Drug Store News articles from February 2002

Drug Store News archives from February 2002

Medicaid plans target prescription drug costs.
February 18, 2002... ATLANTA -- Staggered by a one-two punch of fast-rising drug and hospitalization costs and deficits spawned by a sagging economy, state Medicaid planners are scrambling to cut costs in the midst of painful budget cuts that could leave some...

Chains detail 2002 outlook for investors.(Food and Drug Retail Conference)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NEW YORK -- Talk of possible deals, new retail sales initiatives and supercenters topped the agenda among retail and financial executives who gathered here earlier this month for the annual Credit Suisse/ First Boston Food and Drug Retail...

Leaders show resilience, despite choppy waters. (NACDS Regional Conference).(National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- Confronted by low profit margins, fickle consumers and increasing government regulation, dozens of leaders of small- and mid-sized drug chains gathered here late last month to swap ideas, recharge their companies and...

Kmart's pharmacies are not ready for the KO.(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... TROY, Mich. -- In the aftermath of Kmart's Chapter 11 filing last month, the drug chains that compete with the hobbled but still formidable giant should not expect any dramatic weakening of the discounter's nationwide pharmacy business--at...

Eckerd disputes claims in dispensing lawsuit.(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... CLIEARWATER, Fla. -- Eckerd's aggressive response to a recent lawsuit alleging it overcharged prescription customers quickly convinced investors the case was without merit though it could take much longer before the matter is officially...

Pharma rolls out new Rx cards. (Retail News).(GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NEW YORK -- GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis and Pfizer's discount prescription drug cards are drawing in consumers, with Pfizer's recently introduced Share Card logging up to 9,000 inquiries an hour. The Pfizer Share Card--unveiled at a Jan. 15...

Bodine replaces Zigerelli. (Retail News).(Chris Bodine, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing, CVS)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Sixteen-year CVS veteran Chris Bodine last month became the chain's top merchant, assuming the role of executive vice president of merchandising and marketing. Larry Zigerelli had held this position before resigning last...

Walgreens ushers in next generation. (Retail News).(multiple executive appointments)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Merely a week after David Bernauer officially assumed the chief executive officer title at Walgreens, the company announced a flurry of promotions and retirements, effectively setting the stage for the next corporate leaders....

Clarification.(Brief Article)(Correction Notice)
February 18, 2002... In a Jan. 21 article, Drug Store News reported that according to Market ADvantage, a research company that tracks print advertising, Walgreens reduced its number of ad pages significantly in November/December 2001 versus November/December 2000....

Kerr to buy CVS warehouse. (Regional Report).(Kerr Drug)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 18, 2002... DURHAM, N.C. -- Kerr Drug is purchasing a CYS distribution center in Henderson, N.C. The deal is expected to close on or about May 15. The 220,000-square-foot facility is 70,000 square feet larger than Kerr's current facility here and is...

Brooks purchase of Osco complete. (Regional Report).(Brooks Pharmacy acquires Osco Drug stores)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 18, 2002... WARRICK, R.I. -- Albertson's has completed the sale of 80 New England Osco Drug stores to Maxi Drug, which does business as Brooks Pharmacy. The $240 million deal, announced in early December, marks Albertson's complete exit from New England, a...

Kinney moves ahead with store-development plan. (Regional Report).(Kinney Drugs)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 18, 2002... GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. -- Moving ahead on an ambitious store-development program, Kinney Drugs has opened four stores over the past three months and is planning several additional capital projects in 2002. The chain expects to open three new...

May's readies major store revamp. (Regional Report).(May's Drug Stores)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... TULSA, Okla. -- May's Drug Stores will unveil a new store design this spring featuring a renovated pharmacy, a double drive-through prescription window and its first patient counseling and disease management center adjacent to the pharmacy. ...

Restructuring takes toll on CVS' 4th qtr. (Retail News).(fourth quarter 2001 losses for CVS)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 18, 2002... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS recorded the first quarterly loss in the company's history, reporting a net loss of $130.2 million during the 13 weeks ended Dec. 29. The company's earnings in the quarter were impacted by certain nonrecurring charges,...

Marketplace changes hoping to entice retailers. (Retail News).(National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has unveiled a series of changes it will roll out at this year's Marketplace conference. * Pre-scheduled appointments for retailers with first-time suppliers and...

People in the News.(multiple personnel changes)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... ST. LOUIS -- After 30 years of service, Ron Hofmeister, Medicine Shoppe International's executive vice president, is retiring on June 30, the end of the company's fiscal year. Hofmeister started with the company in 1971 as a pharmacist...

Bayer readies challenge to Viagra. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(Vardenafil to develop niche among diabetics)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NEW YORK -- Bayer's Vardenafil, a potential competitor to Pfizer's Viagra (sildenafil citrate) will carve out a strong niche among diabetics if it's approved later this year, according to Bayer Corp. president and chief executive officer Helge...

AARP creating generic campaign. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(American Association of Retired Persons)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WASHINGTON -- The American Association of Retired Persons, looking to build support for an upcoming PR campaign encouraging greater utilization of generic drugs, has begun meeting with prospective industry partners that would support the...

Merck & Co. to spin-off PBM unit. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(pharmacy benefits management)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. -- Generic competition and Wall Street earnings pressures compelled Merck & Co. to plan to spin-off its Merck-Medco pharmacy benefits management division by the middle of this year. Merck president and chief...

Pharmacy coalition praises proposed Rx bill for seniors. (Pharmacy News Briefs).(Pharmacy Benefits All Coalition)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WASHINGTON -- A coalition of pharmacy and retail groups has endorsed newly proposed federal legislation that would extend pharmacy benefits to seniors on Medicare. The Pharmacy Benefits All Coalition has added its voice to the chorus of...

Despite extension, HIPAA questions remain. (Retail News).(Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1998)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WASHINGTON -- It's official: chain and independent pharmacies will get some extra breathing room to comply with new, stricter patient billing and transaction standards required by recently enacted federal regulations governing patient privacy....

Gristede's goes head to head with urban drug stores. (Retail News).(company looks at combo-store format)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NEW YORK - With eight supermarket-anchored pharmacies in and around New York City already, Gristede's chairman and chief executive officer John Catsimatidis sees an opportunity in operating a combo-store format and has his eye on expansion. ...

Penney changes corporate format. (Retail News).(J.C. Penney Co.)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... PLANO, Texas - J.C. Penney Co. has changed its corporate structure to a holding company format, which has some analysts speculating that the retailer may be looking to spin off its Eckerd chain. Stephanie Brown, a spokeswoman for J.C....

Court OKs Phar-Mor's request for extension. (Retail News).(to file reorganization plan in bankruptcy court)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Phar-Mor has won bankruptcy court approval for a 180-day extension for exclusive rights to file a reorganization plan and lobby creditors for support. The order, issued by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court here, gives Phar-Mor...

Investor conference scores chains' play-by-play. (View Point).(Super Bowl conference of food and drug retailers)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 18, 2002... I just got back from the Super Bowl. No, not the football game played in New Orleans, rather the "Super Bowl" investor conference for food and drug retailers held annually in New York. This year's conference, which can be just as exciting and...

Wal-Mart's data: Who knows what to count on? (View Point).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... OK, so it didn't exactly happen yesterday. Wal-Mart opted to pull its data out of the mix last May, and its POS information has been unavailable to the public since July. But it is a decision that will have major ramifications on the consumer...

Investing in pharmacy's future with e-prescribing. (View Point).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... How much time does the average community pharmacist spend on the phone? Let's say, conservatively, two hours a day. Now imagine cutting that time in half. Perhaps no reform could do more to improve the practice of pharmacy in the nation's...

Tightening the grip on medication error control. (View Point).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... An Institute of Medicine 1999 report, "To Err is Human. Building a Safer Health System," documented that as many as 7,000 Americans die from medication errors each year. Actually, the 7,000 deaths are deaths in hospitals from medication errors....

NACDS Regional Chain Conference. (Retail News).(National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- South Florida provided an ideal backdrop for more than 300 industry executives who gathered here late last month for the 2002 National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference. The four-day event, held at...

Yellow means go for Accutane scripts. (Brand Watch).(Pregnancy Prevention Program for Women on Accutane, Hoffman-La-Roche)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... In an attempt to prevent birth defects, Hoffmann-La Roche and the Food and Drug Administration are phasing in an enhanced version of the drug company's Pregnancy Prevention Program for Women on Accutane to more than 375,000 dermatologists,...

Advicor joins cholesterol therapies. (Brand Watch).(Kos Pharmaceuticals launches hyper-cholesterolemia drug)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... Kos Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of hyper-cholesterolemia drug Advicor (extended release niacin/lovastatin) in late January. Advicor is indicated for the treatment of primary hyper-cholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia in patients...

Return of Lotronex? (Brand Watch).(FDA plans advisory committee)
February 18, 2002... In response to irritable bowel syndrome patients and activists who want Lotronex (aloscetron HCI) to return to the market, the FDA will convene an advisory committee meeting April 23. GlaxoSmithKline voluntarily withdrew Lotronex from the...

Novartis shifts pricing, availability. (Brand Watch).(medications)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... Novartis has issued price adjustments for Cafergot (ergotamine tartrate and caffeine), Cataflam (diclofenac potassium), Clozaril (clozapine), Combipatch (estradiol/norethindrone), Lamisil (terbinafme HCI), Sandostatin and Sandostatin LAR...

Cardio drugs live off fat of the land. (Chain Pharmacy Category News).(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
February 18, 2002... NEW YORK - Lipid-lowering drugs rang up a heart stopping $11 billion in sales last year. Anti-hypertensives and other cardiovascular treatments got the blood racing, too, with ace inhibitors bringing in a hot $3.7 billion and beta-blockers a...

Q & A: John Fegan, Stop & Shop. (Chain Pharmacy Category News).(interview with vice president of pharmacy, Stop & Shop Supermarket Co.)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... John Fegan, Stop & Shop Few supermarket executives are as qualified to represent community pharmacy as John Fegan. As vice president of pharmacy for New England's Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. and a veteran pharmacist, Fegan wields influence...

Taro celebrates 20 years on NASDAQ. (Chain Pharmacy Category News).(Taro Pharmaceuticals)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NEW YORK -- Like a proud father at a child's graduation, Taro Pharmaceuticals chairman and chief executive officer Dr. Barrie Levitt opened the NASDAQ stock market Jan. 16 in honor of the company's 20-year listing on the exchange. "When we...

Michigan Court allowing drug plan to proceed. (Chain Pharmacy Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... LANSING, Mich. -- Overturning a lower-court decision, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the state's plan to create a formulary, or preferred drug list, that will steer patients away from some higher-cost medications in a bid...

Generic Prozac price war brewing. (Generics Watch).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... A Prozac price war is predicted by at least one generic drug maker. Approximately 30 current and tentative approvals for generic Prozac (fluoxetine) were entered on the Food and Drug Administration's drug applications list as of early this...

Generic Wellbutrin on tap for Eon. (Generics Watch).(Eon Labs gets approval for generic form of antidepressant)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... Eon Labs received the first tentative approval to make a generic form of the antidepressant Wellbutrin (bupropion) in 100 mg and 150 mg tablet strengths. Wellbutrin SR brought in $1.2 billion in sales for GlaxoSmith Kline last year....

Metformin spurs sales battle. (Generics Watch).(generic version of Glucophage)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... At least 12 generic drug makers were poised to divvy up the $1.8-billion pie of metformin, the generic equivalent of Bristol-Myers Squibb's type 2 diabetes drug Glucophage, as of Feb. 4. Alpharma, Barr Laboratories, Eon Labs, Genpharm,...

Planned Excedrin launch gives Bristol-Myers Squibb headaches. (OTC/Natural Health Category News).(melt-in-your-mouth line extension)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... STAMFORD, Conn. -- Bristol-Myers Squibb had planned to introduce a melt-in-your-mouth line extension to its Excedrin analgesic brand this month. However, the company was forced to postpone its rollout of Excedrin QuickTabs as late as Jan. 2, as...

Delay in flu season leaves cough-cold sales under the weather. (OTC/Natural Health Category News).(fourth quarter did not see increase in sales)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... There used to be a direct correlation between the number of people catching a cold and the number of cough-cold remedies sold at retail. Not anymore. Not, at least, according to illness tracking expert Gerald Kress, chief executive officer...

LecTec will expand its topical patch technology. (New Products).(into alternative and complementary health care market)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... MINNETONKA, Minn. -- LecTec will expand its topical patch technology into the alternative and complementary health care market with its drug-free aromatherapy patch for sinus and allergy comfort, introduced last month. TheraPatch Sinus &...

Alva-Amco has introduced Thinz MetaboStix. (New Products).(dietic diagnostic tool)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 18, 2002... NILES, Ill. - Alva-Amco has introduced Thinz MetaboStix, a dieting diagnostic tool that measures the presence of acetoacetic acid, a ketone compound, in urine--present only when the body is breaking down large quantities of fat, according to...

Hyland's introduced Bumps'n Bruises Ointment with arnica last month. (New Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
February 18, 2002... LOS ANGELES -- Hyland's introduced Bumps'n Bruises Ointment with arnica last month. The ointment relieves bruising, inflammation and sore muscles caused by a variety of conditions. The Bumps 'n Bruises Ointment will retail for a suggested...

Homeopathic options fill void in OTC earache niche. (OTC/Natural Health Category News).(Earaches)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... With growing debate over whether-doctors should prescribe antibiotics for a child's earache during the first 48 hours of the condition, combined with a propensity for earaches among children ages 4 months to 5 years old, there always has been a...

Schering-Plough goes to court to protect loratadine patent. (OTC/Natural Health Category News).(Claritin)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... KENILWORTH, N.J. -- Schering-Plough announced Jan. 31 that it has filed separate suits against Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare and American Home Products' Whitehall-Robins Healthcare for an alleged patent infringement on the...

Consumer Reports studies bone-joint supplements. (OTC/Natural Health Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... YONKERS, N.Y. -- The January issue of Consumer Reports published findings of a safety and efficacy study it conducted on 19 different bone-joint dietary supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin or both. The magazine's medical...

CVS drives cough-cold sales with bug giveaway. (OTC/Natural Health Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS attempted to drive a little excitement into its coughcold aisles last month, offering ExtraCare card members a chance to win one of seven Volkswagen Beetles every day during the week of Jan. 6. ExtraCare card members...

Good Housekeeping seal goes to Remdex. (OTC/Natural Health Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -- Pharmavite earned the coveted Good Housekeeping seal of approval for its Remdex Head & Chest Formula product. The Good Housekeeping seal will be featured prominently on all Remdex Head & Chest Formula products for...

Q&A: Candace Matthews, Soft Sheen/Carson. (Beauty Care Category News).(Brief Article)(Interview)
February 18, 2002... Candace Matthews, Soft Sheen/Carson In September, L'Oreal USA named Candace Matthews president of its Soft Sheen/Carson division. Last month Drug Store News discussed the changes for Soft Sheen/Carson with Matthews. Drug Store News:...

CP2 founder scours the globe for new-to-U.S. PBC products. (Beauty Care Category News).(Joel Warady seeks consumer products)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... EVANSTON, Ill. -- Six months ago Joel Warady started CP2 with a vision: To comb the international markets for the best products unavailable in the United States. Last month, Warady's vision became a reality as Rite Aid and Snyder's Drug Stores...

Albertson's reinvents beauty strategy. (Beauty Care Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Beauty has become a little bit bigger at Albertson's. The retailer's new combo stores in the Reno, Nev., and Tucson, Ariz., markets, now not only feature a beauty wall that has grown to nearly five times its former...

Banana Boat is launching a new sun care line designed for women. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WESTPORT, Conn. -- Banana Boat is launching a new sun care line designed for women. VitaSun includes oil-free, vitamins A-, C- and E-enhanced advanced sun protection formulas for face (SPF 30 only) and body (SPF 15, 30 and 50), as well as daily...

Unilever has introduced Degree Body-Heat Activated Gel. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... CHICAGO -- Unilever has introduced Degree Body-Heat Activated Gel, its first antiperspirant and deodorant designed specifically for men. "Since we launched Degree in 1990, our body-heat activated proposition has been extremely popular with...

Weldon, Lenehan promotions usher in new era at J&J. (Beauty Care Category News).(William Weldon, James Lenehan, Johnson and Johnson)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- James Lenehan, who leads Johnson & Johnson's consumer/personal care and medical devices/diagnostics groups, late last month was named president and will continue to be vice chairman of the company. The move becomes...

Former Self editor takes Revlon role. (Beauty Care Category News).(Rochelle Udell )(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NEW YORK -- Revlon last month named Rochelle Udell executive vice president of creative development and design, a new position with the company. Udell, who comes to Revlon from the publishing industry--most recently serving as president of...

P&G exec tackles new customer development. (Beauty Care Category News).(Procter and Gamble, Tom O'Brien)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... CINCINNATI -- Tom O'Brien, vice president of Procter & Gamble's global beauty and health care businesses, has been tapped by the company to serve as the next vice president of customer business development North America. O'Brien replaces Joe...

At-home salon products hold key to nail growth. (Beauty Care Category News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
February 18, 2002... At first glance, it would seem that 2001 was a fairly ho-hum year for sales in nail care, which grew only 0.1 percent in drug stores during the 52 weeks ended Dec. 9, according to Information Resources Inc., reaching just over $385.4 million....

Drug chains renew commitment to ethnic consumer. (Beauty Care Category News).(African-American hair care products)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... The good news is that there is nowhere to go but up for the African-American hair care business in chain drug stores. According to various supplier and distributor sources, mass retail--food, drug and mass outlets combined--only generates...

Gretag eases digital transition. (General Merchandise Category News).(digital imaging for photofinishing)(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... HOLYOKE, Mass. -- The digital push industry insiders gathering in Orlando for the Photo Marketing Association's annual convention and trade show, the buzz likely will be about how digital imaging is finally ready for its close up--in the mass...

Digital imaging gears up for its place in mass market. (General Merchandise Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... Digital, digital, digital is the mantra in the photo industry today. From hardware to software and everything in between, the national focus is certainly on this emerging category. For the most part, only specialty retailers have benefited from...

5K Enterprises last month introduced two line extensions to its Nonion odor-removing metal bar. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... ALLISON PARK, Pa. --5K Enterprises last month introduced two line extensions to its Nonion odor-removing metal bar. The company claims the metal bar removes cooking smells from the skin and absorbs them into the metal bar. New additions include...

Maxell is introducing its line of recordable DVD media to the drug channel. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... LAS VEGAS -- Maxell is introducing its line of recordable DVD media to the drug channel. Prices range from $12 for a non-rewritable format to $17 for a more sophisticated version. To assist retailers in identifying the different DYD formats,...

Gab, Gab, Gab is a new line of greeting cards, notepads, calendars and bookmarks targeted toward young teenage girls. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... GLEN ELLYN, Ill. -- Gab, Gab, Gab is a new line of greeting cards, notepads, calendars and bookmarks targeted toward young teenage girls. It features Gabby, a spunky, red-headed "spokestoon." All items in the line retail from $2.95 to $9.95....

Rayovac introduced last month a higher powered hearing aid battery. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... MADISON, Wis. -- Rayovac introduced last month a higher powered hearing aid battery with longer tabs for easier handling Loud n' Clear zinc air hearing batteries are designed for heavily used hearing aids, as well as digital and programmable...

Inkworks last month introduced its latest Simpson's collection. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... RALEIGH, N.C. -- Inkworks last month introduced its latest Simpson's collection. The 72-card base set features interactive subsets, such as the Treehouse of Horror Cards, the backs of which make up a nine-card black light puzzle, and a series...

Retailers hopeful about Valentine's sales. (Consumables Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WASHINGTON -- As expected, drug chains geared up the seasonal aisles with Valentine's Day themes shortly after the New Year began. And it was expected to be a good holiday at retail, with consumers planning to spend on average $95, up from $83...

Wal-Mart tests candy set; Ames adds new value aisle. (Consumables Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Three Wal-Mart supercenters reportedly are testing a candy store concept that features products from 15 to 30 vendors. The store-within-a-store concept, titled Kid Connection, ranges from 500 square feet to 900 square feet...

The beverage division of Nestle USA has formed a strategic operations alliance with Ocean Spray Cranberries. (Shaking up Beverages).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... The beverage division of Nestle USA has formed a strategic operations alliance with Ocean Spray Cranberries. Terms of the arrangement call for Nestle to move the manufacture of Libby's Juicy Juice and Libby's Kerns Nectars to Ocean Spray...

A USA Today weekly consumer poll rated the "Make 7UP Yours" advertising campaign from Dr Pepper/Seven Up as the top campaign of 2001. (Shaking up Beverages).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... A USA Today weekly consumer poll rated the "Make 7UP Yours" advertising campaign from Dr Pepper/Seven Up as the top campaign of 2001. According to Ad Track, the newspaper's consumer poll, the 7UP campaign scored a 41 percent versus the average...

PepsiCo has established a new business unit dedicated to the sale and promotion of noncarbonated drinks. (Shaking up Beverages).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... PepsiCo has established a new business unit dedicated to the sale and promotion of noncarbonated drinks. The team of about 100 employees will be split off from the main sales force and will work directly with bottlers and retailers in an...

Food items arm chains with customer-drawing firepower. (Consumables Category News).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- If you're a drug store merchant looking for new ways to build sales, profits and customer traffic at the front end, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and Todd Hale of ACNielsen want you to consider a few facts...

The candy company Arcor USA has set its Halloween 2002 lineup featuring 13 items and two ordering options. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... MIAMI -- The candy company Arcor USA has set its Halloween 2002 lineup featuring 13 items and two ordering options. The first option for orders is for high-volume customers who choose to order direct from the company's international production...

SoBe Beverages introduced early this month Bodacious Brew. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... NORWALK, Conn. -- SoBe Beverages introduced early this month Bodacious Brew, a limited edition update to its Lizz Blizz beverage. Bodacious Brew will be available only in cities such as Salt Lake City, Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo., and...

R.M. Palmer Co. has launched its "state quarters" chocolate coins. (New Products).(Brief Article)
February 18, 2002... WYOMISSING, Pa. -- R.M. Palmer Co. has launched its "state quarters" chocolate coins to coincide with the popular quarters that have been released by the U.S. Mint. The coins are packed in a 1.75-ounce mesh bag and ship in four- or 12-count...