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"Irresistibly Magnetic" is the tagline used to describe BodyLinx, a line of budget-friendly magnetic jewelry. The bracelets are turning out to be irresistible to shoplifters who are looking for relief from the pain of arthritis.
Beaverton, OR (PRWEB) February 5, 2005 -- According to Tom Frost, who lists himself as the company’s “magnetic conductor,” the bracelets are being stolen from some urban stores among the over 350 retailers featuring the line. “Ever since that British Medical Journal report came out about the benefits of magnetic bracelets, we’ve been swamped with orders,” says Frost. “But retailers are telling us stories about the bracelets being stolen by those who don’t have access to medication for their arthritis.”
According to the BMJ report, magnetic bracelets can significantly reduce the pain of arthritis. One in three American adults suffers from some form of the disease, and Vioxx, a widely-prescribed pain medication, was recently removed from the market after reports indicated it may lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Arthritis sufferers are left looking for alternative ways to deal with their discomfort.
Some retailers have taken measures to protect the bracelets from those who might be tempted to try them without paying. “Managers are setting them up behind the counter or inside a glass case, but that’s not how we envisioned the bracelets being sold,” says Frost, who describes his product as “just a fun jewelry item” without emphasizing the possibility of health benefits. He’d prefer to have the bracelets out so customers can try them on and play with them.
Because BodyLinx jewelry is made up of individual magnets that can be rearranged to form new styles, Frost opted to sell his bracelets in blister packs to keep the magnets together and prevent the bracelets from sticking to other metal items nearby.
“We thought we’d anticipated the challenges of selling magnets,” says Frost. “Honestly, we expected the biggest issue to be kids playing with them at school. We never thought people suffering from arthritis pain would be stealing them.”
Frost is now considering new packaging and display options for his jewelry. “I’m glad that so many people are finding the bracelets therapeutic, but frankly, this is giving me a headache.”
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