Gearing up for the industry’s main event
though invariably for different reasons each year. Last year it was notable for, among other things, the final appearance of both Tom Ryan and Mary Sammons, the outgoing CEOs of CVS Caremark and Rite Aid,
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.
Post-recession, drug stores have golden opportunity
What do those economists know? For two-and-a-half years after the Great Recession was declared officially over in June of 2009, dark clouds continued to cast a long shadow over consumer spending behavior.
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.
Role of drug store jeopardized by PBM deal
As the Federal Trade Commission ponders the potential ramifications of a $29 billion merger between Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, it confronts a number of weighty issues.
New direction puts Rite Aid back on track
Rite Aid has embarked on a game-changing metamorphosis, a boldly conceived and thus far brilliantly executed initiative that, if successful, will transform America’s No.
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.