Chain Drug Review articles from February 2003

Chain Drug Review archives from February 2003

Kmart gets new CEO as it works to exit Chap. 11.(Jim Adamson hands CEO post to Julian Day)
February 3, 2003... TROY, Mich. -- Saying he has nearly completed what he wanted to accomplish, Jim Adamson relinquished his post as chief executive officer of Kmart Corp. last month, handing over the reins to president and chief operating officer Julian Day. ...

Discount drug card is in works.(Medicare)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has asked companies wanting to participate in its proposed Medicare prescription drug card program to submit applications by March 7. Critics of the plan say the call for...

Eckerd takes prototype to next level.
February 3, 2003... PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- Eckerd Corp.'s latest prototype offers "a new level of drug store shopping and convenience," chairman and chief executive officer Wayne Harris said at the company's analysts meeting last month. The 13,800-square-foot...

Debate rages over who should pay Mass. Rx tax.
February 3, 2003... BOSTON -- The argument over Massachusetts' recently implemented prescription tax heated up last month as retailers and legislators disagreed over who should pay the tax: pharmacies or consumers. The $1.30-a-prescription assessment added to...

Walgreens has reason to celebrate.(centennial meeting)
February 3, 2003... CHICAGO -- Assuming that Charles Walgreen Sr., founder of the drug chain that bears his name, began a tradition by meeting with friends or family members at the close of his first year of business, Walgreen Co.'s leaders met for the 100th time...

States form drug purchasing group.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Seeking to bypass pharmacy benefits management companies (PBMs), nine states and the District of Columbia are forming a nonprofit drug purchasing organization for their employees and Medicaid beneficiaries. Connecticut, Hawaii,...

Sorkin to get his own trial.(Eric Sorkin of Rite Aid Corp.)
February 3, 2003... HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. executive Eric Sorkin will have his own trial on obstruction of justice and perjury charges stemming from the federal investigation of the drug store operator's past accounting practices. Sorkin, who is...

Gabriel joins Albertsons.(C.J. "Gabe" Gabriel appointed executive vp)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons Inc. has named C.J. "Gabe" Gabriel executive vice president of the supply chain. He will report to president and chief operating officer Peter Lynch and serve on the supermarket, drug and food/drug combination...

Kerr makes Zawilla a senior VP.(Kerr Drug, Emil "Buck" Zawilla)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... DURHAM, N.C. -- Kerr Drug has promoted Emil "Buck" Zawilla to senior vice president of operations. "Buck has enormous experience in many areas," notes president and chief executive officer Tony Civello. "His knowledge of retail operations...

CVS reaches settlement on partial-fill Rx billing.(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has agreed to pay $1.1 million to several states to settle allegations of unfair and deceptive billing practices arising from so-called partial-fill prescriptions. Last month's agreement with attorneys general...

Duracell will cut prices of batteries. (Supplier News).
February 3, 2003... BETHEL, Conn. -- Duracell is cutting the prices of its batteries, reducing promotional activities and increasing the role of advertising in its marketing efforts. According to a spokesman, the actions mark a new phase in the company's...

Pfizer to sell Schick unit to Energizer. (Supplier News).(Energizer Holdings Inc. to buy Schick-Wilkinson Sword)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- Pfizer Inc. has agreed to sell its Schick-Wilkinson Sword shaving products business to Energizer Holdings Inc. for $930 million. Energizer will finance the transaction with cash and a $550 million, 364-day bridge loan arranged...

Murphy gets exec VP post at Revlon. (Supplier News).(Paul Murphy)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Revlon Inc. has named Coca-Cola Co. executive Paul Murphy executive vice president of North American sales, effective February 1. He will report directly to Jack Stahl, president and chief executive officer of the cosmetics and...

Walgreens profits rise 24.6% on 14% sales gain. (Business).
February 3, 2003... DEERFIELD, Ill. - Walgreen Co. came roaring out of the gate in fiscal 2003, generating a 24.6% bottom-line gain on a 14% sales increase for the three months ended November 30. Net income escalated to a record $231.6 million from $185.9...

Adjusted earnings decrease 6.6% at Kroger. (Business).
February 3, 2003... CINCINNATI -- Third quarter earnings at Kroger Co. nearly doubled on a reported basis but slipped 6.6% on an adjusted basis behind weakening sales and rising expenses. Management also lowered its profit forecast for next year, with flat...

Still the most exciting retail segment in America. (My Turn).(drug chains)
February 3, 2003... In 1978, the year Chain Drug Review first was published, chain drug retailing was an industry run by giants. Indeed, it is fair to say that at no time in the industry's history before or since that date have so many outstanding executives led...

Companies should have right to express views. (My Turn).(Supreme Court scheduled to hear Nike commercial speech case)
February 3, 2003... In April the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in a case that could have a profound impact on the ability of businesses to compete in the marketplace of ideas. Last month the justices agreed to review a four-to-three ruling by...

Harried consumers look for some help. (Consumables).(convenience foods, beverages)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK--Increasing numbers of consumers are bringing their appetites as well as their health care needs to drug stores. A report issued by ACNielsen last month is one of the most recent affirmations of the popularity of beverages, snacks...

Study maps strategy for drug chains. (Consumables).(food, beverage approaches)
February 3, 2003... Editor's note: This is the first of a four-part series. ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Food and beverages are a relatively new frontier for drug chains, but one promising to lead the trade class to sustained growth in the 21st century. Chain drug...

Consumables take on bigger role at Kerr. (Consumables).(Kerr Drug)
February 3, 2003... DURHAM, NC. -- "We have become a convenience destination," notes Diane Eliezer, director of marketing at Kerr Drug, in describing the chain's initiatives in the consumables category. "We use a variety of displays and manufacturer promotions --...

Big suppliers reenergize marketing. (Consumables).(Coca-Cola Co. and Pepsi-Cola Co. have debuted advertising blitzes)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Soft drink giants Coca-Cola Co. and Pepsi-Cola Co. have debuted advertising blitzes bound to bring more consumables shoppers to drug chains and other retailers. Coca-Cola's campaign integrates advertising, music, promotions,...

P&G donates nutritious snack food technology. (Consumables).(Procter & Gamble Co.)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Suppliers in the consumables category are working to satisfy the sometimes-conflicting demand for products that offer appealing tastes but reduce significant calories or avoid ingredients that pose other health risks. For...

Chocolate prices are on the rise. (Consumables).
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Prices for chocolate confections are on the rise. In December Mars Inc.'s Masterfoods USA Inc. division raised the cost of its single M&M packs and Snickers and other candy bars by approximately 10%. Hershey Foods Corp.,...

Attracting the 'fill-in' shopper. (Consumables).(to drugstores)
February 3, 2003... WASHINGTON -- A recently released study highlights how drug chains that merchandise milk products can enhance overall sales by attracting "fill-in" shoppers. Fill-in shopping occasions are defined as the periods when consumers lack time for...

Cadbury high on Adams deal. (Consumables).(Cadbury Schweppes PLC's pending purchase of Pfizer Inc.'s Adams unit for $4.2 billion )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... LONDON -- Cadbury Schweppes PLC's pending purchase of Pfizer Inc.'s Adams unit for $4.2 billion will help the firm enhance its position in the global consumables business. "Adams gives us confectionery market leadership and a unique...

New technology transforms the business. (Oral Care).(power-assisted toothbrushes )
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- As in so many other product areas, technology is playing a crucial role in shaping the direction of the oral care category. For many consumers the advent of power-assisted toothbrushes carrying price points at or near those of...

Demand for whiteners surges. (Oral Care).(Industry Overview)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- While performance in the dentifrice category has been mixed in recent months, sales of whiteners that fall outside the realm of traditional toothpastes have soared. Information Resources Inc. (IRI) reports that dollar sales of...

Dentifrices do more than just clean teeth. (Oral Care).(Industry Overview)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Technological advances over the past few years have transformed the toothpaste category into one that provides consumers with benefits well beyond just fighting cavities. Rare is the dentifrice these days that does not also...

Licensed products, power brushes draw kids. (Oral Care).
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Licensed products and the power brush craze define the trends shaping the children's oral care market. With power-assisted toothbrushes making up the fastest-growing segment in oral hygiene, more suppliers are launching such...

Manual brushes deliver value. (Oral Care).(Industry Overview)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- The recent trend toward power-assisted toothbrushes has not meant the demise of the traditional manual products. In fact, retailers and suppliers report, the manual toothbrush remains a key component of the oral care category,...

Toothbrush sanitizers find niche. (Oral Care).
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- With a number of consumers concerned about the germs and bacteria that can accumulate on wet toothbrushes when they are left exposed in their bathrooms, a handful of companies have created a niche market for electronic toothbrush...

Results show there's strength in diversity. (Social Expressions).(greeting cards market in drugstores)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- The leading suppliers in the social expressions category are helping drug chains boost sales by offering increasingly diverse lines of greeting cards and related products while keeping their assortments fresh. For example,...

AG division, Nickelodeon join forces. (Social Expressions).(American Greetings Corp. subsidiary Learning Horizons teams with Nickelodeon to produce educational workbooks)
February 3, 2003... CLEVELAND -- American Greetings Corp.'s Learning Horizons subsidiary has worked with Nickelodeon, the leading children's television channel, to create a line of educational products. Featuring the popular "Nick Jr." characters Dora the...

'Cocoon boom' lifts candle sales. (Social Expressions).(Americans staying at home increase candles sales)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Economic uncertainties and the fallout from September 11, 2001, have led many Americans to put more value on time spent in their homes. The "cocoon boom" has led to an upsurge in sales of such home decor items as candles. ...

The options multiply for Hispanics. (Social Expressions).(greeting card industry targets Hispanics)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Hispanics now comprise the nation's fastest-growing ethnic group, and social expressions suppliers have taken notice. Hallmark Cards Inc. is poised to launch Sinceramente Hallmark, the most comprehensive line of...

Chains unlock category's potential. (Books and Magazines).
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Magazines are gaining prominence in the chain drug merchandise mix, say both publishers and retailers, as consumers continue to hunger for information. Health and beauty periodicals are a natural fit with drug stores, they...

Martha Stewart aims at everyday cooking. (Books and Magazines).(Everyday Food magazine indtroduced)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Martha Stewart has unveiled a new magazine for the mass market shopper and everyday cook, featuring quick, easy recipes using supermarket and drug store ingredients for weekday meals. Available at drug chains including Walgreen...

Health magazine sets in-store beauty events. (Books and Magazines).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Heightened interest from chain drug retailers in the cross-merchandising possibilities of magazines will result this year in in-store beauty programs cosponsored by health magazine. While not identifying the retailer pending a...

Walgreens touts books on health. (Books and Magazines).(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... DEERFIELD, Ill. - Walgreen Co. has begun selling softcover books over its web site as part of an expanded agreement with Mayo Clinic Health Information. Such consumer titles as Mayo Clinic on Healthy Weight, Mayo Clinic on Arthritis and...

Maximizing opportunities for Rx-to-O-T-C switches. (IRI Insights).(prescription drugs move to over-the-counter status)
February 3, 2003... Retailers axe bracing for unprecedented upheaval -- and opportunity--as a slew of blockbuster prescription drugs move to over-the-counter status during the next few years. Schering-Plough Corp's allergy drug Claritin, with $2.7 billion in...

Markwins.
February 3, 2003... Markwins International Corp. expects a combination of sales growth initiatives, operational efficiencies and productivity gains to drive sales up 20% in 2003. Key sales growth drivers include new product innovation across all categories,...

Norstar.(Norstar Consumer Products)
February 3, 2003... Norstar Consumer Products Co. is a leading supplier in the niche beauty arena that is committed to offering solutions for personal comfort through product development and by using resources from all over the world to incorporate the latest...

What is marketplace? Your best trade show investment.
February 3, 2003... The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Marketplace Conference is the trade show of all trade shows - literally the largest and most powefful convergence of drug, food, mass, club, and value retailing in the United States. It is...

Why attend marketplace?
February 3, 2003... By any measure, Marketplace is an extraordinary event, rich with business opportunities for retailers and manufacturers alike. Successful Marketplace participants use this Conference as an essential component of their annual marketing plan, and...

Judge nixes administration's discount drug card.
February 17, 2003... WASHINGTON -- A federal judge's rejection of the Bush administration's discount drug card proposal is a step toward free and open debate over a Medicare drug benefit, says Larry Kocot, senior vice president and general counsel of the National...

Regional chains carve niche.(Small drug chains hold ground amid chain drug industry consolidation)
February 17, 2003... KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- Small drug chains have more than held their ground since consolidation swept the chain drug industry, Jose Navarro, president and chief executive officer of Navarro Discount Pharmacies, told his counterparts here. ...

Eckerd joins retail fray in Arizona.(Eckerd Corp)
February 17, 2003... SUN CITY, Ariz. -- Eckerd Corp. made good on its promise to move into Arizona when it opened its first store in the state earlier this month. After announcing its plan to build more than 80 stores in Arizona over the next three years, the...

FDA chief backs fair deal for generics.(Generic Pharmaceutical Association meeting)
February 17, 2003... SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- To repeated applause and a standing ovation, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Mark McClellan told the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPbA) that ensuring rapid, fair access to generic medications is one of...

Bush links Rx coverage with Medicare reform.
February 17, 2003... WASHINGTON -- As part of his state of the union address last month President Bush recommended dramatic changes in the nation's Medicare system that would help provide prescription drug coverage to senior citizens. However, the president's...

Kmart plan calls for exit from Chap. 11 by April 30.
February 17, 2003... TROY, Mich. -- Kmart Corp. plans to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by the end of April with a store base of about 1,500 (around 1,100 with pharmacies) and a $2 billion financing package. In a reorganization plan submitted on January...

2003 Sales Scoreboard.
February 17, 2003... Jan. 2003 vol.: $10.63 bil. Gain vs. Jan. 2002: 6.6% Same-store increase: 4.8% Source: Racher Press research.

Bush aims to loosen Medicaid requirements.
February 17, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration unveiled a plan for revising the nation's Medicaid system late last month that could reduce, eliminate or increase benefits for millions of low-income people across the country. The administration says...

Longs' Jones steps down.(Longs Drug Stores' senior vice president of properties and corporate secretary retired )(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Orlo Jones, Longs Drug Stores' senior vice president of properties and corporate secretary, retired at the end of last month. He began his career with the drug chain as a corporate attorney/real estate...

In-store tests of RFID technology start.(Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology will be tested by CVS Corp and others)
February 17, 2003... BOSTON -- Three of the world's largest mass market retailers and a top-tier supplier will begin the first large-scale testing of breakthrough radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology developed by the Auto-ID Center at the...

Coutu gets results in dispute with CIBC.(Jean Coutu Group reaches settlement in dispute with CIBC World Markets)
February 17, 2003... TORONTO -- A complaint lodged over a year ago by Jean Coutu Group to the effect that it had been disadvantaged by the failure of CIBC World Markets Inc., the underwriter of Shoppers Drug Mart's (SDM's) initial public offering (IPO) in 2001, to...

Rite Aid moves to bolster loss prevention program.(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. has added Retail Expert Inc.'s NaviStor software package to its loss prevention program. In choosing NaviStor, Rite Aid joins such other retailers as CVS Corp. and Big Y Foods in using the supplier's...

Scene at the show.(Attendance at National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference )(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... Retail attendance at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference was up 20% from last year to over 110. Total conference attendance was around 400, including an alumni group. Participants attended three days of...

Unilever puts muscle behind Dove hair care launch. (Supplier News).(Unilever Home & Personal Care USA)
February 17, 2003... GREENWICH, Conn. -- Unilever Home & Personal Care USA says its launch of a line of shampoos and conditioners is the largest debut, in terms of both support and expected growth, of a daily hair care collection in the North American market. ...

MPG helps firms hone operations. (Supplier News).(Market Performance Group LLC will provide consumer packaged goods suppliers and retailers with practical programs to improve performance)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... NEW YORK -- Two industry veterans have formed Market Performance Group LLC (MPG) to provide consumer packaged goods suppliers and retailers with practical programs geared to improving their performance. In forming MPG, cofounders Marc...

Snapple tries meal replacements. (Supplier News).(Snapple Beverage Group offers fruit-flavor, soy protein-based meal replacement drink dubbed Snapple-A-Day )
February 17, 2003... NEW YORK -- The meal replacement category is about to receive a major shake-up with the entry of Cadbury Schweppes PLC's Snapple Beverage Group Inc. This month the supplier begins shipping a fruit-flavor, soy protein-based meal replacement...

New ad campaign touts Oral B brand. (Supplier News).(Gillette Co's new toothbrushes)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... BOSTON -- Gillette Co. is supporting its line of Oral B toothbrushes with a new television advertising initiative. Created by BBDO NY and launched earlier this month, the commercial is airing on such television programs as NBC's "Scrubs"...

Dr. Thrower's wins wider distribution. (Supplier News).(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... MIAMI -- The Dr. Thrower's Heritage Skin Care collection, which targets the skin care needs of African-Americans and other ethnic consumers, is winning broader distribution. The line, which was developed by Angelo Thrower, a dermatologist...

Church & Dwight. (Product Pipeline).(Armkel LLC affiliate adds two new products to its Trojan condom line)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... Church & Dwight Co.'s Armkel LLC affiliate has added two new products to its Trojan condom line. TROJAN MINT TINGLE condoms are peppermint- and spearmint-flavored condoms being marketed in a variety of colors, and TROJAN TWISTED PLEASURE...

Alberto-Culver. (Product Pipeline).(Introduces FDS PURSONALS FEMININE DEODORANT SPRAY )(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... Alberto-Culver Co. has introduced FDS PURSONALS FEMININE DEODORANT SPRAY Aimed at keeping women shower-fresh throughout the day, the product comes in packaging the size of a lipstick. It uses a hypoallergenic, natural cornstarch formula said to...

Kellogg. (Product Pipeline).(Snack division of Kellogg Co. USA offers new Rice Krispies treat, RAINBOW RICE KRISPIES TREATS SQUARES)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... The snack division of Kellogg Co. USA has introduced a new Rice Krispies treat, RAINBOW RICE KRISPIES TREATS SQUARES. The new item, which comes out on the heels of the company's successful launch of RAINBOW CHIPS DELUXE, are 1.3-ounce...

Colgate-Palmolive. (Product Pipeline).(Offers SPEED STICK POWER OF NATURE DEODORANT)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... Colgate-Palmolive Co. has targeted what it says is a growing men's underarm protection market with SPEED STICK POWER OF NATURE DEODORANT. Available in three scents -- Lightning, an intense, full-strength scent; Avalanche, an icy cool fragrance;...

O2GO. (Product Pipeline).(O2GO International offers O2GO SKIN CARE spray and other products)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... O2GO International, a new nutraceutical and health care company, has announced a product line based on a formula of atomic-activated oxygen for the areas of skin care and beauty and as an energy and stamina supplement. O2GO SKIN CARE is a spray...

DreamWorks. (Product Pipeline).(DreamWorks Home Entertainment will offer The Tuxedo on video and DVD)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... DreamWorks Home Entertainment has scheduled the video and DVD release of the action-comedy movie THE TUXEDO for February 25. The film is about a fast-driving chauffeur (Jackie Chan) who dons a state-of-the-art tuxedo and unwittingly becomes a...

Touchstone Home Entertainment. (Product Pipeline).(Releases video and DVD versions of Sweet Home Alabama)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... Touchstone Home Entertainment, distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, has released video and DVD versions of the romantic comedy SWEET HOME ALABAMA. The DVD includes an alternate ending to the film, eight deleted scenes with...

L&N Sales and Marketing. (Product Pipeline).(L&N Sales and Marketing launches latest line of SCUNCI combs)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... L&N Sales and Marketing has launched its latest line of SCUNCI combs. Designed by the Chicago-based firm Beyond Design Inc., this line of products boasts a variety of uses combined with intriguing shapes. The new combs are said to be ergonomic...

Sunbeam. (Product Pipeline).(Introduces OSTER IN2ITIVE BLENDER and BLEND-N-GO)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... Sunbeam has introduced high-tech tools in its appliance and health divisions to help motivate the 48% of Americans who make New Year's resolutions to lose weight or to change their eating habits. Included are the OSTER IN2ITIVE BLENDER and...

Gilliam Candy. (Product Pipeline).(Gilliam Candy Brands Inc. will offer Sofie Mae Peanut Brittle)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... Gilliam Candy Brands Inc. has said it will begin offering its Sofie Mae Peanut Brittle in a bite-size, crunchy peanut snack called SOPHIE MAE PEANUT BRITTLE BITS. Designed to provide today's on-the-go consumers with a convenient snack, these...

McGraw-Hill. (Product Pipeline).(McGraw-Hill Children's Publishing offers two-book series ANIMAL FACES)
February 17, 2003... McGraw-Hill Children's Publishing has introduced the two-book series ANIMAL FACES. Animal Faces in the Water and Animal Faces on Snow & Ice explain how the faces of animals have evolved to aid their survival. Targeted to readers between 5 and...

ThermaCELL. (Product Pipeline).(Schawbel introduces CORDLESS CURLING IRONS and STRAIGHTENERS )(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... The Schawbel Corp., developer of ThermaCELL, has introduced CORDLESS CURLING IRONS and STRAIGHTENERS in compact and standard sizes. ThermaCELL products fit into any standard purse or bag, heat up quickly with professional styling heat for...

Cardinal earnings increase 29.7%. (Business).(Cardinal Health Inc.)
February 17, 2003... DUBLIN, Ohio -- Medicine Shoppe International Inc. (MSI) parent Cardinal Health Inc. rolled to another quarter of double-digit growth in revenues and earnings during the three months ended December 31. Net income for the drug wholesaler and...

Drugstore.com cuts loss 96.8% in quarter. (Business).
February 17, 2003... BELLEVUE Wash. -- Rising sales and drastic expense reductions helped drugstore.com achieve much lower operating and net losses for the fourth quarter and full fiscal 2002 year. That finish enabled management to reaffirm its forecast of...

Double-digit gains renorted by Coutu. (Business).(Jean Coutu Group)
February 17, 2003... LONGUEUIL, Quebec -- Jean Coutu Group booked impressive increases on both the top and bottom lines during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2003, due in large part to the contribution of 80 former Osco drug stores that were added to...

Business.(Data on chain drug stocks)(Illustration)
February 17, 2003... Chain drug stocks Current Previous close close Net % 1/28/03 1/14/03 change change Dow Jones Composite...

Chain drug store stocks begin new year on sour note. (Business).
February 17, 2003... NEW YORK -- Along with the rest of Wall Street, drug store stocks started out 2003 on a sour note. Between December 31, 2002, and January 31, 2003, Chain Drug Review's stock index, which tracks the performance of all publicly traded drug...

Things in chain drug retailing have changed. And yet. (My Turn).
February 17, 2003... In September of 1978, when Chain Drug Review published its first issue, the newspaper reported on the comings and goings of an industry in many ways vastly different from the one the publication covers today. Many of the companies and...

Retail pharmacy needs to go on the offensive. (My Turn).
February 17, 2003... Pharmacy operators finally have achieved a long-anticipated victory in their fight to block the Bush administration's misguided attempt to create a discount drug card for Medicare beneficiaries. Last month's ruling by U.S. District Court...

New era requires new strategies. (Photography).
February 17, 2003... NEW YORK -- Revolutionary changes in the photo category have led chain drug retailers to rethink their approach to the business. "The digital area of photo, the fastest-growing segment in the category, is positioned for explosive growth...

Store brands make inroads.(photo items do well)(Brief Article)
February 17, 2003... NEW YORK -- As consumers become more comfortable with private label merchandise, they are increasingly embracing store brand photo items. The private label photo segment has show dramatic growth versus the overall category. While the photo...

Capitalizing on demand for digital images.
February 17, 2003... It comes as no surprise to those of us who have been in the industry for a while that digital photography has become a popular alternative to traditional film. With 9.3 million digital cameras sold in 2002 alone, there is now a population...