Sobeys grows pharmacy base with Canada Safeway buy
Canadian food and drug retailer Sobeys Inc. plans to acquire Canada Safeway Ltd. for $5.8 billion (Canadian), a move that will boost not just its grocery business but also its pharmacy presence.
Retail News
Retail health clinic growth projected to double
The number of U.S. retail health clinics stands to double over the next three years with the influx of newly insured patients under health care reform, according to a report from management consulting firm Accenture.
Shopko pharmacies to be absorbed by new Hometown stores
Shopko plans to incorporate Shopko Pharmacy locations into five new Shopko Hometown stores opening in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Wyoming. The general merchandise retailer said late Tuesday that new Shopko Hometown stores are scheduled to open in Afton, Wyoming; St.
Rite Aid serves up sun protection assistance
Rite Aid Corp. is offering a range of skin care resources to help customers better protect themselves from the sun.
CVS expands Gold Emblem food offerings
CVS/pharmacy has added new food and beverage items to its private-brand Gold Emblem line, including the launch of the Gold Emblem Select premium label. The drug chain said Wednesday that the new Gold Emblem Select brand uses premium ingredients, artisanal techniques and distinctive flavors.
Walgreens to pay $80 million in DEA settlement
Walgreen Co. has agreed to pay $80 million in civil penalties under a settlement with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice regarding the distribution and dispensing of controlled substances in Florida.
Ex-drugstore.com CEO joins board of TJX
Dawn Lepore, former chief executive officer of drugstore.com, has been elected to the board of off-price retailer TJX Companies Inc. TJX said Tuesday that Lepore, 59, joins a slate of 10 directors who were re-elected at the company’s annual meeting.
CVS Caremark specialty pharmacy accredited by URAC
CVS Caremark Corp. has been awarded specialty pharmacy accreditation from URAC, a Washington, D.C.-based health care accrediting organization.
Specialty Pharmacy Certification Board announces officers
The Specialty Pharmacy Certification Board (SPCB) has elected the officers for its board. SPCB said Monday that Gary Rice has been named president.
Jean Coutu store to add EV charging station
A Jean Coutu drug store in Longueuil, Quebec, plans to deploy a public charging station for electric vehicles (EVs).
Kerr boosts visibility as diabetes care destination
Kerr Drug has launched a new marketing and service initiative focusing on customers with diabetes.
NACDS Foundation expands Faculty Scholars class
National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has announced a new and expanded class for its Faculty Scholars Program. The NACDS Foundation said Friday that the inaugural class, which had five faculty members, is concluding its yearlong work this summer.
Rite Aid initiates debt refinancing, forecasts 1Q profit
Rite Aid Corp. plans to refinance $500 million in debt and, in tandem with the transaction, is projecting net earnings for its fiscal 2014 first quarter, which would mark the drug chain’s third straight profitable quarter. Rite Aid said Friday that it has initiated a cash tender offer for its $500
Quebec food/drug chains to improve access for disabled
Six food and drug retail chains in Quebec have agreed to make their stores more accessible to people with disabilities in response to a study by the province’s Commission des Droits de la Personne et des Droits de la Jeunesse (CDPDJ, or the Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission).
Industry mourns passing of USA Drug founder Steve LaFrance
Stephen LaFrance Sr., who built a regional drug store powerhouse with USA Drug, has died. He was 71. Stephen LaFrance Published reports said LaFrance passed away of natural causes at his home in Pine Bluff on Wednesday. LaFrance started USA Drug in 1968 when he opened a single store in Pine
Rite Aid reports comp-store sales decline for May
Decreased sales and script count in the pharmacy contributed to a comparable-store sales decline in May at Rite Aid Corp. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the five weeks ended June 1, comp-store sales dipped 1.5% year over year. That marked an improvement from a 4% same-store sales decrease in April.