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May 3, 2013

Walgreens on Friday posted April sales of $6 billion, an increase of 3.8% as compared to the same month in fiscal 2012.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Friday posted April sales of $6 billion, an increase of 3.8% as compared to the same month in fiscal 2012. 

Total front-end sales decreased 2.9%, while comparable store front-end sales decreased 4.3%. Customer traffic in comparable stores decreased 5.9% while basket size increased 1.6%.

May 3, 2013

CVS Caremark executives were upbeat during last week’s conference call with analysts as the company pulled in a “strong” first quarter and narrowed its 2013 guidance to reflect higher-than-expected performance.

The positive start to 2013 is important as it further demonstrates that CVS Caremark’s distinctive, integrated healthcare model is resonating and spelling success for this pharmacy innovation company.

CVS Caremark executives were upbeat during last week’s conference call with analysts, as the company pulled in a “strong” first quarter and narrowed its 2013 guidance to reflect higher-than-expected performance.

The positive start to 2013 is important as it further demonstrates that CVS Caremark’s distinctive, integrated healthcare model is resonating and spelling success for this pharmacy innovation company.

April 25, 2013

Safeway shares dropped dramatically Thursday morning as the company reported $10 billion in sales for its first quarter 2013 ended March 23, which is essentially flat as compared with the first quarter of 2012.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway shares dropped dramatically Thursday morning as the company reported $10 billion in sales for its first quarter 2013 ended March 23, which is essentially flat as compared with the first quarter of 2012. An identical-store sales increase of 1.5% (excluding fuel) was offset primarily by the disposition of Genuardi's stores in 2012 and lower fuel sales in 2013. 

April 21, 2013

New technology and types of introductions could bring some heat to the frozen food category. Frozen food sales have been flat to declining for the past few years, according to a recent study from Packaged Facts, with nearly all dollar sales gains coming from higher prices or new products rather than increased consumer demand.

New technology and types of introductions could bring some heat to the frozen food category. Frozen food sales have been flat to declining for the past few years, according to a recent study from Packaged Facts, with nearly all dollar sales gains coming from higher prices or new products rather than increased consumer demand.

April 21, 2013

It's official. During its most recent quarterly conference call with analysts, CVS Caremark revealed what many had anticipated: Its acquisition of privately held Brazilian drug store chain Drogaria Onofre was complete.

It's official. During its most recent quarterly conference call with analysts, CVS Caremark revealed what many had anticipated: Its acquisition of privately held Brazilian drug store chain Drogaria Onofre was complete.

The move is not financially material to CVS Caremark, but it does mark its first foray into the international drug store space. The 44-store chain is the eighth-largest drug store chain in Brazil and, according to published reports, posted gross revenue of R$1.2 billion (Brazilian reals) in 2011.

April 3, 2013

Walgreens reported March sales of $6.2 billion, an increase of 2.3%.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday reported March sales of $6.2 billion, an increase of 2.3%. 

March 28, 2013

Fred's will be looking to extend its pharmacy penetration to as high as 70% of all stores in the next three years.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The consumer's wallet isn't the only headwind blowing out of a still-struggling economy. Higher operating costs have also helped to undercut Fred's Super Dollar performance in the past year, Fred's CEO Bruce Efird explained to analysts Thursday morning.

March 26, 2013

Family Dollar Stores on Monday named Scott Zucker to the newly created position of SVP merchandise operations.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Monday named Scott Zucker to the newly created position of SVP merchandise operations. Zucker will be responsible for driving the strategy and execution of merchandise initiatives, category management, merchandise planning and replenishment.

March 20, 2013

Dry shampoo introductions are on the rise as the segment accounting for 3% of global shampoo launch activity in 2012, up from 1% in 2008, according to new research from Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

CHICAGO — Dry shampoo introductions are on the rise as the segment accounting for 3% of global shampoo launch activity in 2012, up from 1% in 2008, according to new research from Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

March 7, 2013

Costco's sales increased 8% to $7.58 billion in February, the club retailer said.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp.'s sales increased 8% to $7.58 billion in February, the club retailer said Thursday.

For the 26-week period that ended Sunday, the chain reported sales of $51.35 billion, a 9% increase over February 2012. Comps for the company's U.S. stores increased 6% during the month and also during the past 26-week period.

March 7, 2013

The percentage of adults in the United States who say they want to reduce or eliminate gluten from their diets reached a new high this January, according to a new study.

CHICAGO — The percentage of adults in the United States who say they want to reduce or eliminate gluten from their diets reached a new high this January, according to a new study.

The NPD Group, a market research firm, has tracked efforts by Americans to reduce gluten intake since 2009, finding that 30% of adults claimed to cut down on gluten or avoid it entirely in January.

March 5, 2013

Walgreens' February sales fell short of analyst projections due to a sharper impact from generic drug introductions.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens' February sales fell short of analyst projections due to a sharper impact from generic drug introductions. Walgreens on Tuesday reported sales in total comparable stores decreased by 0.6% in February. Generic drug introductions negatively impacted total pharmacy comparable sales, which were flat, by 600 basis points, Walgreens reported.

March 4, 2013

Automatic spending cuts stemming from the failure of Congress and the White House to reach a budget deal will likely harm the disease-preventing capabilities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a new report.

NEW YORK — Automatic spending cuts stemming from the failure of Congress and the White House to reach a budget deal will likely harm the disease-preventing capabilities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a new report.

GlobalData, a market research and analytics firm, said the slashing of the CDC's funding by $450 million, or 8%, due to the sequester would both hamper its ability to prevent infectious diseases through immunization, surveillance and response programs while also failing to accomplish the goal of decreasing federal spending.

February 28, 2013

The world market for generic drugs will jump more than 15% this year and reach a global total of $127.8 billion, predicted a report from British market research firm Visiongain.

Generics expected to hit double-digit growth

February 25, 2013

The energy drink category, which has enjoyed double-digit sales and unit growth for several years, faces increasing scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration.

The energy drink category, which has enjoyed double-digit sales and unit growth for several years, faces increasing scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA has said it will consider requiring companies to disclose the amount of caffeine in the drinks and add warnings about possible side effects on labeling.

February 25, 2013

Despite a wavering economy, all of the U.S. prestige beauty categories enjoyed healthy growth in 2012, according to global information company the NPD Group, which presented in late January the U.S. and global beauty industry's first look at 2012 year-end results for skin care, makeup and fragrance at its annual "Hot off the Press" event at the Harmonie Club in New York.

Despite a wavering economy, all of the U.S. prestige beauty categories enjoyed healthy growth in 2012, according to global information company the NPD Group, which presented in late January the U.S. and global beauty industry's first look at 2012 year-end results for skin care, makeup and fragrance at its annual "Hot off the Press" event at the Harmonie Club in New York.

Cosmetic Executive Women — a professional organization in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries — partnered with the NPD Group to host this year's event.

February 21, 2013

Walmart saw a slight 1% increase in same-store sales at U.S. stores, but beat analyst estimates and delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, the company announced.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart saw a diminutive 1% increase in same-store sales at U.S. stores, but beat analyst estimates and delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, the company announced Thursday.

Walmart said total sales increased 3.9% to $127.1 billion compared to $122.3 billion last year. Without the benefit of a favorable currency exchange situation, sales would have increased a lesser 3.7% to $126.8 billion. Full year sales increased by 5% to $466.1 billion compared to last year’s total of $443.8.

February 20, 2013

Supermarket operator Ahold USA could be in a position to buy Matthews, N.C.-based supermarket chain Harris Teeter, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Supermarket operator Ahold USA could be in a position to buy Matthews, N.C.-based supermarket chain Harris Teeter, according to published reports.

Citing remarks by BMO Capital Markets analyst Karen Short, the Wall Street Journal reported that Ahold, Publix Super Markets and Kroger Co. would be candidates for a purchase of Harris Teeter, with Ahold named as the most logical candidate due to an acquisitive nature and a desire to enter the southern United States.

February 20, 2013

Troy Healthcare signed a sponsorship agreement with the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul for the 2013 season.

HAZELTON, Pa. — Troy Healthcare on Wednesday signed a sponsorship agreement with the Arena Football League’s Philadelphia Soul for the 2013 season.

February 6, 2013

CVS Caremark executives expressed optimism Wednesday morning as the company posted record fourth-quarter results, raised its 2013 guidance and continues to work to leverage its distinctive business model to help people on their path to better health amid a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark executives expressed optimism Wednesday morning as the company posted record fourth-quarter results, raised its 2013 guidance and continues to work to leverage its distinctive business model to help people on their path to better health amid a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

January 30, 2013

Moms and young women helped fuel sales of at-home nail care products, according to the latest research by Mintel.

NEW YORK — Moms and young women helped fuel sales of at-home nail care products, according to the latest research by Mintel.

Women in households with children are more likely to use most nail care products than those without children in their homes, according to the latest research by Mintel. This is particularly notable with nail art accessories where 24% of women with children report usage compared with 11% in households without children.

January 9, 2013

The rocketing incidence of flu has been characterized as the most severe in at least a decade, and it's only going to get worse. Or better, depending upon your perspective.

NEW YORK — The rocketing incidence of flu has been characterized as the most severe in at least a decade, and it's only going to get worse. Or better, depending upon your perspective. 

January 4, 2013

Sales of smoking cessation aids are projected to reach $1 billion in 2012 with continued growth driving sales as high as $1.2 billion by 2017, market research firm Mintel reported.

CHICAGO — Sales of smoking cessation aids are projected to reach $1 billion in 2012 with continued growth driving sales as high as $1.2 billion by 2017, market research firm Mintel reported Thursday. 

December 28, 2012

Rite Aid last week posted a third quarter profit of $61.9 million, marking the first time Rite Aid has been back in the quarterly black since June 2007. The quarterly report beat analyst expectations as the generic wave and retention of Express Scripts customers helped drive better-than-expected adjusted EBIDTA.

It's certainly a timely Christmas gift that Rite Aid delivered to those shareholders who believed in the Pennsylvania pharmacy operation when it's stock hovered around $1 per share; in the week following the third quarter conference call Rite Aid's stock price was up some 40%.

Rite Aid last week posted a third quarter profit of $61.9 million, marking the first time Rite Aid has been back in the quarterly black since June 2007. The quarterly report beat analyst expectations as the generic wave and retention of Express Scripts customers helped drive better-than-expected adjusted EBIDTA.

December 28, 2012

Walgreens executives last week were upbeat looking ahead to calendar 2013, identifying the company's growing base of Well Experience format stores, the expanding role retail pharmacy plays in the delivery of health care and the promise to be realized through creating a global pharmacy operator as the three primary reasons lifting their spirits.

A new, fast-growing loyalty card program and closure to the company's nine-month separation from Express Scripts' pharmacy network are working wonders on improving the perception of Walgreens' future potential. A fortified faith in Walgreens' full potential never left the company's executive suite, of course. It's Wall Street analysts that still need a little convincing, and that may be coming along as well.

Walgreens executives last week were upbeat looking ahead to calendar 2013, identifying the company's growing base of Well Experience format stores, the expanding role retail pharmacy plays in the delivery of health care and the promise to be realized through creating a global pharmacy operator as the three primary reasons lifting their spirits.