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2016

Meijer bullish on free Rx plan

Meijer Inc. pharmacies marked a milestone recently when the retailer’s free prescription program hit 30 million prescriptions dispensed — 6 million alone in 2015 — since October 2006 when the program launched.

Trade groups weigh in on waste management regs

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has joined other retail trade associations in commenting on proposed updates to the Environmental Protection Agency’s waste management regulations. Those rules could affect the way retailers handle their unsold consumer products and pharmaceuticals.

Changes loom as industry starts new year

Changes loom as industry starts new year

The new year has begun inauspiciously for chain drug retailing, an industry that is still trying to assess the results of the just completed Christmas selling season. By all accounts, December was a month of no great accomplishments, even if it was not the disaster some observers predicted.

Walmart recognized for innovation in pharmacy

Walmart recognized for innovation in pharmacy

Walmart has had a long history of making health care more accessible and affordable. From the launch of $4 generics in 2006 to the recent introduction of Walmart Care Clinics, which promise to have the same kind of impact on pricing in that sector as the earlier program did in pharmacy, the

Pessina, Rite Aid team named Retailers of Year

Pessina, Rite Aid team named Retailers of Year

For 2015, the editors of Chain Drug Review have chosen to give the publication’s annual Retailer of the Year honors to two chain drug retail industry leaders: Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., and the management team at Rite Aid Corp.

Walgreens, Valeant sign distribution pact

Walgreens and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. have inked a distribution deal that will cut prices of Valeant prescription products at Walgreens by 10%, and may be extended to independent retail pharmacies.

Rite Aid shareholders ready to vote on WBA deal

Rite Aid shareholders ready to vote on WBA deal

Rite Aid Corp. stockholders will vote next month on the company’s merger with Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA). Rite Aid has scheduled a February 4 special stockholders meeting for the balloting. Stockholders as of the close of business on December 18 will be eligible to vote.

CVS well positioned to create value in health care

CVS well positioned to create value in health care

CVS Health has raised the midpoint of its earnings outlook for 2016 and reiterated its five-year steady state targets. The company now expects next year’s adjusted earnings per share to range from $5.73 to $5.88, reflecting solid year-over-year growth of 11.25% to 14.25%.

Drug chains post modest sales gains during holidays

Drug chains were not immune to the shift in holiday shopping away from brick-and-mortar retailing, as sales growth barely exceeded 4%. That was down from last season’s 4.4% advance in holiday retail sales, and well off the 5.4% gain of five years ago. Same-store sales were up 1.