Chain Drug Review articles from October 2006

Chain Drug Review archives from October 2006

New Wal-Mart generics program shakes up Rx pricing.(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. cuts generic drugs prices in Florida)
October 9, 2006... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- In a move with uncertain implications for chain drug retailers, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has cut the prices of 291 generic drugs to a flat $4 at its stores in the Tampa, Fla., market. The program will be extended statewide in...

IOM weighs drug safety oversight.(Institute of Medicine asks for improvements in pharmaceutical regulation system)
October 9, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The credibility of both the Food and Drug Administration and the pharmaceutical industry it regulates have been compromised by increased public concerns over health Asks that have been linked to recently approved medications, says...

Retrenchment at Revlon begins after Stahl's exit.(cost cutting strategies, chief executive officer Jack Stahl resigned)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Revlon Inc. is accelerating its cost-reduction and margin-improvement initiatives, and discontinuing its Vital Radiance brand. An organizational streamlining outlined by the company will result in the reduction of about 250...

Rite Aid in-store clinic targets weight control.(partnership with Lindora Inc., health care services)
October 9, 2006... COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Rite Aid Corp. has added a new twist to the in-store health center phenomenon, a clinic that provides weight-loss programs. Earlier this month the drug chain and Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Lindora Inc. teamed up to open...

Reactions run gamut from slighting to swift.(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. cuts generic drugs prices at its stores in Florida, drug stores understates the strategy)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Drug chains are downplaying Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s recently introduced $4 pricing for 291 generic drugs, noting that it neither covers a majority of generics nor significantly reduces the cost of co-pays. "For customers who...

Besthoff: one year later.(News)(Sydney Besthoff's contribution to New Orleans)(Biography)
October 9, 2006... At first glance, Sydney Besthoff's routine in the year following Hurricane Katrina has deviated little from the ebb and flow of his life in the days and years preceding the hurricane. Indeed, the legendary chain drug retailer who built K&B into...

Norwalk becomes acting director at CMS.(News)(Leslie Norwalk appointed as acting director of CMS)
October 9, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Leslie Norwalk has been named acting director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "CMS has been my home for the past five years, and I am honored and privileged to lead such a remarkable agency," says Norwalk,...

Search firm to help NACDS find CEO.(News)(National Association of Chain Drug Stores )(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has selected Russell Reynolds Associates, an executive search firm, to assist an NACDS committee in its recruitment of a new president and chief executive officer for the trade...

MSI tabs director of long-term care.(News)(Medicine Shoppe International Inc appoints Richard Chapman )(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... ST. LOUIS -- Medicine Shoppe International Inc. (MSI) has named Richard Chapman director of long-term care. He will develop appropriate business models for stores that operate under both the Medicine Shoppe and Medicap Pharmacy banners,...

Retail pharmacists are in the spotlight in October.(News)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Pharmacists practicing in retail drug stores and other outlets across the nation are observing American Pharmacists Month throughout October. Don Huonker, vice president of pharmacy services at Walgreen Co., views American...

SureScripts, three PBMs agree to work together.(News)(pharmacy benefits management companies)
October 9, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Three pharmacy benefits management companies (PBMs) have signed agreements with the electronic prescribing services provider SureScripts that will let physicians using SureScripts technology access information on the PBMs'...

Swift is named to the CVS board.(News)(Richard Swift joins the board of directors at CVS Corp)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has named Richard Swift, former chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Foster Wheeler Ltd., to its board of directors. He will serve as a member of the board's audit committee. "We...

Correction.(News)(Correction notice)
October 9, 2006... An article in the September 25 issue of Chain Drug Review included the wrong area code for the telephone and fax numbers of Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. The correct telephone number is (951) 493-5300, and the correct fax number is (951)...

'Positive performance trends' continue at Rite Aid in qtr.(Business)
October 9, 2006... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Reviving pharmacy sales and a bigger income tax benefit helped Rite Aid Corp. narrow its loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2007, and management reconfirmed its earnings guidance for the year. Rite Aid's net loss for...

Kroger net rises 6.4% on a 9.2% sales gain.(Business)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... CINCINNATI -- Sales growth continued at a robust pace during the second quarter at Kroger Co., but bottom-line expansion lagged somewhat due to lower gross margins and a higher effective tax rate this year. Management raised its sales goals but...

Special item helps Familymeds turn a profit.(Business)(Familymeds Group Inc)
October 9, 2006... FARMINGTON, Conn. -- Although solid revenue growth enabled Familymeds Group Inc., the successor to DrugMax Inc., to reduce its operating loss for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2006, it took a onetime gain on early debt...

More red ink at Pathmark.(Business)(Pathmark Stores Inc)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... CARTERET, N.J. -- Although same-store sales began to show some improvement, Pathmark Stores Inc. saw its second quarter loss widen due to, among other things, lower pharmacy margins. The regional operator of food/drug combination stores...

Change comes to pharmacy pricing, model.(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. cuts generic drugs prices; industry forecast)
October 9, 2006... The pricing and reimbursement paradigm that has sustained community pharmacy, however meagerly, in recent years is under assault and could come apart. If it does, it will represent the most substantial change in the industry since PBMs wrested...

Rx distributors make health care delivery more efficient.(drug industry sales and drug distribution trends and forecast)
October 9, 2006... RESTON, Va. -- While 2005 was a tumultuous year for the pharmaceutical business, it was a good year for the drug distribution industry. And while formidable challenges may lie ahead in a health care sector that is in flux, the importance of the...

HDMA priorities topped by supply chain safety.(Healthcare Distribution Management Association, fighting drug counterfeiting and safety)
October 9, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) has seen positive results from its dual strategy of promoting technology and backing legislation to protect the nation's supply of medications. Both efforts have...

Data clearinghouse helps thwart illegal activities.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- As part of its efforts to improve drug supply chain security and combat drug counterfeiting, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) in June joined a partnership of law enforcement and professional pharmacy...

When issues are debated, HDMA is industry advocate.(Drug Wholesaler Report)(Healthcare Distribution Management Association)(Organization overview)
October 9, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Pharmaceutical distribution is a highly regulated business, both at the state level and by several federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Environmental Protection...

Innovative solutions fostered by awards.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- At a conference in June the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) honored companies in recognition of their contributions to the health care supply chain, a vital area where innovative technology and business...

Florida mandates tracking of drugs.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- A new Florida law extends proven measures to enhance the security of the state's medicine supply and help protect patients from criminal drug counterfeiters, according to the Healthcare Distribution Management Association...

McKesson lends drug chains a hand as industry changes.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Drug chains large and small can benefit from the advanced technology and vast array of services McKesson Corp. can provide, executives at the industry's largest wholesaler say. "Over the course of the last couple of years...

CDC taps wholesaler for vaccine program.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- McKesson's Specialty Pharmaceuticals business unit has been selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide vaccines to millions of children across the country. Working with the CDC's "Vaccines...

Ambitious goals set for franchising program.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- McKesson is in the process of creating a franchised drug chain that could have more than 3,000 stores by the end of next year. Under a plan unveiled in July, McKesson hopes to unite the thousands of independent drug stores...

Cardinal launches tools to help independent pharmacies prosper.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- Cardinal Health Inc., a leading provider of products and services supporting the health care industry, has introduced Leader Total Pharmacy Manager, an offering designed to improve the efficiency and profitability of independent...

MSI gives distributor retail stake.(Drug Wholesaler Report)(Medicine Shoppe International Inc)
October 9, 2006... ST. LOUIS -- Cardinal's commitment to community pharmacy is perhaps best exemplified by its Medicine Shoppe International Inc. (MSI) subsidiary, a drug store franchisor that continues to find new ways to enable its affiliates to compete...

Commitment to service grows with company.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... DUBLIN, Ohio -- Cardinal recently dedicated two new customer service centers. The center in Radcliff, Ky., is an 81,900-square-foot facility where service professionals respond to inquiries and help resolve issues for customers relating to...

AmerisourceBergen strengthens strategic position.(Drug Wholesaler Report)
October 9, 2006... VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- Acquisitions on two continents and in diversified areas have highlighted this year for AmerisourceBergen Corp. Most recently the company agreed to acquire Health Advocates Inc. of Tampa, Fla., for about $83 million in...

Support shown for e-prescribing.(Drug Wholesaler Report)(AmerisourceBergen network for independent community pharmacies )
October 9, 2006... VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- AmerisourceBergen this year enrolled its Good Neighbor Pharmacy network of independent community pharmacies as a founding member of SureScripts, the nation's largest network provider of electronic prescribing services. ...

Exit from institutional Rx will allow tighter focus.(AmerisourceBergen to merge with Kindred Pharmacy Services )
October 9, 2006... VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- In a move that will allow AmerisourceBergen to concentrate on pharmaceutical distribution and related services, the company agreed to merge its institutional pharmacy business with Kindred Pharmacy Services (KPS). The...

Executive realignment accompanies expansion.(Drug Wholesaler Report)(H.D. Smith reorganization)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The rapid expansion of H.D. Smith has prompted a number of recent organizational changes and executive appointments. In August the company created a new business unit providing services to community-based hospital and...

H.D. Smith stays on growth track.(Drug Wholesaler Report)(Company overview)
October 9, 2006... SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- In 1954 Henry Dale Smith established the company that now bears his name, H.D. Smith Drug Wholesale Co. In the beginning it was a comparatively small metropolitan drug distributor, but it has experienced rapidly...

Kinray helps its customers remain profitable.(Drug Wholesaler Report)(Kinray Inc)(Company overview)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- As an independent full-service pharmaceutical wholesaler that has experienced rapid growth in recent years, Kinray Inc. has never lost sight of its original mission: help independent pharmacies stay profitable in an industry marked...

Retail Rx looks to secure prominent place in a changing health care system.(Critical Issues in Pharmacy and Technology: A Chain Drug Review Roundtable)(Conference notes)
October 9, 2006... SAN DIEGO -- In his remarks at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Pharmacy & Technology Conference here at the end of August, Tony Civello, the organization's chairman, said, "The pharmacy we first practiced is obsolete," adding that...

Drug chains in right spot to capitalize on coming boom.(HOME HEALTH CARE)(Market overview)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- The home health care and senior markets, already a staple of chain drug stores, have become even more important with the implementation of Medicare Part D. With the new drug benefit increasing the number of seniors at...

Research benefits incontinence sufferers.(Kimberly Clark Corp donation for June Allyson Foundation )(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... DALLAS -- Adult diaper supplier Kimberly-Clark Corp. over the summer contributed $25,000 to the June Allyson Foundation to support research into the care and treatment of women with urinary incontinence. The donation was made in memory of...

Walgreens ramps up capabilities.(health care market growth)
October 9, 2006... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. has demonstrated its commitment to the home health care market with the steady expansion of its Walgreens Home Care Inc. division. Acquisitions of small assisted care, specialty and home care businesses...

Seniors get lots of extras at Rite Aid.(MERCHANDISING)
October 9, 2006... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- When it comes to merchandising and marketing to seniors, Rite Aid Corp. has stood apart. With its Living More program, the chain has delivered comprehensive health care information for seniors while providing them with...

Seniors' health backed by CVS in diverse ways.(CVS Corp)
October 9, 2006... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has reaffirmed its commitment to the health of seniors with an expanded flu shot program and a major contribution to support research into ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Providing a preventive benefit...

Adult incontinence segment advances steadily.(HOME HEALTH CARE)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Sales of adult incontinence products rose a healthy 5.5% in drug stores over the past year, although the growth lagged behind that in supermarkets. "We've got a little way to go to catch up to grocers in selling these products,...

SDM forges ties with customers.(Shoppers Drug Mart acquires MediSystem Technologies Inc)
October 9, 2006... TORONTO -- Sharpening its focus on home health care, Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) has acquired MediSystem Technologies Inc. MediSystem provides pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities in Ontario and Alberta. With...

Self-care trend drives hot/cold therapy sales.(HOME HEALTH CARE)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Heat and ice packs made up one of the strongest segments in home health care in the past year, as sales jumped nearly 13% in drug stores to $117 million. Baby boomers approaching their 60s and the increasing numbers of injured...

Arthritis' impact more than physical.(HOME HEALTH CARE)
October 9, 2006... BOSTON -- Arthritis sufferers frequently dread losing mobility, being unable to work or growing dependent. But just a tiny percentage of sufferers become severely disabled. At the same time, the disease's emotional burdens are considerable and...

Monitoring hypertension made easier.(HOME HEALTH CARE)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- One widespread facet of home health care is monitoring blood pressure, and chain drug retailers meeting the need for home testing have a number of brands to choose from. Samsung, for one, is offering Healthy Living blood...

Research points to way to stem cognitive decline.(HOME HEALTH CARE)
October 9, 2006... BALTIMORE -- For older adults anemia's trademark loss of oxygen-toting red blood cells has long been linked to fatigue, muscle weakness and other physical ailments. Now researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have found a...

New findings on preventing head disease.(survey on cardiovascular disease risk reduction among public)(Survey)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... A new survey of men and women from around the world age 40 and older reveals a significant gap between people's desire to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and the preventive measures they are taking to do so. The survey, conducted by...

Companies unite to foster home care.(What's New)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Samsung Electronics is among a group of technology, health care and fitness companies in the Continua Health Alliance, an open industry group that will establish an ecosystem of connected personal health and fitness products and services. The...

Two hearing aid products are now being rolled out.(Health Enterprises Inc)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Health Enterprises Inc. has launched two hearing aid products to help prevent costly repairs and improve sound quality by removing earwax and moisture. The Audio-Kit Hearing Aid Cleaner is described as the only product designed for easy,...

Heat/cold therapy product launched.(Thermionics Corp heat cold therapy pads)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Thermionics Corp. has rolled out ThermiBeads moist heat-cold therapy pads. The product heats up in the microwave in under a minute and cools in the freezer in two hours. The pads uses thermal matrix technology for penetrating moist heat. They...

Supports get more sophisticated.(market share of braces for joint pain)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- The braces category grew a commendable 6.2% in the past year, as the elderly and "weakened warriors" sought home treatments for aching joints and muscles. In addition to Beiersdorf Inc.'s Futuro brand and BD Consumer's Ace...

Success of P&G's Prilosec OTC sets off resurgence in category.(DIGESTIVES)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- The continued strength of Procter & Gamble Co.'s (P&G's) Prilosec, the antacid product with the highest price point the category has ever seen, has helped sales in the segment and the overall stomach remedies arena stay strong over...

Study finds new need for antacid use.(MERCHANDISING)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Australian researchers who last month looked at the relationship between pain relievers and heart disease say that patients taking some pain medications should also take acid reducers. Writing in The Journal of the American...

Laxative makers see growth accelerating.(MERCHANDISING)(Market overview)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- The laxatives category in recent years has not always been the most active business, those in the industry say. Still, they note, it is a staple of American drug stores and one with growing potential as the population ages and...

Potential side effect raises concern.(heartburn antacids pose cancer risk)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- As helpful as antacids can be in helping people combat heartburn, health care experts continue to warn that overusing the products could increase the risk of getting cancer. The warning is aimed primarily at people who suffer...

Natural approaches to digestive health win adherents.(DIGESTIVES)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- More consumers are finding that products outside the conventional definition of laxatives and digestives can provide them with improved regularity and calmer stomachs. Among the products most often turned to are juices made from...

Overindulgence creates a need.(Procter & Gamble Co sales promotions)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... CINCINNATI -- A recent survey being used to promote Procter & Gamble Co.'s (P&G's) Pepto-Bismol Maximum Strength stomach remedy has found that Dallas is the country's most indulgent city and consequently the most in need of the company's...

Mass market consumers are finally getting the message.(HOMEPATHY/NATURAL REMEDIES)(Market overview)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Slowly but surely, homeopathy and natural remedies are catching on in America's chain drug stores. "The category is on the verge of booming in the mass market," Curt Finckler, senior brand manager for the United States wing of...

'Modern medicine does not hold all the answers'.(MERCHANDISING)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Although they have a long history in specialty retail shops, including the natural and health food sector, over-the-counter treatments formulated from plants and flowers have been slow to make their way into the mass market. ...

Sleep aids find a ready audience.(MERCHANDISING)(growing number of homeopathic and natural products )
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- In recent months homeopathic and natural products have made noticeable inroads in the sleep aids category. Research shows that more than half of the adults in the United States suffer from sleep problems several times a week and...

Relief for cold, allergy sufferers.(homeopathic medicine from drug stores)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- No category in chain drug stores has been more receptive to homeopathic and natural remedies than cold and allergy relief. "Homeopathic medicines are among the safest choices for self-treatment among allergy sufferers,...

Testing process gives retailers, consumers confidence.(HOMEOPATHY/NATURAL REMEDIES)
October 9, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- The retail marketplace provides the consumer with thousands of choices in almost every product category, size and shape. When a retailer or consumer is considering a product or product line the decision-making process must...

Diverse needs, diverse options.(FOOT CARE)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- Foot care remains a strong category for mass market retailers, with drug chains leading the way in sales. "The category is clearly growing in drug much faster than in its mass competitors," says John Vayianos, vice president of...

Antifungal treatments in demand.(MERCHANDISING)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- With consumers more active than ever, their feet are taking a pounding, resulting in a record number of fungal foot infections inflicting pain on and causing embarrassment to millions. The constant wear and tear has created a...

Chains use full range of tools to spur sales.(MERCHANDISING)(in foot care category)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK--Drug chains are doing their part to boost sales in the foot care category with in-store promotions, educational materials, mentions in weekly flyers and lower-cost items. CVS Corp. foot care aisles include a "Life Fitness:...

With foot care, women need special attention.(MERCHANDISING)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- In general, women suffer more than men when it comes to foot pain, with research indicating that more than 70% of American women complain about foot problems related to wearing high-heeled shoes. There has been a surge in...

New ideas move category ahead.(FOOT CARE)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK--When shoppers used to visit their local drug store to purchase foot care devices they would encounter a sea of yellow, which meant that they had arrived at the section dominated by Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc.'s Dr....

PL's impact on foot care impressive.(FOOT CARE)(private label sales up in the last year)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- As foot care sales grow in the drug channel, private label items have been the big winner. For example, private label foot care devices are second only to Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc.'s Dr. Scholl's line in dollar...

Premier Brands poised to launch clear gel insoles.(What's New)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Premier Brands will launch Clear Gel Insoles in January. The insoles consist of a very soft clear gel designed to protect and hold feet in place. The product is made of a three-quarter-length insole and will not crowd toes or show in shoes. ...

Sally Hansen grows 'Just Feet' line.(What's New)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Del Laboratories Inc.'s Sally Hansen has added Cooling foot and leg gel to its Just Feet line. The product, which contains "cooling cucumber and soothing aloe," absorbs easily and is nongreasy. The line has also added Spa Peppermint foot...

Blaine item takes care of calluses.(What's New)(Blaine Labs Inc. launches Dr. Blaine's Complete Callus Care)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Blaine Labs Inc. has launched Dr. Blaine's Complete Callus Care, a medical-strength callus remover with a pumice stone and scrub brush. The company is active in the foot care category, offering such items as Tineacide antifungal cream and...

LaBella introduces two products.(What's New)(Newhall Laboratories Inc., La Bella exfoliating scrub)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Newhall Laboratories Inc. has launched La Bella exfoliating scrub with pumice and aloe vera gel with eucalyptus. "We know that many people use a pumice stone to smooth out rough spots," says a company spokesman. "We helped our customers...

Diabetes patients need to be serious about foot care.(What's New)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- People who suffer from diabetes are vulnerable to foot problems that can lead to serious complications, and must be especially vigilant about inspecting feet for such seemingly common problems as blisters, sores and swelling. ...

Degree's 'Little Black Dress' makeover.(What's New)(Unilever Group's Degree Women Little Black Dress Makeover)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Unilever's Degree Women Ultra Clear deodorant brand is teaming up with fashion stylist and designer June Ambrose to offer style tips and a Degree Women Little Black Dress Makeover. "The little black dress is a wardrobe staple, but having...

P&G extends Secret line.(What's New)(Procter & Gamble Co, Secret Sparkle body sprays. )(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) has extended its popular Secret line of spray deodorants, roll-ons and body sprays with the launch of Secret Sparkle body sprays. The new sprays are available in four scents--peach, vanilla, tropic and rose.

Unilever offers Axe grooming kit.(What's New)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... Unilever, which makes Axe body sprays, is now offering the Axe Kilo men's grooming kit. Targeted to young men, the kit includes a 4-ounce body spray, a 12-ounce show gel and a 2.7-ounce deodorant. The grooming kit carries a suggested retail...

Unlikely source offers best growth prospects.(DEODORANT)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- The deodorant/ antiperspirant category has been a stagnant if steady performer in chain drug stores for decades, but now an emerging demographic has shaken up the category. Dollar sales in drug stores in the deodorant category...

Health issues open way for natural deodorants.(DEODORANT)(21st Century Healthcare Inc. , Herbal Care Naturally)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... NEW YORK -- The natural care segment of the deodorant category continues to grow in popularity. The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a mandate that all antiperspirants containing aluminum and aluminum compounds contain a label...

Innovative Brands acquires Sure, makes plans to build franchise.(MERCHANDISING)(Brief article)
October 9, 2006... PHOENIX -- Innovative Brands LLC has completed its acquisition of Sure, a leading antiperspirant and deodorant brand, from Procter & Gamble Co. "Sure is the No. 1 unscented brand in the category, has a significant amount of brand equity...

Wal-Mart $4 generics program a go across Fla.(News)
October 23, 2006... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has accelerated the rollout of its $4 generic prescription drug program in Florida, expanding it statewide nearly four months earlier than expected. The statewide rollout was originally scheduled to...

CVS holds line on pharmacy pricing.(News)(CVS Corp.)
October 23, 2006... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. will not match the actions of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and other retail pharmacy competitors in programs under which they are selling 30-day supplies of some generic medications for $4. "Our average co-pay in...

CCPA wins on Tricare.(News)(Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action)
October 23, 2006... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The newly formed Coalition for Community Pharmacy Action (CCPA) has claimed victory in its inaugural battle, an effort to overturn legislation that would have mandated mail-order prescriptions for military personnel and their...