MinuteClinic achieves a first in accreditation
MinuteClinic has become the first retail clinic provider to achieve three straight Gold Seal of Approval awards from The Joint Commission, an independent accreditation and certification organization.
Retail News
Generics saved $1 trillion over past decade, GPhA study finds
The savings to consumers and the U.S. health care system from the use of generic prescription drugs has climbed to a rate of $1 billion every other day, according to a study from the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA).
Illinois governor, Walgreens unveil economic plan
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Walgreen Co. have announced an economic growth plan that calls for the drug chain to create 500 jobs over three years and invest $75 million to expand and renovate more than two dozen corporate offices in metropolitan Chicago.
Bartell set to launch school supplies drive
Next week, Bartell Drugs will kick off its annual school supplies donation drive. The Puget Sound-area drug chain said Friday that the ninth annual School Tools for Kids in Need program, which will support local students through World Vision’s Teacher Resource Center in Fife, Wash., runs from Aug.
July same-store sales decrease at Walgreens
Though down year over year, July same-store sales at Walgreen Co. improved as the pharmacy fared slightly better following a double-digit decline in June. Walgreens said Friday that comparable-store sales in July fell 7%, reflecting a negative impact of 4.
Surescripts: Minnesota is top e-prescribing state
Minnesota achieved the nation’s highest rate of electronic prescription use during 2011, according to Surescripts. The e-prescribing network said Tuesday that Minnesota achieved the No. 1 ranking in its 7th annual Safe-Rx Awards. Prescribers in Minnesota routed 61% of prescriptions electronically.
NCPA rejects credit card fee settlement
The board of directors of the National Community Pharmacists Association has voted against a proposed settlement of a lawsuit brought by retailers and trade groups against Visa, MasterCard and banks over credit-card swipe fees.
Walgreens completes first step of Alliance Boots deal
Walgreen Co. has finalized its initial investment in Alliance Boots, under which the U.S. drug chain is buying a 45% equity stake in the global pharmacy and health and beauty aids retailer for $6.7 billion in cash and stock.
NACDS backs bill to close online sales tax loophole
Calling for a more level playing field, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores has endorsed legislation that would enable states to collect sales tax on purchases made via online retailers and other remote vendors.
Rite Aid comp-store sales back on upside
Comparable-store sales at Rite Aid Corp. grew in July after experiencing a dip the previous month. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the four weeks ended July 28, same-store sales edged up 0.5% year over year. The company reported a 1% decrease in same-store sales for June, which was the drug
Walgreens’ e-commerce chief joins Express board
Sona Chawla, president of e-commerce at Walgreen Co., has been appointed to the board of directors at Express Inc. The specialty apparel retailer said late Wednesday that Chawla will also serve on the company’s compensation and governance committee. "I am pleased to welcome Sona to the Board.
Take Care pilots app for mobile appointments
Take Care Health Systems has begun piloting a consumer health care application that enables mobile and online appointment scheduling services. The Walgreen Co.
MinuteClinic, American Heart Association target high BP
MinuteClinic has partnered with the American Heart Association to improve the identification, treatment and management of high blood pressure.
RxAlly’s new CIO has PharmD
Pharmacy alliance RxAlly has appointed Michael Groh as chief information officer. As CIO, Groh will oversee RxAlly’s technology and data initiatives, the company said Tuesday.