Industry Outlook: Drug chains lifted by improved economy
With the economic recovery well under way, chain drug retailers can expect a year of growth in 2011, industry analysts say.
Issue 04-25-2011
NACDS to meld three shows in Total Store Expo
Larry Merlo, president and chief executive officer of CVS Caremark Corp. and current chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, made a dramatic announcement at this year’s NACDS Annual Meeting regarding the association’s meetings and conferences agenda.
Montini tabbed as Rite Aid’s top merchant
Tony Montini has been promoted to executive vice president of merchandising at Rite Aid Corp. He had been senior vice president of category management.
Rite Aid/Save-A-Lot format targets one-stop shoppers
The store co-branding concept that began late last year between Rite Aid Corp. and Save-A-Lot Food Stores has met and in some cases exceeded expectations at the 10 outlets that are involved. The co-branded food and pharmacy stores are owned and operated by Rite Aid.
Scorpiniti appointed COO at Katz
Former Duane Reade and Longs Drug Stores executive Frank Scorpiniti has been named chief operating officer at Katz Group Canada Ltd. Scorpiniti brings more than 20 years of retail pharmacy experience to the post.
Walk With Walgreens promotes a ‘well life’
Walgreen Co. has launched a national health initiative encouraging Americans to walk more and rewarding participants with in-store discounts. Walk With Walgreens is an online community and digital platform enabling members to log the steps they take and earn weekly coupons.
London Drugs develops new look for stores
London Drugs is nearing the completion of a redesign of two stores that could be precursors to the way the pharmacy chain’s stores will look going forward. “We regularly look for new ideas and are constantly reviewing our stores,” president and chief executive officer Wynne Powell says.
Navarro tailors store brand for Hispanics
Navarro Discount Pharmacy plans to introduce its own private brand of products geared to Hispanic shoppers. The brand, Vida Mia (My Life), covers a wide range of categories, including over-the-counter medications, household items, beauty products, food, and body care and baby care products.
NACDS adds government affairs execs
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has made a pair of new appointments to its government affairs team. Joining NACDS are Julie Philp as director of federal government affairs and Joel Kurzman as a director of state government affairs.
Chain Drug Consortium appoints head of GM
Former Duane Reade executive Lee Colarco has been named vice president of general merchandise and consumables at the Chain Drug Consortium.
Chain drug share of Rx spending increases
U.S. prescription drug spending rose in 2010 but grew at less than half the rate in 2009, according to a new report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
Health Mart, MSI impress <i>Consumer Reports</i>
Health Mart and Medicine Shoppe International Inc. (MSI) have tied for second in Consumer Reports’ latest ranking of the best pharmacies. While independent drug stores took the top spot with a score of 93, Health Mart and MSI were each just one point behind.
An exceptional Annual Meeting unfolds
for a variety of reasons not connected to the program or the current issues facing the association or the chain drug industry. More specifically: • The 2011 NACDS Annual Meeting marks the last
New climate in Washington will test pharmacy
Once again a fellow named Ryan is shaking up the retail pharmacy business. With his proposed federal spending plan for fiscal 2012, Rep. Paul Ryan (R., Wis.
National and store brands learn how to coexist
Even before the current recession, consumers began to put pressure on national brand manufacturers by positioning store brand products as the value alternative to branded products. It is well documented that consumers are now more accepting of less expensive quality alternatives to national brands.