Holiday sales report: Drug chains pleasantly surprised
Recession, unemployment, family, weather, an extra shopping day, convenience, price points under $10 and inventory management all impacted the 2009 holiday selling season.
Retail News
Walgreens’ Wasson named <i>CDR</i> Retailer of the Year
The editors of Chain Drug Review have named Greg Wasson, president and chief executive officer of Walgreen Co., the publication’s 2009 Chain Drug Retailer of the Year.
H1N1 update: Major chains step up vaccine rollout
Major pharmacy retailers this week announced expanded availability of H1N1 vaccinations, including at in-store health clinics. Rite Aid Corp. said Wednesday it is now is offering the H1N1 flu shots at 1,257 Rite Aid stores in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
Walgreens names Customer-Centric Retailing exec
Walgreen Co. has appointed a new leader for its key Customer-Centric Retailing initiative and made other executive moves in online merchandising.
Poll: Many seniors struggle with taking prescriptions
Senior citizens are finding it challenging to manage their daily medications, with many taking a handful of prescriptions regularly and some facing a double-digit pill dosage each day, according to a new survey. The national poll, conducted by Kelton Research for Medco Health Solutions Inc.
NABP review flags thousands of illicit Rx web sites
A review by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy finds more than 5,000 web sites selling prescription drugs as noncompliant with U.S. pharmacy laws and practice standards designed to safeguard public health.
Rite Aid serves up weight-loss guide, online tools
Rite Aid Corp. is teaming up with Harvard University, fitness expert Denise Austin and weight-control program provider Lindora Inc. to help its customers lose weight in 2010.
Drugstore.com to acquire SkinStore.com
Drugstore.com has agreed to buy Salu Inc., which owns and operates SkinStore.com, an online retailer of clinical skin care and beauty products. Plans call for the stock and cash transaction, valued at $36 million, to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, drugstore.com said Monday.
CVS, MinuteClinic set for national H1N1 vaccine rollout
CVS Caremark Corp. is set to have H1N1 vaccine widely available in CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic locations from coast to coast as it receives supplies distributed by public health authorities.
NCPA urges extension of DMEPOS accreditation deadline
The National Community Pharmacists Association has sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asking the agency to delay the accreditation deadline for Medicare Part B durable medical equipment, orthotics, prosthetics and supplies (DMEPOS) or to suspend enforcement.
New distribution center site eyed by Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. is reportedly seeking a site in greater Charlotte, N.C., for a new distribution center. The Camp Hill, Pa.-based drug store chain is seeking to build a 600,000-square-foot-plus warehouse to supply its Southeastern drug stores, according to the Charlotte Business Journal.
Drugstore.com to develop online outlet for vision chain
Drugstore.com has entered a multiyear partnership with optical store chain operator Luxottica Group SpA to expand online access to contact lenses in North America. The agreement calls for drugstore.com subsidiary Vision Direct Inc., which operates the retailer’s VisionDirect.
Rite Aid expands rollout of H1N1 vaccines
Rite Aid Corp. has made H1N1 vaccine available in most of the states where it has stores and is working to provide it across its operating area, possibly by the month’s end or sooner. A Rite Aid spokeswoman said that as of Tuesday the drug store chain was offering H1N1 immunizations
Wasson: Walgreens executing on core strategies
Greg Wasson, president and chief executive officer of Walgreen Co., said the drug chain is making steady progress in implementing the company’s plans to better leverage its vast store network, improve the shopping experience and bolster productivity.
Senate edges closer to final OK for health reform bill
Senate Democrats united in a key procedural vote to push the chamber’s health care reform package a step closer to their goal of getting a final bill approved by Christmas.
Walgreens 1Q gets boost from flu shot business
Walgreen Co. topped Wall Street’s profit forecast and saw sales climb 9.5% in its fiscal 2010 first quarter, fueled by a surge in its flu vaccination business.