CVS to expand naloxone access to more states
CVS Health is expanding access to the opioid overdose-reversal medication naloxone to another eight states.
Retail News
PharmaChoice drug store banner reaches milestone
Canadian drug store cooperative PharmaChoice has surpassed 600 locations, making it the country’s second-largest independent pharmacy banner. PharmaChoice said Monday that it has nearly doubled its store count in the past five years.
Ritzman ‘pharmacy of the future’ makes debut
Ritzman Pharmacy is holding the grand opening of its “pharmacy of the future” location in the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Education and Wellness Center.
Diplomat expands pharmacy tech training program
Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. has launched an expanded pharmacy technician certification program for employees, with a focus on specialty pharmacy.
Rite Aid comp-store sales decline in February
Comparable-store sales continued to edge down at Rite Aid Corp. in February, but the drug chain reported sales gains for its 2016 fiscal year. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the five weeks ended Feb. 27, same-store sales in its retail pharmacy segment dipped 0.8% year over year.
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.
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).