Wendy future of retail top

Albertsons-Rite Aid merger deal seen as a ‘win-win’

Albertsons-Rite Aid merger deal seen as a ‘win-win’

CAMP HILL, Pa. — The merger of Albertsons Cos. and Rite Aid Corp. will create a “truly differentiated” player in the food, health and wellness space, John Standley, chairman and chief executive officer of Rite Aid, said when the deal was announced late last month. The proposed merger will transform Rite Aid through the addition

What the budget deal means for health care

What the budget deal means for health care

WASHINGTON — Health care spending has been beefed up in some areas and reduced in others as a result of the federal budget legislation passed by Congress earlier this month. Chronic care funding was bolstered by the two-year spending plan, which was signed into law by President Trump, while some Affordable Care Act appropriations were

Albertsons-Rite Aid to create wellness powerhouse

Albertsons-Rite Aid to create wellness powerhouse

CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Albertsons Cos. merger with Rite Aid Corp. will create a “truly differentiated” player in the food, health and wellness space, John Standley, chairman and chief executive officer of Rite Aid, said in an interview with Chain Drug Review. The Albertsons-Rite Aid merger deal, announced Tuesday, will transform Rite Aid through

Canadian drug chains to take hit from generic price cuts

Canadian drug chains to take hit from generic price cuts

TORONTO — Pharmacy operators across Canada will be hit hard by lower generic drug prices set to take effect this spring, said Metro Inc. chief executive officer Eric La Fleche. The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance — which represents the provincial, territorial and federal governments — and the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association announced late last month that

NACDS weighs in on burdens associated with DIR fees

ARLINGTON, Va. — The “untenable” procedures around direct and indirect remuneration fees (DIR fees) can be righted with measures reducing costs for beneficiaries and the government, while promoting a more quality-driven health care system, says the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. NACDS expressed that message in comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Kevin Hourican named interim head of CVS Pharmacy

Kevin Hourican named interim head of CVS Pharmacy

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Kevin Hourican, executive vice president of retail pharmacy and supply chain at CVS Health, will run the company’s retail division on an interim basis following the departure of Helena Foulkes. As the interim head of CVS Pharmacy, Hourican will report to CVS Health chief operating officer Jon Roberts, the company said Thursday.

Pessina: Walgreens’ transformation well under way

Pessina: Walgreens’ transformation well under way

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Walgreens is halfway through a transformation that includes a rethinking of its supply chain and services, Walgreens Boots Alliance executive vice chairman and CEO Stefano Pessina said at the company’s annual shareholders meeting. Walgreens is also recasting its approach to interacting with customers and patients, Pessina added, noting that 2018 will see

Good Neighbor Pharmacy empowers independents

Good Neighbor Pharmacy empowers independents

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen Corp.’s backing, combined with the entrepreneurship of independent pharmacies, has made the company’s Good Neighbor Pharmacy network an exemplar of high-touch service, says senior vice president of community and specialty pharmacy and Good Neighbor Pharmacy president Brian Nightengale. AmerisourceBergen’s support tools and personnel enhance the inherent ability of independents to

ACA enrollment remains steady

WASHINGTON — Nearly 9 million people signed up for health insurance in the Affordable Care Act’s latest open enrollment period, despite the Trump administration having cut its duration in half. The 8.8 million enrollees were only slightly fewer than the total in the last ACA open enrollment period, which, besides being longer, was much more

Holiday selling season good for drug chains

Holiday selling season good for drug chains

NEW YORK — Chain drug store holiday sales bettered last year’s results, with total dollar volume rising more than 4% and same-store sales advancing 1.8%. In comparison to the 2016 holiday retail sales season, when anxiety over the new administration may have peaked, consumer confidence was up this year, propelled by income gains and the

Jeff Leger named Shoppers Drug Mart president

Jeff Leger named Shoppers Drug Mart president

TORONTO — Jeff Leger has been named president of Shoppers Drug Mart, succeeding Mike Motz, who has been promoted to chief operating officer of SDM parent Loblaw Cos. Loblaw confirmed Leger’s appointment on Tuesday. He previously served as executive vice president of pharmacy and health care for both Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart stores. Prior

First batch of Rite Aid stores go to WBA

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Walgreens Boots Alliance has taken over the first 97 of its acquired Rite Aid Corp. stores. WBA purchased 1,932 stores under a revised deal with Rite Aid after the government thwarted its acquisition of the entire chain. WBA also picked up three distribution centers and related inventory from Rite Aid as

How a move by Amazon could impact retail Rx

How a move by Amazon could impact retail Rx

NEW YORK — While rumors of Amazon’s entry into pharmacy continue to swirl, some analysts are questioning just how significant the move would be. “Amazon’s U.S. Pharmacy Opportunity: Not Necessarily A Game Changer,” is the title of a report by Cowen. For its part, Fung Global Retail & Technology said the online retailer’s pursuit of

Senate tax reform bill may doom ACA’s individual mandate

Senate tax reform bill may doom ACA’s individual mandate

WASHINGTON — The Senate’s repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual mandate as part of its sweeping tax reform bill has likely spelled doom for the provision, which required people who didn’t obtain health insurance to pay a tax penalty. Sen. John Barrasso (R., Wyo.) said the 51-49 vote passing the Senate tax reform

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