise."

"We appreciate the recognition and salute the editors for helping retailers make difficult merchandising decisions," said Bob Miller, president and CEO of DRJ Group, makers of Stopain. "Stopain has long been recommended by doctors and pharmacists as a leading topical analgesic. We also know that there are legions of users who find that Stopain provides effective relief for their episodic or chronic pain."

According to editors, this is the first time that the publication has addressed the challenges of "SKU rationalization" in detail, although it has long been a factor for improving sales and profitability. Retailers often hire outside consultants to carefully analyze their product offerings to determine the right strategy.

"Our message to retailers was to let them know that continuing to make room for brands, such as DRJ Group's Stopain, can be important to the overall success of their merchandising strategy," explained David Pinto, editor of Mass Market Retailers. "Specifically, products like Stopain Roll-On offer unique benefits that provide value and choice to consumers that cannot be filled by other brands."

Established in 1983, Mass Market Retailers provides drug, discount and supermarket chain executives with information on merchandising, current news and analysis and interpretation of trends and events focusing on making effective decisions in the chain retail market.

Stopain products include the #1 selling spray and roll-on in the topical analgesics category. The active ingredient in Stopain is menthol, recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as an analgesic that provides temporary relief from minor pains and stiffness of arthritis, muscle aches, strains and simple backaches.

Earlier this year, DRJ Group partnered with the Arthritis Foundation in a year-long awareness and fundraising initiative. The initiative includes a video, Stop Pain. Start Dancing, which promotes the long-term health benefits of staying physically active. Additionally, DRJ Group is donating a portion of each Stopain purchase to support the Arthritis Foundation.

Stopain can be purchased nationally in over 25,000 independent pharmacies and national chain drug stores and on the Stopain Web site.

SOURCE DRJ Group