Content about North Carolina

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Two new wooden toys that won a contest sponsored by Midwestern mass merchandiser Meijer will be featured exclusively on the retailer's website, the company said Thursday.

Meijer announced the winners of the Meijer Next Great Toymaker contest: Franklin, N.C.-based Circa Toys' Wagon of Blocks and Goshen, Ind.-based Peters' Group's Stick & Stack Cozy Cabin. The Wagon of Blocks, which sells for $69.99, is designed for children ages 1 to 3 years, while the Cozy Cabin, at $44.99, is for children ages 4 to 8 years.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ballantyne Brands, an electronic cigarette provider, on Monday announced the introduction of a new premium brand, NEO. The company also announced that it has acquired the Mistic brand of electronic cigarettes for an undisclosed amount, and has secured an investment partner to support its business for the long term.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Harris Teeter Supermarkets on Thursday posted sales of $4.5 billion for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 2, up 5.8%. Comparable store sales increased by 4% for the year 

DURHAM, N.C. — More than two-fifths of retailers plan to increase spending on online marketing this year, and nearly half have invested in new mobile apps, according to a new survey.

The survey, titled "Loading the Sleigh: Marketers' Plans & Expectations for the Holiday Season," conducted by Retail Systems Research on behalf of Bronto Software over the summer, included 179 respondents, mostly with annual sales of between $51 million and $999 million. Bronto makes software for retailers and other commerce-focused companies.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic has opened three walk-in clinics inside CVS/pharmacy stores in the Asheville, N.C. area, and three additional locations are expected to open by year-end.

The new clinics are located in Arden, Asheville and Hendersonville. Three additional clinics are expected to open by the end of the year in Asheville, Brevard and Waynesville.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Harris Teeter on Wednesday celebrated the official grand openings of its 201central stores during ribbon-cutting ceremonies at both locations — Wesley Chapel and Huntersville, N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug has broadened its services with a new mobile pharmacy application.

Powered by mscripts, the solution enables Kerr Drug customers to refill prescriptions, and receive pickup and dosage reminders through the convenience of their mobile phones. Smartphone users can access the store locator, weekly specials and do a quick refill by scanning the QR code on prescription bottles. A text messaging option for non-smartphone users enables patients to receive many of the same benefits.

RALEIGH, N.C. — A pharmacy automation equipment manufacturer has signed a deal with a company that makes pharmacy software.

RxMedic Systems and Health Business Systems announced Tuesday that they had signed a preferred business partner agreement. The deal will allow users of HBS' RxAxis pharmacy software system to connect with RxMedic's dispensing technology, including its ADS robot, the companies said, allowing pharmacies to be more accurate, productive and profitable.

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — SunTech Medical on Monday announced the launch of a new line of reusable cuffs for blood-pressure monitoring in a clinical setting.

The one-piece durable cuff has a nylon shell that is easily cleaned and disinfected to help minimize cross contamination. A tapered tail design allows easy application and eliminates sharp corners, improving patient comfort.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — During this paramount election year, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ grassroots advocacy program — NACDS RxImpact — continues to demonstrate the importance of pharmacy advocates engaging on behalf of community pharmacy, NACDS has announced.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix is entering the North Carolina market.

The company said its first store, which will be part of a new division based in Charlotte, will be located in Ballantyne, N.C., and has tentative plans to open in 2014. Publix said it is looking ahead to continued growth within North Carolina, along with its current operating areas of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Food and Drug Administration will not decide whether to approve a drug for diarrhea in HIV patients as it continues to review the regulatory approval application for it, the drug's manufacturer said.

Salix Pharmaceuticals said the FDA was still reviewing its application for crofelemer in the 125-mg strength. The agency was originally expected to take action on the drug Wednesday. Crofelemer is meant for treating noninfectious diarrhea in HIV and AIDS patients taking antiretroviral therapy.