NEW YORK — In the battle for market share among chain drug retailers, store formats are pre-empting numbers. Rather than seeking to dominate metropolitan areas by saturating them with new stores, drug chains are seeking to draw shoppers with distinctive retail concepts. Walgreen Co., which at one time was opening an outlet every 17 hours,
LEMOYNE, Pa. — About a year and a half after the debut of its first “wellness store,” Rite Aid Corp. has ushered in the next generation of the concept. The drug chain unveiled a new iteration of the wellness format — known internally as “Genuine Well-Being” — this month at a store here, near the
TORONTO — Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty opted to himself announce the introduction of regulations that extend the powers of pharmacists. He could have left that duty to Minister of Health and Long Term Care Deb Matthews, whose department had the responsibility for framing the regulations for pharmacy practice and will administer them. But, clearly, the
ROGERS, Ark. — Walmart is ramping up its small-store rollout, with plans to add 95 to 115 Neighborhood Market units next year. That would be up from a projected 80 additions in the current year. “This gives us the opportunity to build more stores for less money,” Bill Simon, president of the company’s U.S. division,
NEW YORK — In previous issues Chain Drug Review has presented some of the major findings from the Pharmacy Satisfaction Pulse Survey by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. The September 24 issue highlighted the pharmacy industry’s strengths and best practices. Future issues will explore topics including loyalty programs and medication adherence. This issue, however, examines opportunities
NEW YORK — Retail sales growth slowed in September, according to monthly sales figures released by a number of large U.S. retailers. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, which tracks 22 retailers, sales for the month rose 3.9%, down from a 6% increase in August. The Thompson Reuters news service, which tracks 19
WASHINGTON — Associations serve a vital function as the “fifth estate” in the 21st century American democracy, National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson told an audience of more than 1,100 association members here earlier this month. Speaking at the 13th Annual Summit Awards Dinner, presented by the American
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has partnered with singer/celebrity Taylor Swift to introduce the “Taylor Swift Store at Walgreens,” featuring a selection of her music and other merchandise. The collection is available in Walgreens and select Duane Reade locations. “Our relationship with Taylor provides customers with convenient access to her broad range of merchandise, enabling
SAN FRANCISCO — McKesson Corp. has renewed its distribution contract with Rite Aid Corp., its second-largest customer, in a pact that stretches into 2016. The renewal, which was disclosed in a regulatory filing by Rite Aid, came earlier than was anticipated. The new pact extends the companies’ relationship by three years to March 31, 2016.
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark Corp.’s MinuteClinic unit now offers care across the country to members of Tricare, the health insurance program for military personnel (including retirees) and their families. MinuteClinic has reached an agreement with TriWest, the Western region plan contractor for Tricare. Through TriWest, Tricare provides health care insurance services to 2.9 million
NOVI, Mich. — Chain Drug Marketing Association Inc. (CDMA) has released the dates for its annual trade expo. The company says its 87th CDMA Annual Trade Expo will take place at the Hilton Atlanta from February 19 to February 22. “Our annual event will bring together suppliers with regional drug chains, regional drug wholesalers, independent
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) made two appointments to its board of directors during its third annual board and membership meeting. AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp. president David Neu has been named HDMA chairman, while Ted Scherr, president and chief executive officer of Dakota Drug Inc., has been appointed vice chairman. Neu takes
WASHINGTON — A new law that community pharmacy advocates say will help ensure consumer safety by battling organized retail crime was signed into law earlier this month by President Obama. The Strengthening and Focusing Enforcement to Deter Organized Stealing and Enhance Safety Act of 2012, also known as the Safe Doses Act unanimously passed the
America has the safest drug supply chain in the world. Historically, that has been more than a proud boast; it has been a fact. Patients getting medicines from their pharmacists and doctors — whether brand name or generic — have been able to count on the fact that the drug in the bottle matches what’s
