Walgreens sharpens Flu Index tool
Walgreens has enhanced its flu tracker tool to provide more specific location information. The drug chain said it has launched the first weekly Walgreens Flu Index for the 2015-16 season.
Retail News
November sales inch up at Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. posted a slight gain in comparable-store sales for November. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the five weeks ended Nov. 28, comp-store sales edged up 0.9% year over year, compared with a 1% same-store sales increase for October (covering a four-week period).
Rite Aid serves up discounted flu shots
Rite Aid Corp. has begun offering discounts on certain trivalent flu shots in support of National Influenza Vaccination Week. Rite Aid said Wednesday that through Dec. 12 it will provide the cell-based flu vaccine Flucelvax for $32.99 and the standard trivalent flu shot for $26.99, a discount of $5.
For Rxs and OTCs, Americans favor generics
When given a choice in purchasing a prescription or over-the-counter drug, most U.S. consumers will opt for a generic product, a new Harris Poll finds. Harris said Wednesday that of the 2,255 U.S.
Publix enhances free medication program
Publix Super Markets Inc. has expanded supply options in its free medication program to help patients on maintenance medicines.
AmEx adds Rite Aid, Dollar General to cash-load network
Rite Aid Corp. and Dollar General Corp. have joined the American Express Free Cash Reload network.
Walmart names president of health and wellness
Former longtime Walgreens executive George Riedl has been named a senior vice president and president of health and wellness at Walmart. He succeeds Labeed Diab, who left Walmart to join Brookdale Senior Living Inc. as chief operating officer.
McKesson AccessHealth offers Part D support to pharmacies
McKesson AccessHealth has launched a Medicare Part D support program to help independent pharmacies during the 2016 plan year.
CVS boosts digital Rx functionality with new tools
CVS Health has unveiled a suite of digital tools designed to help customers better manage and adhere to their prescriptions.
Walmart’s Q3 earnings beat expectations
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart on Tuesday reported fiscal third quarter net income of $3.30 billion, down from $3.71 billion a year ago but better than what Wall Street analysts were expecting. Comparable-store sales increased 1.5% on a traffic increase of 1.7%.
Walgreens’ Chawla joins Kohl’s as COO
MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. – Sona Chawla, president of digital and chief marketing officer at Walgreen Co., has been named chief operating officer at Kohl’s Department Stores.
CVS partners with campaign to drive primary care
CVS Health is collaborating with the “Health is Primary” campaign of Family Medicine for America’s Health (FMAHealth) to spur coordination of care between primary care providers and retail pharmacies and clinics, including CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic.
Gallup: Pharmacies stand tall in customer service
Consumers agree that pharmacies are more than up to the task of providing superior customer service.
Rite Aid launches genetic testing for Rx
Rite Aid Corp. has begun offering Harmonyx Diagnostics genetic testing for medications, making it the nation’s first drug chain to provide the service.
Kroger to buy Roundy’s in $800 million deal
Kroger Co. plans to acquire food and drug retailer Roundy’s Inc. in a deal valued at about $800 million. Kroger said Wednesday that under the agreement it will buy all outstanding shares of Roundy’s for nearly $178 million in cash, or $3.60 per share, and assume Roundy’s $646 million in debt.
MinuteClinic expands in Missouri
MinuteClinic has opened its first retail health clinics in Springfield, Mo., with more locations to come. The CVS Health subsidiary said Tuesday that two clinics have opened inside CVS/pharmacy stores on the edge of the Missouri State University campus on Elm Street and in Southern Hills.