Jean Coutu Group settles into new HQ
Jean Coutu Group has started off the new year in a new home. The Quebec-based drug store operator has settled into its new headquarters and distribution center in Varennes, Quebec.
Retail News
Fred Meyer to get new president
Lynn Gust is retiring from his post as president of Kroger Co.’s Fred Meyer Stores division and will be succeeded by Jeff Burt, president of Kroger’s Central division. Kroger said Tuesday that Gust is slated to retire effective Jan. 31. Based in Portland, Ore.
Tony Bennett, Paul Rodgers booked for NACDS Annual Meeting
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that singing legends Tony Bennett and Paul Rodgers will perform at the 2016 NACDS Annual Meeting. NACDS said Tuesday that Rodgers — known for his work with rock bands Bad Company, Free and The Firm, as well as his solo performances — is slated
Walgreens enables Visa Checkout for digital shoppers
Walgreens has begun offering Visa Checkout to its online shoppers. Visa said Tuesday that the drug chain was among several new Visa Checkout merchants, including Starbucks, NFL Shop, HSN and Match. Walmart.com will also is slated to start supporting Visa Checkout this year, according to Visa.
Benzer Pharmacy looks to ramp up expansion
Benzer Pharmacy this year aims to continue the aggressive growth it achieved last year. The drug chain said Monday that it opened a new store in Hendersonville, Tenn., expanding its network to more than 50 stores in nine states.
Walgreens enlists partner for Chicagoland clinics
Walgreens is turning over the operation of 56 Healthcare Clinics at stores in the greater Chicagoland area to Advocate Health Care, the largest health system in Illinois. The drug chain said Monday that Advocate will lease the space to operate the clinics in the Walgreens stores.
First MinuteClinic opens in Navarro store
MinuteClinic has opened its first walk-in medical clinic inside a Navarro Discount Pharmacy store. The new MinuteClinic is located in the Navarro store at 16801 NW 67th St. in Miami Lakes, Fla.
Jean Coutu retail sales inch up in 3Q
Jean Coutu Group’s retail store network eked out total and same-store sales gains for the fiscal 2016 third quarter. On the corporate side, Jean Coutu also reported upticks in revenue, net profit and earnings per share for the quarter, which ended Nov. 28.
WBA starts off fiscal 2016 on strong note
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) topped Wall Street’s earnings projections for its fiscal 2016 first quarter. WBA said Thursday that for the first quarter ended Nov. 30, 2015, adjusted net earnings attributable to Walgreens Boots Alliance were $1.13 billion, or $1.
Meijer reaches free Rx milestone
Meijer pharmacies have passed the 30 million mark in free prescriptions dispensed. The supercenter retailer said Wednesday that it reached the milestone late last month. Its free prescription program began in October 2006, and 2015 alone saw 6 million free scripts dispensed.
Walmart recognized for innovation in pharmacy
Walmart has had a long history of making health care more accessible and affordable. From the launch of $4 generics in 2006 to the recent introduction of Walmart Care Clinics, which promise to have the same kind of impact on pricing in that sector as the earlier program did in pharmacy, the
Ex-Joint Chiefs chairman to speak at NACDS Annual Meeting
Gen. Martin Dempsey, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been announced as a speaker at the 2016 NACDS Annual Meeting. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores said Dempsey is slated to speak during the Business Program on Tuesday, April 19.
Retail groups comment on EPA waste management rules
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Food Marketing Institute, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Grocers Association and National Retail Federation have submitted comments on proposals by the Environmental Protection Agency to update waste management regulations that may
CVS’ Judy Sansone is Merchant of Year
Over the course of the past decade, CVS Health has undergone profound changes, transforming itself from a traditional drug store operator into a health care innovation company.
Care Pharmacies goes live with specialty Rx network
Care Pharmacies Cooperative Inc. has officially launched its proprietary specialty pharmacy network, called Care Connect. The network will serve the cooperative’s member pharmacies as well as independent retail pharmacies.
To start new year, Rite Aid offers extra reward
Rite Aid Corp. is offering members of its wellness+ with Plenti loyalty program an extra reward to start off the new year. The drug chain said that through Jan. 23, customers can earn 1,000 Plenti points on every $30 spent on participating products in stores or online at RiteAid.com.