Wendy future of retail top

CVS

Kevin Hourican named president of CVS Pharmacy

Kevin Hourican named president of CVS Pharmacy

WOONSOCKET, R.I. —  Kevin Hourican has been promoted to president of CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health. Hourican, who most recently served as the company’s executive vice president of retail pharmacy, had been serving as interim president of the drug chain following the departure of Helena Foulkes, who left to head Hudson’s Bay Co. In his

CVS announces new collaboration with Job Corps

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health today announced a new collaboration with Job Corps, the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults. “As the skills gap in the U.S. widens, CVS Health recognizes the important role externships, which offer on-the-job training with classroom instruction, play in building a pipeline of future skilled talent,”

New year to answer key questions in chain drug retailing

New year to answer key questions in chain drug retailing

The new year is finally here. On balance, 2016 was a year best forgotten. Very few events of a positive nature will be remembered. On the other hand, many unsettling moments would best be reviewed at another time — if at all. As 2017 dawns, several important questions remain to be resolved, a few of

Old retailing order gives way to new future

Old retailing order gives way to new future

As the year nears its end, surprises continue to make news in chain drug retailing. Mostly, negative surprises. Earlier this month, CVS downsized its headquarters staff by some 600 employees, stopping for a moment the retailer’s uninterrupted string of good news. Following that announcement, the Woonsocket, R.I.-based drug chain issued a warning that results might

WBA works to clear way to finalizing Rite Aid acquisition

WBA works to clear way to finalizing Rite Aid acquisition

NEW YORK — Speculation continues to percolate about snags holding up Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc.’s (WBA’s) acquisition of Rite Aid Corp. Last last month the New York Post reported that private equity firms were uninterested in purchasing 650 stores that WBA must divest to satisfy antitrust requirements. Investors found the stores to be subpar and

Express Scripts replaces CVS with Walgreens for TRICARE

Express Scripts replaces CVS with Walgreens for TRICARE

ST. LOUIS — Express Scripts Inc. is changing out CVS Pharmacy for Walgreens in its retail pharmacy network for TRICARE, the U.S. military’s health care and drug benefits program. Plans call for Walgreens pharmacies to join the Express Scripts network for TRICARE on Dec. 1. At that time, CVS pharmacies — including CVS locations in

FDA issues alert on homeopathic teething tablets, gels

FDA issues alert on homeopathic teething tablets, gels

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that homeopathic teething tablets and gels may present a health risk to infants and children. The FDA on Friday urged consumers to stop using the products and dispose of any that they have. The agency said the homeopathic teething tablets and gels

WBA-Rite Aid pressed to find store buyers

WBA-Rite Aid pressed to find store buyers

It looks like one divestment possibility for Walgreens Boots Alliance isn’t panning out as it works with the Federal Trade Commission to gain antitrust clearance for its acquisition of Rite Aid. The New York Post reported this week that WBA hasn’t been able to sway private equity firms to buy a chunk of Walgreens and/or

Getting close to the consumer — emotionally

Getting close to the consumer — emotionally

By gobbling prime real estate and mastering the science of site selection, the top national drug store chains have absolutely succeeded in getting as close to the customer as possible. But in an era when almost anything you want is available at the touch of a button — not just on your computer at home

McKesson, Walmart expand Rx distribution pact

McKesson, Walmart expand Rx distribution pact

SAN FRANCISCO and BENTONVILLE, Ark. — McKesson Corp. and Walmart have expanded their long-term pharmaceutical distribution pact, including a new sourcing agreement for generic drugs. McKesson and Walmart said Monday that the expanded relationship is “a natural next step.” The companies will collaborate on sourcing generics for their U.S. operations, a move that they said

Xlear nasal products hit shelves at CVS, Target

Xlear nasal products hit shelves at CVS, Target

SALT LAKE CITY — Xlear Inc. has landed retail distribution for its xylitol-based nasal sinus care products at CVS Pharmacy and Target stores nationwide. Xlear said Wednesday that products now available at Target include the 1.5-oz. Xlear Nasal Spray, Neti Pot Kit, Sinus Spray Kit and Solution Packets. CVS is stocking in its stores the

Drug chains need to retool for e-commerce era

Drug chains need to retool for e-commerce era

Digital technologies are reshaping both consumer demand and competitive undercurrents in the U.S. consumer packaged goods marketplace. Digital innovations and the explosion of digital, mobile and social media are restructuring how consumers shop for and purchase CPG products. This framework has resulted in new shopping behaviors and purchase pathways, which are disrupting traditional business models

Chain drug industry in period of transition

Chain drug industry in period of transition

One-third of the way into the new year, the chain drug store industry is hardly setting any worlds on fire. Business is good, but noteworthy only in the fact that it’s not better. America’s chain drug industry has significantly dialed down the pace of mergers and acquisitions that had characterized it over the past two

Changes loom as industry starts new year

Changes loom as industry starts new year

The new year has begun inauspiciously for chain drug retailing, an industry that is still trying to assess the results of the just completed Christmas selling season. By all accounts, December was a month of no great accomplishments, even if it was not the disaster some observers predicted. Now it’s on to 2016, and the

PP_1170x120_10-25-21