Content about retail

June 6, 2013
Rite Aid comps fall in May

Rite Aid's same-store sales decreased by 1.5% in May as the shift to generic drugs continued to offset front-end comps, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales decreased by 1.5% in May as the shift to generic drugs continued to offset front-end comps, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The Camp Hill, Pa.-based retailer reported a 0.8% increase in front-end comps for the month, which included the five weeks that ended June 1, and a 2.7% decrease in pharmacy comps, which itself included a 3.73% negative effect from new generics. Same-store prescription count decreased by 0.3%.

June 6, 2013
Two new TGI Fridays baked snacks hit store shelves

Inventure Foods Inc. introduced two new baked snacks under its licensed partnership with TGI Fridays, the company announced.

PHOENIX — Inventure Foods Inc. introduced two new baked snacks under its licensed partnership with TGI Fridays, the company announced today. Extreme Heat Crunchy Fries and Jalapeno Poppers Snack Sticks add to the line of snacks inspired by the bar and casual dining restaurant menu.

June 5, 2013
Company introduces never-fried french fries to grocery freezers

Dee Amoré, the all-natural brand of Mr. Dee's, Inc., announced the launch of Dee Amoré Simply Baked — the never-fried french fries with less than 1 g of fat per serving.

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — Dee Amoré, the all-natural brand of Mr. Dee's, Inc., announced the launch of Dee Amoré Simply Baked — the never-fried french fries with less than 1 g of fat per serving.

June 5, 2013
McKesson to host 2013 ideaShare conference in Las Vegas

McKesson Corp. will host community pharmacy owners and pharmacists at the McKesson ideaShare 2013 Conference, June 26-30, at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, the wholesaler announced.

SAN FRANCISCO — McKesson Corporation will host community pharmacy owners and pharmacists at the McKesson ideaShare 2013 Conference, June 26-30, at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas, the wholesaler announced Wednesday. 

June 5, 2013
Telemedicine has just gone to the dogs

Retail pharmacy may soon have another product to showcase as part of a comprehensive pet care set — a mobile health device to track activity for dogs.

SAN FRANCISCO — Retail pharmacy may soon have another product to showcase as part of a comprehensive pet care set — a mobile health device to track activity for dogs. Whistle, a technology company dedicated to helping pets live longer and healthier lives, on Wednesday debuted its flagship product, a device that connects to a dog’s collar to measure key health indicators including activity and rest.

June 4, 2013
Logile introduces internal corporate communication tool to Giant Eagle

Logile announced today that Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle has fully implemented Logile’s Execution and Compliance Management solution across its supermarket banners, convenience stores, corporate office and retail support centers.

SOUTHLAKE, Texas — Logile on Tuesday announced today that Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle has fully implemented Logile’s Execution and Compliance Management solution across its supermarket banners, convenience stores, corporate office and retail support centers.

June 3, 2013
'Like' if you agree: NCPA gets that patient engagement of the future will be driven through social media

Independent pharmacy was provided a social media stepping stone with last week's announcement pairing the National Community Pharmacists Association and RxWiki. The companies announced a joint digital solutions offering that will raise the profile of independents across both social media and mobile platforms.

Independent pharmacy was provided a social media stepping stone with last week's announcement pairing the National Community Pharmacists Association and RxWiki. The companies announced a joint digital solutions offering that will raise the profile of independents across both social media and mobile platforms. 

June 3, 2013
CCA Industries introduces Nutra Nail Gel Perfect pedicure kit

Nutra Nail Gel Perfect, from CCA Industries, is aiming to reinvent the pedicure with its new Nutra Nail Gel Perfect Walk on the Wild Side Pedicure Kit.

NEW YORK — Nutra Nail Gel Perfect, from CCA Industries, is aiming to reinvent the pedicure with its new Nutra Nail Gel Perfect Walk on the Wild Side Pedicure Kit.

In 2011, CCA Industries launched its Nutra NailGel Perfect, a gel-color technology that sets rock solid in five minutes with no UV/LED light needed, and now the manufacturer has developed the pedicure kit.

June 3, 2013
GMDC presentation 'LINCs' retail pharmacy to patient loyalists

Retail pharmacists will be missing out on as much as a $20 billion opportunity if they don't identify how to consistently and efficiently engage their patients, suggested Jeff Rehling, principal at Edgewood Consulting Group, during a business session Sunday at the recent 2013 GMDC Health & Wellness @ Retail Conference.

SAN ANTONIO — Retail pharmacists will be missing out on as much as a $20 billion opportunity if they don't identify how to consistently and efficiently engage their patients, suggested Jeff Rehling, principal at Edgewood Consulting Group, during a business session Sunday at the recent 2013 GMDC Health & Wellness @Retail Conference. 

June 3, 2013
Health plans should let customers fill specialty prescriptions at retail, N.Y. attorney general says

The state attorney general of New York is urging health insurers to let patients buy specialty drugs through retail pharmacies instead of having to use mail-order.

NEW YORK — The state attorney general of New York is urging health insurers to let patients buy specialty drugs through retail pharmacies instead of having to use mail-order.

June 3, 2013
Letting shoppers buy online, pick up in store could drive more customer traffic, study finds

Integration of social and mobile media, as well as shipping options and flexible returns, can drive brand loyalty as consumers seek out more choices and convenience when shopping online, according to a new study.

ATLANTA — Integration of social and mobile media, as well as shipping options and flexible returns, can drive brand loyalty as consumers seek out more choices and convenience when shopping online, according to a new study.

June 1, 2013
Ethnic shoppers, mobile technology to redefine retail

Burgeoning target demographics, such as Hispanics, Asians and baby boomers, along with an increased utility of smartphone technology as a shopping tool, will help to redefine retail altogether, suggested Thom Blischok, chief retail strategist and senior executive adviser for Booz & Co. during the keynote address and closing session for FMI’s part in the Health & Wellness @Retail 2013 conference on Saturday.

Burgeoning target demographics, such as Hispanics, Asians and baby boomers, along with an increased utility of smartphone technology as a shopping tool, will help to redefine retail altogether, suggested Thom Blischok, chief retail strategist and senior executive adviser for Booz & Co. during the keynote address and closing session for FMI’s part in the Health & Wellness @Retail 2013 conference on Saturday.

June 1, 2013
GMDC365 bridges retail buyers and suppliers

GMDC and The Retail Gateway on Sunday will showcase the latest virtual connectivity innovation — GMDC365 — that will help bridge the gap between retail buyers and suppliers at the GMDC/FMI Health & Wellness @Retail 2013 conference.

SAN ANTONIO — GMDC and The Retail Gateway on Sunday will showcase the latest virtual connectivity innovation — GMDC365 — that will help bridge the gap between retail buyers and suppliers at the GMDC/FMI Health & Wellness @Retail 2013 conference.


The GMDC365 website helps vendors and buyers connect within their specific categories and retail channels.

May 31, 2013
Industry experts discuss health-conscious consumers

Thursday morning started on a high note as a panel of industry experts from both the retail and manufacturing side of the grocery industry engaged in a discussion on meeting the needs of today’s health-conscious consumer.

Thursday morning started on a high note as a panel of industry experts from both the retail and manufacturing side of the grocery industry engaged in a discussion on meeting the needs of today’s health-conscious consumer. The PepsiCo-sponsored panel, moderated by Phil Lempert of The Supermarket Guru, comprised of Natalia Menza of Wakefern Food Corp., Kate Rogers of H-E-B, Juli Hermanson of General Mills, Wendy Bazilian of Bazilian, Inc. and Leah McGrath of Ingles Markets.

May 31, 2013
Rx sales increase at supermarket

Out of all retail pharmacy outlets, food stores have slightly increased their prescription sales, generating March year-to-date sales of $5.7 billion, up 0.5%, according to IMS Health data. Including drug, mail and independents, prescription sales totaled $58.3 billion, down 4.7%, reported Doug Long, VP industry relations for IMS Health, at an FMI education breakout.

Out of all retail pharmacy outlets, food stores have slightly increased their prescription sales, generating March year-to-date sales of $5.7 billion, up 0.5%, according to IMS Health data. Including drug, mail and independents, prescription sales totaled $58.3 billion, down 4.7%, reported Doug Long, VP industry relations for IMS Health, at an FMI education breakout.

May 31, 2013
Training dietitians for retail

Amy Myrdal Miller, director of programs and culinary nutrition at the Culinary Institute of America, and Annette Maggi, executive director of Retail Dietitians Business Alliance and president of Annette Maggi & Associates, headed up the education breakout session titled “Everything I needed to know I learned in kindergarten … except how to work in the food industry.”

SAN ANTONIO — Looking to arm registered dietitians working in the retail food industry with the business skills and knowledge needed to succeed — such as developing an effective elevator pitch, dressing for success, obtaining a sponsor and a mentor, and having a confident handshake — Amy Myrdal Miller, director of programs and culinary nutrition at the Culinary Institute of America, and Annette Maggi, executive director of Retail Dietitians Business Alliance and president of Annette Maggi & Associates, headed up the education breakout session titled “Everything I

May 30, 2013
DSN to co-host pre-TSE forum: Seven ways to create the future

The Mack Elevation Forum and the Drug Store News Group will co-host a one-day summit event on Aug. 9 at the Westin Hotel as a special kickoff for Total Store Expo. Assembling some of the top minds in retail, "The Elevation Forum: The Seven Ideas to Create the Future," will give attendees a grasp of emerging industry best practices in strategic sales, marketing, merchandising and retail consumer packaged goods strategy.

LAS VEGAS — The Mack Elevation Forum and the Drug Store News Group will co-host a one-day summit event on Aug. 9, here, at the Westin Hotel, as a special kickoff for Total Store Expo. Assembling some of the top minds in retail, "The Elevation Forum: The Seven Ideas to Create the Future," will give attendees a grasp of emerging industry best practices in strategic sales, marketing, merchandising and retail consumer packaged goods strategy.

May 30, 2013
DSN, CCA host 6th Retail Clinician Education Congress

The Drug Store News Group, in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association, hosted the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress at the Planet Hollywood resort and casino last month.

LAS VEGAS — The Drug Store News Group, in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association, hosted the sixth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress at the Planet Hollywood resort and casino last month. In addition to the annual CARE Awards (i.e., Clinician Achievement in Retail Excellence), which celebrate the excellence in patient care delivery at the nurse practitioner/physician assistant level, the event also featured a special roundtable discussion with top retail clinic leaders.

May 30, 2013
Growing the health, beauty connection

Looking good is feeling good. It may sound cliché, but the reality is that there's a meaningful correlation between health and beauty, and consumers who are proactive about their health also take a greater interest in their personal appearance.

Looking good is feeling good. It may sound cliché, but the reality is that there's a meaningful correlation between health and beauty, and consumers who are proactive about their health also take a greater interest in their personal appearance.

May 30, 2013
Jean Coutu Group to spend $184.3 million on relocation

Canadian retail pharmacy operator the Jean Coutu Group will spend nearly $200 million to relocate its headquarters and distribution center, the company said.

LONGUEUIL, Quebec — Canadian retail pharmacy operator the Jean Coutu Group will spend nearly $200 million to relocate its headquarters and distribution center, the company said.

Jean Coutu Group said it would consolidate operations presently located in the city of Longueuil, Quebec, to a new, 800,000-sq.-ft. location in Varennes, on the south shore of Montreal.

May 30, 2013
Price a primary factor in hygiene purchases

Fortunately, daily hygiene is more or less recession-proof. Thanks to the near universal usage of soap, bath and shower products, this market has been largely unscathed by the weakened economy and is expected to enjoy growth going forward. That being said, consumers have altered their buying habits of such products in recent years, and are looking for value.

Fortunately, daily hygiene is more or less recession-proof. Thanks to the near universal usage of soap, bath and shower products, this market has been largely unscathed by the weakened economy and is expected to enjoy growth going forward. That being said, consumers have altered their buying habits of such products in recent years, and are looking for value. Manufacturers looking to bolster sales will need to continue to integrate additional benefits.

May 30, 2013
Reaching a multicultural market

Understanding the needs of the multicultural marketplace, personal care company Sundial Brands, the maker of SheaMoisture, is working to take a new general market positioning at retail. Richelieu Dennis, founder and CEO of Sundial Brands, talked with Drug Store News about the brand's heritage and how it is catering to the needs of its customers.

Understanding the needs of the multicultural marketplace, personal care company Sundial Brands, the maker of SheaMoisture, is working to take a new general market positioning at retail. Richelieu Dennis, founder and CEO of Sundial Brands, talked with Drug Store News about the brand's heritage and how it is catering to the needs of its customers.

DSN: What makes SheaMoisture unique and what has been key to the brand's success?

May 30, 2013
Retail health professionals gather in San Antonio for Health and Wellness @Retail 2013

The Food Marketing Institute Health and Wellness @Retail held in conjunction with the Global Market Development Center HBW Conference kicked off this week with a mission of bringing together retail pharmacy, nutrition, marketing and merchandising professionals with manufacturers and service providers to share insights on how stores can provide a one-stop shopping experience for today’s shoppers.

SAN ANTONIO — The Food Marketing Institute Health and Wellness @Retail held in conjunction with the Global Market Development Center HBW Conference kicked off this week with a mission of bringing together retail pharmacy, nutrition, marketing and merchandising professionals with manufacturers and service providers to share insights on how stores can provide a one-stop shopping experience for today’s shoppers.

The new hybrid event is being held May 29 to June 3 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country in San Antonio.

May 30, 2013
The REAL tipping point

"A number of factors are driving the explosion in convenient care…." That's what a May 4 article, "Retail clinics at tipping point," on the website ModernHealthcare.com had to say about the growth of retail clinics, and the role the model can be expected to play as healthcare reform hits full stride.

"A number of factors are driving the explosion in convenient care…." That's what a May 4 article, "Retail clinics at tipping point," on the website ModernHealthcare.com had to say about the growth of retail clinics, and the role the model can be expected to play as healthcare reform hits full stride.

May 30, 2013
Trending Now

Mass market retailers increasingly are elevating their health and beauty departments to help shoppers look good and feel good — initiatives that are playing out in various forms at retail. To share with readers some of the most innovative efforts currently underway at mass, Drug Store News took a closer look at what's trending now in beauty.

Mass market retailers increasingly are elevating their health and beauty departments to help shoppers look good and feel good — initiatives that are playing out in various forms at retail. To share with readers some of the most innovative efforts currently underway at mass, Drug Store News took a closer look at what's trending now in beauty.