Content about Florida

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets on Thursday announced it has signed a lease for a second store in the Charlotte, N.C. area. The store will be located at the intersection of South Boulevard and Iverson Way in Charlotte.

“We are excited to bring Publix to even more customers and associates in North Carolina and look forward to continued growth in the state and in our current operating areas,” stated Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Though total same-store sales were down 8%, Walgreens Friday morning characterized a first quarter lifted by a steady influx of returning Express Scripts patients and driven by a steady stream of new Balance Rewards members. The Chicagotown retailer has signed 45 million Walgreens faithful since mid-September. "Today, we have the wind at our backs as we head into a new calendar year," Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson told analysts Friday morning.  

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fl. — Pure Ally has introduced K'wass-Up, a new malted, nonalcoholic beverage, according to the beverage maker's website. It's an "uncommon drink — for the uncommon you!"

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — More than five-dozen Albertsons stores in the West will start selling gluten-free frozen pizzas this month.

Better4U Foods said Friday that 63 stores in Albertsons' Intermountain West Division — which includes Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming — would stock the pizzas. Pizza varieties will include Gluten-Free Four Cheese, Gluten-Free Uncured Pepperoni and the vegan Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Roasted Vegetable.

MIAMI — Navarro Discount Pharmacy has announced the opening of its 32nd store in Kendall, Fla.

“The new store in West Kendall is well-positioned in the Kendale Lakes Plaza among other discount brand retailers,” stated Juan Ortiz, president and CEO of Navarro Discount Pharmacy. “We are also pleased to return to the Kendall area and meet the demands of the community looking for Navarro’s everyday low pricing and unique assortment.”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl. — NASCAR will honor Mars this year with the annual Marketing Achievement Award at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards, at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 29. Mars and NASCAR represent one of the longest-standing partnerships within the sport with their 23-year relationship.

Spanning multiple activations, Mars has directly engaged race fans, customers and associates through an integrated marketing strategy, including intellectual property, promotions, public relations, B2B, online, broadcast, event marketing and retail.

TAMPA, Fla. — Not Your Mother’s hair care is further expanding its distribution by adding Ricky’s NYC to its retail mix.

The “one-stop supershop for everything beauty,” is playing host to a diverse, cult-like following of clients from hip teenagers and their moms to celebrities and pro hair stylists. As of mid-November, Ricky’s NYC has brought in Not Your Mother’s full line of hair care in all its retail stores as well as its online store.

ORLANDO, Fla.  — Orchid Medical, a provider of ancillary healthcare services, has formed a strategic relationship with Walgreens to provide injured workers a convenient, nationwide source for medical supplies while offering significant savings to workers’ compensation payers.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Thursday announced a 4.4% increase in third-quarter sales to $6.7 billion. Same-store sales were up 2.5%. 

“Although the economy continues to be weak, I’m pleased with the improvement in our operating results and stock price,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “I congratulate our associates for continuing to deliver exceptional customer service.”

PALM CITY, Fla. — GelStat is primed to grow its OTC remedy business, according to a letter to shareholders and prospective investors released Tuesday. 

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The leader of pharmacy benefit manager Prime Therapeutics will be the keynote speaker at a specialty pharmacy conference Thursday.

Prime said president and CEO Eric Elliott would deliver the keynote speech, titled "Specialty Pharmacy Benefit - The Employer's Perspective" at the first annual Therigy Specialty Pharmacy Leadership Congress in Orlando, Fla.