MIAMI — Navarro Discount Pharmacies has strengthened its pharmacy leadership team by appointing Jose Alvarez as vice president of merchandising and selecting Angel Colls as director of category management.

In another announcement, Navarro, the largest Hispanic-owned pharmacy chain in the country, has launched a "customer experience" program developed to save consumers time and money by enhancing their shopping experience.

"Together, Jose Alvarez and Angel Colls will develop a targeted merchandising strategy for existing-store growth and new-store expansion," says chief executive officer Steve Kaczynski. "Along with the pharmacy leadership team, they will examine current pricing and associate development and training as well as focus on the customer experience and understanding the way that Navarro customers shop."

Alvarez had been Navarro’s vice president and corporate controller, a position he held since he joined the company in March 2007. He oversaw all aspects of the chain’s financial operations, including financial reporting, inventory valuation and management functions.

Colls brings extensive product knowledge to his new role. He was formerly a district manager at Navarro, supervising store and category operations. He joined the chain in 2001 when Navarro acquired the Fedco organization, where Colls was a district manager in charge of purchasing and operations.

Navarro’s new customer experience program includes free prescription delivery and free compounding services.

"In today’s economy, it is especially important to offer customers new and improved pharmacy services, added value and competitive prices," says Cristy Leon-Rivero, vice president of marketing. "The new customer experience program enhances our customer’s shopping experience, builds loyalty and sets us apart from the competition."

Under the initiative, prescriptions can be delivered free of charge to a customer’s home or office, anywhere in Miami–Dade County.

The program also calls attention to Navarro’s new compounding pharmacy services, considered especially useful for customers with topical pain, diabetic neuropathy, skin care or cosmetic dermatological needs. Navarro notes that compounding pharmacy services are completed within 24 hours and are delivered free of charge to the customer.