Content about Rite Aid

December 27, 2012
Rite Aid offers customers support in keeping healthy New Year's resolutions

Rite Aid is looking to help Americans with their New Year’s resolutions to improve their health by offering customers free extra support, including Better You informational guides in all 4,600 stores, exclusive online health resources and expert advice from Rite Aid pharmacists.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is looking to help Americans with their New Year’s resolutions to improve their health by offering customers free extra support, including Better You informational guides in all 4,600 stores, exclusive online health resources and expert advice from Rite Aid pharmacists. Rite Aid's wellness stores will also be offering free health screenings and informational sessions the week of Jan. 13.

December 27, 2012
Rite Aid shares trading some 40% higher in week following 3Q conference call

Rite Aid's fundamentals are improving, and Wall Street has taken notice.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's fundamentals are improving, and Wall Street has taken notice. 

Rite Aid stock was up slightly by three cents late Thursday afternoon from its previous close of $1.41 per share. But shares were trading at $1.02 per share on Dec. 19, the day before Rite Aid announced third quarter results. 

December 21, 2012
Rite Aid donates toys to children's charity

Rite Aid is donating 80,000 toys to a charity for children affected by poverty and tragedy, emphasizing those affected by Hurricane Sandy, the retailer said Friday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is donating 80,000 toys to a charity for children affected by poverty and tragedy, emphasizing those affected by Hurricane Sandy, the retailer said Friday.

Rite Aid announced the donation of coloring books, stuffed animals and activity workbooks to Kids In Distressed Situations.

December 20, 2012
Rite Aid reports nearly $62 million profit

Rite Aid beat analyst expectations in third quarter 2013 as the generic wave and retention of Express Scripts customers helped drive better-than-expected adjusted EBIDTA and produced the company's first profitable quarter in five years.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid beat analyst expectations in third quarter 2013 as the generic wave and retention of Express Scripts customers helped drive better-than-expected adjusted EBITDA and produced the company's first profitable quarter in five years.

"I am proud that we have achieved this significant milestone by putting our customers first and challenging ourselves to better serve them," Rite Aid president, chairman and CEO John Standley said in a conference call with Wall Street analysts Thursday morning.

December 19, 2012
Pharmacy retailers can promote brand advocacy with superior customer service, study finds

Customer service is the key driver of brand advocacy in retail pharmacy, according to a new study.

TORONTO — Customer service is the key driver of brand advocacy in retail pharmacy, according to a new study.

December 14, 2012
Consumers want more control over their health, wellness

A new survey by Wolters Kluwer Health indicated that a large majority of consumers think it's a good thing that more individuals are taking a larger and more active role in their own health care.

This should come as no surprise, as recent years have seen tremendous growth in things like electronic personal health records, mobile apps and use of social media. It also ties in with trends in the devolution of health care to the consumer level, such as retail clinics.

A new survey by Wolters Kluwer Health indicated that a large majority of consumers think it's a good thing that more individuals are taking a larger and more active role in their own health care.

This should come as no surprise, as recent years have seen tremendous growth in things like electronic personal health records, mobile apps and use of social media. It also ties in with trends in the devolution of health care to the consumer level, such as retail clinics.

December 7, 2012
Focus on the loyalty card as the definitive barometer of pharmacy success, not won/lost ESI patients

Walgreens last Wednesday reported November sales of $5.9 billion, a decrease of 3.9% versus the same period last year.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens last Wednesday reported November sales of $5.9 billion, a decrease of 3.9% versus the same period last year. However, the company also noted it had enrolled 38 million customers for its new loyalty card program, which debuted in September. 

December 6, 2012
Rite Aid joins Surescripts' Clinical Interoperability Network

Retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid will deliver patients' immunization notifications directly to healthcare providers over the Surescripts Network for Clinical Interoperability.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid will deliver patients' immunization notifications directly to healthcare providers over the Surescripts Network for Clinical Interoperability.

December 6, 2012
Rite Aid reports 3% decrease in comps for November

As expected, Hurricane Sandy left its mark on Rite Aid's monthly sales as the chain reported a decline in comps for November.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — As expected, Hurricane Sandy left its mark on Rite Aid's monthly sales as the chain reported a decline in comps for November.

The company said the 3% decrease in same-store sales for the five-week period ended Saturday included a 0.5% decrease in front-end comps and a 4.2% decrease in pharmacy comps, while same-store prescription count increased 2.2% compared with the same time last year.

December 5, 2012
Rite Aid debuts exclusive exercise equipment line from Denise Austin

Rite Aid has become the exclusive retailer of a new line of home fitness products, the retail pharmacy chain said Wednesday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has become the exclusive retailer of a new line of home fitness products, the retail pharmacy chain said Wednesday.

December 3, 2012
Rite Aid offers discount on influenza vaccinations as flu activity picks up

Rite Aid is offering a $5 discount on flu vaccinations through the middle of this month, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering a $5 discount on flu vaccinations through the middle of this month, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

To mark National Influenza Vaccination Week, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started in 2005, which started Sunday and runs through Saturday, Rite Aid is administering flu vaccinations for $24.99 through Dec. 15. The original price was $29.99.

November 30, 2012
Gets Well

By the time it had unveiled the latest evolution of its hot, new Wellness store concept this fall in Lemoyne, Pa., Rite Aid was coming off seven consecutive quarters of Adjusted EBITDA and same-store prescription count growth — the strongest growth period for the company in several years.

By the time it had unveiled the latest evolution of its hot, new Wellness store concept this fall in Lemoyne, Pa., Rite Aid was coming off seven consecutive quarters of Adjusted EBITDA and same-store prescription count growth — the strongest growth period for the company in several years.

November 29, 2012
Evolving a brand in the pursuit of Wellness

Drug stores, especially chain drug stores, brand themselves differently. But once customers step through the doors, they tend to only see slight variations of the same thing: the same shelves, too tall for mere humans to reach the top without a ladder; the same product categories every other drug store carries; the same pharmacy counter in the back of the store; and the same cash registers in the front. Some stores have carpets, others have tile floors.


Drug stores, especially chain drug stores, brand themselves differently. But once customers step through the doors, they tend to only see slight variations of the same thing: the same shelves, too tall for mere humans to reach the top without a ladder; the same product categories every other drug store carries; the same pharmacy counter in the back of the store; and the same cash registers in the front. Some stores have carpets, others have tile floors.


November 29, 2012
Executing the big picture one detail at a time

An often-heard remark in arguments between people is, “You’re not looking at the big picture.” But it’s often just as important to look not just at the big picture, but all the little parts that constitute it, especially if you’re the head of store operations for a major retail chain.


An often-heard remark in arguments between people is, “You’re not looking at the big picture.” But it’s often just as important to look not just at the big picture, but all the little parts that constitute it, especially if you’re the head of store operations for a major retail chain.


November 29, 2012
Partnering with suppliers to create a rich, innovative experience for customers

The success of Rite Aid’s Wellness store is in the experience. It’s welcoming. It’s engaging. And across various touchpoints throughout the store, it helps guide Rite Aid customers toward however it is they define “well.” That’s as much a function of design of the stores as it is the people and the products in those stores.


The success of Rite Aid’s Wellness store is in the experience. It’s welcoming. It’s engaging. And across various touchpoints throughout the store, it helps guide Rite Aid customers toward however it is they define “well.” That’s as much a function of design of the stores as it is the people and the products in those stores.


November 29, 2012
Pharmacy is star of the show in new programs, store concept

Ultimately, there’s no “retail pharmacy” without the “pharmacy,” and that’s true of any store that dispenses prescription drugs — whether it’s a small independent drug store, a nationwide chain, a supermarket or a mass merchandiser. But in many respects, Rite Aid is trying to make the “pharmacy” component of that phrase just a little bit bigger.


Ultimately, there’s no “retail pharmacy” without the “pharmacy,” and that’s true of any store that dispenses prescription drugs — whether it’s a small independent drug store, a nationwide chain, a supermarket or a mass merchandiser. But in many respects, Rite Aid is trying to make the “pharmacy” component of that phrase just a little bit bigger.


November 29, 2012
Rite Aid finds the magic words: Wellness empowerment

The entirety of Rite Aid’s marketing message can really be broken down to just two simple, yet powerful words: 
wellness empowerment. 


The entirety of Rite Aid’s marketing message can really be broken down to just two simple, yet powerful words: 
wellness empowerment. 


It is those two words that have helped inform Rite Aid’s entire wellness platform, from the introduction of its wellness+ loyalty card program in 2010 to the rollout of its new Wellness stores, beginning in 2011. It is those two words that have helped reinvigorate Rite Aid’s business — from how the store is formatted and how it looks, to the energy that pops among Rite Aid’s Wellness Ambassadors. 


November 29, 2012
WAG, ESI bury the hatchet

When Walgreens and Express Scripts finally came to terms and agreed to again do business with each other in mid-2012, it marked the formal end of one of the costliest disputes in the history of pharmacy retailing and managed care. 


When Walgreens and Express Scripts finally came to terms and agreed to again do business with each other in mid-2012, it marked the formal end of one of the costliest disputes in the history of pharmacy retailing and managed care. 


Walgreens and ESI announced July 19 that they had “reached a multiyear pharmacy network agreement that includes rates and terms” that both sides could live with, although those terms were not disclosed. 


November 28, 2012
Leading retailers, suppliers gather in NYC for 14th annual Industry Issues Summit

As New York City enjoyed the first snowfall of the winter season, industry leaders gathered for the 14th annual Industry Issues Summit to discuss the top issues and trends impacting the industry, including the importance of seizing “whitespaces.”

NEW YORK — As New York City enjoyed the first snowfall of the winter season, industry leaders gathered for the 14th annual Industry Issues Summit to discuss the top issues and trends impacting the industry, including the importance of seizing “whitespaces.”

The all-day event was held on Tuesday at the New York Athletic Club, located just across the street from Central Park.

November 20, 2012
Rite Aid gives customers head start on Black Friday shopping

Rite Aid is offering Black Friday discounts early at its stores, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering Black Friday discounts early at its stores this year.

The retail pharmacy chain said it would open its stores from at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and emailing Black Friday survival guides with shopping tips and savings to customers. The National Retail Federation predicts that 71 million shoppers will visit retailers over Black Friday weekend.

November 16, 2012
CVS Caremark: NACo Rx discount card has saved Americans more than $500M

Residents in counties across the country that participate in the National Association of Counties' Prescription Discount Card Program have saved more than $500 million on their prescription medications since the launch of the program in 2004, according to data released by NACo and CVS Caremark.

WASHINGTON and WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Residents in counties across the country that participate in the National Association of Counties' Prescription Discount Card Program have saved more than $500 million on their prescription medications since the launch of the program in 2004, according to data released by NACo and CVS Caremark.

November 16, 2012
Getting into specialty serves retailers' best interests

Kroger announced Thursday it will acquire the outstanding shares of Axium Pharmacy Holdings, a leading specialty pharmacy, and merge the two companies. By now, it should be clear that specialty is becoming an increasingly important part of the retail pharmacy mix, having grown more than sixfold in revenues between 2000 and 2011, with everyone from Rite Aid to Costco to Hy-Vee biting off a piece for themselves.

As Specialty Pharmacy magazine reported in its fall 2012 issue, specialty drug development is starting to play a much bigger role in drug development overall than traditional pharmaceuticals. According to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, seven of the top 20 drug therapy classes will be in specialty by 2016, including cancer, autoimmune disorders and antivirals, and specialty and bioengineered drugs remain one of the few growth centers in the drug industry in 2012. And according to Express Scripts, the market for specialty and bioengineered drugs is expected to grow from 2011's 17.1% to 22% by 2014.

Kroger announced Thursday it will acquire the outstanding shares of Axium Pharmacy Holdings, a leading specialty pharmacy, and merge the two companies. By now, it should be clear that specialty is becoming an increasingly important part of the retail pharmacy mix, having grown more than sixfold in revenues between 2000 and 2011, with everyone from Rite Aid to Costco to Hy-Vee biting off a piece for themselves.

November 16, 2012
Mike Cirilli joins Rite Aid

Mike Cirilli has joined Rite Aid as senior director of OTC and private label, Rite Aid said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Mike Cirilli has joined Rite Aid as senior director of OTC and private label, Rite Aid said.

With 29 years of work experience in retail category management and merchandising, Cirilli most recently was VP merchandising with Duane Reade, where he worked for 16 years, and was a director and VP supply chain for Krasdale Foods. At Rite Aid, he will report to group VP category management Bill Bergin.

A native of New York, Cirilli earned his bachelor degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

November 16, 2012
Rite Aid rolls out Diabetes Control Program in Cleveland

People with diabetes in Cleveland enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored health plans can obtain free diabetes management services from Rite Aid, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

CLEVELAND — People with diabetes in Cleveland enrolled in UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored health plans can obtain free diabetes management services from Rite Aid, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

The chain's pharmacists are participating in the Diabetes Control Program, part of UnitedHealth Group's Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance, which is aimed at addressing the problem of Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

November 15, 2012
Diabetes management earns front-end spot

As more Americans join the ranks of diabetics, the opportunity to target these consumers at the shelf becomes more crucial. 


As more Americans join the ranks of diabetics, the opportunity to target these consumers at the shelf becomes more crucial. 


Retailers like Rite Aid are using pull-box displays that allow customers to physically handle a blood-glucose meter before they make that purchase decision. That kind of consumer engagement, evident throughout Rite Aid’s latest Wellness format store, for example, helps anchor diabetes as a front-end destination center.