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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday announced that Alex Gorsky, currently worldwide chairman of medical devices and diagnostics, and Sheri McCoy, currently worldwide chairman of pharmaceuticals, have been appointed vice chairmen of the executive committee, joining William Weldon, J&J chairman and CEO, in an expanded Office of the Chairman.

Both appointments are effective Jan. 3.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — As Walmart’s U.S. stores division looks to execute a broad slate of initiatives in the coming year to recharge domestic growth, it does so under the leadership of a new chief executive and a restructured merchandising organization.



The phrase coined by Sam Walton — “Stack ’em high and let ’em fly!” — is reverberating throughout Walmart again.


The retailer’s back-to-basics strategy is good news for OTC suppliers, because going back to basics at Walmart also means going back to a broader product selection. Between the resumption of Action Alley and a recommitment to assortment, Walmart already has grown its carrying inventory by 4%, and the company plans to grow its inventory at a rate of half the 
expected sales lift.


BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam’s Club promises to be an even more formidable competitor in the health-and-wellness space in the years ahead, judging from the strategic priorities now in place as part of a broad-based strategy known as Project Portfolio.


Walmart stores have regained a familiar feeling this holiday season, and if senior executives are right, the increased promotional intensity will halt six consecutive quarters of declining same-store sales and put the company on the right track for 2011. The most obvious change is the return of branded feature displays and four-sided fixtures to the main aisles of Walmart’s 3,600 U.S. supercenters and discount stores.

NEW YORK Pfizer has extended the deadline of its $3.6 billion offer to buy King Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer said Monday.

Pfizer said it had extended its tender offer to Dec. 17 because certain conditions had not been met, but the two companies plan to have it finished by the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

King, based in Bristol, Tenn., specializes in branded opioid prescription painkillers.

CINCINNATI Procter & Gamble and Walmart are continuing their Family Movie Night initiative with a third made-for-TV family film.

The companies said that "A Walk in My Shoes," starring Nancy Travis, Philip Winchester and Yara Martinez, will premiere on Dec. 3 on NBC. The film builds on the success of the first two films in the Family Movie Night initiative, "Secrets of the Mountain" and "The Jensen Project."

NEW YORK —In an effort to drive awareness and product trials, Procter & Gamble brought to New York in late October an interactive pop-up store, highlighting such brands as Tide, Crest and Olay.

The store, which was open to the public from Oct. 22 to 31 and located at 101 West 57th St. near Sixth Avenue, was part of P&G’s multipronged “Have You Tried This Yet?” campaign.

When browsing the pop-up store, consumers found a variety of interactive stations, including but not limited to:

ST. PAUL, Minn. 3M Skin and Wound Care has announced the relaunch of the 3M Cavilon professional skin care line, a range of products to help prevent skin damage from moisture, friction and adhesive trauma, following research and surveys of caregivers and clinicians.

The revamped line has new, innovative packaging to easily identify the right product for a specific need.

CINCINNATI Procter & Gamble on Tuesday announced the signing of two NFL offensive linemen — New York Giants’ David Diehl and Minnesota Vikings’ Anthony Herrera — as spokesmen of the frequent-heartburn remedy Prilosec OTC. The two NFL players will be part of the Prilosec OTC Living Proof campaign to share their heartburn protection stories over the course of the 2010-2011 NFL season.

NEW YORK Pfizer officially has made its tender offer to buy King Pharmaceuticals for $3.6 billion, or $14.25 per share, Pfizer said Friday.

The offer constitutes a 40% premium over the closing price of King’s stock on Oct. 11, when Pfizer originally made the offer. King, based in Bristol, Tenn., specializes in pain medications designed to deter misuse and abuse, and Pfizer said the acquisition would enhance its position in the pain-relief market.

The offer expires at midnight on Nov. 19.

WHITESTONE, N.Y. Coca-Cola has unveiled a new Vitaminwater drink, which is enhanced with vitamin D.

Vitaminwater Stur-D, a blue agave, passion fruit and citrus-flavored blend, is the first enhanced water and juice beverage to include vitamins C and D and calcium, Coca-Cola said.