So-Called Bath Salts Hurting Legitimate Companies

Rising interest in illegal drugs masquerading as "bath salts" is tanking sales of the real thing in c-stores.

June 15, 2011

SALEM, Mo. - At John Watson??s Crossroads Corner store, sales of Astral Sea luxury bath salts have plummeted 50 percent because of a rising interest in illegal drugs that go under the street name "bath salts," Portfolio.com reports.

Across the country, 10 states have banned the drug and 24 other states have issued executive orders to forbid sales. Some cities are prohibiting their sale on local shelves. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) supports a bill that would federally ban the substances.

All this bad publicity surrounding the illegal bath salts have caused headaches and declining sales for legitimate businesses. "I think it has a lot to do with public perception. The bath salts aren??t a big part of my sales but any loss hurts. I've barely sold any since this whole thing started," said Watson of the drop in sales of legal bath salt products.

While fully behind banning the illegal bath salts, Watson points to the usage of the words "bath salts" in connection with illegal activities as continuing to cause harm. "The bans won??t affect my bath salts. The problem is clearing the mind of the public. Anytime you hurt someone??s legitimate business for lack of finding the proper terminology it is wrong," he said.

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