Content about Illinois

October 18, 2012

Walgreens on Thursday announced the appointment of Brad Fluegel as SVP and chief strategy officer.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens recently announced the appointment of Brad Fluegel as SVP and chief strategy officer. Fluegel will be responsible for corporate strategy, business development, project management and the corporate consulting team while also working on venture capital efforts. 

October 17, 2012

Kmart is looking for five interns for a new program designed to provide opportunities to Hispanic women.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is looking for five interns for a new program designed to provide opportunities to Hispanic women.

October 16, 2012

Crunchmaster has added kid-friendly snack crisps to its lineup of gluten-free crackers.

LOVE’S PARK, Ill. — Crunchmaster has added kid-friendly snack crisps to its lineup of gluten-free crackers.

Crunchmaster Crisps are made with a blend of California brown rice, whole corn, whole sorghum and other gluten-free grains. They are made from 100% whole grains, are peanut-free and certified gluten-free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization. The snacks contain 3 g of fat per 30-g serving, and are a good fit for consumers' healthy lifestyles.

October 16, 2012

H.D. Smith, one of the largest pharmaceutical wholesalers in the United States, announced plans to acquire Valley Wholesale Drug in a merger agreement transaction.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H.D. Smith, one of the largest pharmaceutical wholesalers in the United States, announced plans to acquire Valley Wholesale Drug in a merger agreement transaction.

The acquisition will increase H. D. Smith’s customer base in California and give the wholesaler an opportunity to expand into the Pacific Northwest, a market in which it currently has a limited reach.

October 16, 2012

Walgreens pharmacists are on the frontlines of a new transition of care program, WellTransitions, which brings hospitals and health systems together with Walgreens in a coordinated care model designed to reduce readmission rates and overall healthcare costs while improving patient health outcomes and medication adherence, Walgreens announced.

 DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens pharmacists are on the frontlines of a new transition of care program, WellTransitions, which brings hospitals and health systems together with Walgreens in a coordinated care model designed to reduce readmission rates and overall healthcare costs while improving patient health outcomes and medication adherence, Walgreens announced Tuesday. The WellTransitions program is being rolled out as thousands of hospitals nationwide face possible penalties from Medicare for patient readmission rates that are too high, under a new law that took effect Oct.

October 15, 2012

Walgreens will be offering free, personalized Part D plan comparison reports to help beneficiaries identify the plan that best meets their prescription drug needs, the retail pharmacy operator announced Monday.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens will be offering free, personalized Part D plan comparison reports to help beneficiaries identify the plan that best meets their prescription drug needs, the retail pharmacy operator announced Monday. Plan reviews are available on a walk-in basis or by scheduling an appointment at Walgreens.com/medicare, Walgreens stated.

October 12, 2012

Pharmacy automation manufacturer Kirby Lester has launched a version of one of its tablet counters with streamlined verification software.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Pharmacy automation manufacturer Kirby Lester has launched a version of one of its tablet counters with streamlined verification software.

The company announced the launch of KL1Plus, which it said combines the KL1 tablet counter with the updated software. The device will be introduced at the National Community Pharmacists Association and Department of Defense Joint Forces Pharmacy Services annual convention in San Diego this month.

October 12, 2012

According to Nielsen analyses issued Thursday, higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending.

 SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — According to Nielsen analyses issued Thursday, higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending. 

For sales in 89 categories across five key departments (food, beverages, alcohol, health/beauty and homecare), Nielsen is forecasting spending for November and December 2012 to reach $98.3 billion. Nielsen expects dollar sales to increase 2.3% and unit sales to remain generally flat (0.1%). 

October 10, 2012

With the Medicare Annual Election Period set to begin Oct. 15, Walgreens on Wednesday announced it will be a part of preferred pharmacy networks of four national Medicare Part D plan sponsors: Coventry, Humana, SmartD Rx and UnitedHealthcare.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — With the Medicare Annual Election Period set to begin Oct. 15, Walgreens on Wednesday announced it will be a part of preferred pharmacy networks of four national Medicare Part D plan sponsors: Coventry, Humana, SmartD Rx and UnitedHealthcare.

October 10, 2012

The board of directors of Walgreens on Wednesday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year-ago dividend.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors of Walgreens on Wednesday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year-ago dividend. The dividend is payable Dec. 12 to shareholders of record Nov. 12.

Walgreens has paid a dividend in 320 straight quarters (80 years) and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. Over the last five years, Walgreens annual dividend rate has increased from 38 cents per share to $1.10 per share, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%.

October 9, 2012

A group pushing to increase the number of people vaccinated against influenza has a deal with a Midwestern retailer to encourage vaccination in the region.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — A group pushing to increase the number of people vaccinated against influenza has a deal with a Midwestern retailer to encourage vaccination in the region.

October 9, 2012

Planters NUT-rition brand has entered the peanut butter category.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Planters NUT-rition brand has entered the peanut butter category. NUT-rition peanut butter is nutrient-dense and a good source of energy, providing 6 g to 7 g of protein per serving and, depending on variety, at least five vitamins and minerals. The products have 0 g of trans fat per serving. The line — which includes Cinnamon Raisin Granola Nut, Banana Granola Nut and Berry Nut flavors — is available nationwide in 12-oz. jars, with a suggested retail price of $3.49 
to $3.99.

October 9, 2012

There’s a new option for chronic pain sufferers that ought to spark some growth across external analgesics, including heat and ice packs: Omron’s recently approved ElectroTherapy Pain Relief unit.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — There’s a new option for chronic pain sufferers that ought to spark some growth across external analgesics, including heat and ice packs: Omron’s recently approved ElectroTherapy Pain Relief unit. There are as many as 60 million chronic pain sufferers, according to the American Chronic Pain Association. And of those in search of pain relief solutions, 80% seek more than one type, according to research conducted on behalf of Thermionics. So Omron’s $69.99 transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit should be an adjunctive sale.

October 9, 2012

Walgreens on Tuesday received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2012 SmartWay Excellence Award, the organization's highest recognition for demonstrated leadership in supply chain goods movement.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2012 SmartWay Excellence Award, the organization's highest recognition for demonstrated leadership in supply chain goods movement. The award — recognizing Walgreens as an industry leader in freight supply chain efficiency, performance and environmental sustainability — was announced at the American Trucking Associations Annual Management Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas.

October 8, 2012

Kmart and Sears are eliminating layaway service fees, starting a layaway home-delivery service and new in-store mobile features for what the company expects to be the busiest shopping season since 2007.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart and Sears are eliminating layaway service fees, starting a layaway home-delivery service and new in-store mobile features for what the company expects to be the busiest shopping season since 2007.

October 8, 2012

Walgreens on Monday announced the launch of the "Taylor Swift Store at Walgreens," which will market a wide array of products from the six-time Grammy winner's branded merchandise line.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday announced the launch of the "Taylor Swift Store at Walgreens," which will market a wide array of products from the six-time Grammy winner's branded merchandise line. Walgreens and select Duane Reade locations will provide a comprehensive, in-store selection of Taylor Swift music and merchandise.

The items will be available for purchase chain wide beginning the week of Oct. 8. The Taylor Swift-branded merchandise will incorporate artwork from her soon to be released album, "Red."

October 4, 2012

While most adults in the United States believe immunizations are important, consumer sentiment doesn't always drive behavior, according to a new survey by Walgreens.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — While most adults in the United States believe immunizations are important, consumer sentiment doesn't always drive behavior, according to a new survey by Walgreens.

October 3, 2012

Jimmy Dean has introduced a new packaging look for its line of convenience breakfast products.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Jimmy Dean has introduced a new packaging look for its line of convenience breakfast products.

The packaging refresh, which features new graphics, product images and a contemporary brand logo, gives the brand's breakfast products a consistent look and feel across the entire product portfolio, including Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bowls, skillets, omelets, pancakes and sausage, quesadillas and all Jimmy Dean Delights product offerings.

October 3, 2012

Sears Holdings now is offering its Kmart and Sears customers the option of ship-to-home delivery for items purchased through online layaway.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings now is offering its Kmart and Sears customers the option of ship-to-home delivery for items purchased through online layaway.

The new service, also available on store kiosks, now enables shoppers to select, purchase and have the items delivered directly to their homes, bypassing the layaway line altogether. Both retailers will begin the exclusive layaway ship-to-home service starting Nov. 7.

Sears has also joined Kmart in removing all layaway service fees both online and in-store leading up to the holiday season.

October 3, 2012

Sagent Pharmaceuticals has launched a drug used to treat apnea of prematurity in infants, the drug maker said Wednesday.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Sagent Pharmaceuticals has launched a drug used to treat apnea of prematurity in infants, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Sagent announced the launch of caffeine citrate injection and caffeine citrate oral solution, used to treat apnea of prematurity in infants between 28 and less than 33 weeks gestational age.

The market for the drug was worth about $28.5 million during the 12-month period ended in July, according to IMS Health. The drug features Sagent's PreventIV Measures packaging and labeling, which are designed to reduce medication errors.

October 3, 2012

Walgreens on Wednesday posted a 7.8% decline in its September sales to nearly $5.5 billion, compared with $5.9 billion for the same month in fiscal 2012.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday posted a 7.8% decline in its September sales to nearly $5.5 billion, compared with $5.9 billion for the same month in fiscal 2012.

October 2, 2012

Walgreens will get a "significant" ownership stake in a specialty pharmacy that treats people with cystic fibrosis under a new deal with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the two announced Tuesday.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens will get a "significant" ownership stake in a specialty pharmacy that treats people with cystic fibrosis under a new deal with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the two announced Tuesday.

October 1, 2012

A pharmacy benefit manager has launched a new specialty pharmacy offering.

LISLE, Ill. — A pharmacy benefit manager has launched a new specialty pharmacy offering.

Catamaran announced Monday the introduction of BriovaRx, which it said would mark "the beginning of a new day in the specialty sector, delivering personalized, holistic care to patients with complex and chronic conditions to improve health outcomes."

September 28, 2012

Fiscal 2012 is now in Walgreens' rearview mirror as the company looks ahead toward 2013 with its foot on the accelerator

 DEERFIELD, Ill. — Fiscal 2012 now is in Walgreens' rearview mirror as the company looks ahead toward 2013 with its foot on the accelerator. A re-entry into the Express Scripts pharmacy provider network, a new loyalty card and synergies borne out of the Alliance Boots partnership will all help fuel Walgreens' health-and-wellness engine. 

Walgreens stock was up slightly within the half-hour of the call to approximately $36.70 per share. WAG had closed Thursday at $36.52 and opened Friday morning at $36.27. 

September 27, 2012

More than one-fifth of prescriptions given to children at clinics in Illinois were never filled, according to a new study.

NEW YORK — More than one-fifth of prescriptions given to children at clinics in Illinois were never filled, according to a new study.