Albertsons IPO is postponed
Albertsons Cos. said that its planned initial public offering has been postponed indefinitely.
News
SDM loyalty program reaches milestone
Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) has wrapped up a 15-day celebration across Canada commemorating the 15th anniversary of its Shoppers Optimum loyalty program.
Health Mart town halls to focus on med sync
Health Mart is kicking off its third town hall event series to help pharmacies implement medication synchronization.
In-store flu shots catch on in Canada
Canadians love getting their flu vaccinations at neighborhood pharmacies, according to research released by the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada (Neighbourhood Pharmacies).
Workshop to explore quality ratings in Rx
The Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) will co-host a one-day pharmacy quality ratings workshop with the American Pharmacists Association, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, the National Community Pharmacists Association and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations.
Bratspies named chief merchant at Walmart
Walmart named new head merchants for its Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club divisions, and designated a successor to its chief financial officer, who is retiring. Steve Bratspies, who most recently served as executive vice president of food for Walmart U.S.
Investments in future to take short-term toll on Walmart earnings
Walmart is lowering the bar for earnings over the next several quarters as it invests in a longer-term rebound by improving the store experience and expanding e-commerce capabilities, and merging the two to offer a seamless experience for shoppers.
Foley leaves Walgreens to join Fred’s exec team
Fred’s Inc. has hired retail pharmacy veteran John Foley as executive vice president of store operations. Foley assumed his duties on October 7. He succeeded Mike Holligan, who was named to the open position of regional vice president of store operations for Fred’s.
Enrollment on health exchanges to grow slowly
Slow growth is foreseen for health insurance enrollment through the Affordable Care Act exchanges, the Obama administration said this month. Coverage by the end of 2016 will barely exceed current levels, the administration said.
More M&As expected to shake up retail Rx
As much as the chain drug industry has consolidated, there is room for more mergers and acquisitions. That’s evident from the M&A speculation swirling about the sector in the U.S. and Canada, as well as recent activity.
CVS grows health care arsenal
CVS/pharmacy is adding hearing centers in seven stores and providing optical services in another five. The hearing centers are debuting in greater Dallas and Cleveland, while the vision services will be unveiled around Washington, D.C./Baltimore.
HHS lays groundwork for ACA enrollment
The government vows to conduct an extensive outreach initiative during the Affordable Care Act’s upcoming open enrollment period in an attempt to enroll millions of eligible but difficult-to-reach Americans who have yet to sign up for health insurance.
Ritzman eyes pharmacy of future
Ritzman Pharmacy has entered into an agreement with Pharmacy Innovations LLC, an affiliate of Northeast Ohio Medical University, to create a “pharmacy of the future.” With a planned opening in January 2016, the pharmacy will be located in the NEOMED Education and Wellness (NEW) Center.
MTM gets a big lift from new CMS plan
A pilot program for an enhanced medication therapy management model for Medicare Part D has been welcomed by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
Drug chains a destination for Halloween
Consumers plan to make drug stores one of their main destinations for Halloween shopping this fall. Twenty-four percent of the 1,000 U.S.
Walgreens rolls out payment service kiosks
Walgreens has launched Western Union Bill Payment services, provided via digital self-service kiosks, chainwide. The service will enable the drug chain’s customers to make payments to 15,000 billers in and outside the United States, according to Western Union Co.