Customers embrace Rx discount program, Walgreens says
Continuing its efforts to retain business during the contract impasse with Express Scripts Inc., Walgreen Co. reported a record number of signups for its Prescription Savings Club.
Retail News
Navarro lands financing as expansion rolls ahead
In the midst of a multiyear growth plan, Navarro Discount Pharmacy has secured $65 million in financing from GE Capital.
CVS to buy Medicare Part D business from Health Net
CVS Caremark Corp. plans to acquire the stand-alone Medicare Part D business of Health Net Inc. The managed care company said Monday that under the agreement, its Health Net Life Insurance Co.
Noise amplifies around Walgreens-Express Scripts impasse
The contract stand-off between Walgreen Co. and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Express Scripts Inc. hasn’t changed, but the situation continues to simmer. Walgreens is effectively out of the Express Scripts pharmacy provider network as of Jan.
Jean Coutu sees store network, corporate sales climb in 3Q
Despite the deflationary impact of generic drug price reductions, Jean Coutu Group and its franchised store network turned in solid sales gains for the fiscal 2012 third quarter. The parent company, too, posted improved operating results and net income in the quarter ended Nov.
USP proposes standard for safer medicine supply chain
The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) has proposed best practices aimed at preserving the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain — namely to reduce the risk of counterfeit drugs and mishandled medications.
Poll: Pharmacists are Canada’s most trusted professionals
In Canada, pharmacists are at the top of the list of the most trusted professions, according to a survey by Ipsos Reid. The public opinion and market research firm said this week that nearly eight in 10 Canadians (78%) say they trust pharmacists, scoring them a 5, 6, or 7 on a trust scale
Giant adds to Rx base with Genuardi’s buy from Safeway
A dozen retail pharmacies are set to change hands in the Philadelphia area as Giant Food Stores has agreed to buy 16 Genuardi’s supermarkets from Safeway Inc. Carlisle, Pa.
Rite Aid closes out 2011 with largest comp-store gain
Lifted by a calendar day shift, Rite Aid Corp. ended 2011 on a strong note by turning in its biggest comparable-store sales increase for the year. The company said Thursday that for the five weeks ended Dec. 31, same-store sales rose 3.6% versus a year earlier. That topped comp-store gains of
Walgreens ekes out same-store gain in December
Comparable-store sales growth again slowed at Walgreen Co. as the drug chain turned in a narrow increase in December. Walgreens said Thursday same-store sales inched up 0.4% in December, extending a downward monthly growth trend from gains of 1.8% in November, 2.6% in October, 3.
Free weight-loss advice served up by Rite Aid
To encourage New Year’s resolution makers to get healthy and lose weight, Rite Aid Corp. is offering customers expert advice in printed guides, online resources and face-to-face conversations with a Rite Aid pharmacist free during January.
Larry Sabato to address NACDS Annual Meeting
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that election analyst and University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato will be a keynote speaker at the 2012 NACDS Annual Meeting. NACDS said Wednesday that Sabato will offer remarks during the event’s business program on Sunday, April 22.
Shopko Stores to absorb Pamida chain in merger
Shopko Stores and Pamida plan to merge, which will create a chain drug retailer with nearly 300 pharmacy locations in more than 20 states. The two general merchandise retailers — both owned by affiliates of private equity firm Sun Capital Partners — said Wednesday that they expect the
APhA: States could make MTM an ‘essential health benefit’
The move by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to let states set their own definitions of "essential health benefits" covered by plans in upcoming health insurance exchanges spells opportunity for pharmacists, according to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
Sam’s Club helps track health vitals, curb smoking
This month, Sam’s Club plans to offer an array of free health screenings and smoking cessation consultations as people get under way with their New Year’s resolutions. The Walmart warehouse club chain, which has more than 500 pharmacies, said that on Jan.
FDA to launch single REMS for TIRF products
In March, the Food and Drug Administration plans to deploy a single, shared Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for the transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) products.