Fred’s CEO: Pharmacy feeling ‘headwinds’
In reporting second-quarter results, the chief executive officer of Fred’s Inc. cited pressure on the pharmacy business that’s likely to continue over the next year and a half.
Retail News
Giant Eagle pilots pharmacy automation system
Giant Eagle Inc. is testing a pharmacy workflow automation system from RxSafe. The San Diego-based provider of automated robotic storage and retrieval systems for pharmacies said Thursday that it recently installed an RxSafe 1800 system at one of Giant Eagle’s Pittsburgh-area supermarkets.
Target bills itself as ‘prevention HQ’ for flu season
Discounter Target Corp. said it aims to promote its customers’ health and wellness during the upcoming cold and flu season by serving as their "prevention and treatment headquarters." The retailer said Thursday that starting on Sept.
Drug chains ally in generics buying group
A group of pharmacy retailers in the Chain Drug Consortium have formed a generic drug purchasing entity called the Chain Pharmacy Alliance.
Walgreens becomes official pharmacy of NFL’s Giants
Walgreen Co. has announced a strategic alliance with the National Football League’s New York Giants as the team’s official retail pharmacy.
Flu shots upcoming at Publix, United Supermarkets
Food and drug retailers Publix Super Markets Inc. and United Supermarkets this week said they’re set to launch their respective flu vaccination programs in the coming days. Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix plans to kick off its flu immunization program in stores this month.
PTCB highlights pharmacy technicians’ role in vaccine efforts
As drug store chains step up their flu shot campaigns this year, pharmacy technicians will be counted on to provide much-needed support, according to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Study: Take Care Clinics excel in engaging patients
A Gallup study has found that Take Care Clinics rank among the top 10% of all organizations globally in engaging their customers, according to Take Care Health Systems. The Walgreen Co.
Bartell Drugs set to open doors of 59th store
Next month, regional chain Bartell Drugs plans to open its 59th store in Bellevue, Wash. The chain drug retailer said Tuesday that the 15,000-square-foot store, which will occupy a former Loehmann’s apparel store site, is scheduled to open Sept. 13 in Bellevue’s Factoria neighborhood.
Consumers: Doctors overly swayed by drug makers
Most Americans think doctors are overly influenced by pharmaceutical companies in their prescribing decisions, and many patients believe over-the-counter options are often overlooked, according to a new prescription drug poll by Consumer Reports. In a telephone poll of more than 1,100 U.S.
NACDS names political affairs director
J. Anne Foley is joining the the National Association of Chain Drug Stores as the new director of political affairs.
CVS, MinuteClinic begin offering flu shots
CVS Caremark Corp. has kicked off its annual flu shot program, with immunizations now available nationwide at all CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations.
Drug stores aim to be top-of-mind with flu shots
Drug stores raised their public visibility as health care providers big-time in 2009 with aggressive flu shot programs. This year, they’re angling to go a step further.
Rite Aid wraps up debt refinancing
Rite Aid Corp. has successfully completed a debt offering and a refinancing of its revolving credit facility that were announced last week. The pharmacy chain said Thursday that the two-pronged refinancing plan extends some of its debt maturities and lowers their interest costs.
Flu vaccinations get under way at Safeway
Safeway Inc. has begun offering flu shots on a walk-in basis at its in-store pharmacies and through scheduled flu vaccine clinics at most of its other stores.
Shoppers Drug Mart gives extra points for back-to-school
Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. is offering extra bonus points on back-to-school purchases for loyalty card members. The Canadian drug store chain said Thursday it will award the additional bonus points to Shoppers Optimum cardholders buying school-related items through Sept.