Wendy future of retail top

Issues

Exec joins the NACDS Foundation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Former PEN/Faulkner Foundation executive director Matthew Burriesci has joined the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation as director of ­development. Burriesci began his new role late last month. “The NACDS Foundation has a bold vision that requires a talented team,” foundation president Kathleen Jaeger says. “Matt brings all of the right

NRF prepares to file suit over credit card settlement

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation may go to court to block the proposed $7.25 billion settlement of a federal antitrust lawsuit over swipe fees charged by banks and credit card companies. The association said this month that its board had authorized court action if needed and that it is now exploring its ­options. The

Walgreens, Alliance Boots get to work

Three months have passed since Walgreens and Alliance Boots agreed to begin the process of merging their companies, their executive staffs and their considerable talents to create what will ultimately become the first truly global drug retailer/wholesaler. In that time, more misconceptions have surfaced than has been the case with any previous transaction involving two

Advertising falls short when Rxs switch to O-T-C

Apparently, there’s a key change in advertising when a prescription drug goes over the counter. Although a prescription drug’s risk-and-benefit profile doesn’t change in moving to O-T-C status, consumer advertisements for the O-T-Cs contain much less information about the drugs’ potential risks than the ads for when the medicines were prescription-only, a CVS Caremark-sponsored study

Community Rx mulls next steps in ESI-Medco lawsuit

PITTSBURGH — A federal judge has dismissed most of the claims in a lawsuit seeking to block the merger of Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), joined by nine pharmacy operators, filed the antitrust suit in March, four days

New age dawns for pharmacy

DENVER — These are tumultuous times for the country’s health care and political systems, conditions that raise the stakes for retail pharmacy and impel the industry to take a more proactive stance in shaping its own destiny. Speakers at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Pharmacy & Technology Conference here acknowledged the challenge and

Milestone reached by Jean Coutu Group

MONTREAL — The Jean Coutu Group has debuted its 400th store, located on Saint-Laurent Blvd. in Montreal’s Crémazie section. The Canadian drug chain invested $1.1 million (Canadian), to build the 11,075-square-foot prototype store, which will employ 40 people. “Maintaining our growth and keeping our position of leadership is essential,” said president and chief executive officer

Walgreens rolls out EHR system

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. is deploying Greenway Medical Technologies Inc.’s enhanced electronic health record (EHR) platform to more closely integrate its health care services. The technology is in more than 200 Walgreens stores, with a chainwide rollout slated to be completed by the end of next summer. The platform, WellHealth EHR, is part of

McKesson’s Tyler gets bigger role

SAN FRANCISCO — Fifteen-year McKesson Corp. veteran Brian Tyler has been named the company’s executive vice president of corporate strategy and business development. He succeeds Marc Owen, who joined McKesson Specialty Health as president this year. Tyler, who most recently served as president of McKesson’s U.S. Pharmaceutical business, will report to chairman and chief executive

Navarro launches central-fill Rx center

MEDLEY, Fla. — Navarro Discount Pharmacy has opened a fulfillment center for prescription medications under the name Navarro Health Services. Executives say that centralizing the filling of many of the thousands of prescriptions the chain handles every day will make the company’s pharmacies more efficient and allow pharmacists to spend more time with with patients.

Thrifty White helps make adherence easier

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Thrifty White Pharmacy has introduced the Rx Timer Cap to improve medication adherence. The patented smart cap with a built-in LCD timer fits standard prescription vials. The cap works like a stopwatch, counting up the hours and minutes since a vial was last opened to tell patients how long it has been

Supervalu shakes up exec ranks

MINNEAPOLIS — A month after naming a new chief executive officer and amid reports it is seeking a buyer, Supervalu Inc. has revamped its management team. The supermarket retailer has given Kevin Holt an expanded role as president of Supervalu Retail. He is charged with driving overall strategy for Supervalu’s traditional retail and pharmacy divisions,

IMS’ Long receives Pratt Award

DENVER — IMS Health’s Doug Long was given the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Harold W. Pratt Award at this year’s NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference. The award recognizes those whose activities have contributed to the promotion, recognition and improvement of pharmacy.Long has been involved in community pharmacy for more than 40 years, including

Industry people honor Colleen Civello

Colleen McCarthy Civello died last month at the age of 64. She died of cancer after what was described as a “long and courageous battle.” A memorial service to remember and celebrate Colleen’s life was held on August 24 at St. Philip’s Church in Crafton, Pa., a service that was followed by lunch at the

PP_1170x120_10-25-21