Chain Drug Review articles from January 2007

Chain Drug Review archives from January 2007

CDR names Kerr's Civello Retailer of the Year.(Tony Civello of Kerr Drug Stores )
January 1, 2007... RALEIGH, N.C. -- For Tony Civello, the past 18 months have been among the most tumultuous yet satisfying times of his more than 40 years in chain drug retailing. "The entire industry has gone through dynamic changes during that short...

Steirly of Walgreens honored as top merchant.(Kathy Steirly of Walgreen Co. )
January 1, 2007... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- "A leading force in the beauty industry" is a phrase that has been used to describe both Walgreen Co. and Kathy Steirly, and when they teamed up two years ago no one was surprised at the potent combination that was created....

Lifetime achievement award presented to Levin.(Alan Levin former chairman of National Association of Chain Drug Stores)
January 1, 2007... NEWARK, Del. -- Alan Levin may be just 52, but he has worked in--and for--chain drug retailing for the better part of 25 years. Over that time he built Newark, Del.-based Happy Harry's Inc. into one of the premier regional drug chains in the...

Alliance Boots' Baker tabbed best global retailer.(CDR International Retailer of the Year)(Alliance Boots PLC)
January 1, 2007... NOTTINGHAM, England -- The editors of Chain Drug Review have named Richard Baker, chief executive of Alliance Boots PLC, recipient of the Arthur Konviser Award as the publication's 2006 International Chain Drug Retailer of the Year. The...

Cotton, Waters lauded for marketing.(CDR Marketers of the Year)(William Cotton, Boots Retail International and Martin Waters, Boots Retail USA)
January 1, 2007... NOTTINGHAM, England -- Many retailers have successful store brands, but Boots brand beauty products have taken the concept to the next level. More than alternatives to national brands, they are successful national brands--actually international...

Express Scripts makes bid for Caremark.(News)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- The bidding war for Caremark Rx Inc. initiated by Express Scripts Inc. could escalate with a sweetened offer from CVS Corp. or a private equity firm, according to analysts. Express Scripts has offered to buy Caremark Rx for cash...

Medicaid cuts hit pharmacy hard.(government finance for pharmaceutical services )
January 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- Planned reductions in the reimbursements paid for dispensing generic prescriptions covered by Medicaid will have a devastating impact on community pharmacies, those in the industry say. At press time, the cuts were scheduled...

Chain drug stores turn in solid Christmas sales.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Drug chains demonstrated their immunity to the vagaries of illness this holiday season, posting strong sales despite limited flu outbreaks. Volume for the period from Friday, November 24, the day after Thanksgiving, to midnight...

O-T-C painkillers eyed by FDA.(over the counter drugs)(Food and Drug Administration)
January 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration wants to impose stronger safety warnings on such everyday pain drugs as Advil, Motrin and Tylenol. The agency outlined its proposal over concerns that many consumers are inadequately informed about...

Costco alters generics program.(News)(Costco Wholesale Corp)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. has ended a program in which it filled prescriptions at $4 for a 30-day supply of generic drugs. A new initiative by the wholesale club operator features 100 pills for $10. The $4 program was...

A recommitment to patient privacy.(drug stores )(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Some of the nation's leading drug chains have reiterated policies calling for the careful disposal of patient records after a television news report turned up patient information in trash bins outside stores. Indianapolis...

CVS inks deal with LaVar on exclusive hair care line.(News)(LaVar Cosmetics)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has formed an exclusive relationship with LaVar Cosmetics to distribute a line of specialized hair care items. The Ellin LaVar Textures line is designed specifically for the needs of women with textured or...

MinuteClinic comes to Jacksonville.(News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Three MinuteClinic health care centers have debuted in CVS Corp. stores in this metropolitan area. "MinuteClinic offers customers convenient, high-quality health care services and is a natural extension of our mission...

It's status quo at Walgreens.(News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Contrary to a recently published report on Walgreen Co.'s plans to significantly increase the amount of apparel it carries, a spokeswoman for the drug chain is adamant that it is not getting into the clothing business in the...

Hopes are high as von Eschenbach takes reins at FDA.(Andrew von Eschenbach)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- Last month's Senate confirmation of Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration has won applause from a number of health care trade organizations, including the National Association of Chain Drug...

CVS to help children who are disabled.(News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- More than $5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that provide programs to serve children with disabilities was made last year by the charitable trust of CVS Corp. Organizations throughout the country were chosen...

Rite Aid urges consumers to take Rite Weigh Challenge.(News)(Lindora)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. is helping consumers fulfill a popular New Year's resolution with its Rite Weigh Challenge, which launched today. Through its partnership with Lindora, a specialist in weight loss programs, Rite Aid is...

Chain Drug execs look ahead.(industry forecasts )
January 1, 2007... Several factors hold promise for chain drug retailing in 2007, including the increasing numbers of baby boomers reaching their 60s and needing more prescriptions, and the growing availability of high-margin generics. Greater use of drugs...

NCPA study pinpoints Rx compliance issues.(National Community Pharmacists Association on medication errors )
January 1, 2007... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- A recently released survey reveals that improper medication use is reaching crisis proportions, with nearly three out of four consumers admitting that they often fail to take their prescriptions as directed. The poll,...

Wal-Mart's Menzer added to HHS panel.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. vice chairman John Menzer has been appointed a member of the American Health Information Community. "As vice chairman of Wal-Mart, John represents an important health care purchaser perspective," Health...

Civello makes impact as chairman of NACDS.(Tony Civello of National Association of Chain Drug Stores)
January 1, 2007... RALEIGH, N.C. -- Recent shifts in the American health care system, Tony Civello says, have plunged community pharmacy into what he sees as a battle for its very existence. "It's not a matter of new technologies, formularies or even patient...

Drug chain differentiates itself from its competitors.(Tony Civello of Kerr Drug)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... RALEIGH, N.C. -- With more than four decades in the chain drug industry under his belt, Tony Civello has become keenly aware of the role pharmacy plays in so many people's lives and the bond that exists between patients and their local...

Exclusives a pivotal part of retailer's strategy.(Walgreen's beauty collection )
January 1, 2007... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Exclusive product lines have become a vital component of Walgreen Co.'s beauty care arsenal. The retailer upped the ante in 2006, rolling out the European Beauty Collection, an assortment of seven prestige beauty lines...

By offering 'true value,' the price factor can be overcome.(News/Merchant of the Year)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. constantly seeks unique beauty and skin care items to bring to its customers, according to Kathy Steirly, the drug chain's vice president and general merchandise manager of beauty and fashion. "Our shoppers...

Company is pacesetter in diverse areas.(News/Merchant of the Year)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- When Kathy Steirly came on board at Walgreens in 2004 she joined one of the most dynamic retailers in the United States. Walgreens ranks No. 1 among food and drag stores on Fortune magazine's "Most Admired Companies in...

Industry in need of a common goal.(drug stores and customer relations )
January 1, 2007... NEWARK, Del. -- Chain drug industry leaders need to come to a meeting of the minds, according to Alan Levin. Retailers should collectively decide where they would like to see the industry in five years, he maintains. "It's important...

Combined company gets off to solid start.(News)(Alliance Boots PLC financial report)(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... NOTTINGHAM, England -- Alliance Boots PLC's trading profit rose 2.7% to 267 million [pounds sterling] ($517.2 million) in the six months ended on September 30. The company reported sales and earnings for the first time since its formation...

The U.K.'s 'health and beauty market leader'.(Boots Group PLC and Alliance UniChem merge)
January 1, 2007... NOTTINGHAM, England -- The expansion of the Boots brand in the United States represents a small but significant opportunity for Alliance Boots PLC. The company, created via the merger of the Boots Group and Alliance UniChem last July, is...

Deal fuels Nestle 'transformation'.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... BASEL, Switzerland -- Novartis AG is divesting its medical nutrition business as the Swiss-based company concentrates its strategies on health care. Nestle SA is purchasing the operation for about $2.52 billion in a transaction that is expected...

Coca-Cola appoints Kent president, COO.(Supplier News)(appointment of Muhtar Kent as chief operating officer )
January 1, 2007... ATLANTA -- Muhtar Kent has been named president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola Co. Kent, responsible for all of the soft drink company's operating units worldwide, reports to chairman and chief executive officer Neville Isdell. ...

Insight stresses cold prevention.(new anti-allergic drug Sucrets Defense)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... LANGHORNE, Pa. -- With the cold/cough/flu season under way, the cold prevention category has emerged as a real opportunity for chain drug retailers. "The category is approaching $500 million, and it addresses an unmet consumer need," says...

Fleming takes aim at unmet needs.(decongestant drugs)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... ST. LOUIS -- Fleming & Co. Pharmaceuticals continues to offer niche items and categories profitable to the chain drug market, including the nasal saline category, which was first developed by the company. Fleming's Ocean Premium Saline...

Multiple benefits of NV are promoted by Wellnx.(new anti-obesity drug NV )(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -- NV, described as the first weight-loss/beauty pill, continues to generate market success since Wellnx Life Sciences Inc. launched the innovative product in April. According to a spokeswoman, NV's ingredients have...

HP promotes Kinsley and Voight.(appointment of Dan Kinsley )(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Dan Kinsley has been named North America retail photo business director at HP (formerly Hewlett-Packard). The company, which entered the retail photo market early last year with its Photosmart Studio and Photosmart...

Coty adds a third scent to Celine Dion line.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Coty Inc. is poised to extend its highly successful Celine Dion fragrance franchise with the launch of Enchanting. The franchise has already captured $500 million in worldwide sales in its three years in existence. Enchanting by...

Faultless line sold to Apothecary.(mergers and acquisitions)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... BURNSVILLE, Minn. -- Apothecary Products Inc. (API), a 30-year-old nationally recognized supplier of consumer health care products and pharmacy supplies, has acquired the Faultless brand from Hospira Inc., a leading provider of specialty...

Pathmark succeeds in cutting loss.(Business)(Pathmark Stores Inc.)
January 1, 2007... CARTERET N.J. -- Improved gross margin and cost containment helped reduce the red ink at Pathmark Stores Inc. for both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2006 despite the absence of any top-line growth. The results were better...

SDM results reflect 'strong execution'.(Business)(Shoppers Drug Mart Ltd.)
January 1, 2007... TORONTO -- Its operations functioning with machine-like smoothness, Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. (SDM) posted double-digit increase in net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2006, meeting analysts' expectations in the process. The bottom...

Earnings at Kroger jump 15.8%.(Business)
January 1, 2007... CINCINNATI -- With samestore sales showing steady growth, net income made a double-digit jump during the third quarter of fiscal 2006 for Kroger Co., beating Wall Street's expectations in the bargain. And with three strong quarters on the...

Chain drug suppliers notch good quarter.(Business)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Major manufacturers of core drug store merchandise collectively recorded a solid financial performance in the third quarter of 2006, as profits and sales each climbed at a double-digit pace. Combined, income from continuing...

Familymeds narrows losses as revenue grows.(Business)(FamilyMeds Group Inc.)
January 1, 2007... FARMINGTON, Conn. -- Double-digit revenue growth and cost-cutting measures allowed Familymeds Group Inc., the successor to DrugMax Inc., to slash both its operating and net losses for the third quarter of fiscal 2006. An earlier onetime gain on...

Operating profit growth robust at McKesson.(financial repor)(Financial report)
January 1, 2007... SAN FRANCISCO -- Riding a strong operating performance and the benefit of a tax credit, McKesson Corp. saw earnings from continuing operations surge by nearly 90% during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Earnings from ongoing lines climbed...

Five events that transformed the industry.(My Turn)(CVS Pharmacy Inc., Happy Harry's Inc., Walgreen Co.)
January 1, 2007... For chain drug retailing, 2006 was truly a remarkable year. As astonishing as the events that rocked and changed the industry is the uncertainty, as the new year begins, as to how those events will ultimately play out. Of the five critical...

Letters to the editor.(My Turn)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... Just wanted to let you know I appreciate your editorial ["The fallacy is that Rx is like any other business," CDR, November 6, 2006] scolding Meijer, Giant Eagle, etc., for abandoning all professionalism (which is pounded in pharmacists from...

In today's battery market, it's no longer 'one size fits all".(CONSUMER ELECTRONICS)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Segmented purchasing by consumers is reshaping the batteries category, suppliers say, and chain drug retailers would do well to adapt to the change. The popularity of such high-drain devices as digital cameras is leading...

Delivering the message.(MERCHANDISING)(Long Live Music campaign of Energizer Holdings Inc.)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- The importance of marketing to battery sales is evident from the enduring recognition of the Energizer bunny. But marketers are always pursuing innovation, and this year Energizer Holdings Inc. engaged in a small, targeted...

Specialty power cells good fit for drug chains.(MERCHANDISING)(drugstores sell specialty batteries)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- The opportunity is at hand for chain drug retailers to become a destination for specialty batteries, suppliers say. With batteries for hearing aids, fitness products and such medical devices as blood pressure monitors making up...

For chains that find right formula, video is a winner.(CONSUMER ELECTRONICS)(drugstores sell videos)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- The home video category is a vital component of the front-end mix at a number of drug chains, while remaining insignificant at many others. The chain drug retailers that have achieved success in the category concentrate on...

Technology shakes up status quo.(consumer electronics)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Video technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, constantly impacting both retail strategies and American homes. A decade ago, for example, videocassettes were the most popular way to view movies at home, but that is...

Electric razor innovations backed by aggressive marketing efforts.(Consumer Electronics)(Philips Norelco 7180XL, Remington Titanium MicroFlex 800)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- New product launches and marke--initiatives are heating up the electric razors category. Philips has introduced the Philips Norelco 7000 series, revamping its moderately priced Reflex line with some of the same technology and...

Home laser hair removal becomes a viable option.(Consumer Electronics)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first over-the-counter laser hair-removal system. The product was developed by Palomar Medical Technologies Inc. The Gillette unit of Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) hopes to...

Home health testing is on the rise.(Consumer Electronics)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Home screening devices are a key to wellness, and chain drug retailers are educating consumers about their importance. High blood pressure and diabetes are conditions that affect tens of millions of Americans, and more and more...

Kaz forges an alliance with Braun.(Consumer Electronics)(Braun GmbH strategic partnership with Kaz Inc.)
January 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Braun GmbH, a unit of Procter & Gamble Co., and Kaz Inc. have formed a strategic partnership that entails Kaz acquiring Braun's thermometer and blood pressure monitor business. The partnership also includes a licensing agreement...

Drug chains succeed in winning back some market share.
January 1, 2007... CDR Special Report -- CVS Corp., Walgreen Co. and other drug chains are making inroads against discount store giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in over-the-counter health care product categories, even as profits are reportedly slipping among major...

Adverse event reporting bill passes.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(over-the-counter drugs)
January 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- Manufacturers and trade associations are hailing legislation passed late last year that requires over-the-counter drug and dietary supplement manufacturers to provide the Food and Drug Administration with any reports they receive...

O-T-C makers not immune from consolidation craze.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Over-the-counter drugs)
January 1, 2007... LITTLE FALLS, N.J. -- Larger companies are gaining increasing dominance in the over-the-counter drug market as acquisitions and mergers push greater sales volume into a select group of suppliers, according to Kline & Co. "Drug...

Total U.S. H&BA sales by dollars.(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Total U.S. H&BA sales by dollars For the 52 weeks ended November 5, 2006 TOTAL FOOD/DRUG/DISCOUNT EXCEPT WAL-MART TOTAL FOOD DOLLAR ...

Total U.S. H&BA sales by units.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Total U.S. H&BA sales by units For the 52 weeks ended November 5, 2006 TOTAL FOOD/DRUG/DISCOUNT EXCEPT WAL-MART TOTAL FOOD UNIT ...

IRI's H&BA subcategories--pricing and sales by type of merchandising activity *.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... IRI's H&BA subcategories--pricing and sales by type of merchandising activity * Avg. price % Dollars, any Avg. price per unit % merchandising ...

Adult incontinence.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Adult incontinence % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL MASS...

Antacid liquids/powders.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Antacid liquids/powders % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL...

Antacid tablets.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Antacid tablets % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL...

Antismoking.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Antismoking % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL MASS MARKET...

Blood pressure test kids.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Blood pressure test kits % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL...

Breath freshener sprays/drops.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Breath freshener sprays/drops % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago ...

Cold/allergy/sinus tablets/packets.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Cold/allergy/sinus tablets/packets % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales...

Cough syrup.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Cough syrup % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL MASS MARKET...

Ear drops/treatments.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Ear drops/treatments % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL...

External analgesic rubs.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... External analgesic rubs % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL...

Eye/lens care solutions.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Eye/lens care solutions % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago ...

Eye/lens care tablets/accesories.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... Eye/lens care tablets/accessories % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago...

First aid--insect bite products.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... First aid--insect bite products % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago ...

First aid--muscle supports.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... First aid--muscle supports % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago ...

First aid-tape/bandage/gauze/cotton.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Statistical table)
January 1, 2007... First aid--tape/bandage/gauze/cotton % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year...

Glucose tests.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Glucose tests % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL MASS...

Hand sanitizers.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Hand sanitizers % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL MASS...

Internal analgesic liquids.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Internal analgesic liquids % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago ...

Internal analgesic tablets.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Internal analgesic tablets % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago...

Laxative tablets.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Laxative tablets % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL MASS...

Lip balm/cold sore medications.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Lip balm/cold sore medications % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago...

Mouthwash/dental rinse.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Mouthwash/dental rinse % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago ...

Oral pain relief.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Oral pain relief % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL...

Pregnancy test kits.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Pregnancy test kits % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago TOTAL...

Sleeping aid tablets.(O-T-C BEST-SELLERS)(Table)
January 1, 2007... Sleeping aid tablets % change % change vs. vs. Trade class Dollar sales year ago Unit sales year ago ...