Rite Aid goes to one provider for print, digital circulars
Rite Aid Corp. has named a single printer to handle its weekly newspaper circular as well as the digital version. Quad/Graphics Inc.
CDR
Rx groups hail Supreme Court ruling on Medi-Cal
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores, American Pharmacists Association (APhA), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) applauded a 5-4 decision by the U.S.
Loeffler blasts Express Scripts-Medco deal
The pending $29 billion merger of Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc. is “not bad for a couple of middlemen,” National Association of Chain Drug Stores chairman Bob Loeffler said this month during a withering attack at the organization’s Regional Chain Conference.
As opposition mounts, FTC weighs big PBM deal
Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions Inc. have provided the Federal Trade Commission with additional data about their planned merger, even as opposition to the deal grows.
Impact of impasse reflected in January sales
Retail sales in January were generally mixed, and the leading drug chains’ fortunes — notably Walgreen Co. — varied widely. Overall, chain drug store sales improved a modest 2.3% to $18.17 billion during January, while same-store sales edged up just 0.5%.
Walgreens is moving ahead
January sales figures underlined the impact of Walgreen Co.’s loss of Express Scripts Inc.’s prescription business, but the numbers did not dismay all analysts.
APhA lauds Rite Aid immunization effort
Rite Aid Corp. and a CVS/pharmacy pharmacist and a CVS pharmacy technician are among the winners of the American Pharmacists Association’s 2012 APhA Immunization Champion Awards. The awards will be presented at the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans, March 9 through March 12.
CMS asked to hold back on publishing FULs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should stop publishing draft federal upper limit (FUL) lists based on average manufacturer price (AMP) until a formal rule-making process on AMP is completed, says the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
Kinney realigns merchandising team
Regional chain Kinney Drugs has revamped its merchandising department.
Rite Aid implements plan to refinance debt
With its top-line and operating results on the upswing, Rite Aid Corp. has moved to refinance debt. The drug chain this month announced a plan to issue $481 million in senior unsecured notes due in 2020 to help fund a tender offer to buy $459 million of its 8.625% senior notes
Online component tied to Walgreens’ weekly circular
Walgreen Co. has relaunched its weekly circular, giving the Sunday promotional piece a new look and tying it into the retailer’s online and mobile platforms.
MinuteClinic affiliates with Tennessee health system
MinuteClinic entered into a clinical affiliation with HCA’s TriStar Health, the largest health system in middle Tennessee. The CVS Caremark retail health clinic subsidiary said Friday that the partnership will enhance access to affordable health care services in the Nashville metropolitan area.
Walgreens touts gains with 90-day refills at retail
A year after launch, Walgreen Co. said its 90-day refill at retail program is catching on. Under the program, which rolled out in January 2011, Walgreens informed eligible patients about the option to get 90-day medication supplies from their local Walgreens retail pharmacy.
NACDS is gearing up for Total Store Expo
National Association of Chain Drug Stores chairman Bob Loeffler told attendees at the NACDS Regional Chain Conference that retailers and suppliers alike will benefit from next year’s inaugural NACDS Total Store Expo. The expo is scheduled for August 10 to 13, 2013, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
CDMA Expo brings retailers, suppliers together
The Chain Drug Marketing Association’s (CDMA’s) 86th Annual Trade Expo here last month attracted a record-breaking number of attendees, the group says.
Giancamilli’s impressive, improbable career
Ending a 40-year career in retailing that has been as impressive in its diversity as it has been stunning in its achievements, Andy Giancamilli has stepped down as chief executive officer of Mississauga, Ontario-based Katz Drug.