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Women Seeing Red Over Tampon Shortage
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 19, 2011
Modified Jan 19, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 19, 2011
Modified Jan 19, 2011
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o.b. tampons available in DUMBO (Photo by Jen Carlson/Gothamist)
Just like Elaine and her sponge, the women of New York City aren't finding what they need in the feminine hygiene section of drug stores. According to the Daily News, shelves have been barren of o.b. brand tampons since the fall, and now they're showing up on eBay for nearly $9 a pack! This "top rated seller" is hawking 2 boxes for 100 bucks.
Well, ladies, we're here with some good news: we just stopped by Bridge Apothecary on Jay Street in DUMBO and there are three whole boxes left, each going for just under 5 bucks. As for the shortage mystery, Johnson & Johnson says they experienced a "temporary supply interruption" that may have led to stores being out of the product—but they wouldn't give any further details, only saying they would be back in stock "soon" (likely story). Customers have become so furious over the past few months, this week one began a boycott campaign, telling her tampon internet support group... thing: "TO HELL WITH O.B."
As one woman explained, o.b. is one of the only brands of nonapplicator tampons, so "people who choose to use this are a little bit politicized around it. They feel very strongly about these tampons." For environmental reasons, of course... also they fit nicely in your purse and make it so easy to be discreet!
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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