Walgreens goes on the offensive
Walgreen Co. has launched a letter-writing campaign to benefits consultants that outlines the reasons it likely won’t be part of Express Scripts Inc.’s pharmacy provider network after December 31.
News
Navarro embarks on multifaceted growth strategy
Navarro Discount Pharmacy has made a habit of thinking outside the small box.
Mass retailers will bring relief to food deserts
Executives from some of the largest mass-market retailers vowed at a White House ceremony to open or expand 1,500 stores in communities designated as “food deserts” because of limited access to nutritious food.
NACDS prepares members for the unthinkable
Given the high stakes, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores made sure that pharmacy’s voice was heard in the wrangling over the nation’s debt ceiling and its members were prepared in the event that no deal was reached.
Perzow exits as Pharmaca chairman
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc. founder Barry Perzow is retiring from his position as chairman. Perzow will continue to serve on the chain’s board of directors.
Walgreens to roll out vehicle charging stations
Electric vehicle charging stations are expected to be available by the end of the year at about 800 Walgreen Co. stores across the country, which the drug chain says will make it the nation’s largest retail host of such sites.
B-T-S bargain hunters get help from Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. is stocking its stores nationwide with values on many essential back-to-school supplies in anticipation of a shopping season that the National Retail Federation says will bring more bargain hunters to drug stores.
Ritzman, Buehler’s eye partnership
Ritzman Pharmacies Inc. and Buehler Food Markets Inc. are negotiating a deal under which Ritzman would own and operate the supermarket chain’s pharmacies. Ritzman, based here, operates nine drug stores in the state.
Duane Reade keeps raising bar
In grand style, Duane Reade opened here what many industry observers are calling the most spectacular drug store ever.
Analysis: Store alters parent company’s approach
The 22,000-square-foot Duane Reade drug store that opened its doors at 40 Wall Street for the first time in the days immediately following the Independence Day holiday has already received more news coverage and wider, more favorable exposure than any drug store that has yet opened its doors in Amer
Walgreens takes stand against PBM
At the end of this year, Walgreen Co. plans to stop filling prescriptions for people covered by Express Scripts Inc. after failing to agree on new contract terms with the pharmacy benefits manager. Express Scripts prescriptions are expected to be worth an estimated $5.
Rite Aid goes outside the box with new format
Inside Rite Aid Corp.’s latest drug store prototype are some outside-the-box ideas. Dubbed the “wellness store,” the format makes health care its hallmark while taking customer engagement to a higher level through personal service, interactive technology and a variety of shopping conveniences.
Navarro names Ortiz chief executive
Juan Ortiz has been named chief executive officer of Navarro Discount Pharmacy. He had been chief financial officer. The 46-year-old Ortiz succeeds Steve Kaczynski, who resigned to pursue other business interests.
CVS campaign promotes Rx care
CVS Caremark Corp. has created CARE 1on1 to remind consumers about the importance of pharmacist consultations and the critical role that pharmacists play in managing medications for chronic illnesses — especially when patients are starting a new medicine.
NACDS Marketplace a hit for buyers, sellers
Nearly 700 buyers and category managers from about 200 retail chains scoured the aisles of the Boston Convention Center to check out the latest items on display at the annual National Association of Chain Drug Stores Marketplace Conference.
Jean Coutu moves ahead despite challenges
The Jean Coutu Group had a year of healthy growth and improved profits, president and chief executive officer Francois Coutu said at the company’s annual meeting here earlier this month. And, he noted, Coutu’s franchisees had also fared better than might have been expected.