Another reason to try/buy generic: you might have to because your favorite name-brand could be getting the boot from store shelves.

If the product isn’t selling well-enough or the store just wants a better margin or co-branded advertising, sayonara. For instance, Walmart recently kicked off Glad and Hefty trashbags and replaced them with its own “Great Value” brand.

Less choice, less clutter, lower prices, it could make shopping less of a chore. Do we really need to decide between 15 kinds of toothbrushes?

Dumped! Brand names fight to stay in stores [CNNMoney]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.