Content about Retail

January 19, 2011
Patients split on filling 90-day Rx's at retail or through mail-order

When consumers are offered a cost-neutral choice to fill their 90-day prescription medications in a retail store or through a mail-order pharmacy, they tend to split their preferences, largely depending on their past experiences, according to the findings of a first-of-its-kind study from CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — When consumers are offered a cost-neutral choice to fill their 90-day prescription medications in a retail store or through a mail-order pharmacy, they tend to split their preferences, largely depending on their past experiences, according to the findings of a first-of-its-kind study from CVS Caremark.

January 18, 2011
CVS' Bloom, Baker to lead chain's retail business on interim basis

CVS Caremark has pulled the plug on its plan to hire former Walmart exec Hank Mullany, and is handing the keys to its retail business on an interim basis to Mike Bloom, EVP merchandising and supply chain, and Scott Baker, EVP internal operations and real estate, who will assume management for the company’s 7,100-plus stores.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has pulled the plug on its plan to hire former Walmart exec Hank Mullany, and is handing the keys to its retail business on an interim basis to Mike Bloom, EVP merchandising and supply chain, and Scott Baker, EVP internal operations and real estate, who will assume management for the company’s 7,100-plus stores.

Bloom and Baker, who will report to Larry Merlo, president and COO of CVS Caremark, are assuming these duties on an interim basis, pending the completion of the company's search for a new president of CVS/pharmacy.

January 18, 2011
Old Orchard Brands introduces Cranberry Naturals

Old Orchard Brands' newest line of naturally sweetened cranberry juice blends boasts great taste and less sugar than traditional cranberry juice drinks, according to the company.

SPARTA, Mich. — Old Orchard Brands' newest line of naturally sweetened cranberry juice blends boasts great taste and less sugar than traditional cranberry juice drinks, according to the company.

January 18, 2011
Sears names supermarket veteran Michel chief of food, health and pharmacy efforts

Fast on the heels of her departure from Ahold USA’s Giant Foods of Landover supermarket unit, Robin Michel has been tapped for an increasingly critical role at retail giant Sears Holdings. Michel, who left as president of Giant-Landover in December 2010, will serve as SVP and president of food and consumables, health and beauty and pharmacy at Sears and its Kmart subsidiary.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Fast on the heels of her departure from Ahold USA’s Giant Foods of Landover supermarket unit, Robin Michel has been tapped for an increasingly critical role at retail giant Sears Holdings. Michel, who left as president of Giant-Landover in December 2010, will serve as SVP and president of food and consumables, health and beauty and pharmacy at Sears and its Kmart subsidiary.

January 17, 2011
Retail sales rise in December

Retail sales rose for a sixth consecutive month in December, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

WASHINGTON — Retail sales rose for a sixth consecutive month in December, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sales rose 0.6% from the prior month, the Census Bureau reported Friday. However, the increase pushed sales for all of 2010 up 6.7%, the largest annual increase since 1999. Excluding autos, retail sales rose 0.5% last month.

January 14, 2011
NP employment growth likely as retail clinics gain popularity

Convenience and cost savings offered by retail-based health clinics are attractive to urban patients. Given sufficient cost savings, those urban patients are likely to seek care at such facilities, causing possible further growth and employment opportunities for nurse practitioners in these clinics, according to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

NEW YORK — Convenience and cost savings offered by retail-based health clinics are attractive to urban patients. Given sufficient cost savings, those urban patients are likely to seek care at such facilities, causing possible further growth and employment opportunities for nurse practitioners in these clinics, according to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

January 14, 2011
Walgreens plays game right with expanded front-end initiatives

Walgreens has talked plenty about its Customer Centric Retailing initiative since the overhaul of its store merchandising and marketing strategy kicked off two years ago. But the rejuvenation of Walgreens’ sprawling, coast-to-coast store network is just the tip of the CCR iceberg, company leaders said.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Walgreens has talked plenty about its Customer Centric Retailing initiative since the overhaul of its store merchandising and marketing strategy kicked off two years ago. But the rejuvenation of Walgreens’ sprawling, coast-to-coast store network is just the tip of the CCR iceberg, company leaders said.

(THE NEWS: CCR is just the beginning, says Walgreens CEO. For the full story, click here)

January 13, 2011
Hy-Vee opens S.D. store

Hy-Vee has opened its latest store, in Sioux Falls, S.D., the grocery and retail pharmacy chain said.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Hy-Vee has opened its latest store in Sioux Falls, S.D., the grocery and retail pharmacy chain said.

Hy-Vee acquired the building, formerly a Sunshine Foods store, in September as part of the same transaction that included the opening of another Sioux Falls store and a store in Windom, Minn.

The 45,000-sq.-ft. store will employ 45 former employees of Sunshine Foods.

January 12, 2011
Acute visits climb as MinuteClinic preps for rapid growth phase

CVS Caremark's retail-based clinic operator, MinuteClinic, is experiencing exponential gains in utilization and posted a 22% increase in acute visits during the past year, Larry Merlo, CVS Caremark president and COO, told investors Wednesday during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark's retail-based clinic operator, MinuteClinic, is experiencing exponential gains in utilization and posted a 22% increase in acute visits during the past year, Larry Merlo, CVS Caremark president and COO, told investors Wednesday during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

January 12, 2011
Anchor Bay Entertainment to release 'Chuggers to the Rescue'

More "Chuggington" adventures from Anchor Bay Entertainment are coming to DVD this spring.

NEW YORK — More "Chuggington" adventures from Anchor Bay Entertainment are coming to DVD this spring.

"Chuggers to the Rescue," the latest "Chuggington" installment, will hit retail on April 5. In this six-episode DVD, everyone’s favorite trainee trio is set to save the day and teach preschoolers gentle lessons about emergency preparedness and responsibility.

January 12, 2011
Canadian analyst speculates on Katz Group sale

Katz Group Canada is withholding comment on a report in the Edmonton Journal Wednesday that speculated on the potential sale of the Canadian drug store giant.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Katz Group Canada is withholding comment on a report in the Edmonton Journal Wednesday that speculated on the potential sale of the Canadian drug store giant.

“Katz Group does not comment on rumors or speculation,” said company spokeswoman Michelle Lee when asked about the report.

January 12, 2011
Dr. Fresh's FireFly toothbrushes earn ADA seal

Dr. Fresh's FireFly children's toothbrush and its licensed counterparts have earned the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

BUENA PARK, Calif. — Dr. Fresh's FireFly children's toothbrush and its licensed counterparts have earned the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs' acceptance of FireFly is based on its findings that the product is effective for removing plaque and helping to prevent and reduce gingivitis when used as directed.

January 12, 2011
Walgreens’ mission: To be nation’s top source for ‘health and daily living needs,’ leaders say

Bolstered by a strong recent uptrend in sales and earnings and by clear signs that its massive realignment is beginning to bear real fruit, Walgreens’ top executives delivered an upbeat assessment of the company’s progress and its potential as a multichannel retail and healthcare powerhouse at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting Wednesday.

CHICAGO — Bolstered by a strong recent uptrend in sales and earnings and by clear signs that its massive realignment is beginning to bear real fruit, Walgreens’ top executives delivered an upbeat assessment of the company’s progress and its potential as a multichannel retail and healthcare powerhouse at the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting Wednesday.

January 11, 2011
Mobile checkstands: Next trend at retail?

According to the latest “Mobile POS Survey,” commissioned by Honeywell and conducted by Harris Interactive online in December, consumers are accepting of a mobile checkout offering at retail.

FORT MILL, S.C. — According to the latest “Mobile POS Survey,” commissioned by Honeywell and conducted by Harris Interactive online in December, consumers are accepting of a mobile checkout offering at retail — 50% of those who have tried mobile checkouts believed it saves time and 43% liked the convenience of paperless receipts delivered via e-mail.

January 10, 2011
SAS, Winn-Dixie enter partnership

SAS on Monday announced a five-year agreement with Winn-Dixie Stores around the company’s marketing and merchandising analytics offering.

NEW YORK — SAS on Monday announced a five-year agreement with Winn-Dixie Stores around the company’s marketing and merchandising analytics offering.

“We chose SAS because of [its] strong commitment to retail and analytical excellence,” stated Maura Hart, Winn-Dixie’s CIO. “This partnership will enhance our customers’ shopping experience with the implementation of SAS’ technology and resources to provide improvements in pricing, assortment and category management.”

January 10, 2011
Sensis Condoms with QuikStrips now available at select Walgreens

Sensis Condoms on Monday announced that its Sensis Condoms with QuikStrips, which ensure proper application, now are available at select Walgreens.

MIAMI — Sensis Condoms on Monday announced that its Sensis Condoms with QuikStrips, which ensure proper application, now are available at select Walgreens.

Sensis Condoms’ patented pull-down QuikStrips work much like the easy pull-off tabs on a Band-Aid, creating an application that helps ensure a condom is applied quickly and properly.

January 10, 2011
With a quick mist, Prean turns toilet paper into moist wipes

Bclean Enterprises' Prean is hitting retail this winter.

NEW YORK — Bclean Enterprises' Prean is hitting retail this winter.

Prean is a spray mist that transforms traditional toilet paper into a moist, cleansing wipe that won't dry out. The dye-free, alcohol-free and dermatologist-tested formulation is enhanced with natural ingredients, including vitamin E, jojoba, wheat germ, sweet almond and tea tree oil.

Prean comes in a convenient and discreet 0.34-fl.-oz. size and will be available in Duane Reade stores in late January.

January 7, 2011
At CES, Walgreens’ medical chief cites advances in multichannel technology to boost access to care

Walgreens’ increasing use of mobile technology platforms is transforming the way the company reaches patients and is expanding its ability to deliver health services via smart phones and other devices, a Walgreens official asserted Friday.

LAS VEGAS — Walgreens’ increasing use of mobile technology platforms is transforming the way the company reaches patients and is expanding its ability to deliver health services via smart phones and other devices, a Walgreens official asserted Friday.

Speaking at the opening of the Consumer Electronics Show’s Digital Health Summit this morning, Walgreens chief medical officer Cheryl Pegus laid out the ways the health services and retail pharmacy giant is leveraging technology to make personal health management easier for patients.

January 7, 2011
Janel Haugarth appointed Supervalu's EVP merchandising, logistics

Supervalu on Friday named Janel Haugarth, 55, EVP merchandising and logistics.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Friday named Janel Haugarth, 55, EVP merchandising and logistics.

“Steve Jungmann, who had held the position of EVP merchandising, will leave the company effective immediately,” Supervalu stated.

January 7, 2011
Polaroid goes Gaga with Grey Label

Polaroid and its creative director, pop sensation Lady Gaga, unveiled a new line that is truly expressive of Lady Gaga's artistic vision.

LAS VEGAS — Polaroid and its creative director, pop sensation Lady Gaga, unveiled a new line that is truly expressive of Lady Gaga's artistic vision.

The Polaroid Grey Label initially will feature a trio of products that include:

  • The GL10 instant mobile printer, available in May at a retail price of $149.99, gives users the instant printing experience with Polaroid's Zink Zero Ink technology, making photo printing mess-free. Polaroid also will roll out Zink photo paper for the printer as well;

January 7, 2011
While parents turn away from vaccines, U.S. pharmacies make them more accessible

In 2011, refusing to inoculate children against dangerous illnesses like measles, whooping cough and even the flu, borders on child abuse. This story should go a long way toward keeping a lot of kids healthy by educating their misguided parents—good news for retail pharmacy, which continues to expand its presence as the local community destination for common vaccinations.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — In 2011, refusing to inoculate children against dangerous illnesses like measles, whooping cough and even the flu, borders on child abuse. This story should go a long way toward keeping a lot of kids healthy by educating their misguided parents—good news for retail pharmacy, which continues to expand its presence as the local community destination for common vaccinations.

January 6, 2011
Trojan products on display at CES

Church & Dwight on Tuesday morning unveiled its latest personal massager — Trojan Vibrating Twister — at the Consumer Electronics Show. Also showcased at the electronics show was Trojan BareSkin, the thinnest condom in brand history, Trojan Vibrating Pulse personal massager and Trojan Ecstasy Fire & Ice condoms with personal lubricants on both the interior and exterior of the condom.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Church & Dwight on Tuesday morning unveiled its latest personal massager — Trojan Vibrating Twister — at the Consumer Electronics Show. Also showcased at the electronics show was Trojan BareSkin, the thinnest condom in brand history, Trojan Vibrating Pulse personal massager and Trojan Ecstasy Fire & Ice condoms with personal lubricants on both the interior and exterior of the condom.

January 5, 2011
Anticipating customer needs makes USA a force in Goliath’s backyard

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — USA Drug grew up in Arkansas, home turf of Walmart. But to characterize the 140-unit drug store operator as David to Walmart’s Goliath doesn’t do justice to this feisty retail innovator, which wields plenty of clout across the nation’s midsection, under a variety of store banners.


January 5, 2011
CVS boosts ExtraCare program with Beauty Club

As announced at CVS Caremark's 2010 analyst meeting in October and reported by Drug Store News, the company's retail division is extending its successful ExtraCare loyalty program by officially launching the new ExtraCare Beauty Club, the first-ever beauty club program for the retail pharmacy industry.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As announced at CVS Caremark's 2010 analyst meeting in October and reported by Drug Store News, the company's retail division is extending its successful ExtraCare loyalty program by officially launching the new ExtraCare Beauty Club, the first-ever beauty club program for the retail pharmacy industry.

CVS/pharmacy is launching the beauty club program during the People's Choice Awards 2011 on CBS at 9 p.m. EST.

January 5, 2011
Kerr touts ‘ActiveCare’ with cell phone link



SALT LAKE CITY and RALEIGH, N.C. — As health-related links and applications for smart phone users explode in popularity, Kerr Drug now is offering seniors and their caregivers a simple way to get immediate help in an emergency. The chain has begun offering a new rapid-response and health service system to seniors via a one-touch cell phone link.