
Scot Meyer


Senators voice support for PBM reform
Sens. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R., Ind.) joined pharmacy advocates from the across the country at a rally on Capitol Hill this morning to press members of Congress to pass meaningful PBM reform as soon as possible.

Craig Jelinek to step down as Costco CEO
Costco Wholesale Corp. chief executive officer Craig Jelinek intends to step down from that role, effective January 1, 2024.

AI among the hot topics at this year’s Industry Day
Two short spans of time — one just over 7 seconds and the other just under 15 minutes — were among the many talking points at The Emerson Group’s 2023 Industry Day last week. The day-long event brought together retailers and suppliers, brand innovators and other thought leaders to discuss the future

The ‘time is now’ to redefine pharmacy’s role
In its 90th year, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) remains focused on the same yet ever-evolving goal: Leading the future of an industry dedicated to advancing health and wellness for all Americans.

Amazon Prime to include free grocery delivery
Amazon.com Inc. will offer free two-hour grocery delivery to its Prime members, the company said on Tuesday. The move eliminates an additional $14.99 per month fee that Prime members previously had to pay to access the company’s Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service.

WE hosts reception, panel discussion
WE, Empowering Women to Advance Wellness, hosted a reception and panel discussion on mentoring at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo in Boston.

Judy Sansone to retire from CVS
CVS Health said Saturday that Judy Sansone, the company’s senior vice president of front store business and chief merchant, has decided to retire in September.

GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer close joint venture
GlaxoSmithKline said Thursday that it has closed a previously announced joint venture deal with Pfizer Inc. that will combine their respective consumer healthcare businesses. The move will create the world’s largest supplier of over-the-counter medications.
Walmart names new VP for O-T-Cs
Walmart has transitioned two merchandising executives to new roles. Annie Walker has been named the new vice president of merchandising operations, apparel, for Walmart U.S. She will report to Kevin Pate.

Chain Drug Review hosts CBD Roundtable
Chain Drug Review conducted a CBD Roundtable at the recent ECRM Cough/Cold Show at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. Participating in the panel discussion were: Dave Donnan, senior partner, A.T. Kearney. Vincent Porpiglia, president of Hero Brands, internal sales arm for Select CBD.

Approval reportedly near for CVS-Aetna deal
CVS Health Corp.’s planned acquisition of Aetna Inc. is close to getting the official go-ahead from federal regulators, according to a report published Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal, which said the deal could receive formal antitrust approval from the U.S.

Walmart names new SVP of health and wellness
Walmart has hired healthcare industry veteran Sean Slovenski to serve as senior vice president of health and wellness at Walmart U.S., effective August 1. He will report directly to Walmart U.S. president and CEO Greg Foran.

Fred’s Inc. CEO Michael Bloom resigns
Fred’s Inc. announced on Friday that chief executive officer Michael Bloom resigned from his post, effective on April 24. He also resigned from his seat on the company’s board.

Walgreens pilot brings together new approaches
Walgreens is launching a pilot program here that incorporates new approaches to pricing, promotions, product assortment and service offerings to create a new customer experience.

MPG Group adds Bill Bergin, Todd Matherly to team
Market Performance Group LLC (MPG) has hired retail industry veterans Bill Bergin and Todd Matherly to serve as executive vice presidents of the consulting and sales management services company.