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Opinion

Between the idea and the reality falls the shadow

The Federal Trade Commission’s decision to end its eight-month investigation of the $29 billion merger between Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions without taking action has received a surprising endorsement from The New York Times.

Linking OTC and Rx purchases

Americans trust pharmacists. Gallup Organization Inc. ranks pharmacists as the third-most-trusted occupation, placing pharmacists ahead of doctors. In fact, 80% of consumers would purchase an over-the-counter product if it were recommended by their pharmacist, according to Harris Interactive.

Technology emerges as game changer in retailing

mobile computing, Web-based interaction, social media, gamification, augmented reality and more. New-fangled gadgets, terminology and demands have changed the landscape of the retail business forever. As consumers become better at defining their preferred shopping experiences, they reevaluate people

Miller recognized for courage, determination

Bob Miller has just received the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, a recognition accorded those individuals “whose courage and determination allowed them to overcome the challenges they faced early in their lives and achieve success in their fields.” “There are no secret formulas for success.

Legal action aims to counter real threat to Rx

Once again, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, together with the National Community Pharmacists Association, has stepped forward to defend the vital interests of retail pharmacy and the patients the profession serves.

Cosby gets off to impressive start at CVS

Whatever aspirations CVS Caremark entertained in hiring former Macy’s executive Mark Cosby as president of the company’s drug store unit, they appear, even at this early date, to have been both justified and exceeded.

Forces of change at work in the PBM market

The market for pharmacy benefit management services is in flux, with many different stakeholders working to alter the sector’s dynamics or exploring new options. The ultimate outcome of the ongoing dispute between Express Scripts Inc. (ESI) and Walgreen Co.

Keynote event on mass retail agenda nears

Six weeks remain until the start of the 2012 Annual Meeting of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. And once again this year the event holds every initial promise of amply rewarding those retail and supplier executives who care enough about their business to journey to Palm Beach, Fla.

DEA action has unintended consequences

Community pharmacies and the drug wholesalers that supply them find themselves caught in the crossfire between people who divert and abuse prescription medications and the law enforcement officials working to stop them.

Rite Aid reaps benefits from pharmacy automation

Rite Aid displays a passion for innovation that raises the bar for all the major chain drug players, even in the face of challenging market and business conditions. For example, wellness+ recently became the industry’s first loyalty program to offer an online coupon management tool.

Giancamilli’s impressive, improbable career

Ending a 40-year career in retailing that has been as impressive in its diversity as it has been stunning in its achievements, Andy Giancamilli has stepped down as chief executive officer of Mississauga, Ontario-based Katz Drug.

Momentous year for drug chains begins to unfold

This year promises to be a pivotal one for the chain drug business, as issues of industrywide significance are decided even as individual companies strive to fortify and improve their position in an intensely competitive sector where the pace of change is steadily accelerating.

Rx should close ranks behind Walgreens

Much has been written about Walgreens’ struggle to flourish in the aftermath of the drug chain’s decision to discontinue its relationship with Express Scripts, one of America’s most important pharmacy benefit managers.