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BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Beauty retailer Ulta Beauty posted a same-store sales increase of 12.6% during the seven-week holiday period.

Total net sales for the seven-week holiday period, from Nov. 13 to Dec. 31, were $386 million, a 24.4% increase from the prior-year holiday period of $310.4 million. Comparable store-sales for the 2011 holiday period increased 12.6%, compared with a 9.5% increase during the same period in the prior year. Over a two-year period, comparable store sales increased 22.1%.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Drug maker Actavis is partnering with QRxPharma to sell what the former called a novel pain drug in the United States.

The company said Wednesday that the two had signed a letter of intent to commercialize MoxDuo IR (morphine and oxycodone), which they plan to launch in third quarter 2012.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Hey Dude Skin Care has introduced a new series of men’s skin care and grooming products that was designed to serve the needs of today’s modern “dude."

By replacing its past series of branded products with a simple, step-by-step system of products comprising a system it calls “Dudification,” Hey Dude Skin Care addresses all of the major grooming needs of guys: exfoliation, shaving, post-shave treatment, moisturizing and sun protection.

PHILADELPHIA — Aspirin taken within five days before cardiac surgery is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of major postoperative complications, including renal failure, an intensive care unit stay, and even early death (30-day mortality), according to findings from an observational cohort study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and the University of California Davis Medical Center that are set to appear in the journal Annals of Surgery.

Optimism, skepticism, confidence and concern were among the range of emotions shared by Walmart suppliers who participated in the second annual Walmart Supplier Survey conducted by Drug Store News’ sister publication Connecting Northwest Arkansas.


(To view the full results of the Walmart Supplier Survey, click here.)

NEW YORK — With the cost of employee healthcare benefits on the rise, public employers are under increased pressure to contain costs while also providing benefits that help them maintain a healthy work force and attract the best employees. One solution to consider: on-site health clinics, according to a recently released study.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears and Kmart have entered the future of staying connected to consumers introducing mobile shopping walls in high-traffic areas.

The shopping walls, which will feature top toys that customers can purchase from their smartphones by scanning the products' QR code, will be available in select malls across the United States, and, for Kmart only, in movie theater lobbies in major markets. Additionally, shoppers can find the Sears and Kmart mobile walls in airports in Chicago, Dallas, Denver and Puerto Rico, and at bus shelters nationwide.

Drug Store News spoke with Category Management Association managing partner and director of best practices Gordon Wade.

DSN: What is the Category Management Association? What is its mission?


SEATTLE — Starbucks has launched its K-Cup portion packs at major food, drug, mass, club, specialty and department store retailers nationwide.

Starbucks coffee K-Cup portion packs are available in Starbucks' most popular coffee varieties, including: Breakfast Blend, Pike Place roast, house blend, Sumatra and French roast. In addition, two selections of Tazo tea also are be available, including Tazo tea Awake and Tazo tea Zen.

LOS ANGELES and RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — YummyEarth has expanded its lineup of organic candy to include sour jelly beans.

New YumEarth Naturals sour beans are made with all-natural ingredients and do not contain artificial colors, flavors or such major allergens as gluten, nuts and dairy. The new candy is in line with the launch of the brand's latest flavor, Perfectly Peach.

YumEarth Naturals sour beans are available in 2.5-oz., 4-oz. and 7-oz. sizes for a suggested retail price of $2, $2.99 and $6.99, respectively.

Gel manicures are one of the more popular salon services in the professional market, and now beauty mavens can create the look at home — for a fraction of the price — thanks to several new innovations hitting the mass market. As a result, the nail color segment at mass is likely to experience continued growth.


After years of lackluster sales, nail color has, and continues to be, a shining star at mass with sales experiencing double-digit gains. Now, several manufacturers are launching at-home gel polish to further drive sales and bring the salon experience home.


CVS Caremark’s annual meeting of shareholders in May was of special importance as it marked the official retirement of former chairman and CEO Tom Ryan, who left the growing company in the hands of a strong, capable new leader — Larry Merlo.


“I’m passing [the company over] to a great leader, one whom I respect and who knows this business. Larry will take this company to great heights,” Ryan told shareholders in May.