NEW YORK — The leading chain drug retailers upheld their position in the industry last year as ranked by key financial measures. Walgreen Co. again was at the top in sales ($71.63 billion), followed by CVS Caremark Corp. ($63.65 billion, retail pharmacy sales only), Rite Aid Corp. ($25.39 billion) and Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. ($10.50
NEW YORK — This year, chain drug retailers will be busy preparing for what’s coming up next year. Starting in 2014, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act more than 30 million Americans previously lacking health insurance will be able to buy health plans through state insurance exchanges or get coverage via broader Medicaid
CAMP HILL, Pa. — No one has been more closely involved in the revitalization of Rite Aid Corp. than John Standley. John Standley Arriving at the company in December 1999 as part of an executive team called in after previous management pushed the drug chain to the verge of bankruptcy, Standley, who is now chairman,
CAMP HILL, Pa. — After operating in the black for two consecutive quarters, Rite Aid Corp. rolled to its first full-year profit in six years. For the 52-week 2013 fiscal year ended March 2, Rite Aid swung to net income of $118.1 million from a loss of $368.6 million in fiscal 2012, which had 53
SIOUX FALLS, N.D. — As the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ longest-serving board member, Lewis Drug chief executive officer Mark Griffin has seen a lot of change. Mark Griffin First elected to the board in 1987, Griffin, who just recently passed the longevity record held by former CVS Caremark president, chief executive officer and
TORONTO — Shoppers Drug Mart has taken its 10-year-old Beauty Boutique concept to another level. Rebranded as the Beauty Boutique by Shoppers Drug Mart, the upscale beauty department features a broadened mix, some of Canada’s leading beauty advisors and a new interactive website. The new name builds awareness of the boutique, and links it more
TORONTO — Canada’s pharmacy community can cut the country’s health care costs by up to $11 billion (Canadian) over three years by bringing more cost-effective care to more people, a new report says. The document, “9000 Points of Care: Improving Access to Affordable Healthcare,” presents pharmacy initiatives to improve outcomes, deliver greater value and enhance
IRONTON, Ohio — Fruth Pharmacy will soon mark the opening of its second location in Ironton, Ohio, and its 27th store overall. A celebration is planned for April 29 through May 1 with grand-opening specials. The chain bought the downtown Third Street outlet from Jim Staley. When Staley was considering retirement, he spoke with Fruth
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has expanded the opportunities for members of its Balance Rewards customer loyalty program to earn points for healthy behavior. The program, which was launched last September, has already awarded more than 15 million points for healthy behavior. Previously, members have earned points for physical activity by participating in the Walk
NEW YORK — Customers rate chain drug pharmacies highly on their convenience, the interaction with their staffs and their performance in filling prescriptions, but their prescription pricing draws far fewer accolades. Those are the key findings of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Pharmacy Satisfaction Pulse survey, an online poll of 34,424 adult pharmacy customers. All survey participants had
NEW YORK — Duane Reade chain has launched its first mobile application for iOS devices. The free app, which is available in Apple’s iTunes Store, facilitates and enhances customer access to Duane Reade pharmacy services, photo printers, prescription refills, Balance Rewards offers, account information and in-store maps. The latest move is part of Duane Reade’s
ARLINGTON, Va. — National Association of Chain Drug Stores staff members Roy McGrath and Alex Adams have been promoted. McGrath was named vice president of business development and conventions. He had been director of business development and conventions. McGrath has served NACDS in a number of capacities since joining the organization in 1997, including manager
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has expanded the scope of its Take Care Clinics to include handling such chronic diseases as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure. “With this service expansion, Take Care Clinics now provide the most comprehensive service offering within the retail clinic industry and can play an even more valuable role in
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark Corp.’s generics dispensing rate (GDR) reached 77.4% last year, reducing commercial clients’ traditional drug spending by 3.6%, the company’s annual “Insights” report found. The company’s focus on medication adherence saved pharmacy benefit manager clients over $643 million in 2012, the study says. CVS Caremark’s industry-leading GDR is the result of
