Wendy future of retail top

Issue 09-12-2016

Pay options grow for Balance Rewards users

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Balance Rewards members can now seamlessly apply their loyalty account at checkout through Android Pay, furthering the convenience of earning and redeeming points and expanding the company’s portfolio of unified mobile payments solutions. This integration gives the more than 85 million active Balance Rewards members, many of whom use Android devices,

Concerns about Zika threat on the rise in this country

WASHINGTON — A new study suggests that the Zika virus can live and cause damage in newborns for at least two months after birth, raising new concerns among health officials across the globe. The report, published online in the New England Journal of Medicine, involves a baby boy born in January to a woman in

Winning products named in TSE showcase

BOSTON — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced winners of the 2016 NACDS Total Store Expo Product Showcase in 10 product categories. The showcase, situated on the exhibit floor, provided increased visibility for suppliers to market their products. The products were evaluated by retail attendees. Winners included Oilogic Essential Oil Care from

NACDS continues to extend its vision, reach

NACDS continues to extend its vision, reach

The NACDS Total Store Expo in Boston last month has several claims to distinction. In its fourth year, the event — which brings together aspects of the industry that the association previously addressed in three separate shows — hit its stride in terms of fostering interaction between retailers and suppliers, with the Meet the Market

Industry in lull as it enters crucial holiday season

Industry in lull as it enters crucial holiday season

The all-important Christmas selling season is about to begin. Truth is, the season begins during the run-up to Halloween and runs, virtually non-stop, through December 24. The highlights are the countdown to the day after Thanksgiving, the period immediately following Thanksgiving week and the final days before Christmas Day. Even now, the nation’s drug stores

Walmart enhances shopping experience for OTCs

Walmart enhances shopping experience for OTCs

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — A simplified shopping experience with improved navigation and adjacencies is at the heart of Walmart’s over-the-counter drug presentation, says Carmen Bauza, the company’s senior vice president of OTC health care. The goal is to give customers opportunities to build their shopping basket, explains Bauza, who also oversees optical, baby care, paper goods

Walmart makes health care a strategic pillar

Walmart makes health care a strategic pillar

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart’s health and wellness division is poised to play a prominent part in the discounter’s ambitious drive to reinvent retail for an era when brick-and-mortar stores coexist with e-commerce. Pharmacy, over-the-counter medications and vision care currently account for about 10% of Walmart’s U.S. sales. By deepening the penetration of these products and

Affordable Care Act up against more headwinds

Affordable Care Act up against more headwinds

WASHINGTON — The pullback of health insurance companies from the Affordable Care Act has focused a harsh light on President Obama’s signature legislative achievement. Most recently, Aetna Inc. decided to drop out of ACA health insurance exchanges in 11 states with about two-thirds of the 778 counties where it now offers coverage. It will continue

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