Content about Chicago

September 26, 2012
Hamacher Resource Group to offer brand assessment presentation at OTC Perspectives conference

Hamacher Resource Group will challenge suppliers to evaluate their brand through the eyes of the consumer during ira “Brandformation” presentation at the OTC Perspectives National Conference in Chicago on Oct. 4, the company announced Wednesday.

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Hamacher Resource Group will challenge suppliers to evaluate their brand through the eyes of the consumer during its “Brandformation” presentation at the OTC Perspectives National Conference in Chicago on Oct. 4, the company announced Wednesday. 

September 26, 2012
NACDS Foundation announces new Community PREP grant recipients

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has announced 15 additional academic institutions selected for the Community Pharmacy Residency Expansion Project (Community PREP).

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has announced 15 additional academic institutions selected for the Community Pharmacy Residency Expansion Project (Community PREP).

The $1.5 million educational grant program, established in 2010, is designed to expand post-graduate community pharmacy residency opportunities for recent pharmacy school graduates. 

The following academic institutions will receive a $50,000 educational grant:

September 25, 2012
Crosscare launches colic remedy into Duane Reade

Crosscare on Tuesday announced that their colic remedy, Colief Infant Drops, is now available at Duane Reade stores.

CHICAGO — Crosscare on Tuesday announced that their colic remedy, Colief Infant Drops, is now available at Duane Reade stores. 

September 25, 2012
Re-imagining the great American drug store

How do you transform a drug store into something else? Something new. Something no one has ever seen before. And what would it look like? 


How do you transform a drug store into something else? Something new. Something no one has ever seen before. And what would it look like? 


To truly reinvent something, you have to be willing to let go of everything you’ve ever known or thought you knew about it; you need to erase all of the preconceptions and abandon the archetypes of what you think it is, what people told you it should be. You need to find the white space. 


September 25, 2012
‘What I eat’ as critical to Well Experience 
as ‘how I look, how I feel’

Walgreens has really helped to transform why consumers shop a drug store with its position in healthier-for-you foods and fresh produce. That’s not just thinking outside of the box for traditional retail pharmacy operators; that’s throwing out the box altogether and replacing it with an in-store food pyramid. 


Walgreens has really helped to transform why consumers shop a drug store with its position in healthier-for-you foods and fresh produce. That’s not just thinking outside of the box for traditional retail pharmacy operators; that’s throwing out the box altogether and replacing it with an in-store food pyramid. 


September 21, 2012
Study: Few sites for smaller big-box footprints in urban Chicago

A real estate report released Wednesday by Mid-America Real Estate's Urban Team found that much of Chicago lacks the type of product that today's downsized big-box retailers are looking for.

CHICAGO — A real estate report released Wednesday by Mid-America Real Estate's Urban Team found that much of Chicago lacks the type of product that today's downsized big-box retailers are looking for.

September 20, 2012
Mobile MTM developer receives NIH grant

A company developing mobile medication therapy management technology got a big boost from the federal government.

CHICAGO – A company developing mobile medication therapy management technology got a big boost from the federal government.

September 18, 2012
Hair spray fares better than styling gel, mousse in sales

Sales of hair spray experienced a slight lift during the 12 weeks ended July 8, according to SymphonyIRI Group, as beauty mavens continued to turn to styling products to achieve a desired look and lock it in place.


Sales of hair spray experienced a slight lift during the 12 weeks ended July 8, according to SymphonyIRI Group, as beauty mavens continued to turn to styling products to achieve a desired look and lock it in place.


September 18, 2012
Multibenefit mouthwash sales increase

The mouthwash segment experienced a slight uptick, as formulas that offer multiple benefits catch consumers’ attention — a trend that is likely to continue as consumers increasingly seek value.

The mouthwash segment experienced a slight uptick, as formulas that offer multiple benefits catch consumers’ attention — a trend that is likely to continue as consumers increasingly seek value.

Among those shining stars that experienced double-digit growth is ACT Total Care, according to 52-week data from SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago-based market research firm. 

ACT Total Care is an alcohol-free formula that promises to strengthen teeth, help rebuild enamel, prevent cavities and freshen breath.

 

September 18, 2012
Target opens urban format store in Chicago

Lately a number of mass merchandise retailers have been taking the little road and opening small-format stores in dense, urban areas. One of the most notable of these is CityTarget, which recently opened in Chicago.


CHICAGO — Lately a number of mass merchandise retailers have been taking the little road and opening small-format stores in dense, urban areas. One of the most notable of these is CityTarget, which recently opened in Chicago.


September 17, 2012
Jewel-Osco brings back 'Give a Little, Feed a Lot'

Jewel-Osco on Friday announced that the company is observing Hunger Action Month this September with an aggressive campaign to raise food and funds for food banks and food pantries in the retailer's service area.

ITASCA, Ill. — Jewel-Osco on Friday announced that the company is observing Hunger Action Month this September with an aggressive campaign to raise food and funds for food banks and food pantries in the retailer's service area.

September 14, 2012
Flirt debuts new packaging

A functional beverage for women has undergone a packaging revamp.

CHICAGO — A functional beverage for women has undergone a packaging revamp.

Flirt energy drink has been rolled out in a redesigned Rexam 12-oz. Sleek can. The can features enhanced graphics for a more vibrant retail presentation. The company also said its decision to use Rexam Sleek cans was their shape ties into the functionality of Flirt, and the cans are a sustainable packaging choice.

September 14, 2012
SymphonyIRI: Younger boomers shift to dollar channel versus drug in vitamins, internal analgesics

Drug channel retailers hold a lower than average share among younger baby boomers, likely due to a particularly low share across sizeable categories, such as vitamins and internal analgesics, within the younger boomer cohort, SymphonyIRI Group reported Thursday as part of its latest Times & Trends Report, "Baby Boomers: Riding the Wave of Diversity."

CHICAGO — Drug channel retailers hold a lower than average share among younger baby boomers, likely due to a particularly low share across sizeable categories, such as vitamins and internal analgesics, within the younger boomer cohort, SymphonyIRI Group reported Thursday as part of its latest Times & Trends Report, "Baby Boomers: Riding the Wave of Diversity." In contrast, dollar channel spending among younger boomers is above average across each of these categories.

September 12, 2012
CRN debunks omega-3 meta-analysis as 'inherently inconclusive'

As part of a meta-analysis spanning 70,000 patients, a study published in the Sept. 12 issue of JAMA determined supplementation with omega-3 fish oils was not associated with a lower risk in heart disease.

CHICAGO — As part of a meta-analysis spanning 70,000 patients, a study published in the Sept. 12 issue of JAMA determined supplementation with omega-3 fish oils was not associated with a lower risk in heart disease. Lead researcher Evangelos Rizos of the University Hospital of Ioannina in Greece, concluded that omega-3 supplement recommendations may be overblown.

September 11, 2012
Reports: Peapod to open grocery pickup sites in Chicago suburbs

Online grocery retailer Peapod will set up three sites in Chicago where people can pick up groceries they've ordered, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Online grocery retailer Peapod will set up three sites in Chicago where people can pick up groceries they've ordered, according to published reports.

The Chicago Tribune reported Monday that Ahold-owned Peapod would open three locations in the Chicago suburbs of Palatine, Ill., Schaumburg, Ill., and Deerfield, Ill.

The reports follow closely an Aug. 28 announcement by Peapod that it would allow customers in the Boston area to pick up groceries at a local Stop & Shop store, another banner owned by Ahold.

August 24, 2012
Study: Affordability is key factor when buying body care products

Judging by the results of new research from Mintel, loyalty is lost when it comes to body care products as nearly a quarter of those consumers who use body care products at least once a week usually just buy what’s on sale.

CHICAGO — Judging by the results of new research from Mintel, loyalty is lost when it comes to body care products as nearly a quarter of those consumers who use body care products at least once a week usually just buy what’s on sale.

The research found that 23% of those who use body care products at least once a week usually just buy what’s on sale, which has contributed to a 10% decline in sales of body care products from 2007 to 2012.

August 22, 2012
Prevalence of acne keeps treatment sales up

Acne is the most common skin disorder within the United States, impacting millions of Americans and paving the way for researchers to feverishly develop new therapies and revamp existing treatment options at retail.

Acne is the most common skin disorder within the United States, impacting millions of Americans and paving the way for researchers to feverishly develop new therapies and revamp existing treatment options at retail.

While acne usually begins in puberty, the reality is that it is not restricted to any age group. Even adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s can develop acne.

August 22, 2012
Unique products help boost sales of facial cleansers

Cleaning the face of makeup, dirt and other impurities in the morning and night is clearly an important part of a healthy skin care routine, and manufacturers continue to answer the call with products that promise to deliver even greater results.

Cleaning the face of makeup, dirt and other impurities in the morning and night is clearly an important part of a healthy skin care routine, and manufacturers continue to answer the call with products that promise to deliver even greater results.

According to the most recent 52-week data from Chicago-based market research firm SymphonyIRI Group, sales of facial cleansers rose nearly 6% to about $635 million.

Manufacturers continue to innovate in an effort to further grow sales and capture greater market share.

August 21, 2012
Chicago's Food Rx provides prescription for healthy eating

The University of Chicago Medicine and Walgreens are teaming up to launch a "Food Rx" initiative that will help people with diabetes improve their eating habits by overcoming two major hurdles when shopping for food: access and affordability, the groups announced Aug. 15.

CHICAGO — The University of Chicago Medicine and Walgreens are teaming up to launch a "Food Rx" initiative that will help people with diabetes improve their eating habits by overcoming two major hurdles when shopping for food: access and affordability, the groups announced Aug. 15.

August 21, 2012
SymphonyIRI taps former P&G exec to lead retail solutions

Market research firm SymphonyIRI Group has named former Procter & Gamble executive Beverly Grant as president of Retail Solutions.

CHICAGO — Market research firm SymphonyIRI Group has named former Procter & Gamble executive Beverly Grant as president of Retail Solutions.

She will report to Mark Parise, president of IRI, SymphonyIRI.

August 20, 2012
Crain's: Klaff Realty eyeing Supervalu's Jewel-Osco business

Suitors are lining up to carve out divisions of Supervalu following the company's announcement last month that strategic divestitures were on the table as the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based grocer seeks to turn around its business performance.

CHICAGO — Suitors are lining up to carve out divisions of Supervalu following the company's announcement last month that strategic divestitures were on the table as the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based grocer seeks to turn around its business performance. A Crain's report published Monday identified Klaff Realty as one of the first companies to express an interest, in this case the Jewel-Osco piece of the business.

August 17, 2012
Better health doesn't just happen at Walgreens, it happens through Walgreens

Even just a few years ago, this kind of collaboration between a healthcare group and a drug store around a comprehensive food nutrition education program probably wouldn't have happened. Truth be told, it really isn't happening today. And that's because Walgreens isn't a drug store. Walgreens is a health and daily living solutions store.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Even just a few years ago, this kind of collaboration between a healthcare group and a drug store around a comprehensive food nutrition education program probably wouldn't have happened. Truth be told, it really isn't happening today. And that's because Walgreens isn't a drug store. Walgreens is a health and daily living solutions store.

August 17, 2012
Consumer channel surfing has dollar channel and club riding bigger waves

Consumers shop as many as seven retail channels in pursuit of the best value, SymphonyIRI Group reported Wednesday.

CHICAGO — Consumers shop as many as seven retail channels in pursuit of the best value, SymphonyIRI Group reported Wednesday.

August 17, 2012
Millennium Pharmacy Systems appoints former CVS/pharmacy director as SVP operations

A former CVS executive has been appointed to a top position at a company that provides pharmacy services to the long-term care industry.

CHICAGO — A former CVS executive has been appointed to a top position at a company that provides pharmacy services to the long-term care industry.

Millennium Pharmacy Systems announced the appointment of A. James Newell as SVP operations. Newell started the new position Monday.

Most recently, Newell was the founder and CEO of the Newell Group and was COO of Quality Partners of Rhode Island, a Medicare quality-improvement organization. He previously served as director of pharmacy programs at CVS.

 

August 16, 2012
Study: Many consumers turn to at-home options for whiter teeth versus the dentist chair

There’s good news for retailers and manufacturers of at-home teeth whitening solutions, as new research indicates that most consumers seeking a brighter smile will tend to opt for at-home options compared with professional whitening services.

CHICAGO — There’s good news for retailers and manufacturers of at-home teeth whitening solutions, as new research indicates that most consumers seeking a brighter smile will tend to opt for at-home options compared with professional whitening services.

According to new research from Mintel, only 10% of those looking for whiter teeth took a seat in the dentist chair for a professional whitening service.