|
Retail News Breaks Archives The savings to consumers and the U.S. health care system from the use of generic prescription drugs has climbed to a rate of $1 billion every other day, according to a study from the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA). Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Walgreen Co. have announced an economic growth plan that calls for the drug chain to create 500 jobs over three years and invest $75 million to expand and renovate more than two dozen corporate offices in metropolitan Chicago. Next week, Bartell Drugs will kick off its annual school supplies donation drive. Though down year over year, July same-store sales at Walgreen Co. improved as the pharmacy fared slightly better following a double-digit decline in June. The board of directors of the National Community Pharmacists Association has voted against a proposed settlement of a lawsuit brought by retailers and trade groups against Visa, MasterCard and banks over credit-card swipe fees. Walgreen Co. has finalized its initial investment in Alliance Boots, under which the U.S. drug chain is buying a 45% equity stake in the global pharmacy and health and beauty aids retailer for $6.7 billion in cash and stock. Calling for a more level playing field, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores has endorsed legislation that would enable states to collect sales tax on purchases made via online retailers and other remote vendors. Comparable-store sales at Rite Aid Corp. grew in July after experiencing a dip the previous month. Sona Chawla, president of e-commerce at Walgreen Co., has been appointed to the board of directors at Express Inc. Minnesota achieved the nation's highest rate of electronic prescription use during 2011, according to Surescripts. Take Care Health Systems has begun piloting a consumer health care application that enables mobile and online appointment scheduling services. MinuteClinic has partnered with the American Heart Association to improve the identification, treatment and management of high blood pressure. Pharmacy alliance RxAlly has appointed Michael Groh as chief information officer. AmerisourceBergen Corp. has entered a multiyear agreement to supply pharmaceuticals to Express Scripts Inc., which has opted to let its current distribution pact with Cardinal Health Inc. lapse. Next month CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic plan to launch a flu shot voucher program for people without health insurance. Shareholders of Paragon Pharmacies Ltd. have given the green light to the western Canada drug chain's sale to Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. Struggling food and drug retailer Supervalu Inc. has named chairman Wayne Sales as chief executive officer, replacing Craig Herkert.
|
