Walgreens, Rite Aid hatch new store concepts
Looking to enhance the customer experience, Walgreen Co. and Rite Aid Corp. are tinkering with store formats and services as well as envisioning new offerings.
Retail News
NCPA gets backing for long-term care division
The National Community Pharmacists Association will receive financial support for its nascent Long-Term Care Division from Managed Health Care Associates (MHA) Inc., a health care services company.
Trio of Rite Aid stores certified for energy savvy
Three Rite Aid Corp. drug stores in New England have earned Energy Star certification for superior energy performance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Rite Aid said Monday that each of the Energy Star-certified stores — in Enfield, Conn.; Merrimack, N.H.; and Cranston, R.I.
Analysts: Drug chains can weather rising fuel prices
Rising gas prices have cast a cloud over recent same-store sales gains by mass retailers, yet the hike in fuel costs — and overall prices due to inflation — stands to have less of an impact on drug store chains, industry analysts say. Getting a lift from this year’s later Easter, retailers
Ontario expands access to Rx consultations
The Ontario Pharmacists’ Association is hailing the Ontario government’s decision to give senior citizens and Ontario Drug Benefit recipients more access to pharmacist consultations. The association said this week that the move will promote safer and more effective use of medications.
NACDS Foundation adds Coca-Cola exec to board
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has elected Coca-Cola Co. executive Diane Wallace as a member of its board of directors. The foundation said Wednesday that Wallace will serve a one-year term on the NACDS Foundation board.
CHPA: Children’s liquid acetaminophen moving to one strength
Makers of over-the-counter, single-ingredient liquid acetaminophen medicine for children plan to transition these pediatric products to one concentration, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).
1Q report: CVS Caremark ‘off to good start’ in 2011
Boosted by a contract with a large pharmacy benefit management client, CVS Caremark Corp. saw healthy sales gains in its 2011 first quarter, with earnings topping analysts’ forecast. The company said Thursday that for the first quarter ended March 31, overall revenue climbed 8.9% to $25.
It’s a first: Sammons, Ryan both honored with Fantle award
Mary Sammons, chairman of Rite Aid Corp., and Tom Ryan, chairman of CVS Caremark Corp., received chain pharmacy’s highest honor last night as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores presented them with the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award.
Late Easter lifts April same-store sales at Walgreens
Robust front-end business, boosted by a later Easter holiday this year, drove a rise in comparable-store sales at Walgreen Co. in April. Walgreens said Wednesday that same-store sales (excluding Duane Reade) rose 3.4% in April. Calendar day shifts negatively impacted total comp-store sales by 1.
Annual Meeting: NACDS embraces ‘new normal’
The new chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores sees a "new normal" in terms of the level of value the retail pharmacy trade group provides its members. In his inaugural remarks as the new chairman Tuesday at the 2011 NACDS Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Former Caremark exec McLure joins change:healthcare
Howard McLure, former president of CVS Caremark Corp.’s pharmacy benefit management unit, has been named chairman of change:healthcare inc. and is slated to become the health care cost transparency firm’s chief executive officer.
BioScrip sees healthy Rx sales gain in 1Q
Pharmacy services revenue climbed by double digits in the 2011 first quarter at BioScrip Inc. BioScrip said Tuesday that for the first quarter ended March 31, pharmacy services sales — which account for about three-quarters of the company’s overall revenue — came in at $328.8 million, up 13.
CVS Caremark refreshes its PBM website
CVS Caremark Corp. has relaunched its Caremark.com website to enhance the online experience for its pharmacy benefit management members. The drug store and pharmacy services company said Tuesday that the updated Caremark.
Tornado-stricken communities get aid from Walgreens
Walgreen Co. is donating $100,000 to the American Red Cross in response to the deadly storms and tornadoes that recently hit the Southeast. The drug store chain said late Monday that the donation will help meet the immediate needs of individuals and families in affected communities.
Loeffler, Wasson, Narveson take new NACDS officer posts
At its 2011 Annual Meeting, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced new officers for 2011-2012, two new Executive Committee members and four new Board of Directors members. New NACDS chairman Bob Loeffler (l.) with former association chair Larry Merlo (r.).