Consumers upbeat as holiday season approaches
With the nation’s economy growing at a solid pace and gasoline prices declining, there is growing sentiment among economists that consumer spending is going to pick up momentum.
Retail News
Rite Aid ups ante in health care arena
A flurry of moves this month by Rite Aid Corp. further its growth as a retail health care company. First, Rite Aid unveiled plans to pilot walk-in HealthSpot telehealth stations in the greater Akron/Canton, Cleveland and Dayton/Springfield markets in Ohio.
Rite Aid creates online destination for vaccinations
The findings of a national consumer survey on immunizations has led Rite Aid Corp. to launch Vaccine Central, a new online platform to raise awareness about vaccines and promote vaccinations. A key resource of the new Vaccine Central site is an immunization assessment tool.
Report: Retail chains up the ante in specialty pharmacy
Specialty pharmacy operators can expect to see escalating competition from retail pharmacy chains, which are rapidly expanding their specialty drug services, according to a study from Healthcare Research & Analytics (HRA).
NACDS appoints manager of pharmacy care
Sara Rubin has joined the National Association of Chain Drug Stores as manager of pharmacy care. NACDS said Monday that Rubin will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the association’s pharmacy care initiatives.
October same-store sales climb at Rite Aid
CAMP HILL, Pa. – Increased prescription business lifted Rite Aid Corp.’s same-store sales to another strong gain in October. Rite Aid said Thursday that comparable-store sales for the four weeks ended Oct. 25 rose 5.5% year over year, up from September’s increase of 5.
New MinuteClinics planned in R.I. health system affiliation
MinuteClinic has formed a clinical affiliation with Lifespan, Rhode Island’s largest health system, and plans to add seven new clinics in the state.
Bartell Drugs unveils plans for new store
Bartell Drugs plans to open a new store in 2016 at Ballard Commons, a mixed-use development in northwestern Seattle.
NEHI report urges action on abandoned prescriptions
A new white paper highlights a lingering issue in the pharmacy arena: first-time prescriptions left on the shelf, known as abandoned prescriptions, the National Association Chain Drug Stores reported.
Analysis: ACOs are rapidly taking shape
The Affordable Care Act makes headlines almost daily about health insurance exchanges and impacts 10 million to 15 million Americans. Accountable care organizations (ACOs) rarely, if ever, make any headlines.
Cardinal Health serves up MTM Solution for payers
Cardinal Health has launched the Medication Therapy Management Solution to help payers improve their plan members’ quality of care and their performance on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Quality Ratings System.
Walgreens appoints Reed as general counsel
Walgreen Co. has promoted Jan Stern Reed to general counsel and named Thomas Sabatino as chief legal and administrative officer. Walgreens said Wednesday that Reed, previously corporate vice president and deputy general counsel, will now lead the legal division at the company.
CVS, Rite Aid launch Medicare Part D info programs
With the annual enrollment period set to begin, two of the nation’s biggest drug store chains are announcing programs to help their senior customers compare Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
NACDS speaks up for pharmacist-provided vaccines
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has gone to bat for the value of pharmacist-delivered immunization services in boosting national vaccination rates. NACDS said Thursday that it submitted a written statement in prelude to a forum hosted by Rep. Renee Ellmers (R., N.C.
Former Shoppers Drug Mart CFO joins 99¢ Only Stores
Former Shoppers Drug Mart chief financial officer Brad Lukow has been appointed in the same role at 99¢ Only Stores. The extreme value retailer said Monday that as CFO of 99¢ Only Stores, Lukow will be responsible for overseeing finance, accounting and treasury.
Sales at Jean Coutu Group edge up in 2Q
Jean Coutu Group saw its retail store network and corporate sales rise slightly for the fiscal 2015 second quarter. The Canadian drug chain’s net earnings for the quarter, which ended Aug. 30, were in line with the consensus estimate of analysts.