APhA launches online opioid resource center
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has gone live with an online resource center to serve as a one-stop shop for pharmacists who want to learn more about opioid use, abuse and misuse.
Retail News
Meijer plans more supercenters, store upgrades
Meijer Inc.’s expansion plans for the year include an investment of more than $400 million in projects that will include the construction of nine new Meijer supercenters and the remodeling of 32 other outlets.
McKesson to acquire Rexall for $2.2 billion
McKesson Corp. plans to acquire Canadian drug store operator Rexall Health from Katz Group for $2.2 billion ($3 billion Canadian).
Wegmans stores to get higi health stations
Higi health stations are slated to be deployed at all Wegmans Food Markets Inc. supermarket and corporate locations.
NACDS backs Senate prescription drug abuse bill
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has endorsed legislation that would promote the collaboration of health and enforcement authorities in fighting prescription drug abuse while upholding patients’ access to medications.
Target lands Amazon supply chain executive
Target Corp. has hired Amazon.com Inc. executive Arthur Valdez to serve as executive vice president, chief supply chain and logistics officer.
Rite Aid announces Innovation Challenge winner
Rite Aid Corp. has unveiled the winner of its first-ever Innovation Challenge for new health and wellness product ideas.
Health Mart pharmacy adopts Rx adherence packaging
Phillips Health Mart Pharmacy has begun offering retail customers prescription packaging designed to improve medication adherence.
Political analyst Ron Fournier to speak at NACDS RxImpact Day
Political journalist Ron Fournier has been tabbed as a speaker for NACDS RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ annual grassroots lobbying event in Washington.
Shoppers Drug Mart has strong finish to 2015
Shoppers Drug Mart saw revenue and comparable-store sales climb for the 2015 fourth quarter and fiscal year. Parent Loblaw Cos. said Thursday that for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 2, 2016, sales at Shoppers Drug Mart rose 4.8% to $2.975 billion (Canadian) from $2.
NACDS appoints federal affairs director
Vonnie Hampel has been named as the new director of federal government affairs at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. NACDS said Wednesday that Hampel most recently served as senior legislative assistant and press secretary to U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack (D., Iowa).
Califf confirmed as new FDA commissioner
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Dr. Robert Califf as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Califf, who was deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco, was nominated as FDA commissioner by President Barack Obama in mid-September.
Drug stores see decline in customer satisfaction
Customer satisfaction with drug stores fell last year as part of an overall decline among retailers, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
Diplomat promotes pair of executives
Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. has promoted Atheer Kaddis to executive vice president and Lance Neill to senior vice president.
CVS sees drop in PBM prescription drug trend
CVS Health reported a significant decrease in the prescription drug trend for its Caremark pharmacy benefit management (PBM) clients last year. CVS said Tuesday that the prescription trend, a growth measure of prescription spending, came in at 5% for 2015, down from a high of 11.8% in 2014.
Retailers recognized by UnitedHealthcare for Rx adherence
Kroger Co., Target Corp., Giant Eagle, Meijer and Wegmans Food Markets Inc. were winners in UnitedHealthcare’s 2015 Targeted Intervention Program (TIP) Challenge, aimed at improving medication adherence.