Drug Store News articles from April 2004

Drug Store News archives from April 2004

Albertsons to buy Shaw's for $2.5B.(News)(Albertson's Inc. Idaho Div.)(supermarkets)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons is becoming a bigger force in the Northeast grocery channel by acquiring Shaw's Supermarkets from J Sainsbury for $2.5 billion. Shaw's operates 202 stores, 76 of which have pharmacies. Albertsons currently...

ABC fails in bid for VA contract.(News)(AmerisourceBergen Corp.)(Department of Veterans Affairs)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... VALLEY FORGE, Pa. -- A federal claims court rejected on March 25 a protest by AmerisourceBergen Corp.'s drug wholesaling division, allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to go ahead with its plan to shift its pharmaceutical prime vendor...

Capitol Hill focus brings CHPA conference back to DC.(News)(Consumer Health Products Association)
April 5, 2004... WASHINGTON -- Considering the legislative agenda facing the self-care industry today--particularly, its continued pursuit of an amendment to the federal income tax code that would make OTC medicines legitimate medical expenses--it is perhaps...

FastCare screenings are driving fast-track prescriptions at Kroger.(News)
April 5, 2004... LOUISVILLE -- Time-crunched residents here, who are unable to squeeze in an appointment with the doctor to be treated for the flu, tested for pregnancy or cured of strep throat, now can just make a quick stop at the supermarket. ...

Specialty Rx distribution is new deal for Familymeds.(News)(DrugMax merger agreement)
April 5, 2004... FARMINGTON, Conn. -- Familymeds is diving head first into the exploding specialty pharmaceutical and generic drug business through a multimillion dollar merger agreement with wholesale distributor DrugMax. The transaction, which will create...

HHS approves 28 Rx discount cards.(Health and Human Services )
April 5, 2004... WASHINGTON -- Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson announced March 25 the approval of 28 private sponsors who will provide drug discount cards to Medicare beneficiaries, with savings to take effect June 1. Sponsors include...

Walgreens rides a profit wave as new stores mature.(News)(Walgreen Co.)
April 5, 2004... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Extending the high-wire act that has enabled it to balance highly profitable ongoing operations with huge outlays for new stores, Walgreen Co. convincingly maintained its record sales and earnings streak in the second quarter...

Wagner oversees card Pharmacy Care Alliance.(News)(Mary Ann Wagner appointed)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The Pharmacy Care Alliance has named Mary Ann Wagner, the high-profile former vice president of pharmacy regulatory affairs for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, president and consumer health advisor in charge of...

All eyes on Michigan in mail order battle.(News)
April 5, 2004... LANSING, Mich. -- A war of words between retail pharmacy and the prescription benefit management industry is escalating in Michigan, and the battle could spill into other states if other unions begin to adopt the mandatory mail order...

Kroger to close 15 So. California Ralphs.(Supermarket Aisle)(close supermarkets in Southern California)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... LOS ANGELES -- Kroger announced last month that it plans to close 15 underperforming Ralphs supermarkets in Southern California by the midge of next month. Of the stores slated to close, only one location has a pharmacy. Southern...

Pension officials try to oust Safeway chief.(Supermarket Aisle)
April 5, 2004... PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Five large public pension funds last month launched a campaign to unseat Safeway's chairman and chief executive officer Steven Burd and two outside directors from the board. At a press conference last month, pension...

Lowes denies interest in buying Bi-Lo.(Supermarket Aisle)(Ahold USA Inc.)(Lowe's Food Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Lowes Foods stated that it is not interested in acquiring Ahold's Bi-Lo supermarket chain, despite a published report that claims otherwise. "Lowes is not interested in buying Bi-Lo. That is not true," said Dianne...

Piggly Wiggly franchise expands in Wis.(Supermarket Aisle)(Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company Inc.)(Wisconsin)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... SHEBOYGAN, Wis. -- Fresh Brands has inked a deal to convert four Wisconsin stores to the Piggly Wiggly franchise, a move that will increase the company's number of franchised supermarkets to 77 and its total number of Piggly Wiggly stores to...

Rembrandt buy brightens Gillette oral care.(News)(Den-Mat Corp.)(Gillette Co.)
April 5, 2004... BOSTON -- Just when the teeth-whitening category seemed to have entered a period of relative calm, the Gillette Co. jumped into the fray by acquiring the Rembrandt brand of at-home and professional teeth-whitening products from privately held...

CDMA Expo sets stage for hot launches.(News)(Chain Drug Marketing Association)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... DALLAS -- The Chain Drug Marketing Association's Spring Expo 2004 may appear small when compared with the likes of the National Association of Chain Drug Store's Market place meeting, but as far as unique opportunities and significant launches...

New Web tool targets retail crime.(Retail Alert Network to curb crime in drug chains)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has developed its Retail Alert Network to provide an arena to share loss prevention best practices among drug chains operating in the same geographic area. Information can be...

Canada eyes medical marijuana.(Pharmacy Watch)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... OTTAWA, Ontario -- Health Canada is organizing a pilot program, modeled after a similar system in the Netherlands, that would allow patients to buy government-certified marijuana at their local drug stores. A Health Canada spokeswoman told...

Generic oxycodone gets cautious nod.(Pharmacy Watch)(drug approval)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... WASHINGTON -- In a major development on the generic drug front, the Food and Drug Administration approved Endo Pharmaceutical's and Teva Pharmaceutical's versions of Purdue Frederick's OxyContin (oxycodone extended-release tablets) for the...

N.J. updates practice standards.(Pharmacy Watch)(New Jersey)(pharmacists)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... PRINCETON, N.J. -- For the first time in a century, New Jersey has completely overhauled its pharmacy practice standards, reclassifying pharmacists in the state as health professionals and allowing them to manage patients' medication therapy in...

GSK promoting Rx card program.(Pharmacy Watch)(GlaxoSmithKline Argentina S.A.)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... PHILDELPHIA -- GlaxoSmithKline has launched a new national ad campaign that publicizes its Orange Card senior savings program and highlights its investment in pharmaceutical research and development. The campaign, to run through the end of...

N.H. pharmacies fight steep cut in Medicaid reimbursement rate.(Pharmacy News)(New Hampshire)
April 5, 2004... CONCORD, N.H. -- More than 100 state pharmacies backed a lawsuit, filed March 18, that sought to invalidate the new pharmacy payment rate as an illegal rule, and asked for the return of the prior rate along with compensatory damages. The rate...

Pressure mounting for import drugs.(Pharmacy News)
April 5, 2004... WASHINGTON -- Pressure to allow the legal importation of drugs from Canada is building among seniors' groups and among state and federal law-makers alarmed over the rising cost of prescription medicines. That pressure could eclipse concerns...

Safety remains concern for 'net pharmacy users.(Pharmacy News)(internet services)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Most of the 6 million U.S. adults who have purchased prescription drugs online say they are satisfied with the service, but safety remains a concern with the majority of those users, a new poll has found. The poll,...

Strong Rx pipeline, surge in demand should buy market in '04, IMS reports.(Pharmacy News)(forecasts, growth rate)
April 5, 2004... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. wholesale prescription market rose a solid 11.5 percent to $216.4 billion last year, driven in large part by generic and biotech sales, IMS Health reported. That figure represents more than $2-of-every-$5 spent in the...

Reese's swoops.(Teen People Trendspotters[TM])(peanut butter cup introduction)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Teens are loving this whole new category of snack. The concept here is simple: snacks that taste like chocolate, but look like potato chips. Definitely an odd concept, but cool nonetheless. "Oh my God! The best invention ever is the snack...

Garnier Fructis Shake Effect Liqui-Gel.(Teen People Trendspotters[TM])(product introduction)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Trendspotters are raving over Garnier's new styling line, and the product that is getting the most buzz is the Shake Effect Liqui-Gel. It's a gel and wax combined, so it works perfectly with the hottest hair style right now--the tousled/messy...

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette.(Teen People Trendspotters[TM])(John Frieda Professional Hair Care Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Brunettes unite! John Frieda is paying respect to brunettes around the world with the launch of Brilliant Brunette hair care products. Brown-haired Trendspotters are loving the attention and the way these products are making their dark locks...

Sally Hansen airbrush legs.(Teen People Trendspotters[TM])(Sally Hansen Group)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... It's pantyhose in a can, and Trendspotters can't get enough of it. It makes legs look super smooth and hides imperfections. The Trendspotters that used the product said their legs look and feel amazing. "I am obsessed with the Airbrush...

CHPA Annual Executive Conference.(Making the Scene)
April 5, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Consumer Healthcare Products Association president Linda Suydam and incoming CHPA chairman Tim Hayes (right) of Bayer honor outgoing chairman Dick Green of Blistex at CHPA's Annual Executive Conference last...

Crestor Charity Challenge: Bay Hill Invitational.(Making the Scene)
April 5, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: At the Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando, Fla., are John Bozard of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women, Crestor Charity Challenge winner Stuart Appleby of the Professional Golf Association Tour...

Pharmacy benefits company Caremark Rx and its rival AdvancePCS last month completed their previously announced merger agreement, setting in motion a string of executive moves.(People In The News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Pharmacy benefits company Caremark Rx and its rival AdvancePCS last month completed their previously announced merger agreement, setting in motion a string of executive moves, including the retirement of A.D. Frazier,...

Safeway.(People In The News)(Robert Edwards appointed)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway has appointed Robert Edwards executive vice president and chief financial officer, reporting directly to Steven Burd, chairman, president and chief executive officer. Safeway had been without a chief financial...

Schering-Plough.(People In The News)(Thomas Sabatino Jr appointed)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... KENILWORTH, N.J. -- Schering-Plough has named Thomas Sabatino Jr. executive vice president and general counsel, effective April 15. He succeeds Joseph Connors, who decided to leave the company. Connors will be available through the end of 2004...

Wal-Mart Stores.(People In The News)(Sue Oliver appointed)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores has appointed Sue Oliver senior vice president of people for Wal-Mart Stores, effective April 5. She succeeds Charlyn Jarrells Porter, who recently was named chief diversity officer for Wal-Mart Stores. ...

Generic Pharmaceutical Association.(People In The News)(Stephen Mason, Michelle Collier appointed)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... WASHINGTON -- The Generic Pharmaceutical Association has appointed Stephen Mason director of federal government affairs and Michelle Collier as director of events-critical posts that will help the association enhance its 2004 legislative,...

Winn-Dixie Stores.(People In The News)(Joey Medina appointed)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores has named Joey Medina division manager of Winn-Dixie Montgomery, a Winn-Dixie subsidiary. He succeeds Curt Gore, who no longer is with the company. Medina will lead the operations of Winn-Dixie stores...

The new battle for market share intensifies.(DRUG STORES FACE STIFF COMPETITION FROM SUPERMARKETS)
April 5, 2004... Despite the lackluster performance of many of the nation's leading grocery chains and the impact of the recent labor dispute in California, the supermarket channel cannot be overlooked as a formidable competitor. If you add other issues...

Conference focuses on issues--not shrimp.(Opinion)(Consumer Health Products Association)
April 5, 2004... OK, so the Washington Grand Hyatt isn't exactly The Greenbrier. But then again, the Consumer Health Products Association isn't exactly what it used to be. It's a lot stronger and more focused than it was. It's more about the business and less...

Bristol-Myers Squibb.(Branded News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Several studies regarding statin therapy were released last month, including one that justified lowering low-density lipoprotein levels, or bad cholesterol, well below current targets of 100 mg/dL of blood as an effective preventative measure...

AstraZeneca.(Branded News)(Crestor adverse effect)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... AstraZeneca's Crestor statin, launched in August, received a credibility blow last month after reports linked Crestor to the death from rhabdomyolysis of a 39-year-old woman and listed 15 additional adverse events associated with Crestor. The...

Sanofi-Synthelabo.(Branded News)(results of Acomplia (rimonabant))(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Early results of two phase III studies with Sanofi-Synthelabo's Acomplia (rimonabant), the first in a new class of therapeutics called selective CB1 blockers, indicate that obese patients with untreated dyslipidemia lost an average of 20 pounds...

Pfizer.(Generic News)(sales of Diflucan (fluconazole))(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Pfizer last month successfully deflected a challenge from Ranbaxy against its six-month pediatric exclusivity for the anti-fungal medicine Diflucan (fluconazole). The decision provides Diflucan with U.S. marketing exclusivity through July...

PBMs win round one in Maine.(Pharmacy Benefit Management)
April 5, 2004... BANGOR, Maine -- The pharmacy benefit management industry is hailing a federal judge's decision to block--at least temporarily--a new law in Maine at would redefine the relationship between PBMs and their clients and force the industry to...

EAS.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... EAS will be the first company to qualify for the National Football League's Supplement Certification Program seal. Administered through NSF International, the seal asserts that supplements do not contain any substances the NFL has banned. ...

NVE.(Supplier News)(NVE Pharmaceuticals Inc.)(sales barring cases)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... NVE, manufacturer of the Stacker II and Yellow Jacket ephedra-containing supplements, last month filed suit against the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration seeking to enjoin the agencies from barring...

Novartis.(Supplier News)(new Benefiber chewable tablets)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Novartis last month began shipping its new Benefiber chewable tablets. Targeting on-the-go seniors, the orange creme-flavored tablets are available in 36-count packages for a suggested retail price of $5.49 and in 100-count packages for $13.89....

Impax Laboratories.(Supplier News)(sales of Claritin-D)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... The FDA last month granted Impax Laboratories approval to market a private label version of Claritin-D 24-Hour (loratadine and pseudoephedrine). Currently, Impax has a semi-exclusive agreement with Wyeth to market the product as Alavert D-24....

Arben Bioscience.(Supplier News)(new home pregnancy test kit)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Arben Bioscience last month introduced a new home pregnancy test kit called Simplicity that tests urine for human chorionic gonadotropin--the hormone a fertilized ovum produces--with no sticks necessary. Test results appear directly on the out...

Oona Health.(Supplier News)(dietary supplements introduced)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Oona Health last month introduced two new dietary supplements for PMS called PMS1 and PMS2. PMS1 contains chaste tree berry extract and black cohosh and is formulated to help provide balance throughout a woman's cycle, while PMS2 contains cramp...

Industry rebuilds consumer trust in wake of ephedra scandal.(OTC/Natural Health)(dietary supplements industry)
April 5, 2004... In the wake of Major League Baseball player Steve Bechler's ephedra-related death, the dietary supplement industry was deluged with charges that supplements were grossly unregulated. A little more than a year has passed since Bechler's...

Sales speak volumes for silent switch.(What's Hot)(Adams Respiratory Therapeutics)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Sales of Adams Respiratory Therapeutics' Mucinex took off this past cough-cold season, contributing $7.3 million in incremental sales to the drug channel for the 12 weeks ended Dec. 28, according to Information Resources Inc. Only...

Eckerd.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Eckerd, in conjunction with Florida Digital Technologies, is offering the Instant Traffic Reporter to commuters in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla., area. About the size of a dashboard-mounted radar detector, the ITR clips to a car's visor and...

Wild Heart Ranch.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Wild Heart Ranch introduced two new lines of collectible plush toys: I See Horses!, based on the children's storybook of the same name, and Lucky Stars, based on the book "No More Night Mares... a Dream of Freedom." The I See Horses! items...

Staedtler.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Staedtler has introduced its newest writing instrument, the Dazzelites Light-Up Pen. The pen features a see-through barrel filled with glitter and tiny stars that swirl around in a lava-like liquid when rotated up and down. When the tip of the...

Upper Deck.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Upper Deck, in conjunction with 4Kids Entertainment and Mirage Licensing, has introduced the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trading Card Game with two collections timed for release in May and September, respectively. Upper Deck also announced...

Clear Flow Corp.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Clear Flow Corp. has launched a new line of long-life, disposable kitchen and bathroom water filters. The bathroom model is the first faucet filter designed for bathroom sinks, according to the company, and includes an adjustable water...

Drug channel regaining popularity as back-to-school destination.
April 5, 2004... The start of the back-to-school selling season is only three months away, and when it arrives, chain drug retailers will be looking to extend gains made the past few years during what has become an increasingly important seasonal sales...

Camera phone digital printing stations.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Similar to a one-time-use camera mobile phone cameras provide users with a spontaneous, convenient mode of picture taking. Kodak and Fuji are helping retailers bring those consumers into chain drug by offering them a place to print their cell...

Target has revamped its bath planogram to include a 4-foot section dedicated to specialty spa products.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Target has revamped its bath planogram to include a 4-foot section dedicated to specialty spa products. The retailer has enlisted the help of Spa Sciences, a manufacturer of spa products for the chain drug and mass channel, to build the spa...

Lotta Luv.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Lotta Luv, makers of yummy-smelling lip balms marketed under popular A snack food/candy brand names, has extended its candy and food licensing portfolio to include Snapple beverages. Lotta Luv president Steph Fogelson believes the line of lip...

Stridex.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Stridex has created Clear Cycle Deep Wash, a medicated face cleanser designed to be used during the one week in teenage girls' monthly cycle when their skin is oilier than normal and breakouts are most likely to occur. Teenage girls...

Soft Sheen-Carson.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Soft Sheen-Carson has re-launched the home relaxer system Dark and Lovely with a new moisture-rich formulation and new packaging. Dark and Lovely now features a Moisture Replenishing System, a combination of natural ingredients and polymers to...

While drug slights kids' grooming, manufacturers see growth chance.(Beauty Care)
April 5, 2004... While kids' personal care products have found a comfortable home in supermarkets and mass retailers--stores where female shoppers are likely to have kids in tow--chain drug stores still tend to view the category as somewhat of a pest. ...

Just for the sun of it.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Sun care manufacturers are gearing up for the big thaw after a brutal winter with a host of retail programs to encourage sunscreen use. Schering-Plough's Coppertone brand has declared May "Sun Awareness Month" to persuade the 90 percent of...

Pepsi-Cola North America.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Supplier News--Pepsi-Cola North America last month introduced Pepsi Edge, the first soft drink entry into the mid-calorie beverage segment. Pepsi Edge is 50 percent lower in sugar, carbohydrates and calories compared with regular sodas and...

Pierre's French Ice Cream Co.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Pierre's French Ice Cream Co. introduced Pierre's Carb Success no-sugar-added ice cream made with Splenda. The dessert nets 3 grams of carbs per half-cup serving and is targeted to consumers watching their carbohydrate intake. Carb Success is...

Cadbury Schweppes.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Cadbury Schweppes rolled out its new Snapple-a-Day Fit for a Low Carb Lifestyle beverage targeted to consumers looking to reduce their carbohydrate and fat intakes while adding vitamins and minerals to their diets. The beverage contains 9 net...

Masterfoods USA.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... Masterfoods USA, the maker of M&M's, has brought the color back to its chocolate candies after engineering a complete transformation of the brand. After repackaging its candies in black and white, the company last month revealed an updated...

A Food and Drug Administration obesity working group released a report last month outlining a comprehensive strategy to combat obesity using the message, "Calories Count.".(Industry News)(Brief Article)
April 5, 2004... A Food and Drug Administration obesity working group released a report last month outlining a comprehensive strategy to combat obesity using the message, "Calories Count." Recommendations include changing food labeling to ensure it accurately...

Beer suppliers tap into low-carb trend, but can the segment sustain sales?(Consumables)
April 5, 2004... While strict Atkins devotees tip frosty mugs across the country in salute to low-carb beers with the same taste and actuality--but none of the guilt--associated with traditional beers, the question remains whether beers like Michelob Ultra are...

Bringing low-carb cereal to the table.(What's Hot)
April 5, 2004... Carb counters are returning to the forbidden cereal aisle with the introduction of new, competitively priced low-carb cereals. General Mills is wooing back those who had written off the staple breakfast food with its introduction late last...

Pfizer becomes target of boycott.(News)(cases)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Pfizer has become the second pharmaceutical supplier--after GlaxoSmithKline last year--targeted for consumer boycotts because of its position opposing importing medicines from Canada. The Minnesota Senior Federation announced...

Fred's to add up to 35 pharmacies.(News)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Fred's which operates 524 discount general merchandise stores in 14 southeastern states, plans to add up to 35 pharmacies in fiscal 2004, bringing to more than 270 its total number of pharmacy departments. According to a...

Rite aid financial gains fuel new-store growth.
April 19, 2004... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- While the chain drug industry was abuzz with news of the Eckerd sale to CVS and Brooks, Rite Aid quietly announced its fiscal 2004 financial results, heralding a return to annual profits for the first time in at least five...

Eckerd deal impacts retail landscape.(CVS H.C. Inc. and Jean Coutu Group Inc. acquire Eckerd Drug Co.)
April 19, 2004... LARGO, Fla. -- As CVS and The Jean Coutu Group move toward an expected June dosing on their acquisition of Eckerd, the chain drug industry can look forward to several years of fallout from what is arguably the industry's most significant deal...

Drug Store News Annual Report.
April 19, 2004... The chain drug industry is constantly reinventing itself, shifting resources and sharpening strategies to meet the latest challenges. Inside this comprehensive Annual Report of the Chain Drug Industry, Drug Store News profiles the top 20...

New CMS chief McClellan asks for industry's support.(Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)(Interview)
April 19, 2004... He's proven himself a skilled physician, educator, policy-maker and health researcher. But Dr. Mark McClellan, confirmed March 12 as the new director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also has become adept as a politician. ...

Canadian imports too risky, industry leaders warn.(News)
April 19, 2004... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Pharmaceutical industry leaders testified before the Department of Health and Human Services Task Force on Drug Importation during its second meeting held earlier this month, arguing that importing Canadian medicines, as is...

Group pushes Canadian leader to ban Internet pharmacy sales.(News)(Canadian health care)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... TORONTO -- Six Canadian health care groups petitioned the Prime Minister to enact a law to immediately end cross-border Internet pharmacy sales. The practice risks Canadian lives, threatens the country s drug pricing system and harms health...

Easy comparisons boost March sales.(drug stores show solid March sales)
April 19, 2004... NEW YORK -- Several of the leading drug chains posted solid March sales results, which were driven in part by healthy gains at the front of the store and easier comparisons with the year-ago period. Last year, March sales were negatively...

Price check on aisle 5: grocery's new HBC pricing strategy.(News)
April 19, 2004... BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. -- Grocery retailers are using health and beauty products to appear more attractive to shoppers. Given that every other retail channel seems to be dabbling in the food business right now, albeit to varying degrees, several...

Aurora announces new Quick Care service.(Aurora Health Care Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... MILWAUKEE -- Late last month, Aurora Health Care, which operates 142 Aurora Pharmacy locations in eastern Wisconsin, opened its first in-store Aurora Quick Care site. The company expects to have six to eight Quick Care sites open by the end of...

Bartell Drugs implements Rx connectivity.(new service)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... SEATTLE -- Bartell Drugs, the nation's oldest drug store chain, recently completed the implementation of its chainwide pharmacy connectivity system to enable customers to fill prescriptions at any of its store locations without having to call...

Louis & Clark expands medical offering.(Regional Report)(Brief Article)
April 19, 2004... SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Louis & Clark earlier this month celebrated the opening of its new medical equipment store here. The store originally was housed with a pharmacy department, but the two entities outgrew each other, so the medical...