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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores held its year-end meetings in New York City early this month — and very little was as it had been a year ago. Many of the same familiar faces were on hand, and several of the same retail companies attended. But the yearlong series of events that have
The spectacular is becoming so commonplace that even the most astonishing events in chain drug retailing are assuming a ho-hum characteristic. Nothing new here, even if Walgreens has announced its intention to acquire Rite Aid. Put another way, America’s largest chain drug retailer is intent on combining its fortunes and its future with the country’s
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. has, for the second time in five years, entered Chapter 11, a return that likely presages the death of one of the legendary names in the history of mass market retailing. The decision to seek bankruptcy protection one Sunday last month marked the end of the latest effort
Retailing is making headlines in the consumer press these days — the wrong kind of headlines. Some samples include the following: • CVS is being accused of targeting African-American and Hispanic shoppers as more likely to cause trouble than are Caucasian customers. • Walmart has reluctantly agreed to lower the temperature — by one degree
The year 2014 will be remembered as one of discovery about the power of niche and exclusive beauty brands at retailers in the United States, and that momentum will increase well into the future. Global retailers long ago recognized the potential for creating differentiation and loyalty with consumers through their own brands. The potential for