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Inside This Issue - News
In the battle for market share among chain drug retailers, store formats are pre-empting numbers. About a year and a half after the debut of its first “wellness store,” Rite Aid Corp. has ushered in the next generation of the concept. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty opted to himself announce the introduction of regulations that extend the powers of pharmacists. Walmart is ramping up its small-store rollout, with plans to add 95 to 115 Neighborhood Market units next year. That would be up from a projected 80 additions in the current year. In previous issues Chain Drug Review has presented some of the major findings from the Pharmacy Satisfaction Pulse Survey by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. The September 24 issue highlighted the pharmacy industry’s strengths and best practices. Future issues will explore topics including loyalty programs and medication adherence. This issue, however, examines opportunities for improvement, a topic that should be of vital importance to all chain pharmacy executives and managers. Retail sales growth slowed in September, according to monthly sales figures released by a number of large U.S. retailers. Associations serve a vital function as the “fifth estate” in the 21st century American democracy, National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson told an audience of more than 1,100 association members here earlier this month. Walgreen Co. has partnered with singer/celebrity Taylor Swift to introduce the “Taylor Swift Store at Walgreens,” featuring a selection of her music and other merchandise. The collection is available in Walgreens and select Duane Reade locations. McKesson Corp. has renewed its distribution contract with Rite Aid Corp., its second-largest customer, in a pact that stretches into 2016. CVS Caremark Corp.’s MinuteClinic unit now offers care across the country to members of Tricare, the health insurance program for military personnel (including retirees) and their families. Chain Drug Marketing Association Inc. (CDMA) has released the dates for its annual trade expo. The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) made two appointments to its board of directors during its third annual board and membership meeting. A new law that community pharmacy advocates say will help ensure consumer safety by battling organized retail crime was signed into law earlier this month by President Obama.
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