Drug Store News articles from December 2003

Drug Store News archives from December 2003

Walgreens nixes mandatory mail.(News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Walgreen Co. reported Dec. 4 that it no longer would join new prescription benefit programs that mandate filling maintenance medications exclusively through the mail--a move aimed at assuring that pharmacy patients have the...

NACDS won't be baited by PCMA.(News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Contrary to a Dec. 4 statement issued by the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, the trade group representing the nation's prescription drug benefit management companies, it appears the retail pharmacy industry is not...

To be 'retailer of choice,' adaptability is key.(Overview)
December 15, 2003... Pharmacy and HBC are being established as critical pillars supporting a Meijer organization that is being substantially reordered to meet critical competitive challenges in the current retailing environment. In tests, pharmacy and...

Serving drug's core shopper focus of DrSN Issues Summit.(News)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- "The customer we have is the one we have to make the most of." That is what May's Drug Stores vice president of buying and merchandising Bob Berman told a packed conference room of industry executives assembled here earlier...

Retail pharmacy awaits double-edged sword.(Medicare update)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Medicare prescription drug benefits are a reality, marking the dawn of a new and potentially perilous era for drug store retailing. And while it may be years before all the ramifications are clear to chain and independent...

Drug stores anticipate robust holiday sales.(News)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- Drug stores have been as busy as Santa's elves, shoring up the front end with toys, last-minute stocking stuffers and even Christmas trees to prepare for what some industry observers say could be a jolly holiday shopping season. ...

Discount card tops NACDS agenda.(News)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- In the wake of the recent passage of a Medicare Prescription Drug package, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, through the Pharmacy Care Alliance, are in talks to piece together a proposal for a Medicare-approved pharmacy...

XCD launches in CVS.(News)(King of Shaves celebrated official launch of its XCD (pronounced ex-cede) line of men's grooming products in select CVS locations)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... King of Shaves celebrated the official launch of its XCD (pronounced ex-cede) line of men's grooming products in select CVS locations at a New York CVS store Dec. 4. At the event are John Gustafson, celebrity makeup artist and skin care...

Medicine Shoppe to acquire Medicap.(News)(Medicine Shoppe International is initiating plans to acquire Medicap Pharmacies )(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- Medicine Shoppe International, a Cardinal Health company and leading chain of independent retail pharmacies, is initiating plans to acquire Medicap Pharmacies for an undisclosed sum. According to Medicine Shoppe president Bob...

DrSN diabetes roundtable tackles tough issues.(News)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- As the diabetes incidence rate rises swiftly., the diabetic population is realizing the power behind those growing numbers. Patients today are walking into pharmacies demanding better resources, enhanced product selection and...

Park Pharmacy sells stores to CVS.(Regional Report)(Goshen Health System will sell four Park Pharmacy stores in Indiana to CVS for )(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... GOSHEN, Ind. -- Goshen Health System has agreed to sell its four Park Pharmacy stores in Indiana to CVS for an undisclosed sum. The stores in Nappanee, Goshen and Syracuse closed at the top of the month. The store in Middlebury will remain...

Kinney ValueCard launch a success.(Regional Report)(Kinney Drugs Inc.)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. -- Kinney Drugs, which unveiled its Kinney ValueCard in late July, recently announced that during the initial five-week launch period, more than 134,000 customers signed up for the loyalty program. The program entities...

Pharmaca secures $5.5m in financing.(Regional Report)(Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy )(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... BOULDER, Colo. -- Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy has completed a $5.5 million equity financing, which will be used to open additional Pharmaca locations in select markets nationwide. The financing is from Richard Scott, founder and prior...

Bartell honored as 'Earth Hero'.(Regional Report)(Bartell Drug Co.)
December 15, 2003... SEATTLE -- The Bartell Drug Co., the nation's oldest drug store chain, was named as one of King Couty's "Earth Heroes" for its success and innovation of the "Great Mercury Thermometer Exchange" take-back program. Under the program, which...

Navarro's Ruiz attends leader program.(Regional Report)(GlaxoSmithKline Executive Management Program for Pharmacy Leaders at Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... PHILADELPHIA -- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania recently announced that Carlos Ruiz, pharmacy director at Navarro Discount Pharmacies in Miami, has graduated from the GlaxoSmithKline Executive Management Program for...

Longs reports improved sales as takeover rumors drive stock.(News)(Longs Drug Stores )
December 15, 2003... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Longs Drug Stores reported better-than-expected earnings for its third quarter and rolled out its first remodeled stores, but declined to comment on takeover rumors that drove its stock price to a 52-week high last...

Eckerd's financial problems continue in 3Q.(News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... LARGO, Fla. -- Eckerd did little to bolster its value during the third quarter, turning in another disappointing financial performance as its parent J.C. Penney moves toward a year-end deadline to complete a review of strategic alternatives...

ShopKo puts up $100 million to grow pharmacy.(News)(ShopKo Stores Inc)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... GREEN BAY, Wis. -- ShopKo stores continues its expansion into pharmacy, announcing last month a capital expenditure program of $100 million to fund such projects as the three previously announced ShopKo Express Rx stores. ShopKo Express Rx...

So. Calif. grocery strike intensifies.(Supermarket Aisle)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- The crippling grocery strike in Southern California that involves 70,000 workers is intensifying and is showing no sign of coming to an end soon. The latest turn of events included the following: * California Attorney...

Penn traffic seeks to sell Rx assets.(Supermarket Aisle)(Penn Traffic asks bankruptcy court to approve sale of its pharmacy assets to CVS for $8 million and to Giant Eagle for $540,000)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- Penn Traffic, which filed for bankruptcy in May, has asked the bankruptcy court to approve the sale of its pharmacy assets to CVS for $8 million and to Giant Eagle for $540,000, according to a Dow Jones report. Robert Borella,...

Ahold chief could get hefty bonus.(Supermarket Aisle)(Royal Ahold's new chief executive officer Anders Moberg could pocket 250% of his base salary)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... ZANDAAM, Netherlands -- Royal Ahold's new chief executive officer Anders Moberg could pocket 250 percent of his base salary if he achieves-all of his performance criteria and delivers outstanding financial performance in 2003, Ahold stated late...

A&P completes sale of coffee division.(Supermarket Aisle)(Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. sells Eight O Clock Coffee division to Gryphon Investors)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... MONTVALE, N.J. -- The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., also known as A&P, has completed the previously announced sale of its Eight O Clock Coffee division to Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, for cash and a note....

Safeway's CFO to step down.(Supermarket Aisle)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway announced that Vasant Prabhu, executive vice president, chief financial officer and president of e-commerce businesses, will be leaving the company to become chief financial officer at Starwood Hotels and Resorts...

Private label show has big brand feel.(News)(Private Label Manufacturers Association annual trade show )
December 15, 2003... ROSEMONT, Ill. -- In the language of a major cigarette brand, private label "has come a long way, baby," a fact clearly reflected at the Private Label Manufacturers Association annual trade show here Nov. 16 to 18 at the Donald E. Stephens...

CVS, Target to test run U.K.'s Boots brands.(News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- CVS and Target are clearing shelf space for a welcomed British invasion intended to distinguish the two retailers from their chain drug and mass competitors. This spring, the United Kingdom's leading health and beauty retailer,...

Charges dropped against ex-Kmart execs.(News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... DETROIT -- At the request of prosecutors, the government last month dismissed criminal charges against ex-Kmart executives Enio "Tony" Montini Jr. and Joseph Hofmeister, who ran Kmart's drug division. The men were charged with securities...

Medicare bill leaves more questions than answers.(Pharmacy News)(New Medicare prescription drug legislation )
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Instead of too little too late, retailers are saying it is too much too soon when asked to comment on how the new Medicare prescription drug legislation will affect chain pharmacy. "It's an 1,100-page bill and all we've seen...

Anti-importing efforts gain ground.(Pharmacy News)(U.S. government and trade organizations aim to stop import of Canadian pharmaceuticals)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- As the import of Canadian pharmaceuticals continues to flow into a steady stream--by latest calculations the business represents some $1.6 billion in lost U.S. pharmacy business--it seems that opposing U.S. government and trade...

Making the scene.(ational Association of Chain Drug Stores foundation dinner; other news is noted)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... NACDS foundation gala At the NACDS Foundation dinner, Unilever's Pat Peters, Craig Fuller of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and Wal-Mart's Tom Coughlin Pepsi-Cola's Don Quigley with Cathy and Tom Ryan of CVS ...

'Tis the season to say thanks.(A Letter from the President)(Editorial)
December 15, 2003... By chance, on a recent flight to Chicago, I sat next to a man who I have not seen in 30 years. His company, though not our biggest customer, has been a consistent and loyal advertiser. After exchanging some pleasantries, he turned to me and...

Family values withstand test of time at Meijer.(Opinion)
December 15, 2003... Over the past decade, dozens of venerable retail companies have succumbed to intense competition and a changing marketplace characterized largely by the blurring of retail channels. One retailer has existed quietly and survived for seven...

Empty grandstanding belies PCMA backpedalling.(Opinion)(Pharmaceutical Care Management Association)
December 15, 2003... Standing at the podium last month before a room full of executives representing many of the retail pharmacy industry's most significant chains, sitting side by side with executives from some of the country's largest prescription benefit...

Hot picks: December.(Merchandising Trends)(Teen People's Trendspotter Hot Picks)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Through an exclusive partnership with Teen People magazine, once a month Drug Store News features a special department, Teen People's Trendspotter Hot Picks, which is designed to give retailers a better sense of what moves today's teen...

Whitening war goes to court.(HBC Scene)(Colgate sues Procter & Gamble)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... The whitening war waging between leading toothpaste brands Colgate and Crest has moved from the oral care aisle to the courtroom. In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan Nov. 24, Colgate charges rival Procter & Gamble with false...

Posner courts Hispanics.(HBC Scene)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Posner is expanding its reach beyond African-American consumers to the Latino community. The beauty company was the exclusive cosmetics sponsor at the Latino Expo, a health fair held Nov. 16 at the Marriot Marquis in New York. Two...

Albertsons sees dual-brand store as key to staying competitive.(Chain Profile)
December 15, 2003... Albertsons has high hopes for 2004 as it prepares to roll out its dual-brand stores in Southern California and continues to pursue store-within-a-store deals with retailers like Toys "R" Us. But a protracted strike among workers in California...

GlaxoSmithKline.(Branded News)(FDA approved GlaxoSmithKline's Advair Diskus 250/50 for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... The Food and Drug Administration approved GlaxoSmithKline's Advair Diskus 250/50 for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bronchitis. It is the first FDA-approved product for treating COPD with...

Bristol-Myers Squibb.(Branded News)(Gets FDA approval last month for Ovcon 35, a spearmint-flavored, chewable oral contraceptive containing a progestin (norethindrone) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol).)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Bristol-Myers Squibb received FDA approval last month for Ovcon 35, a spearmint-flavored, chewable oral contraceptive containing a progestin (norethindrone) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). A study presented at the American Heart...

Andrx.(Generic News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... A U.S. district court in southern Florida decided to hear Andrx's case against Eon Labs concerning Eon's recent announcement to launch bupropion hydrochloride, the generic equivalent of GlaxoSmithKline's Wellbutrin SR. Andrx claims it was...

Teva Pharmaceuticals.(Generic News)(Introduced generic, bioequivalent version of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Monopril (fosinopril sodium tablets))(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Teva Pharmaceuticals introduced its generic, bioequivalent version of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Monopril (fosinopril sodium tablets), indicated for treating hypertension and as adjunct therapy in managing heart failure. Teva's fosinopril sodium...

Correction.(Reporter's Notebook)(Correction Notice)
December 15, 2003... Correction: According to IMS Health prescription count data for the 12 months ended in June, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals has delivered a 46 percent growth rate, reaching 55.5 million in generic drug prescriptions dispensed. During the same...

Counseling by Eckerd pharmacists is saving real dollars in Florida project.(Chain Pharmacy)
December 15, 2003... CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Working with low-income patients in four test counties in Florida, clinical care pharmacists working for Eckerd already have saved the state more than a quarter of a million dollars in Medicaid health care costs since the...

Reimbursement cuts in Medi-Cal program could ignite California pharmacy revolt.(Chain Pharmacy)
December 15, 2003... SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A plan to cut pharmacy reimbursements to drug store operators serving California's Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, may trigger a revolt among drug chains and independents as the state grapples with its worst-ever budget...

Canada's chain drug elite see strength amid challenges.(Chain Pharmacy)
December 15, 2003... HALIFAX, Nova Scotia -- With a nod to rising competition, tight prescription margins and other challenges, the leaders of Canada's plucky drug store industry nevertheless found much to celebrate at the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Store's...

FDA ovehaul results in faster approvals.(Chain Pharmacy)
December 15, 2003... BOSTON -- Recent efforts by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to cut red tape and get new drugs more quickly to market has shaved more than two years off the development and approval process, new research shows. In a recently completed...

AphA elects new board.(Chain Pharmacy)(American Pharmacists Association )(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The American Pharmacists Association has elected a new slate of board members, including a future AphA president, and has voted in several changes to the way the organization is run. AphA named as its next president-elect...

New formulation renders painkiller abuse-resistant.(Chain Pharmacy)(Pain Therapeutics Inc.)
December 15, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- Firing a new salvo in the battle to keep highly abused controlled substances out of the wrong hands, a biotech company specializing in the development of novel painkillers recently filed an investigational new drug application...

New pediatric studies bill could raise Rx-testing bar.(Chain Pharmacy)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- As of last month, the Food and Drug Administration is a signature away from being able to mandate pediatric studies of pharmaceutical products when such studies are needed to ensure the safe and effective use of the products in...

Rite Aid hosts diabetes day.(Chain Pharmacy)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Rite Aid hosted its first diabetes day events over two days last month in 230 Rite Aid pharmacies. Rite Aid diabetes specialists, licensed dieticians and representatives from both Roche Diagnostics and Novo Nordisk provided diabetes counseling...

HHS targets Hispanics with diabetes.(Chain Pharmacy)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The Dept. of Health and Human Services has launched a new public awareness campaign for U.S. Hispanics at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The public information drive, which includes a new music CD encouraging Latino Americans...

Tech firms answer chain pharmacy's call for productivity.(Pharmacy Automation)
December 15, 2003... With prescription volumes still on the rise and no end to the pharmacist shortage in sight, drug store chains are under more pressure than ever to raise productivity at the pharmacy. More frequently, technology is seen as the natural solution...

NexGen at core of Rite Aid's new pharmacy model.(Pharmacy Automation)(NexGen, Next Generation Pharmacy, is an automated dispensing system )
December 15, 2003... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid's pharmacies are revving into the new year fitted with a technologically honed, time-efficient pharmacy engine that is expected to drive the chain's core growth and quite possibly help close the gap between Rite Aid...

Catch RFID express now, technology experts advise.(Pharmacy Automation)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- Kevin Ashton wants to turn every manmade object in the world into a wirelessly networked microcomputer. Ashton is not a mad scientist, he is the former executive director of the Auto-ID Center, which officially shut its doors Oct....

FDA promotes genetic testing.(Pharmacy Automation)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- Guidance the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued could spawn the approval of highly specified drugs for smaller subsets of patients identified through genetic testing. The FDA is encouraging drug makers voluntarily to...

EPC, RFID get a first look in pharmacy pilot programs.(Pharmacy Automation)(Electronic product code and radio frequency identification technology)
December 15, 2003... NEW YORK -- With their first tentative pilot programs now out of the gate, chain drug operators are beginning to explore the impact of electronic product code and radio frequency identification technology. And that long-term impact, experts...

FDA promotes CDER chief.(Pharmacy Automation)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has promoted Steven Galson, acting director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, to the rank of rear admiral/assistant surgeon general. Galson, a physician, joined the FDA as...

Walgreens.(Retailer News)(Synova Healthcare launched in Walgreens a self-diagnostic urine test device called Menocheck)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Synova Healthcare last month launched in Walgreens a self-diagnostic urine test device called Menocheck that will enable women to check for the onset of menopause. Walgreens will hold an exclusive on the over-the-counter, at-home menopause...

IdeaSphere.(Supplier News)(Schering-Plough received FDA approval Nov. 19 to market Claritin for relief from hives)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Schering-Plough received Food and Drug Administration approval Nov. 19 to market Claritin for relief from hives. Accordingly, the company in February will begin shipping Claritin Hives Relief tablets, the first and only FDA-approved, non-drowsy...

Pharmavite.(Supplier News)(Pharmavite's Nature Made TripleFlex was named exclusive joint health and dietary supplement sponsor of Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Walk)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Pharmavite's Nature Made TripleFlex was named the exclusive joint health and dietary supplement sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation's Arthritis Walk last month. The next Arthritis Walk will take place in several cities across the country...

Health and Human Services.(Industry News)(Number of Americans with diabetes rose to all-time high of 18.2 million in 2003)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson last month announced that the number of Americans with diabetes rose to an all-time high of 18.2 million in 2003, of which an estimated 13 million Americans actually have been diagnosed with...

Medicine Tax Fairness Act.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... The introduction of the OTC Medicine Tax Fairness Act comes on the heels of an Internal Revenue Service ruling published in September that allows employees to pays for OTC medicines with pretax dollars from their flexible spending accounts.

Maturing children's OTC market may merit its own space in drug.(OTC/Natural Health)
December 15, 2003... With the proliferation of over-the-counter products marketed directly toward children, re, tailers have to wonder if it's time to let kids OTCs stand on their own. A children's remedy destination center strategically placed in-line...

Bar sales feed off low-carb craze.(What's Hot)(energy bars)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... With a ballooning obesity epidemic facing America today and more time-starved consumers looking to diet plans like Atkins and the Zone, low-carb and high-protein bars are becoming More prominent in meal replacement sets. Besides dieters,...

Gillette.(Supplier News)(signs multiyear marketing deal with six top Nascar drivers)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... On the heels of the launch of its Mach3 Turbo Champion, a red and black razor intended to resemble a racecar, Gillette has inked a multiyear marketing deal with six top Nascar drivers. The team, which Gillette has dubbed the Gillette Young...

John Frieda.(Supplier News)(to launch Brilliant Brunette line of hair care products)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... John Frieda has had success courting blondes with Brilliant Blonde, a hair care line of cleansing and styling products. The brand now will try its hand at attracting brunettes, as well, with the launch of Brilliant Brunette this February. The...

Cover Girl.(Supplier News)(to launch TruBlend Makeup and Fantastic Lash mascara)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Cover Girl is gearing up for two key launches in February: TruBlend Makeup and Fantastic Lash mascara. Similar to its sister brand's new foundation, Max Factor Colour Adapt, Cover Girl TruBlend Makeup adjusts to different skin tones, providing...

Revlon.(Supplier News)(renewed its contract with actress Halle Berry; to introduce the Pink Happiness Spring 2004 Color Collection)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Revlon has renewed its contract with actress Halle Berry, who has been a spokeswoman for its cosmetics for the last seven years. Berry recently completed a new advertising campaign for the Revlon summer 2004 color collection. In other...

Drug channel battles for piece of children's personal care sales.(Beauty Care)
December 15, 2003... The kids' personal care category is in the midst of a record growth spurt. The category is on track to climb to more than $290 million by year's end, up 8.6 percent from $267 million in 2001, according to a recent report from Mintel...

Acne: it's not just for teens anymore.(What's Hot)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Chain drug stores are clearing shelf space to make room for products that promise women clear skin. Increased real estate for acne-fighting products bumped up dollar sales in the acne treatments category 19.7 percent to $130 million for the...

Rite Aid, Longs Drugs and Drug Fair joined Eckerd Drug as the latest retailers to sign a distribution agreement with QT5, maker of the homeopathic nicotine beverage NicoWater.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Rite Aid, Longs Drugs and Drug Fair joined Eckerd Drug as the latest retailers to sign a distribution agreement with QT5, maker of the homeopathic nicotine beverage NicoWater. The beverage is designed to relieve tobacco cravings and is targeted...

Masterfoods USA.(Supplier News)(introduced its new, heart-healthy CocoaVia chocolate snacks)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Masterfoods USA, maker of Snickers and M&M's, rolled out its new, heart-healthy CocoaVia chocolate snacks in late October. CocoaVia crunch bars and chocolate chews contain at least 100 mg of cocoa flavanol antioxidants, along with vitamins E,...

Old Orchard.(Supplier News)(to launch five new low-carbohydrate, low-sugar juices)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... In January, Old Orchard will launch five new low-carbohydrate, low-sugar juices under the Old Orchard Light brand name. Flavors include apple, apple kiwi strawberry, apple cranberry, apple raspberry and grape. Old Orchard Light juices are...

Championship Group.(Supplier News)(Nascar driver Bill Elliott forms partnership with company to roll out a new line of meat snacks, including beef jerky, hot sausage, spicy meat stick, kippered beefsteak and pork rinds)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Nascar driver Bill Elliott formed a partnership with the Championship Group to roll out a new line of meat snacks, including beef jerky, hot sausage, spicy meat stick, kippered beefsteak and pork rinds. A full-color photo of Bill Elliott is...

Cadbury Adams.(Supplier News)(launched its sugar-free, fruit-flavored Chiclets in strawberry breeze and citrus samba flavors)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Cadbury Adams USA launched its sugar-free, fruit-flavored Chiclets in strawberry breeze and citrus samba flavors--the brand's first new flavor offerings in more than a decade. The bright-colored pellet gum is sold in a sleek, new blister...

The American Advertising Federation.(Executive News)(named Michael Sands, chief marketing officer for Snapple Beverage Group and Mott's, as a 2003 inductee to its Advertising Hall of Achievement)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... The American Advertising Federation named Michael Sands, chief marketing officer for Snapple Beverage Group and Mott's, as a 2003 inductee to its Advertising Hall of Achievement. The award honors industry professionals ages 40 and younger who...

Candy assortments go upscale for the holidays--and every day.(Consumables)
December 15, 2003... Snacks for gifts or special occasions have maneuvered their way to the forefront of drug retailers' holiday merchandising strategies, with increasing availability of premium items previously sold only at specialty food and candy stores. ...

Health claims in a nutshell.(What's Hot)(nuts)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Consumers are going nuts over new health claims for nuts--once considered a big, fat diet no-no. "If you look at health trends now, nuts are really the focus of positive attention regarding the nutrition profile," said Kraft Foods spokesman...

Beginning early next year, CVS will become the first national retailer to offer photo-processing capabilities to Cingular Wireless and Nokia cellular phone/camera users.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Beginning early next year, CVS will become the first national retailer to offer photo-processing capabilities to Cingular Wireless and Nokia cellular phone/camera users. The offering is the result of a deal Kodak inked with the cellular service...

CVS and Rite Aid.(Retailer News)(Sprint pre-paid long distance calling cards offered)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... CVS and Rite Aid stores have begun selling Sprint pre-paid long distance calling cards, including global capability cards designed to call Mexico.

Trudeau.(Supplier News)(has been awarded the Barbie license for children's dinnerware and drinkware products)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Trudeau has been awarded the Barbie license for children's dinnerware and drinkware products. The line will begin shipping in January, and suggested retail prices will range from $2.49 to $5.99. The company currently merchandises the Hello...

Inkworks.(Supplier News)(introduced new trading cards)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Inkworks' new "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" premium trading cards are based on the animated film released Nov. 14. Each pack contains six trading cards and has a suggested retail price of $1.99. Inkworks also released a new edition of...

Madonna.(Supplier News)(has signed a deal with Signatures Network to develop doll, other products)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... Madonna has signed a deal with Signatures Network to develop dolls, apparel, accessories, cosmetics, stationery, room d6cor and back-to-school products based on her new children's book "The English Roses." Roses products are aimed at...

McDonald.(Supplier News)(McKids retail licensing initiative; includes multiple briefs)(Brief Article)
December 15, 2003... McDonald's will launch a multicategory retail licensing initiative, dubbed McKids, in spring 2004. The line will include action toys and accessories, interactive videos, music and books. McDonald's currently has license agreements with Creative...

Straight-to-video franchises are cash cows for drug stores.(General Merchandise)
December 15, 2003... Successful movie franchises are gold mines for studios, as evidenced by billion dollar properties such as The Matrix" and "The Lord of the Rings." And the same holds true for straight-to-video franchises with films that target kids and can be...