Chain Drug Review articles from November 2008

Chain Drug Review archives from November 2008

Walgreens hones strategy.(News)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CHICAGO -- Walgreen Co. will recast its stores and cut costs in an effort to return to double-digit earnings growth, executives said at the company's analysts conference here. "In these difficult economic times,...

CVS Caremark unveils discount generics plan.(News)
November 10, 2008... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Caremark Corp. has joined the discount generics fray with a plan that offers a 90-day supply for $9.99. The company was the last of the big three drug chains and the last national mass market retailer to offer such a...

NACDS will deliver value to members.(News)(National Association of Chain Drug Stores )
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is pledging that its members will "See the return of NACDS." The organization promises that its new theme, announced last month, will drive its...

Economic storm to last into '09.(News)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- The tight consumer-spending environment that drug chains and other mass retailers are girding for this holiday season is likely to linger well into the new year as clouds continue to gather over the nation's economy. Through...

Ex-Medic exec Zlotnik dies.(News)(Gerald Zlotnik)(Obituary)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CLEVELAND -- Gerald (Jerry) Zlotnik, who was executive vice president of Medic Drug and an industry stalwart for nearly 50 years, has died of cancer at the age of 71. Zlolnik rose from clerk to pharmacist to...

Health Mart network hits 2,000-store mark.(News)
November 10, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO -- Health Mart, the pharmacy franchise owned and operated by McKesson Corp., has reached a milestone of 2,000 pharmacies. Since it was relaunched in June 2006 the franchise's membership has grown by over 500%. "Health...

Speaker for NACDS Foundation dinner chosen.(News)(National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief article)(Conference notes)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- "Face the Nation" anchor Bob Schieffer will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 annual dinner of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation. The event will be held on December 2 at...

Walgreens promotes two Take Care execs.(News)(Peter Miller and Peter Hotz)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- Two Take Care Health Systems executives have been promoted by Walgreen Co., which owns Take Care Health's clinics and its worksite-based health and wellness center. Take Care Health chief executive officer and president...

CVS, Google extend collaboration.(News)(CVS Caremark Corp.)(Google Health )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Caremark Corp. is partnering with Google Health in an initiative to provide consumers with online access to their prescription history. The collaboration will enable those who use CVS Caremark's pharmacy benefits...

IMS says Rx sales growth in U.S. will be modest.(News)
November 10, 2008... NORWALK, Conn. -- Increased generics competition, fewer new drug launches and an economic slowdown are taking their toll on drug manufacturers, according to IMS Health. It forecasts 2009 worldwide market growth of 4.5% to 5.5% (to $820 billion)...

Katz adds pharmacy at hospital.(News)(Rexall Co's pharmacy at Toronto)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... TORONTO -- Rexall, the flagship pharmacy banner for the Katz Group, has opened an outpatient pharmacy at Toronto's Mount Sinai hospital. "We are proud to be part of this world-renowned facility," says Rexall chief executive officer Andy...

Pharmacy model rethought.(News)(Walgreen Co.)
November 10, 2008... CHICAGO -- Walgreens' new "Power" initiative will dynamically change the way the retailer practices pharmacy and serves patients, according to senior vice president of pharmacy services Kermit Crawford. Power, an acronym for "pharmacy...

'Customer is going to be focus'.(News)(Walgreen Co's George Riedl)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... CHICAGO -- Becoming "customer-centric" will completely change Walgreens' merchandising and marketing, according to executive vice president of merchandising George Riedl. "The customer is going to be the central focus of every decision we...

Rx discounting put in perspective.(News)(Walgreen Co. is getting affected by supermarketers )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... CHICAGO -- Discounted and free generic drug offers at other retailers have mildly affected Walgreens' pharmacy business, the chain's executives say. When supermarketers adopted the price cuts after they were originated by Wal-Mart Stores...

Climate gets more challenging for drug chains.(News)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Lower drug-utilization rates and same-store sales, brought on by the challenging economic environment, will pressure earnings growth at drug store chains going forward, financial analysts say. The number of prescriptions filled...

Nervous consumers continue to pull back.(News)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Over the coming months consumers will not be very inclined to open their wallets. The Consumer Confidence Index, based on The Conference Board's monthly" Consumer Confidence Survey" of 5,000 United States households, fell to an...

Medicaid funding hike eyed.(News)(National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- With a weakening economy forcing consumers to cut back on prescription drug use for the first time in a decade, NACDS is leading an effort to persuade congressional leadership to boost Medicaid funding in any economic...

Food suppliers to let shoppers make 'Smart Choices'.(Supplier News)
November 10, 2008... CHICAGO -- Consumers will have an easier time finding nutritional information beginning next year. Products that meet certain criteria will be identified as "Smart Choices," and will feature nutritional labels on the front of their...

P&G introduces Olay collection.(Supplier News)(Procter and Gamble Co.)
November 10, 2008... CINCINNATI -- Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) has launched Olay Professional Pro-X, a scientifically advanced line of professional products for the mass market. P&G beauty scientists explored how skin-related genes function, interact with one...

W.F. Young appoints new president.(Supplier News)(Adam Raczkowski)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. -- W.F. Young Inc., marketer of the Absorbine Jr. line, has appointed Adam Raczkowski president. Raczkowski is only the third president in the company's 116-year history who is not a family member. He joined W.F....

Big plans are in place for Lubriderm brand.(Supplier News)(Johnson and Johnson Consumer Products Co.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Johnson & Johnson Consumer Product Co.'s Lubriderm brand is poised to launch several new items, a new advertising campaign and a redesigned web site. In the first half of 2008 Lubriderm introduced two new products. Intense Skin...

Shusko named COO at WellSpring.(Supplier News)(WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corp. has appointed Wendy Shusko )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... BRADENTON, Fla. -- WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corp. has named Wendy Shusko its chief operating officer. Shusko formerly held the position of chief financial officer, having joining the company in 2000, and has over 20 years of combined...

Sensis condoms ready for rollout.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... MARCO ISLAND, Fla. -- Sensis, a new brand of condoms created by Grove Medical, is poised to hit the market. The new condoms are technologically advanced and design-enhanced, which results in a reduction in application errors, faster...

IRI, Mintel sharpen focus on new products.(Supplier News)(Information Resources Inc.)(Mintel International Group Ltd.)
November 10, 2008... CHICAGO -- Market researchers Information Resources Inc. (IRI) and Mintel have released an enhanced version of their product development support solution, GNPD IRIS, which launched in 2007. The program was developed to enable consumer...

Two Bayer O-T-Cs questioned by FDA.(Supplier News)
November 10, 2008... WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration charges that two nonprescription Bayer AG aspirin products containing dietary supplements have not been proven to work and are being sold illegally. The regulatory agency also asserts that...

Lice Cure receives strong endorsement.(Supplier News)(Health Enterprises Inc.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. -- Good Housekeeping magazine has recommended Health Enterprises Inc.'s Lice Cure Lice & Egg Removal System in its November 2008 issue as a pesticide-free, child-friendly remedy for the removal of head lice. The...

J&J acquires HealthMedia, establishes wellness platform.(Supplier News)
November 10, 2008... NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has acquired HealthMedia Inc., a company that creates Web-based behavior change interventions. J&J characterizes its purchase of the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based firm as an initial step in its efforts to...

CVS Caremark puts record-setting quarter in books.(Business)(Financial report)
November 10, 2008... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Third quarter income from continuing operations increased nearly 20% at CVS Caremark Corp., driven by solid sales and impressive margin growth in its retail pharmacy business. Although management trimmed its earnings...

Loss of contracts takes toll on PBM division.(Business)(pharmacy benefits management)(CVS Caremark Corp.)(Statistical data)
November 10, 2008... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Caremark's pharmacy services business turned in another quarter of tepid results, reflecting in part the continuing impact of the loss of some of the company's significant contracts. Net revenue for CVS Caremark's...

Profit outlook for fiscal year is scaled back.(Business)(CVS Caremark Corp.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Pointing to a recession-bound economy and the impact of its most recent acquisition, CVS Caremark trimmed its full-year earnings guidance. The purchase of Longs Drug Stores, which closed on the day CVS announced its...

McKesson net rises 32.4%.(Business)(Financial report)
November 10, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO -- Net income for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 grew by double digits at McKesson Corp., propelled by strong revenue growth and the favorable impact of onetime items. Net income for the quarter ended...

Earnings guidance is reaffirmed.(Business)(McKesson Corp.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO--Despite the recent wild fluctuations in the stock market and an extremely uncertain economic outlook, McKesson's solid revenue performance in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2009 convinced management to reconfirm its...

Red ink from continuing operations grows at A&P.(Business)(Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Inc.)(Pathmark Stores Inc.)
November 10, 2008... MONTVALE, N.J. -- Helped by a big boost to its top line from the acquisition of Pathmark Stores Inc. and a sharp decline in red ink from discontinued operations, A&P managed to narrow its net loss in the second quarter. However, ballooning...

Pathmark integration impacts gross margin.(Business)(Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Inc.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... MONTVALE, N.J.--Both operating and net results for this year's second quarter were impacted at A&P by problems in the integration of the Pathmark operations acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Specifically, the problems resulted in a...

Cardinal's focus on driving growth produces results.(Business)(Cardinal Health Inc.)(Financial report)
November 10, 2008... DUBLIN, Ohio--Special items and restructuring charges drove down first quarter net income at Cardinal Health Inc., but adjusted results easily beat analysts' expectations. Although the top-line performance was robust and the company maintained...

Economic conditions greeted with caution.(Business)(Cardinal Health Inc.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... DUBLIN, Ohio--Although first quarter revenue growth was impressive at Cardinal Health, the cautious outlook of management has dampened investors' enthusiasm and the company's shares lost ground on the day that its results were announced. ...

Walgreens confronts some tricky issues.(My Turn)
November 10, 2008... Jeff Rein's departure from Walgreens last month says much more about the pharmacy America trusts than it does about the retailer's former chief executive who, by all accounts, has been an effective and capable manager. To understand the...

Chains need to turn crisis into opportunity.(My Turn)
November 10, 2008... All signs point to an onerous holiday season for chain drug store operators and other retailers. With credit tight, the stock market fluctuating wildly, consumer confidence ebbing and government action failing to put an end to widespread...

Kmart rolls out $1 PL O-T-Cs.(What's New)(over-the-counter medications )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Kmart is offering 10 over-the-counter medications in its private label American Fare line for $1 each with every prescription purchase. The O-T-Cs include aspirin, ibuprofen, children's pain reliever, baby aspirin, nasal decongestant, cough...

Food supplier names new CEO.(What's New)(Jack Kelly has been appointed at American Italian Pasta Co.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jack Kelly has been appointed president and chief executive officer of American Italian Pasta Co., a maker of food products for private lavel programs. Kelly, who had served as the company's chief operating officer,...

Winterfield buys Boots Creek Converting.(What's New)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Disposable tableware manufacturer Winterfield LLC has acquired Boots Creek Converting. Boots Creek is a private company with a closely related product line consisting of decorated paper plates, bowls and cups. Steve Hendey, the former owner of...

The time is right for store brands.(PRIVATE LABEL)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- As the economy plummets, consumers' watching over every penny they spend is resulting in record sales for private label/store brands. In the past year dollar sales of private label items have risen a dramatic $5.4 billion...

Rite Aid ups ante in private label.(MERCHANDISING)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. is making news in the private label arena with a new online store for over-the-counter products and the launch of a proprietary skin care line. The online store for O-T-Cs will offer a wide selection of...

'Me too' thinking won't cut it.(MERCHANDISING)(Private Label Manufacturers Association )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- The growth of store brands across the United States will depend on innovation and creativity, according to Private Label Manufacturers Association president Brian Sharoff. Store brand programs must venture beyond the "me too"...

Shuster Labs changes name.(What's New)(Shuster Laboratories Inc. has changed its names as Specialized Technology Resources Inc.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Shuster Laboratories Inc., a provider of product testing and quality assurance services for consumer packaged goods, will change its name to STR as of January 1. Shuster was acquired in 2002 by Specialized Technology Resources Inc. (STR), a...

Mitsui Foods integrates Los Angeles unit.(What's New)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Mitsui Foods International, an importer and manufacturer of fine food products and specialty ingredients for the U.S. market, is integrating Mitsui & Co. (USA)'s Los Angeles Foods Department. The department will be renamed Mitsui Foods...

Triad builds new HQ, plant.(What's New)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Health care product manufacturer Triad Group has completed construction of a combined headquarters and manufacturing plant in Hartland, Wis. The new facility is more than 290,000 square feet and will combine all operations, which are currently...

Sanlakol salad spreads, dips make debut.(What's New)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... Israel-based Sanlakol has launched a 17-item line of single-serve salad spreads and dips in the United States. The Natura line does not contain preservatives, trans fats or cholesterol and has a shelf life of 18 months, the company says.

PL good fit for 'value-based health care'.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Store brand over-the-counter drugs are integral to cutting health care costs, according to one expert on health insurance. Lower-price private label versions of popular O-T-C brands mean significant savings for consumers, says...

Store brands are a big part of mix.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- The contribution of private label products to drug chains' absorbent hygiene category sales is clear from the latest Information Resources Inc. (IRI) market data. If they were considered a brand, private label products would be...

'Price alone doesn't seal the deal'.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Nearly 75% of American consumers now rate private label offerings as excellent in overall quality, according to a recent study from Information Resources Inc. (IRI). The study also reveals that older and lower-income shoppers...

Exclusive brands provide edge in beauty care.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- When the leading chain drug stores began giving significant space to exclusive store brands in their beauty departments, some industry insiders questioned the strategy. But in the face of a struggling economy, these chain drug...

PLMA sets stage for trade show.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)(Private Label Manufacturers Association)(Conference notes)
November 10, 2008... CHICAGO -- The Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) will host its annual trade show here from November 15 through November 18. Among the highlights of the show will be presentations on new product innovation and the latest trends...

Ingredients will take their turn in spotlight.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- As retailers increasingly focus on ingredient-driven product innovation to expand and differentiate their store brand offerings, the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) has announced that it will devote a new section of...

As economy falters, private label business surges.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)
November 10, 2008... The economic crisis that started on Wall Street has come home to roost on Main Street, leaving millions of Americans fretting over their jobs, investments and retirement funds. This turmoil has created an unprecedented opportunity for national...

Hispanic consumers' clout doesn't go unnoticed.(MERCHANDISING/PRIVATE LABEL)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- The changing face of the United States population, combined with the economic crisis facing America, has led both private label manufacturers and chain drug retailers to take another look at opportunities in the Hispanic market. ...

Mature segment still a hotbed of activity.(MERCHANDISING)(Market share report)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- While sales growth has been relatively fiat in both the manual toothbrush and power toothbrush segments, manufacturers have tried to keep their brands fresh with innovative products. According to...

A complex picture emerges.(ORAL CARE)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- The oral care sector encompasses a diverse set of products, some of which have seen significant sales gains, which have offset fiat sales or declines in other areas. According to Mintel International, a Chicago-based consulting...

For children, oral care has to be fun as well as effective.(MERCHANDISING/ORAL CARE)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Children represent a big opportunity for long-term growth in the oral care sector. After all, consumers who developed good oral hygiene habits in their early years are loyal consumers as adults. Successful juvenile oral care...

Dentifrices are essential part of the package.(MERCHANDISING/ORAL CARE)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Although toothpaste is by far the largest oral care segment, it is also the most mature, with only modest sales growth during the last year. Nonetheless, marketers have positioned toothpaste as a cornerstone to consumers'...

Toothbrush sanitzers take hold.(MERCHANDISING/ORAL CARE)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Many consumers who suspect that toothbrush bristles harbor germs make ultraviolet (UV) toothbrush sanitizers a part of their oral care arsenal. Several suppliers offer UV toothbrush sanitizer products to people who are...

Dental tools can dig deep.(MERCHANDISING/ORAL CARE)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Interdental brushes and picks are important if sometimes overlooked tools to remove food particles and plaque lodged in the tight spaces between teeth. Proponents maintain that interdental brushes do a more effective job...

Dental rinses cover bases.(MERCHANDISING/ORAL CARE)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Three factors make mouthwash an important oral care segment: size, prospects for growth and product diversity. Dental rinses make up the second-largest oral care segment but have grown significantly faster in terms of dollar...

Natural has emerged as a big selling point.(MERCHANDISING/ORAL CARE)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Makers of natural toothpastes and mouthwashes have carved a growing niche in the oral care sector as more consumers have become convinced that natural formulas work as well as ingredients found in mainstream brands. Case in...

Denture care isn't neglected.(MERCHANDISING/ORAL CARE)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Denture products are a sometimes overlooked segment of oral care that is nevertheless essential to a significant number of consumers. Consumers spent $16.3 million on dental adhesives in the 12 weeks ended October 5, a 2.2%...

The demand's always there.(MERCHANDISING)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- The nation's struggling economy has retailers minimizing their inventory levels and consumers keeping their holiday spending at last year's levels--if not cutting back on such expenditures by substantial...

Energizer goes mercury-free.(BATTERIES)(Energizer Holdings Inc.)
November 10, 2008... ST. LOUIS -- History is repeating itself at Energizer Holdings Inc. as it claims "another first." In 1990 the company was the first battery manufacturer to remove mercury from household batteries. Often dumped in landfills after being...

In-the-know consumers are best.(MERCHANDISING)(Energizer Holdings Inc.)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Although high-performance batteries are in demand to address the requirements of today's technology, a wide range of more conventional devices needing less power should also be in the mind-set of category buyers. Through its...

Duracell eyes child safety.(MERCHANDISING)(partnership with BrickHouse Security )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... BETHEL, Conn. -- Duracell has aired a new commercial that promotes its "trusted everywhere" image. The television spots introduce a Duracell-powered device that helps parents protect and locate children. In July Duracell (a Procter &...

Broader scope increases potential of men's grooming.(MERCHANDISING)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- New men's grooming regimens are moving into the mainstream, creating new sales opportunities for chain drug retailers and their suppliers. Sales of men's personal care products in the United States...

Fashion, demographics limit growth in shaving.(MEN'S GROOMING)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Shaving remains the cornerstone of the men's grooming business, but changing demographics and fashion trends are having an impact on sales growth. The overall hair removal market is estimated to represent $1.8 billion in annual...

Mustaches will raise awareness.(MERCHANDISING)(Norelco Consumer Products Co.)(Movember)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... STAMFORD, Conn. -- Philips Norelco is encouraging men to grow mustaches this month as part of a drive to boost awareness of prostate cancer. Together with the charity organization Movember, the company is promoting a global charity event...

Head care items find new users.(MERCHANDISING/MEN'S GROOMING)(HeadBlade Inc.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Products that help bald men care for their bare pates, rather than cover them up or attempt to regrow hair on them, now represent a solid niche in the men's grooming category. HeadBlade Inc., which got its start with a unique...

Right now it's all about value.(MERCHANDISING/MEN'S GROOMING)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Many makers of men's grooming products see themselves as well positioned to weather the current economic hard times. "Our industry is not recession-proof," says Steven Yde, senior product manager for grooming at Wahl Clipper...

Latest deodorants do more.(MERCHANDISING/MEN'S GROOMING)(Statistical data)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Consumers are trading up for high-performance deodorants and antiperspirants that promise better wetness and odor protection. That has helped lift dollar sales in drug stores, even though unit sales have slipped. The emphasis...

Trimmer sales lifted by savvy consumers.(MERCHANDISING/MEN'S GROOMING)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- The trimmers category has expanded in recent years, and now includes a range of devices that literally address men's grooming needs from head to toe. Royal Philips Electronics' Norelco brand revolutionized the category a few...

Boomers to pack a wallop.(SENIORS)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YEAR -- In 2006 the first baby boomers reached 60 years of age. The continuing transition of this generation from middle age to senior status is arguably the most important demographic trend facing this country...

For seniors it's Rx that counts.(MERCHANDISING)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- While chain drug stores generally offer a broad range of product categories and special programs to satisfy many of the health care needs of seniors, the locus of their appeal remains the pharmacy. When the Medicare Part D...

Home health care: the commitment better be serious.(MERCHANDISING/SENIORS)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- With the baby boomers moving into their 60s at a rapid clip (one pundit estimates that another boomer turns 60 every 7.5 seconds), the time would seem to be right for the home health care category. After all, one study has...

For obvious reasons, foot care's a big draw.(MERCHANDISING/SENIORS)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- The foot care section is a destination category for many seniors, and that is increasingly true as baby boomers transition into their 50s and 60s. The determination of many boomers to remain active and healthy means more...

Carex builds on hot/cold lines.(MERCHANDISING/SENIORS)(Carex Healthcare Products Inc's acquisition of Bed Buddy line and Thera-Med Inc.)(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... OAKLAND, Calif. -- Carex Health Brands has been a leading supplier in the home health care market for more than 20 years. But in the last two years it has added hot/cold therapy to its portfolio through two acquisitions. In 2006 the...

Ache, pain relief goes drugless.(MERCHANDISING/SENIORS)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- Unfortunately, aches and pains seem to be an inescapable part of aging--even for the many baby boomers determined to maintain healthy, active lifestyles as they move into the ranks of the seniors. For instance, the National...

Incontinence is manageable.(MERCHANDISING/SENIORS)
November 10, 2008... NEW YORK -- In 2000 there were 4.2 million people age 85 and older in the United States. By 2030 that figure will more than double to 9.6 million, driven by the large numbers of aging baby boomers and the fact that people are living longer...

New pillbox takes a high-tech approach.(MERCHANDISING/SENIORS)(MedSignals )(Brief article)
November 10, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SAN ANTONIO -- MedSignals is a perfect example of the extraordinary innovation that small entrepreneurial companies can provide. The company, founded by owner and chief executive officer Vesta Brue, has brought...