SF health plan keeps access to Walgreens
A health plan in San Francisco is retaining member access to Walgreens pharmacies next year by switching to a new pharmacy benefits management (PBM) provider.
Retail News
Analysis: What’s the next blockbuster after Lipitor?
With the launch of an authorized generic, Lipitor — the medication that defined the term mega-blockbuster — has now lost patent protection. Astutely managed chain pharmacy organizations have calculated the effect on sales and margins going forward.
Navarro Discount Pharmacy opens 30th location
Pushing ahead with its expansion plan, Navarro Discount Pharmacy officially opened the doors to its 30th drug store, in Homestead, Fla. Navarro CEO Juan Ortiz said the new Homestead, Fla., store has seen robust traffic and higher-than-normal opening sales.
CVS Caremark makes specialty Rx appointment
Randy Falkenrath has been named senior vice president of specialty pharmacy at CVS Caremark Corp. CVS said Thursday that in the role, Falkenrath will oversee the ongoing development of the company’s clinical programs and product management to support its specialty pharmacy business.
Rite Aid posts same-store sales gain in November
The pharmacy was the driver behind a lift in same-store sales for Rite Aid Corp. in November. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the five weeks ended Nov. 26, comparable-store sales advanced 1.9% versus a year earlier. That was down from a 2.9% gain in October — which marked the drug
Medical clinic opens at landmark Loblaws store
Primacy Management Inc., Canada’s largest medical management firm, has opened a medical clinic at a new, landmark Loblaws supermarket at the historic Maple Leaf Gardens building in Toronto.
Walgreens, HHS serve up flu shot vouchers to uninsured
Walgreen Co. is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute more than $10 million of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance and those unable to afford a vaccination.
NCPA program offers front-end assistance
The National Community Pharmacists Association is lending community pharmacy owners a hand in developing better business opportunities for front-end merchandise.
NACDS Foundation dinner raises nearly $1.8 million
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation raised $1.77 million for scholarships, research and charitable activities from 114 benefactors at the 13th Annual NACDS Foundation Dinner.
Take Care to run high-tech health center at Cisco HQ
Take Care Health Systems is slated to operate an employee health and wellness center at the San Jose, Calif., headquarters of Cisco Systems that will also remotely serve workers at the networking technology giant’s campus in North Carolina. Walgreen Co.
Walgreens launches Web Pickup in Indianapolis
Walgreen Co. has introduced Web Pickup at stores throughout metropolitan Indianapolis, its second full market rollout of the service.
Rite Aid serves up online, in-store holiday promos
To continue the momentum from the Black Friday weekend, Rite Aid Corp. has launched a pair of new holiday promotions for shoppers perusing its website and/or its drug stores. The drug chain on Monday unveiled Cyber Week, which offers special deals on common purchases at riteaidonlinestore.
Pennsylvania Pharmacy Council opposes PBM merger
The Pennsylvania Pharmacy Council (PPC) has declared its opposition to the planned merger between pharmacy benefit managers Express Scripts Inc. and Medco Health Solutions.
Walgreens executive joins NCQA board
Jeffrey Kang, senior vice president of pharmacy, health and wellness services and solutions at Walgreen Co., has been named to the board of directors of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Holiday shopping: Strong start for drug stores
Drug stores were among the beneficiaries of the strong start to this year’s holiday shopping season. According to a National Retail Federation (NRF) survey conducted by BIGresearch, 14% of the more than 3,800 consumers polled — translating to a national sample of over 18.
Pharmaca wins private-label design award
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy was honored with a first-place Design Excellence Award at the 2011 Private Label Manufacturers Association Annual Trade Show in Chicago. Pharmaca’s store-brand hand soaps were recognized for superior package design.