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March 4, 2011
H20 spring water debuts 'Rango'-themed packaging

A spring water brand is rolling out new packages through a new marketing partnership with Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Movies.

WESTON, Fla. — For a limited time, a spring water brand is rolling out new packaging through a new marketing partnership with Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Movies.

H20 said its new "Rango"-themed bottles, which will be available through May, feature the namesake character from the animated film. H20 also launched a commercial starring Rango, the company said.

H20 products are available at Kmart, Whole Foods and other retailers.

March 4, 2011
Hospira launches catalog of U.S. products on website

Hospira launched a new online resource that catalogs all of its products available in the United States.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Hospira launched a new online resource that catalogs all of its products available in the United States.

Hospira said that the U.S. product catalog, available at Hospira.com/catalog, allows customers, including healthcare facilities and medical care providers, to search Hospira's more than 1,200 products in a variety of ways: alphabetically, by product name, by list number or by therapeutic class.

March 4, 2011
Innovation’s PharmAssist Symphony system achieves Microsoft certification

Innovation’s PharmAssist Symphony pharmacy workflow system has received certification from Microsoft for applications running on Windows Server 2008 R2, Innovation said Friday.

JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. — Innovation’s PharmAssist Symphony pharmacy workflow system has received certification from Microsoft for applications running on Windows Server 2008 R2, Innovation said Friday.

The pharmacy automation company said the system was independently tested to meet the software giant’s standards for security, stability, availability, reliability and compatibility with the operating system.

The company said the certification built on its Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner Program.

March 4, 2011
MTM can save lives; retailers, suppliers take notice

Walgreens’ winning of an award for its MTM services came right before it joined the Care Continuum Alliance — a group of more than 200 stakeholders that provide such services as wellness and prevention programs and management of chronic conditions — of which CVS Caremark already was a member.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Walgreens’ winning of an award for its MTM services came right before it joined the Care Continuum Alliance — a group of more than 200 stakeholders that provide such services as wellness and prevention programs and management of chronic conditions — of which CVS Caremark already was a member.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens takes top honors for MTM services. For the full story, click here)

March 4, 2011
NRF welcomes repeal of tax provision in healthcare law

The National Retail Federation said it welcomed the House of Representatives' vote to repeal a provision in last year’s healthcare-reform law that would widely expand the number of IRS 1099 tax forms businesses would be required to file.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation said it welcomed the House of Representatives' vote to repeal a provision in last year’s healthcare-reform law that would widely expand the number of IRS 1099 tax forms businesses would be required to file.

March 4, 2011
Oral contraceptive Emoquette wins FDA approval

A subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals has won approval from the Food and Drug Administration for an oral contraceptive.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A subsidiary of Endo Pharmaceuticals has won approval from the Food and Drug Administration for an oral contraceptive.

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals announced Friday the approval of Emoquette (desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol) tablets in the 0.15-mg/0.03-mg strength.

The drug is a generic version of Johnson & Johnson’s Ortho-Cept.

March 4, 2011
Prestige appoints new VP operations

Prestige Brands on Friday named Paul Hennessey VP operations.

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige Brands on Friday named Paul Hennessey VP operations.

“Paul's background in over-the-counter consumer products is a terrific match for our company,” stated Prestige president and CEO Matthew Mannelly. “As we continue to grow and become even more customer- and consumer-focused in OTC, Paul's leadership skills and extensive experience in supply chain manufacturing will serve our brands and our company well."

March 4, 2011
Silk Pure Coconut hits dairy aisle

Soy milk brand Silk has added a coconut milk product that contains no dairy, no lactose and no cholesterol.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Soy milk brand Silk has added a coconut milk product that contains no dairy, no lactose and no cholesterol.

New Silk Pure Coconut, now available in grocery stores nationwide, joins Silk's lineup of soy milk products, which include original, vanilla and almond flavors. Silk Pure Coconut is calcium-fortified and is an excellent source of vitamins D and B12, so that those who are either lactose-intolerant or just prefer the taste of soy milk over traditional milk can get the nutrients they need, the company noted.

March 4, 2011
Study: Potassium levels may be insight to racial disparity among diabetics

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered that potassium levels in the blood may explain a racial disparity among Type 2 diabetes patients.

NEW YORK — Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered that potassium levels in the blood may explain a racial disparity among Type 2 diabetes patients.

According to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, among 12,000 participants, more than 2,000 African-Americans in the study had lower average serum potassium levels than the more than 9,000 whites in the study. They also were twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

March 4, 2011
Tomorrow's healthcare retailing game gets new name

The name of the game for tomorrow’s successful healthcare retailer is ubiquity — because it’s no longer good enough to have the better corner location or the splashiest of websites; tomorrow’s healthcare retailer will need to be able to interact with its patient whenever, however and wherever that patient happens to be at the time.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — The name of the game for tomorrow’s successful healthcare retailer is ubiquity — because it’s no longer good enough to have the better corner location or the splashiest of websites; tomorrow’s healthcare retailer will need to be able to interact with its patient whenever, however and wherever that patient happens to be at the time.

March 4, 2011
Walgreens joins CCA

Walgreens on Friday joined the Care Continuum Alliance, an alliance of more than 200 stakeholders providing services across the continuum of care — from wellness and prevention to chronic condition management and complex care management.

WASHINGTON — Walgreens on Friday joined the Care Continuum Alliance, an alliance of more than 200 stakeholders providing services across the continuum of care — from wellness and prevention to chronic condition management and complex care management.

March 4, 2011
Walmart brushes up beauty offerings with EcoTools deal

EcoTools, an earth-friendly bath and beauty products brand, has made its way to Walmart.

NEW YORK — EcoTools, an earth-friendly bath and beauty products brand, has made its way to Walmart.

Last month, a variety of EcoTools cosmetic brushes lined the shelves of Walmart stores throughout the country. EcoTools also introduced the EcoTools everyday collection six-piece brush set exclusively at Walmart. The collection, which comes in a hemp case, includes an angled blush brush, an angled eyeliner brush, concealer brush, eye-shading brush and detailer/lip brush. The six-piece set retails for $10.98.

March 4, 2011
Walmart raises dividend

Walmart said Thursday that it is increasing its annual dividend 21% on the back of strong earnings.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart said Thursday that it is increasing its annual dividend 21% on the back of strong earnings.

The retailer last month reported a 27% increase in fourth-quarter net income as it benefited from cost-cutting and strong international sales. Walmart said it will pay an annual dividend this year of $1.46, up from $1.21. It will pay quarterly dividends of 36.5 cents in April, June, September and January in fiscal 2012, which ends Jan. 31.

The next dividend will be paid on April 4 to shareholders of record on March 11.

March 4, 2011
Wellesse introduces digestive health supplement

Wellesse earlier this week introduced its Digestive 3-in-1 Health, a liquid supplement that promotes healthy digestion and regularity, soothes the stomach and helps the body resist occasional imbalance.

FERNDALE, Wash. — Wellesse earlier this week introduced its Digestive 3-in-1 Health, a liquid supplement that promotes healthy digestion and regularity, soothes the stomach and helps the body resist occasional imbalance.

"Most people who indulge pay for it with uncomfortable, embarrassing or even tiring digestive symptoms on a regular basis," stated registered dietitian Marie Spano, speaking on behalf of Wellesse.

March 3, 2011
1099 provision of PPACA overturned in House vote

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the bipartisan Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011, which repeals the tax-reporting requirement for small businesses included in the healthcare law.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The House of Representatives on Thursday passed the bipartisan Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011, which repeals the tax-reporting requirement for small businesses included in the healthcare law.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., passed in a 314-to-112 vote. The provision, which was part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act , would increase 1099 tax reporting requirements for businesses that purchase goods and services of more than $600.

March 3, 2011
Amneal receives FDA approval for generic Indocin

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for pain and inflammatory diseases made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Amneal said Thursday.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for pain and inflammatory diseases made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Amneal said Thursday.

The FDA approved indomethacin extended-release capsules in the 75-mg strength. The drug is used to treat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis and tendonitis.

March 3, 2011
Bi-Lo adds nutrition tags to shelves

Bi-Lo has developed and launched its own nutritional tagging system that identifies healthful attributes in particular foods.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bi-Lo has developed and launched its own nutritional tagging system that identifies healthful attributes in particular foods.

The retailer said the system features a wide range of categories established by Bi-Lo’s registered dietitian, Monica Amburn. Amburn said the system allows customers to create positive attitudes about healthy eating.

The tags highlight such benefits as "low sodium" or "an excellent source of vitamin C," as well as gluten-free and organic products.

March 3, 2011
Crest 3D White line expands with two new products

Procter & Gamble officially announced the launch of its new Crest 3D White 2-hour Express Whitestrips and Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Enamel Renewal toothpaste, which are the latest additions to the Crest 3D White collection.

CINNCINNATI — Procter & Gamble officially announced the launch of its new Crest 3D White 2-hour Express Whitestrips and Crest 3D White Advanced Vivid Enamel Renewal toothpaste, which are the latest additions to the Crest 3D White collection.

To promote the launch, Crest 3D has teamed up with actress Amanda Peet. Crest also is donating up to 50 smile surgeries to Operation Smile, an international children's medical charity.

March 3, 2011
Doctors Express opens two physician-led urgent care centers in San Diego

The nurse practitioner-staffed retail clinic concept has sparked a revolution in health care, and now even physicians are re-examining the model to find new ways to create value and improve healthcare delivery.

SAN DIEGO — The nurse practitioner-staffed retail clinic concept has sparked a revolution in health care, and now even physicians are re-examining the model to find new ways to create value and improve healthcare delivery.
 

March 3, 2011
ECRM presents awards to three suppliers

ECRM on Wednesday evening announced the Vendor Award recipients for its ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy event, recognizing GOJO Industries for the “Most Prepared,” the Emerson Group for “Best Room” and Cobalis for “Best New Product.”

ORLANDO, Fla. — ECRM on Wednesday evening announced the Vendor Award recipients for its ECRM Cough & Cold and Allergy event held here, recognizing GOJO Industries for the “Most Prepared,” the Emerson Group for “Best Room” and Cobalis for “Best New Product.”

The awards, sponsored by The Drug Store News Group, represent a tally of retail buyer votes on each of the categories.

March 3, 2011
Endo launches Fortesta

Endo Pharmaceuticals has launched a recently approved testosterone gel for men.

CHADDS FORD, Pa. — Endo Pharmaceuticals has launched a recently approved testosterone gel for men.

Endo announced Thursday the launch of Fortesta, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating low testosterone — or low T — in men, which affects about 14 million men in the United States; around 1.3 million of those men currently are receiving treatment, according to Endo.

March 3, 2011
February flu benefit not as big as billed for Walgreens

Walgreens on Thursday posted sales growth of 8.7% to $18.5 billion for its second quarter ended Feb. 28.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday posted sales growth of 8.7% to $18.5 billion for its second quarter ended Feb. 28.

Comparable-store sales were up 4%, with a 4% increase across front-end same-store sales. Prescriptions filled grew by 4.5%; quarterly same-store pharmacy sales were not provided.

March 3, 2011
Grocery gains again fuel Target’s comp growth

February same-store sales at Target advanced 1.8%, thanks to the addition of fresh food and consumables that are part of an aggressive remodeling program causing more people to shop its stores.

MINNEAPOLIS — February same-store sales at Target advanced 1.8%, thanks to the addition of fresh food and consumables that are part of an aggressive remodeling program causing more people to shop its stores.

The company said more than half of its February same-store sales gain were driven by an increase in transactions combined with a small increase in the average transaction size. The 1.8% gain comes on top of a 2.4% increase in February 2010.

March 3, 2011
Improving weather, tax returns benefit Fred’s

Fred's on Thursday posted a 2% increase in sales totaling $153.6 million for the four weeks ended Feb. 26. Comparable-store sales for the month rose 0.9% versus an increase of 2% in the same period last year.

MEMPHIS — Fred's on Thursday posted a 2% increase in sales totaling $153.6 million for the four weeks ended Feb. 26. Comparable-store sales for the month rose 0.9% versus an increase of 2% in the same period last year.

March 3, 2011
Inflation, higher fuel prices to drive 2011 grocer gains

Kroger on Thursday beat analysts’ quarterly consensus, posting 46 cents in earnings per share (adjusted for a goodwill impairment charge) that exceeded consensus by 2 cents EPS, with a higher-than-expected identical-store sales lift of 3.8% (excluding fuel).

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Thursday beat analysts’ quarterly consensus, posting 46 cents in earnings per share (adjusted for a goodwill impairment charge) that exceeded consensus by 2 cents EPS, with a higher-than-expected identical-store sales lift of 3.8% (excluding fuel).

Same-store sales were particularly strong across natural food, bakery and deli/meat, Kroger chairman and CEO David Dillon told analysts during a conference call. “We were particularly pleased by sales growth in our drug and merchandise departments,” Dillon said.