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Issue 11-10-2014

Scorpiniti exits Rexall, heads for new post in U.S.

Frank Scorpiniti has stepped down as chief executive officer of Rexall/Katz Group Canada Ltd. Scorpiniti, who formerly headed pharmacy operations at Duane Reade and Longs Drug Stores, will be returning to the United States to pursue an opportunity in the retail industry.

CVS plans tobacco-free Rx networks

A month after removing tobacco products from its stores, CVS Health has confirmed that it’s working toward establishing networks of tobacco-free pharmacies. The move comes as a response to clients of its Caremark pharmacy benefits management business who are interested in this option, CVS reported.

Next up under ACA: Exchanges for small businesses

The Obama administration has piloted a health insurance exchange for small businesses in five states ahead of a rollout for most of the rest of the nation. The new portal opened late last month for small companies in Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey and Ohio.

Retailers in the thick of mobile payment fight

A battle over the future of mobile payment is playing out at the nation’s leading drug chains. Walgreen Co. is among the retailers that allow customers to pay for their purchases with their new iPhones, while CVS/pharmacy and Rite Aid Corp. are among the chains that have rejected the new Apple Pay

Drug chains drive retail clinic growth

Paced by leading chain drug operators, the number of retail health clinics in the United States is growing steadily, says a Kalorama Information report. In recent years, as a result of the economic downturn, retail clinic growth had been at a standstill.

Two veteran Walgreens execs retire

Walgreen Co. has lost two executives to retirement who collectively had spent more than a half-century with the retailer. Both John Spina and Don ­Huon­ker retired on October 31, the company says. Spina, corporate vice president of expense optimization, had the longer tenure of the two.

NACDS Foundation dinner nears

Renowned news correspondent, television host and producer Barbara Walters will serve as the keynote speaker for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation Dinner, which will be held on December 3 in New York City.

Shore becomes CEO at Fred’s

Jerry Shore has been named chief executive officer of Fred’s Inc., which operates more than 350 pharmacies and is transitioning to a convenience/pharmacy-centric model.

Data theft is targeted by Obama

The Obama administration is joining the push to protect Americans from identity theft and fraud. President Obama signed an executive order last month to strengthen security on federally issued credit cards and government payment systems.

Retail industry in need of more interaction

Mass market retailing, once the scene of an apparently ongoing string of meetings, conferences, exhibit shows and discussions, has morphed into an industry where such gatherings are disappointingly few and far between.