Inside This Issue - News

Walgreens has high expectations for new loyalty plan

Walgreen Co. has launched Balance Rewards, a customer loyalty program that the company says could become the largest in the United States. All Walgreens and Duane Reade stores are participating in the program.

Merlo keeps CVS Caremark on right track

CVS Caremark Corp. is poised for a strong finish to 2012, and its pharmacy business is looking forward to generics growth in 2013 and 2014, president and chief executive officer Larry Merlo said at the Morgan Stanley Healthcare Conference this month.

Golden anniversary marked by Rite Aid

To celebrate its 50th year in business Rite Aid Corp. plans a string of anniversary events for the next six months.

NCPA proceeds with lawsuit vs. Express Scripts

The ranks of retail pharmacy have diverged in the wake of a federal judge’s dismissal of most of the claims made in a lawsuit against the merger of Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc.

Walmart bullish on small formats

Walmart is finally getting comfortable with small-box retailing, and the implications for chain drug stores could be ominous.

SDM at 50: Shoppers Drug Mart has place among iconic brands

After 50 years Canadian consumers’ love for Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) shows no signs of waning. In poll after poll — most recently those conducted by MSNBC.ca and The Huffington Post — the retailer continues to rate at or near the top — not only in its own field but among companies of all kinds.

London Drugs store has unique twists

London Drugs opened its 76th store late last month, debuting a 17,200-square-foot unit in Vancouver’s Olympic Village.

CVS reiterates pledge to combat Rx abuse

CVS Caremark Corp. is reviewing the Drug Enforcement Administration’s revocation of the controlled substance licenses of two of its stores in Sanford, Fla.

SDM, Royal Bank of Canada up the ante

Royal Bank of Canada is launching a co-branded Mastercard with Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM).

Notes to finance Alliance Boots deal issued by Walgreens

Walgreen Co. has issued $4 billion in senior notes to repay borrowings that were used to finance its acquisition of an equity stake in Alliance Boots GmbH.

Study finds lower co-pays help improve adherence

When patients with chronic health conditions have lower out-of-pocket costs for medications, they are more likely to fill their prescriptions, a recent review of past studies shows.

Exec joins the NACDS Foundation

Former PEN/Faulkner Foundation executive director Matthew Burriesci has joined the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation as director of ­development.

NRF prepares to file suit over credit card settlement

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.