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May 23, 2013
Avella Specialty Pharmacy CEO shortlisted for Ernst & Young award

Ernst & Young has named Avella Specialty Pharmacy founder and CEO John Musil as a finalist for a regional award.

PHOENIX — Ernst & Young has named Avella Specialty Pharmacy founder and CEO John Musil as a finalist for a regional award.

Avella said Musil had been shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 Award in the Mountain Desert region, which includes Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Avella is headquartered in Phoenix.

May 23, 2013
CVS Caremark supporting tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma, Texas

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, a private foundation created by CVS Caremark, will donate $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support the organization's tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma and Texas, the company announced on Thursday.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, a private foundation created by CVS Caremark, will donate $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support the organization's tornado relief efforts in Oklahoma and Texas, the company announced on Thursday.  

In addition, the Charitable Trust will match tornado relief donations to the Red Cross from CVS Caremark's employees up to an additional $25,000, resulting in a potential combined donation from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust and CVS Caremark colleagues of at least $75,000.

May 23, 2013
House Subcommittee on Health explores pharmacy compounding

Aftershocks from last year's nationwide outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to a Massachusetts-based compounding pharmacy continued to be felt in a House subcommittee meeting Thursday.

WASHINGTON — Aftershocks from last year's nationwide outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to a Massachusetts-based compounding pharmacy continued to be felt in a House subcommittee meeting Thursday.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health convened a hearing to examine the state of pharmacy compounding in the United States and the current regulatory environment under which it operates.

May 23, 2013
Study: Hispanic shoppers utilize mobile as shopping tool more than general market shopper

A recent study conducted by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research, and unvelied in the latest issue of The Checkout, found 16% of Hispanic shoppers use their mobile device to make purchases, compared with just 12% of general market shoppers.

DENVER — A recent study conducted by The Integer Group and M/A/R/C Research, and unvelied in the latest issue of The Checkout, found 16% of Hispanic shoppers use their mobile device to make purchases, compared with just 12% of general market shoppers.

May 23, 2013
Walgreens' Moore, Okla., store closed; mobilizes aid for tornado victims

Responding to Monday’s devastating tornado in the Oklahoma City area, Walgreens this week mobilized increased shipments of essential supplies to its area stores; made an initial donation of three semi-trailers of food, water and first aid supplies to the Oklahoma chapter of the American Red Cross; and offered customers an opportunity to make donations at its Oklahoma drug stores.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Responding to Monday’s devastating tornado in the Oklahoma City area, Walgreens this week mobilized increased shipments of essential supplies to its area stores; made an initial donation of three semi-trailers of food, water and first aid supplies to the Oklahoma chapter of the American Red Cross; and offered customers an opportunity to make donations at its Oklahoma drug stores.

May 22, 2013
CMS decision on diabetes-testing supplies would disrupt care, members of Congress say

Several members of Congress are requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reverse a decision to prohibit independent pharmacies from delivering diabetes-testing supplies to homebound seniors.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Several members of Congress are requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reverse a decision to prohibit independent pharmacies from delivering diabetes-testing supplies to homebound seniors.

May 22, 2013
Dan Bartlett joins Walmart as EVP corporate affairs

Bartlett was most recently president and CEO of the U.S. arm of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a global business advisory firm serving corporations, nonprofits and associations in 52 countries.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has appointed Dan Bartlett, former senior counselor to George W. Bush, as its EVP of corporate affairs. Bartlett was most recently president and CEO of the U.S. arm of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a global business advisory firm serving corporations, nonprofits and associations in 52 countries.

May 22, 2013
FMI, GMDC prep for joint health and wellness event

The Food Marketing Institute and the Global Market Development Center have been setting the stage for their first combined conference focused on health, beauty and wellness. DSN dialed in Cathy Polley, VP health and wellness at FMI and executive director of the FMI Foundation; Dave McConnell, president and CEO of GMDC; and Bill Anderson, chairman of GMDC and group VP drug store, beauty, GM, floral and services for H-E-B for some insights around the value behind the Health & Wellness @Retail 2013 event.

The Food Marketing Institute and the Global Market Development Center have been setting the stage for their first combined conference focused on health, beauty and wellness. DSN dialed in Cathy Polley, VP health and wellness at FMI and executive director of the FMI Foundation; Dave McConnell, president and CEO of GMDC; and Bill Anderson, chairman of GMDC and group VP drug store, beauty, GM, floral and services for H-E-B for some insights around the value behind the Health & Wellness @Retail 2013 event.

May 22, 2013
Micro-targeted in-store mobile marketing platform launches

Swirl launched a new software platform specifically designed to attract and influence in-store shoppers with micro-targeted digital content and real-time, personalized offers delivered to consumers' smartphones while they shop.

BOSTON — Swirl today launched a new software platform specifically designed to attract and influence in-store shoppers with micro-targeted digital content and real-time, personalized offers delivered to consumers' smartphones while they shop.

May 22, 2013
Nonprofit honors Walgreens with Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award

The National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit association of large U.S. employers, honored Walgreens for its ongoing commitment and dedication to promoting a healthy workplace and encouraging their workers and families to pursue and maintain healthy lifestyles.

WASHINGTON — The National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit association of large U.S. employers, today honored Walgreens for its ongoing commitment and dedication to promoting a healthy workplace and encouraging their workers and families to pursue and maintain healthy lifestyles.

May 22, 2013
Safeway Foundation partners with actress Marcia Cross in prostate cancer PSA

The Safeway Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, have teamed up to develop a print, radio and digital public service announcement featuring actress and SU2C Ambassador Marcia Cross. The PSA is designed to increase awareness for the fight against prostate cancer.

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK — The Safeway Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, have teamed up to develop a print, radio and digital public service announcement featuring actress and SU2C Ambassador Marcia Cross. The PSA is designed to increase awareness for the fight against prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for men in the United States, and currently affects more than two million American men. One-in-six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

May 22, 2013
Target donates $250,000 to tornado-relief efforts

Target will donate a quarter million dollars to disaster relief efforts in Oklahoma following a deadly tornado that killed at least two dozen people and left many more homeless.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target will donate a quarter million dollars to disaster relief efforts in Oklahoma following a deadly tornado that killed at least two dozen people and left many more homeless.

May 22, 2013
Target profits decline in first quarter, but company sees strong omnichannel sales growth

Colder weather and more conservative shoppers contributed to a drop in Target Corp.'s first quarter 2013 profits, but the company's underlying business remains healthy, executives said Wednesday morning in a conference call with investors.

MINNEAPOLIS — Colder weather and more conservative shoppers contributed to a drop in Target Corp.'s first-quarter 2013 profits, but the company's underlying business remains healthy, executives said Wednesday morning in a conference call with investors.

"While we are not satisfied with this quarter's performance, we remain highly confident in our strategy," president, chairman and CEO Gregg Steinhafel said during the call.

May 21, 2013
Bartell Drugs purchases two new pharmacies

Bartell Drugs has increased its store count by two following the purchase of two pharmacies.

SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs has increased its store count by two following the purchase of two pharmacies.

The Seattle-based regional chain announced the purchase of the pharmacies — in Everett and Marysville, Wash. — from The Everett Clinic. Bartell will begin operating them on June 10, bringing its total number of stores to 60.

May 21, 2013
CVS Caremark's Merlo named March of Dimes 2013 Citizen of the Year

CVS Caremark President and CEO Larry Merlo has been named the 2013 March of Dimes Rhode Island 2013 Citizen of the Year for his and the company’s ongoing support of the March of Dimes mission.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — CVS Caremark President and CEO Larry Merlo has been named the 2013 March of Dimes Rhode Island 2013 Citizen of the Year for his and the company’s ongoing support of the March of Dimes mission.

May 21, 2013
Evol Foods markets products through Target

Evol Foods is marketing its line of natural and organic frozen meals and snacks through Target stores around the country, the company said Tuesday.

BOULDER, Colo. — Evol Foods is marketing its line of natural and organic frozen meals and snacks through Target stores around the country, the company said Tuesday.

The Boulder, Colo.-based packaged-food maker said it would promote the products by offering discounts, which started Sunday and will run through June 15, allowing customers to purchase two frozen entree bowls for $7 and two frozen burritos for $4.

May 21, 2013
Fred's declares quarterly cash dividend

Fred's announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Inc. today announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share.

The dividend is payable on June 17, 2013, to shareholders of record as of June 3, 2013.

Fred's Inc. operates 715 discount general merchandise stores, including 21 franchised Fred's stores, in the southeastern United States. For more information about the company, visit Fred's website at www.fredsinc.com.

May 21, 2013
Kroger places Empowered Products' Pink in 1,400 stores across U.S.

Empowered Products Inc. announced Kroger has placed its first batch of orders for Empowered Products' Pink line of personal lubricants for five of Kroger's distribution centers across the United States.

LAS VEGAS — Empowered Products Inc. announced today The Kroger Co. has placed its first batch of orders for Empowered Products' Pink line of personal lubricants for five of Kroger's distribution centers across the United States.

Kroger, the largest grocery store chain in the U.S., will now offer Pink Silicone and Pink Water at approximately 1,400 retail locations across the United States.

May 21, 2013
NACDS submits statements for Senate, House hearings advocating Medicare enhancements

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced that, in written statements submitted for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives committee hearings this week, it noted the essential role of community pharmacy in the success of the 10-year-old Medicare Part D prescription drug program and urged program enhancements focused on the quality and affordability of care.



ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced that, in written statements submitted for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives committee hearings this week, it noted the essential role of community pharmacy in the success of the 10-year-old Medicare Part D prescription drug program and urged program enhancements focused on the quality and affordability of care.



May 21, 2013
Walgreens offers veterans and active duty military Memorial Day discount

To celebrate the service and commitment of the nation’s military and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, Walgreens is offering a Memorial Day discount to all veterans and active duty military personnel.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — To celebrate the service and commitment of the nation’s military and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, Walgreens is offering a Memorial Day discount to all veterans and active duty military personnel.

On Monday, May 27, shoppers with a valid military ID or proof of service will receive 15% off eligible store items and 20% off Walgreens, Nice! and W brand products at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.

May 20, 2013
CVS/pharmacy reminds diabetes patients on importance of regular testing

CVS/pharmacy is reminding patients with diabetes that one of the most important ways they can manage their disease is to perform regular testing of their blood-sugar levels.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy is reminding patients with diabetes that one of the most important ways they can manage their disease is to perform regular testing of their blood-sugar levels.

While the number of providers that will accept Medicare coverage for diabetes testing supplies is expected to decline after July 1, 2013 because of Medicare changes, CVS/pharmacy is informing those treating diabetes it will continue to accept Medicare Part B coverage for test strips and other diabetes testing supplies.

May 20, 2013
Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards more than $6M to literacy groups across U.S.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced today awards of more than $6 million in grants to more than 725 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced today awards of more than $6 million in grants to more than 725 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.

May 20, 2013
Kerr Drug introduces Simplify My Meds synchronized-prescription program

Kerr Drug has introduced a new prescription-synchronization service, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug has introduced a new prescription-synchronization service, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Kerr, a regional chain based in Raleigh, N.C., announced the introduction of the new Simplify My Meds synchronized prescription refill service. The service uses the chain's new central-fill center in Kerr, and the company said it hoped the program would solidify customer loyalty by increasing convenience.

May 20, 2013
Rite Aid appoints Bruce Bodaker to board of directors

A California health executive has been appointed to Rite Aid's board of directors, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — A California health executive has been appointed to Rite Aid's board of directors, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

May 20, 2013
Seniors express satisfaction with preferred pharmacy networks in PCMA-commissioned survey

A recent survey commissioned on behalf of a pharmacy benefit manager trade group found a high degree of satisfaction among Medicare Part D beneficiaries with preferred pharmacy plans.

WASHINGTON — A recent survey commissioned on behalf of a pharmacy benefit manager trade group found a high degree of satisfaction among Medicare Part D beneficiaries with preferred pharmacy plans.