Rite Aid unveils Simplify in private-brand remake
As part of a rebuilt private-label program, Rite Aid Corp. is introducing a new "price fighter" private brand called Simplify in its nearly 4,800 stores nationwide.
Retail News
NACDS: PECOS date change could curtail pharmacy access
A date change proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for physician and nonphysician practitioner enrollment in the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) could impact patient access to pharmacy services, according to the National Association of Chain
CMS proposes Rx exemption from diabetes test supply bids
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a proposed regulation to exempt community pharmacies from the upcoming bidding process for Medicare Part B diabetes testing supplies.
Retail pharmacy groups back Senate MTM bill
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and National Community Pharmacists Association are endorsing the Medication Therapy Management Expanded Benefits Act of 2010, saying that it builds on pharmacy-specific provisions in the recently passed health care reform law.
Walmart names new U.S. CEO
Walmart has reshuffled its top executive ranks, naming Bill Simon president and chief executive officer of Walmart U.S. and Eduardo Castro-Wright, who previously ran the discount store giant’s U.S. business, president and CEO of global.com and global sourcing.
Jean Coutu enables Rx refills for iPhone users
Jean Coutu Group has launched what it said is the first application in Canada that allows the refilling of prescriptions from a smart handheld device without going through a mobile web site.
Pharmacists: Rx technician certification cuts medication errors
Eighty-one percent of pharmacists see pharmacy technician certification as a critical component in reducing medication errors, ensuring patient safety and improving health outcomes, a survey sponsored by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) finds.
Chain Drug Consortium, NCPA unveil new partnership
The Chain Drug Consortium (CDC) and National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) are stepping up their collaboration to better leverage the strengths of each organization to more effectively advance the interests of community pharmacists and their patients.
Connecticut, CVS Caremark at odds over Rx discount program
Connecticut’s attorney general has begun an investigation of CVS Caremark Corp. over a disagreement about extending a consumer discount drug program offered by the company to the state’s Medicaid program.
Martindale named Rite Aid’s COO
With John Standley taking the reins as chief executive officer, Rite Aid Corp. has promoted Ken Martindale to chief operating officer. Martindale assumes the new post immediately, Rite Aid said Thursday.
Wasson: Walgreens’ core strategies are on target
In spite of a disappointing third quarter, Walgreen Co. chief executive officer Greg Wasson said the company remains on track with its core strategies — notably its Customer-Centric Retailing (CCR) store optimization initiative.
Canadian pharmacies join new e-prescription network
More than a dozen pharmacy banners are participating in the Ontario and Quebec launch of ZoomMed Inc.’s e-Pic Communication Network, which along with the company’s ZRx Prescriber application lets doctors send electronic prescriptions from smart wireless devices.
Standley takes helm as new Rite Aid CEO
Before the end of the day, Rite Aid Corp. will get a new chief executive officer: John Standley. Standley, 47, is set to become Rite Aid president and CEO after the company’s annual shareholder meeting Wednesday in Camp Hill, Pa. He will take the chief executive reins from Mary Sammons, 63,
Rite Aid posts smaller loss in 1Q
Rite Aid Corp. saw sales dip in its fiscal 2011 first quarter but recorded a smaller year-over-year loss and topped Wall Street’s earnings forecast. The drug store chain on Wednesday said its net loss for the 13-week first quarter ended May 29 was $73.7 million, or 9 cents per diluted share,
GPhA names interim executive team
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) has formed an interim executive team to lead the organization until it appoints a new chief executive officer to replace Kathleen Jaeger, who is due to step down from the post later this month.
Walmart, Lilly partner to provide ‘affordable’ insulin
Walmart and drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. are teaming up to provide what they call an "affordable insulin option" for people with diabetes.