The Rubber Index: Things are Looking up When, er, “Things” are Looking Up

By RJ Bardsley

This morning I read an interesting article in Businessweek about the battle for marketshare between Durex and Trojan.  Yep – that’s the honest to god truth.  I was surprised to learn that the condom sales are up in the US and competition for that market is heating up as the European Durex looks to take market share away from the home-grown Trojan brand.  But it also got me thinking – Could rubber sales be indicative of larger trends in the US market?  I mean there are those economists who say things like gas and automobile sales correlate to broader economic health and consumer well being.

So, is there a Rubber Index? I did some research and I think there might be.  It seems that there is a correlation between the amount of condoms sold and some other, very positive economic and social indicators.  Here’s a look at what I think we should call the BrandFiller Rubber Index:

• Condom sales gained 8.1 percent in the 52 weeks through June 10, according to SymphonyIRI

Condom Sales are Up – this either means people are being more responsible or they’re having more fun.  Since I’m an eternal optimist I’m going to interpret this data as showing both things are happening.

• Unemployment down 1% from 9.2 to 8.2 from June 11 to June 12 (NCSL.org)

It just so happens that unemployment is down over the same period.  Yes – we’ve still got a long way to go here, but at least it’s moving in the right direction year over year.  Perhaps as more people get jobs they’re feeling better about themselves and they’re…er… celebrating more.

• Inflation down – from 3.6 to 1.7 in June year over year (usinflationcalculator.com)

Yes – this makes perfect sense – when people have more sex, inflation goes down.  I don’t want to be cheeky, but everybody must do their part for the global economy, so get busy people.

• Gas prices are down 3.82 to 3.42 (US Energy Information Administration)

Again – a direct correlation here: people spending more time in bed drive less.  Ergo, gas prices decline.

• June retail sales were 3.8 percent above the pace of June 2011 – US Census Bureau

More good news when it comes to retail sales year over year.  We’re up from June 2011 – this could be partially related to people buying more condoms though.

• Starbuck’s total net revenues increased 15% to $3.2 billion

More sex = more coffee.  I think this is directly related to people being busier at night and needing a little extra pick-me-up in the morning right after the drop-me-off from the previous night.

• Overall music sales (including albums and tracks) are up 4.0% year over year – Nielsen

This last figure would make more sense if I knew exactly which tracks were selling quickly.  It’s good to see the music industry back on its feet.  But I’m dying to know if this is a surge in make out songs or break up songs.