Content about South Carolina

April 9, 2012

Bi-Lo noted last week that three of its locations along the South Carolina coastline had been refreshed in March.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bi-Lo noted last week that three of its locations along the South Carolina coastline had been refreshed in March.

“Bi-Lo believes in offering our customers the highest possible standards and this remodel program speaks directly to that,” Bi-Lo president Michael Byars said.

The enhanced departments in the updated stores feature improved freshness, variety and quality, including:

April 2, 2012

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Monday announced that state health policy professional Leigh Knotts will serve as director of state government affairs, responsible for advocacy in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Tennessee.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Monday announced that state health policy professional Leigh Knotts will serve as director of state government affairs, responsible for advocacy in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Knotts will join NACDS’ state team, for a total of six state directors, all of whom report to Sandra Guckian, NACDS VP state government affairs.

February 7, 2012

Cardinal Health was granted a temporary restraining order Friday against the Drug Enforcement Administration's suspension order of its Lakeland, Fla., distribution center.

DUBLIN, Ohio — Cardinal Health was granted a temporary restraining order Friday against the Drug Enforcement Administration's suspension order of its Lakeland, Fla., distribution center.

A preliminary injunction hearing is currently scheduled for Feb. 13.

December 21, 2011

The proposed acquisition of Winn-Dixie by fellow Southeast grocer Bi-Lo would create a regional pharmacy operator with almost 500 pharmacy operations and pharmacy revenue of around $780 million, according to Drug Store News projections.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The proposed acquisition of Winn-Dixie by fellow Southeast grocer Bi-Lo would create a regional pharmacy operator with almost 500 pharmacy operations and pharmacy revenue of around $780 million, according to Drug Store News projections.

That would make the Bi-Lo/Winn-Dixie combination No. 24 on Drug Store News' PoweRx50 — a list of the top 50 pharmacy retailers operating in the U.S. — falling in just behind Albertsons LLC (which posted $787 million in pharmacy revenue in 2010) and well ahead of Fred's ($628 million).

December 19, 2011

Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie Stores on Monday announced that the companies will merge to create an organization of approximately 690 grocery stores and 63,000 employees in eight states throughout the southeastern United States.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie Stores on Monday announced that the companies will merge to create an organization of approximately 690 grocery stores and 63,000 employees in eight states throughout the southeastern United States.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, BI-LO will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Winn-Dixie stock in the merger. Winn-Dixie shareholders will receive $9.50 in cash per share of Winn-Dixie common stock, representing a premium of approximately 75% over the closing price of Winn-Dixie common stock on Dec. 16.

December 16, 2011

CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic has entered a clinical affiliation with Carolinas HealthCare System, which provides medical services at more than 650 care locations in North and South Carolina. The collaboration includes 16 MinuteClinic locations in the greater Charlotte area.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CVS Caremark’s MinuteClinic has entered a clinical affiliation with Carolinas HealthCare System, which provides medical services at more than 650 care locations in North and South Carolina. The collaboration includes 16 MinuteClinic locations in the greater Charlotte area.

This marks the first such arrangement in North Carolina for the two organizations.

December 5, 2011

Shoppers who were out in full force on Black Friday may not walk retail aisles again until just before Christmas — when retailers are expected to heavily discount merchandise — according to the latest America's Research Group/UBS "Christmas Forecast."

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Shoppers who were out in full force on Black Friday may not walk retail aisles again until just before Christmas — when retailers are expected to heavily discount merchandise — according to the latest America's Research Group/UBS "Christmas Forecast."

November 22, 2011

A UnitedHealth Group company announced its plans to acquire a sponsor of Medicare Advantage health plans in an all-cash transaction.

MINNETONKA, Minn. — A UnitedHealth Group company announced its plans to acquire a sponsor of Medicare Advantage health plans in an all-cash transaction.

November 18, 2011

A new machine from a company based in Wando, S.C., gives retailers a new way to sell ice cream, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — A new machine from a company based in Wando, S.C., gives retailers a new way to sell ice cream, according to published reports.

RetailWire reported that Robofusion, founded by Allan Jones, had developed an eponymous robot that allows customers to create their own ice cream desserts.

According to the company's website, customers walk up to the machine, choose 1-of-4 "Robot Characters" that program the robot movements and effects and then design a five-layer ice cream and candy treat.

November 14, 2011

Colonial Life and Accident Insurance last week released its top five trends and predictions for health care in 2012 — three of which may have some direct impact on retail pharmacy.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Colonial Life and Accident Insurance last week released its top five trends and predictions for health care in 2012 — three of which may have some direct impact on retail pharmacy.

November 2, 2011

The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future will host the Promise of Nursing for South Carolina gala to raise funds and provide scholarships to help ease the nursing shortage in South Carolina.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future will host the Promise of Nursing for South Carolina gala to raise funds and provide scholarships to help ease the nursing shortage in South Carolina.

September 1, 2011

CVS Caremark’s in-store health clinic business MinuteClinic has opened a new clinic inside the CVS/pharmacy store in downtown Charleston, S.C. — marking the first clinic to open in the Charleston metro area and MinuteClinic's 17th location in South Carolina.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark’s in-store health clinic business MinuteClinic has opened a new clinic inside the CVS/pharmacy store in downtown Charleston, S.C. — marking the first clinic to open in the Charleston metro area and MinuteClinic's 17th location in South Carolina.

MinuteClinic plans to open seven additional clinics along the South Carolina coast between now and early 2012. The new clinics will be located in the Charleston, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach metropolitan areas.

July 25, 2011


The 19th century British writer William Hickson may have written, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again,” but he only had half the story. By all means, try again, but don’t do the same thing over and over and expect different results.



The 19th century British writer William Hickson may have written, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again,” but he only had half the story. By all means, try again, but don’t do the same thing over and over and expect different results.


July 20, 2011

Food Lion unveiled on Wednesday six new stores in the Greenville, S.C., area market.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion unveiled on Wednesday six new stores in the Greenville, S.C., area market.

The stores, located in Anderson, Greenville, Greer, Seneca and Simpsonville, replace former Bloom locations. As part of the transition to Food Lion stores, the newly opened supermarkets will carry a variety of natural and organic products, as well as fresh seafood, produce and other specialty items, Food Lion SVP James Egan said.

July 18, 2011

Food Lion stores located along the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina raised more than $100,000 during the retailer's "Thriller on the Griller at the Beach" events.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion stores located along the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina raised more than $100,000 during the retailer's "Thriller on the Griller at the Beach" events.

The events, which took place from June 17 to July 3 at 14 stores, raised $101,149, Food Lion said. The company said that the funds raised surpassed the retailer's goal by nearly $15,000.

July 5, 2011

Whole Foods will make its Columbia, S.C., debut next year.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whole Foods will make its Columbia, S.C., debut next year.

The new store will occupy approximately 37,876 sq. ft. in the 74,326-sq.-ft. Cross Hill Market retail center.

The projected construction start date is Jan. 1, 2012, with an anticipated opening date of October 2012.

June 17, 2011

A line of all-natural, 100% juice blends has arrived in more than 290 Publix stores across four states.

TAMPA, Fla. — A line of all-natural, 100% juice blends has arrived in more than 290 Publix stores across four states.

CoolJuice will be available in Publix's Atlanta division, which includes stores in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina. CoolJuice juice blends contain no added sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives or artificial colors or flavors.

CoolJuice was cofounded by former PepsiCo executive George Gamble.

June 10, 2011

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of South Carolina found that unhealthy food products that tout healthy names may dupe dieters into considering them as good-for-you items.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new study conducted by researchers at the University of South Carolina found that unhealthy food products that tout healthy names may dupe dieters into considering them as good-for-you items.

"The Impact of Product Name on Dieters' and Non-Dieters' Food Evaluations and Consumption" found that among more than 520 study participants, dieting tendency has no effect on product evaluations if foods carry a healthy name, such as salad, although dieters are more mindful if a product touts a name that is considered unhealthy, such as pasta.

April 22, 2011

By 2020 or sooner, the entire nation could have laws banning smoking in all indoor areas of private sector worksites, restaurants and bars, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Thursday has found.

ATLANTA — By 2020 or sooner, the entire nation could have laws banning smoking in all indoor areas of private sector worksites, restaurants and bars, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Thursday has found.

The projection is based on the rate at which states have been adopting comprehensive smoke-free laws. In just the past 10 years, 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted these laws, the CDC reported.

March 3, 2011

Bi-Lo has developed and launched its own nutritional tagging system that identifies healthful attributes in particular foods.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bi-Lo has developed and launched its own nutritional tagging system that identifies healthful attributes in particular foods.

The retailer said the system features a wide range of categories established by Bi-Lo’s registered dietitian, Monica Amburn. Amburn said the system allows customers to create positive attitudes about healthy eating.

The tags highlight such benefits as "low sodium" or "an excellent source of vitamin C," as well as gluten-free and organic products.

February 11, 2011

The Food Lion Family and Bloom have recognized Scott Brinson as the recipient of the 2010 store manager excellence award. Brinson, who is the store manager of a Food Lion in Jacksonville, N.C., was selected from a group of seven other market/banner winners.

SALISBURY, N.C. — The Food Lion Family and Bloom have recognized Scott Brinson as the recipient of the 2010 store manager excellence award. Brinson, who is the store manager of a Food Lion in Jacksonville, N.C., was selected from a group of seven other market/banner winners.

The store manager excellence awards are a key part of Food Lion Family's and Bloom's efforts to acknowledge the leadership role store managers play. Food Lion Family president Cathy Green Burns presented Brinson with the award earlier this week during the company's Leadership Summit.

January 27, 2011

Drank has expanded its distribution to the Carolinas.

HOUSTON — Drank has expanded its distribution to the Carolinas.

The makers of Drank, Innovative Beverage Group Holdings, said that Adam's Beverage, an independent distributor, will bring the relaxation beverage to North Carolina, as well as to additional cities in South Carolina.

Drank hit the market in early 2008.

January 11, 2011

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 5, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug, North Carolina’s regional pharmacy power, had a busy year in 2010. After shedding 11 stores in the Charleston, S.C., market in 2009, the 90-store chain turned its full focus to serving the healthcare needs of North Carolina’s population.


It was, in retrospect, a wise move. Kerr has launched a series of initiatives in pharmacy care, store design, community health services and iPhone technology at a breathtaking pace, easily sustaining its reputation as one of chain pharmacy’s leading innovators. 


December 16, 2010

What Rite Aid might wish for Christmas is accelerated results borne from its Wellness+ loyalty card program, because even as the chain lowered its guidance for fiscal 2011 sales, it’s that differentiated loyalty program that executives believe is going to buttress sales next year and beyond.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — What Rite Aid might wish for Christmas is accelerated results borne from its Wellness+ loyalty card program, because even as the chain lowered its guidance for fiscal 2011 sales, it’s that differentiated loyalty program that executives believe is going to buttress sales next year and beyond.