Drug Store News articles from April 2002

Drug Store News archives from April 2002

HHS backs single-card concept.(Department of Health and Human Services)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Chain drug industry efforts to merge a growing array of prescription discount cards from drug manufacturers into a single card program for low-income seniors got a major boost March 23 from Health and Human Services...

Pharmacy speaks out; government finally listens.
April 8, 2002... WASHINGTON -- Responding to a stinging backlash from pharmacy providers and other health care groups, the Department of Health and Human Services has proposed sweeping changes to massive new regulations governing patients' rights to privacy...

Albertson's next mandate: Focusing on market share.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- Company chairman and chief executive officer Larry Johnston welcomed financial analysts to a look at "the new Albertson's" and provided some insight into the new strategic vision that has positioned the chain to be a much leaner,...

Kinney Drugs polishes its look and assortment.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Looking to further improve an already strong business, Kinney Drugs will continue to fine-tune its store format and assortment this year as it works to capture ever larger market share in upstate New York and Vermont. The...

Pharmacy is cornerstone of Ahold expansion. (Supermarket Pharmacy: Ahold USA).(Company Profile)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... What do Stop & Shop, Giant Food, Bi-Lo, Tops Market and Bruno's Supermarkets have in common? They all are part of Ahold USA, one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing supermarket and food/drug combo store retailers. With quiet...

Jorndt touts chain's 'conservative' accounting. (Retail News).(Walgreen's chairman Daniel Jorndt)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Walgreens reported yet another record quarter of sales and earnings, including double-digit comparable-store gains and pharmacy sales increases. The company told analysts late last month that it's on schedule with 2002 store...

Iowa Priority Savings Program enrolls two major drug suppliers. (Retail News).(Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck & Co.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... DES MOINES, Iowa -- Two major drug manufacturers have enlisted in a new, state-backed program to save Iowa seniors money on their prescriptions, marking another step in efforts to reduce prescription drug costs for uninsured Medicare...

Fred's planning to open 60 stores and expand pharmacy operations. (Retail News).(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
April 8, 2002... MEMPHIS -- Fred's, which achieved record sales and earnings in 2001, has its eyes on continued growth in 2002, with the opening of 60 stores and a 15 percent to 18 percent increase in selling space. The chain, which operates 200-plus...

Kinray acquires Remo inventory, customers. (Retail News).(Kinray Inc. takes over business of Remo Drug)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... WHITESTONE, N.Y. -- Kinray Inc., the largest independent pharmaceutical distributor in the nation, is getting bigger with the addition of between 250 and 300 independent drug stores previously supplied by Remo Drug of Brooklyn, N.Y. Remo,...

BJ's opens first pharmacy; names McKesson primary supplier. (Regional Report).(BJ's Wholesale Club)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... NATICK, Mass.--BJ's Wholesale Club, which operates in the eastern United States, is looking to compete with Costco and Sam's Club with the recent opening of its first pharmacy. McKesson has signed a pharmaceutical distribution agreement...

Longs to install system to improve front end, supply chain performance. (Regional Report).(Longs Drug Stores to use new software)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Longs Drug Stores, which operates nearly 440 stores in the western United States, will implement a new system to improve supply chain processes and front-end merchandising performance. Using Retek's integrated...

Fedco Drugs shutters its doors. (Regional Report).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... MIAMI -- Fedco Drugs, which at one time operated more than 20 stores in the south Florida region, has gone out of business. Fedco executives could not be reached for comment. However, a recorded message on the answering machine at Fedco's Miami...

Publix to honor senior Rx discount cards. (Regional Report).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... LAKELAND, Fla. -- Publix, which operates nearly 450 pharmacies in the southeastern United States, has announced that it is now accepting prescription drug benefit cards for low-income seniors. Pharmaceutical manufacturers currently offering...

The Katz Group. (People in the News).(shuffles management)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... EDMONTON -- The Katz Group has shuffled the assignments of some key executives as part of its move to consolidate marketing, technology, finance and retail development for its various corporate divisions under the recently formed Katz Pharmacy...

Genuardi's Family Markets. (People in the News).(president resigns)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Hank Mullany, president of Genuardi's Family Markets since its merger with Safeway in May 2001, is leaving the chain. Maria Fidelibus, Genuardi's vice president of retail operations, will move up to vice president and...

Albertson's has named John Sims executive vice president and general counsel. (People in the News).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... BOISE, Idaho -- Albertson's has named John Sims executive vice president and general counsel. Sims joined the chain after a 22-year career with Federated Department Stores. Sims reports to Larry Johnston, chairman and chief executive officer,...

Merck will try Arcoxia bid again. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(Merck and Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... WEST POINT, Pa. -- Merck & Co. withdrew its original new drug application for its arthritis drug Arcoxia, delaying the company's expansion of its share of the lucrative cox-2 inhibitor market, where its competitors Pharmacia and Pfizer with...

Chains join colon cancer campaign for 3rd year with NACDS, Couric. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Katie Couric)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- For the third year, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and more than 20,000 pharmacies are educating consumers about the risks of colon cancer. The "Be A Star" campaign, which runs through April 20, was...

Vanlev's no-splash may soak BMS. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... PLAINSBORO, N.J. -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. may need to consider its future as a stand-alone company, according to analysts, after a major heart study stated its proposed cardiovascular drug Vanlev (omapatrilat) is no more effective than...

Generic maker Barr buys Enhance. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(Barr Laboratories Inc. acquires Enhance Pharmaceuticals)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... POMONA, N.Y. -- In line with its continued strategy to offer more female health care products, generic drug maker Barr Labs is buying privately held Princeton, N.J.-based Enhance Pharmaceuticals for $44 million. Enhance focuses on the...

Building a solid foundation for Marketplace first-timers. (Retail News).(Marketplace 2002, National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- With the opening of Marketplace 2002 now a little more than two months away, organizers at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores are urging retailers and suppliers to begin setting their agendas and locking in...

Supermarkets bet on pharmacy as a key to growth. (Viewpoint).(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
April 8, 2002... The growth curve forecasted for pharmacy sales over the next decade has not gone unnoticed by executives at most supermarket chains. Faced with intense competition from other retail channels-- from discounters and warehouse clubs to dollar...

Small chains to vendors: Don't leave us behind. (Viewpoint).(small drug store chains wantvendors to offer them the same attention that the mega-chains get)(Brief Article)(Column)
April 8, 2002... A word of caution for front-end vendors: more and more of your eggs seem to be rolling into fewer and fewer baskets. In the end, as the retail community devolves into a polarized world of the haves and have-nots, that concentration of resources...

Winning over health-conscious shoppers. (Supermarket Pharmacy: Kroger).(Kroger Co.'s planning for drug stores)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Kroger, a longtime operator of food-and-drug combination stores, wants to further improve its competitive position this year by pricing more aggressively and wringing out excess costs. On the pricing side, Kroger expects to invest...

FlavoRx sweetens pharmacy sales for Kroger. (Supermarket Pharmacy: Kroger).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... From a 1999 test at 17 Kroger sites in Raleigh, N.C., to more than 700 Kroger pharmacies nationwide today, medicine-flavoring company FlavoRx has helped juice up drug sales and margins for Kroger. FlavoRx, a Bethesda, Md.-based medical...

Using pharmacy to drive sales, traffic. (Supermarket Pharmacy: Safeway).(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
April 8, 2002... Pharmacy is a key department at Safeway, and a strength the chain intends to use as a driver of same-store sales growth over the next few years. Yet, the relatively conservative supermarket operator won't be breaking new ground in promoting its...

New photo tags improve diabetes marketing. (Supermarket Pharmacy: Safeway).(Safeway Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Safeway in January rolled out a new look in its diabetes set: an eye-catching Image Shelf Tag system created by planogram designer and category management expert Gladson Interactive. The new tags feature color product photos and augment the...

FDA approves Elan's pain drug. (Pharmacy Watch).(Avinza)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... The Food and Drug Administration last month approved a delayed-release capsule form of morphine from Dublin-based drug maker Elan. The drug, Avinza (morphine sulfate extended-release), is a once-a-day treatment for chronic moderate-to-severe...

Novo names Purcell to marketing post. (Pharmacy Watch).(Andrew Purcell named vice president of diabetes marketing for Novo Nordisk A/S)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Global diabetic device maker Novo Nordisk has named Andrew Purcell vice president of diabetes marketing in the United States, giving him responsibility for directing strategy, branding and execution of marketing programs for the company's line...

Generic thyroid drugs are as effective as brands, says RxIntelligence study. (Pharmacy Watch).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Generic products used to treat hypothyroidism produce comparable effects on blood levels of thyroid hormones on average, but individual patient reactions may vary, according to a recent report from RxIntelligence. The report examined...

FDA panel sneezes at common cold cure. (Pharmacy Watch).(antiviral drugs advisory committee expresses concern about antiviral drug being developed to treat colds)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... The FDA's antiviral drugs advisory committee clipped the wings of Picovir (pleconaril), a common cold drug being developed by ViroPharma and Aventis Pharmaceuticals. The committee is concerned Picovir may reduce the effectiveness of birth...

Teva USA creates new position. (Pharmacy Watch).(Judith Milford named vice president of governmental affairs)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Teva Pharmaceuticals USA chose Judith Milford, R.Ph., to fill a newly created vice president of government affairs position at the company. She brings product development, patent analysis and legislative affairs experience from Faulding...

APhA ushers in new president; focuses on compensation for 2002. (Chain Pharmacy: Category News).(American Pharmaceutical Association appoints Janet Engle)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... PHILADELPHIA -- Resisting the newest Medicare-endorsed prescription drug discount card plan and supporting payment for pharmacist care are among the efforts planned by the American Pharmaceutical Association this year. Immediate past APhA...

Therapy reliance yields chronic-care savings. (Chain Pharmacy: Category News).(health care costs could be cut by increased use of pharmaceuticals)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... BOSTON -- Increased use of pharmaceuticals may be the key to a more efficient allocation of health care resources in the United States by lowering hospital inpatient costs, according to a Tufts University's Center for the Study of Drug...

Natural health future takes center stage at Expo West. (OTC/Natural Health: Category News).(22nd annual Natural Products Expo West)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Natural health merchants trading in herbs and spices, supplements and natural beauty products last month converged upon the Anaheim Convention Center for the 22nd annual Natural Products Expo West. The conference drew some...

Schering-Plough. (New Products).(Lotrimin Ultra Antifungal Cream )(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. -- Schering-Plough recently gained Food and Drug Administration approval to switch Lotrimin Ultra Antifungal Cream to over-the-counter status. Prescription-strength Lotrimin Ultra was marketed as Mentax. The 1...

Pharmavite's Nature Made. (New Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 8, 2002... NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Pharmavite's Nature Made division in June will launch a new women's health supplement. Rekindle provides a natural alternative for women to enhance sexual desire, satisfaction and enjoyment for the estimated 60 million...

Johnson & Johnson. (New Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 8, 2002... SKILLMAN, N.J. -- Johnson & Johnson this spring will introduce line extensions to its Band-Aid brand, including Band-Aid Advanced Healing Finger Care and Water Block Plus Finger Care. Advanced Healing bandages employ hydrocolloid technology to...

Suppliers search for next big thing to recharge flat pain relief category. (OTC/Natural Health: Category News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... Although sales of internal analgesic tablets in drugs stores have dropped $70 million since 1999, when the category peaked at $934.3 million, according to data from Information Resources Inc., internal analgesics still channeled more than $862...

Pain relief consumer facts. (OTC/Natural Health: Category News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... * According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 26 million Americans take aspirin specifically for its cardio-protective benefits. McNeil estimates this makes up some $350 million in annual aspirin sales. Further, the...

L'Oreal makes executive shifts. (Beauty Care: Category News).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- L'Oreal late last month announced two major shifts at the top of the company's consumer products business. Joseph Campinell, former president of L'Oreal's consumer products division, has been promoted to president of the L'Oreal...

Chattem to buy Selsun Blue. (Beauty Care: Category News).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Chattem has signed a definitive agreement with Abbott Laboratories to purchase Selsun Blue, a leading medicated dandruff shampoo with worldwide sales of about $41 million. The acquisition price is $75 million, plus the...

New launches fuel color sales growth. (Beauty Care: Category News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... Sales in the color cosmetics category, with a few exceptions, were very soft throughout 2001, according to a number of chain drug store buyers and cosmetic manufacturers' reports. But, for some chains and some brands, sales began rebounding...

Procter & Gamble. (Notes).(Earnings estimate)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... Procter & Gamble president and chief executive officer A. G. Lafley said the company's core earnings per share growth are expected to achieve double-digit levels and exceed current Wall Street analysts' consensus estimates. Volume growth is...

Gillette. (Notes).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Gillette appointed Nancy Karch, recently retired senior partner of the international consulting firm McKinsey & Co., to its board of directors, effective June 20. In addition, Ray J. Groves, president and chief operating officer of Marsh Inc.,...

Dial Corp. (Notes).(Receives award for helping to advance women in business.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Dial Corp. has received the Catalyst Blue Ribbon Board designation for helping to advance women in business. The award is presented to companies with more than one woman serving on its board of directors. Dial has two women on its nine-member...

Unilever. (Notes).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Unilever last month introduced a new ad campaign to support the launch of Degree Body-Heat Activated Gel, an antiperspirant/deodorant targeted specifically to young men. The campaign, "Clutch Time," features TV ads directed by award-winning...

Revlon. (Notes).(New advertising ploy on the soap opera, "All My Children")(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Revlon will be both an advertiser and a key player in a new plot developed for the soap opera, "All My Children." The story line has the lead character, Erica Kane, trying to protect her cosmetics business by sending her daughter to infiltrate...

Before & After. (New Products).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... POMPTON PLAINS, N.J. -- Before & After, a supplier of corrective cosmetics, has introduced Before & After Wrinkle Serum, Facial Cover Cream and a Leg & Body Cover Creme. Wrinkle Serum is formulated to work in seconds to make wrinkles disappear....

Maybelline. (New Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- Maybelline this month began shipping Sun Dressed, its 2002 color promotion that features shades of bronze, copper, gold and rose. There are four pearelescent shades of a blush-on bronzer; four shades of Moisture Whip lipstick; two...

Revlon. (New Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- Revlon in July will introduce High Dimension Bleach Blonde Lightening Kit, designed to deliver "ultra blonde color in half the time as traditional blonding products," the company noted. Revlon indicated that High Dimension Bleach...

John Frieda. (New Products).(John Frieda Professional Hair Care Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- John Frieda is introducing a new collection of sun protection hair care products under its Bleach Blonde brand. Cool Dip is a shampoo formulated to wash away sand, salt and oil. Smooth Sailing is a de-tangling conditioner with...

Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex sues Honeywell for patent infringement. (General Merchandise: Category News).(Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex Inc., Honeywell Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... RICHMOND, Va. -- Hamilton Beach/ProctorSilex last month filed a lawsuit suit accusing Honeywell of violating Hamilton's patented technology for TrueAir home odor eliminator and making untrue product claims for its own version of the product....

Warner promotes Marshall. (General Merchandise: Category News).(Warner Bros., Bruce Marshall)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... BURBANK, Calif. -- Warner Bros. last month promoted Bruce Marshall to senior vice president of international retail business development for consumer products. Marshall reports to Mark Matheny, executive vice president of international retail...

Rechargeables plug into specialty outlet. (General Merchandise: Category News).(rechargable batteries, sales data)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... Batteries may be a staple in any drug store's stable of convenience-driven items, but sales haven't exactly been accelerating in this channel--in spite of the ever-growing number of battery-draining digital device flooding the market. ...

Energizer. (Notes).(Energizer Battery Co., Randy Rose resigning)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Randy Rose, Energizer president and chief operating officer for North America and Europe, announced last month that he will resign from the company. Rose will stay on to complete several initiatives currently in progress through the end of the...

Eastman Kodak. (Notes).(wins awards)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Eastman Kodak last month won two gold awards for retail merchandising in a national competition sponsored by Design of the Times magazine. The award was presented for the overall design and merchandising effectiveness of Kodak's universal...

Fujifilm. (Notes).(Fuji Photo Film Company Ltd., Bill DiMinno wins award)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Bill DiMinno, senior vice president and general manager of Fujifilm's photo imaging group, received the Distinguished Service Award at the Photo Marketing Association's 2002 Annual Trade Show in Orlando, Fla. In the 6th Annual Digital Camera...

Polaroid. (Notes).(television campaign)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... Despite attempting to emerge from bankruptcy, Polaroid this month began a new $20 million ad campaign--30 percent more than the company spent on TV ads last year, according to a New York Times report. The new TV commercial, which run through...

McGraw-Hill Children's Publishing. (New Products).(shipping nature books to children)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- McGraw-Hill Children's Publishing is shipping Smithsonian Mini Books that feature educational art and text to teach kids about nature. The series is packaged singly and in six-packs under four subjects: woodland, sea animals,...

Zapf Creation. (New Products).(Zap Creation AG, new dolls)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- Zapf Creation has launched Baby Born Miniworld, based on the traditional-sized Baby Born line of dolls and play items. The line, built around a 5-inch doll, consists of miniature strollers, beds, clothes and baby toys suitible for...

Pentel. (New Products).(Pentel of America Ltd.)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... TORRENCE, Calif. -- Pentel is rolling out this month Superball Alloys, fine line roller ball pens with metallic mesh patterning on the barrel. The pens' suggested retail price is $1.50. Making a fashion point with pencils, Pentel is launching...

PLMA catering to growth in wine. (Consumables: Category News).(Private Label Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- The Private Label Manufacturers Association is taking advantage of the growth of wine in supermarkets, drug and mass and will feature a new "Private Label Wines and Spirits" section at its 2002 "Legend of Store Brands" trade show...

PLMA study says store brands are topping consumers' shoppinq lists. (Consumables: Category News).(Private Label Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... NEW YORK -- Walgreens, which has been in the convenience food business for almost 30 years, has clearly known what consumers wanted, maybe even before consumers themselves had it figured out. So when Walgreens and other top drug chains...

Gatorade. (Notes).(Gatorade Extremo)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Gatorade last month launched Gatorade Xtremo, a new line of fruit-flavored drinks targeted to Hispanic consumers. With bilingual packaging, Gatorade Xtremo comes in 32-ounce bottles in three fruit flavors: mango, tropical and citrico. A...

Minute Maid. (Notes).(new vitamin D enhanced juices)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Minute Maid has added vitamin D to its lines of calcium-fortified juice. An 8-ounce serving provides 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D and 35 percent of the RDA for calcium--the same as a serving of milk, the company...

Coca-Cola. (Notes).(markets Fanta brand)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Coca-Cola is on the verge of staging a major comeback for its Fanta brand after it virtually disappeared from retail shelves in the mid-'80s. The company plans to target the burgeoning U.S. Hispanic population with the brand, which remains...

Dr Pepper/7UP. (Notes).(new soda, Kraft plant closings)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Dr Pepper/7UP has added a caffeine-free version of its Sun Drop citrus-flavored soda, which is a regional favorite in the Southeastern United States.... In its Form 10K annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission filed last month,...

Quaker Foods and Novartis AG. (Notes).(joint venture plans dissolved)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Quaker Foods and Novartis AG have dissolved the joint venture formed in January 2000 to create functional food and beverage items. It was unclear what would become of the two products the joint venture had in test market, the Take Heart...

Poore Brothers. (Notes).(financial data)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 8, 2002... Salty snack maker Poore Brothers attributed a 38 percent upswing in fiscal 2001 revenues to last year's national rollout of its TGI Friday's snack line. The company's revenues hit $57.7 million in 2001

Miller Brewing. (Notes).(spring/summer vacation sweepstakes)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... Miller Brewing's spring/summer vacation sweepstakes promotion will send 10 winners on a one-week vacation with $2,000 spending money to a Las Vegas casino, a Key West resort or a Malibu beach house. The promotion, which is tied to its Miller...

PepsiCo and Starbucks. (New Products).(Starbucks DoubleShot)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... SEATTLE -- PepsiCo and Starbucks have teamed up to stock beverage coolers with Starbucks DoubleShot, which is a blend of espresso and a touch of cream. DoubleShot, which is available in single-serve 6.5-ounce cans for $1.99, was tested first...

Ford Gum & Machine Co. (New Products).(new Halloween lineup)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... AKRON, N.Y. -- Ford Gum & Machine Co. is launching its Halloween lineup. Among the new items are Haunted Heads gum balls in 12-ounce bags for $1.99 to $2.29, Chunk-a-Chew assorted gum in 1-pound bags for $1.79 and a new take on last season's...

Tootsie Roll Industries. (New Products).(Tootsie Pop Miniatures)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... CHICAGO -- Also gearing up for the Halloween season is Tootsie Roll Industries. The company is rolling out 101-count and 200-count bags of Tootsie Pop Miniatures, which are available in the same five flavors as the classic Tootsie Pops. The...

Harmony Foods Oriental Mix. (New Products).(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Appealing to consumers' heightened taste for spicy snacks, Harmony Foods Oriental Mix has added new tastes to its snack mix: Asian snack crackers and wasabi peas. The suggested retail prices are $3.99 per pound for C-90...

PepsiCo. (Notes).(launching 2 new beverages)(Brief Article)
April 8, 2002... PepsiCo this month is launching two new beverages. Mr. Green beverage is a new green-tinted carbonated soft drink with caffeine and ginseng. Mr. Green is part of Pepsi's SoBe New Age beverage line.

Eckerd prepares to enter Arizona. (News).(opening new stores)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2002... CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Eckerd's recent announcement that it will expand into Arizona could be the first move in an expansion plan that has the chain entering other new markets as it accelerates new-store construction in 2003 and beyond. The...

Albertson's names new executives. (News).(in the drug division)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2002... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Making adjustments in its merchandising group, Albertson's has promoted Larry Wahlstrom to vice president of marketing and sales for the drug division, based here. Wahlstrom was vice president of operations for the...

Five issues that will shape retail pharmacy's future. (News).(Brief Article)
April 29, 2002... Between the minefield of modern drug retailing and the promise of a more profitable future lies the shadow--or in this case, five big shadows. Those murky areas represent five of the toughest or most transforming issues facing retail pharmacy...

Ryan details CVS' plans to shareholders.(CEO Tom Ryan)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2002... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- A series of external and internal factors -- from a slowdown in pharmacy sales growth to a genera merchandise program in need of a tune-up--caused CVS to miss its earnings goals last year, chairman, president and chief...

Rite Aid rolls out major effort in private label bath line. (News).(Spa Swami private label bath line)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2002... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid is looking to clean up in the bath category with the debut of Spa Swami, a new private label bath line targeting 'tweens and teens. The line, set to roll out nation-wide in May, is the latest addition to the chain's...

Brooks garners solid gains after Osco integration. (News).(Brooks Pharmacy after Osco acquisition)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
April 29, 2002... LONGUEUIL, Quebec -- Less than two months after closing the deal, Brooks Pharmacy successfully has worked into the fold 80 Osco stores it acquired from Albertson's. Brooks executives told investors earlier this month that the former Osco stores...

CVS named Helena Foulkes senior vice president of advertising and marketing. (People in the News).(Brief Article)
April 29, 2002... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS named Helena Foulkes senior vice president of advertising and marketing. She will have responsibility for developing and implementing advertising and marketing strategies. Foulkes, who joined CVS 10 years ago, reports to...

Gordon O'Reilly, who has been with Bartell Drugs for 40 years. (People in the News).(will retire in summer 2002)(Brief Article)
April 29, 2002... SEATTLE -- Gordon O'Reilly, who has been with Bartell Drugs for 40 years, will retire this summer. His responsibilities will be assumed by John Weith. Weith will retain his current title as vice president of merchandise. Weith joined the...