While many politicians are debating women’s issues, including a call to remove the sales tax on feminine hygiene products (dubbed the “tampon tax”), one consumer brand hopes to get people really talking with a series of ongoing events and activations around a somewhat taboo topic—periods.
The U by Kotex brand, which is owned by consumer products corporation Kimberly-Clark, has partnered with women who are passionate about feminine care to create the Period Projects—a multiyear program and project series designed to bring about awareness and change the way people think about and talk about periods.
One of these women is New York City-based college student Sarah Michelson, who, in a Tumblr post, pleaded for a shop devoted to Aunt Flo. “My dream period shop has: designer pads/tampons, ice cream, heating pads, phone charging station, mani-pedis, live DJ, and obvi sweat pants…. Someone make this happen!” Kotex heeded her call and created the Period Shop.
The world’s first and only pop-up shop of its kind, it was open to the public in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood from May 13 to 15. There, visitors could shop for custom merchandise including accessories, home goods, beauty products, U by Kotex products, and, of course sweatpants. Customers could also shop the experience online at Jet.com and HelloFlo.com. Plus, DJs and musicians performed throughout the three-day event, and visitors were treated to nail art, massages, ice cream, and chocolate.
Other Period Projects are currently in the works and will be announced throughout the year.
All proceeds from the Period Shop in New York benefited Susan’s Place, a transitional residence that provides housing support to homeless women; final figures from the shop are still being tallied.