Drug Store News articles from January 2009

Drug Store News archives from January 2009

Walgreens readies for shareholders.(NEWS & ANALYSIS)
January 19, 2009... CHICAGO -- For the first time since abruptly parting ways with former chairman and CEO Jeff Rein--and launching a soup-to-nuts overhaul to cut costs and rejuvenate a highly respected, but flagging brand--Walgreens' leaders were gearing up this...

Rite Aid: four goals for 2009.(NEWS & ANALYSIS)
January 19, 2009... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- It's a new year for Rite Aid, and with that comes the opportunity to shift the general perception of the company back toward reality--from a debt-riddled, underperforming pharmacy operator to a viable competitor with plenty of...

Health overhaul on track with Obama's pick for HHS.(CHAIN PHARMACY)(Tom Daschle of Health and Human Services)
January 19, 2009... WASHINGTON -- It will take more than a global economic crisis to derail plans by the new Obama administration for a major overhaul and expansion of the nation's healthcare safety net. With his nomination of former Senate majority leader Tom...

Katz's Giancamilli tapped to chair NACDS.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Andy Giancamilli of National Association of Chain Drug Stores)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- In an early shift in leadership spurred by the recent sale of Longs Drag Stores, U.S. and Canadian retail veteran Andy Giancamilli began his tenure Dec. 3, as chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. ...

Scorpiniti moves to Duane Reade.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Frank Scorpiniti )(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... NEW YORK -- In the wake of CVS Caremark's acquisition of Longs Drug Stores, Frank Scorpiniti has joined Duane Reade as SVP pharmacy operations. Scorpiniti succeeds Jerry Ray, former SVP pharmacy operations, who resigned in September 2008....

Jerry Kuske leaves Katz.(PEOPLE IN THE NEWS)(Katz Group )(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MARKHAM, Ontario -- Retail pharmacy veteran Jerry Kuske left Katz Group Canada in mid-December after a five-year stint with the company. No reason was given for the departure, but Kuske indicated to Drug Store News that he will remain in the...

Winn-Dixie opens new prototype store.(SUPERMARKET RX NEWS)(Winn-Dixie Stores Inc.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores, on Jan. 7, opened a new prototype store in an existing Save Right location here, featuring everyday low prices on thousands of items a la Walmart, as well as monthly locked-in specials and special...

A&P unveils mail-order Rx.(SUPERMARKET RX NEWS)(Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MONTVALE, N.J. -- Grocer A&P has introduced a mail-order pharmacy for patients on chronic and maintenance medications. Under the A&P Mail Order Pharmacy program, customers fill out a patient profile questionnaire and mail the original...

Hy-Vee opens two convenient care clinics.(SUPERMARKET RX NEWS)(Hy-Vee Supermarkets)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- Supermarket chain Hy-Vee, which operates more than 220 stores in seven Midwestern states, has teamed up with Iowa Health-Des Moines to open up two convenient care clinics. The new Iowa Health Express Care clinics...

Giant, Stop & Shop launch free prescription program.(SUPERMARKET RX NEWS)(Giant Food Inc.)(Stop and Shop Companies Inc.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... LANDOVER, Md. -- Giant Food and Stop & Shop unveiled a free prescription program covering as many as 36 generic antibiotics across nine categories to help ring in the New Year. The program runs Jan. 2 to March 21. Giant is supporting the...

Weis Markets' president Hepfinger named CEO.(SUPERMARKET RX NEWS)(David Hepfinger)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... SUNBURY, Pa. -- Weis Markets on Jan. 5 named president David Hepfinger, 50, to the additional post of CEO. He succeeds Norman Rich, who retired after 44 years with the grocer. Hepfinger, who joined the company last year as COO, was...

Nivea New Year.(SUPERMARKET RX NEWS)(Beiersdorf AG sponsors new year's eve)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Beiersdorf, the maker of the Nivea brand, rang in the New Year by sponsoring NBC's "New Year's Eve with Carson Daly" and handing out samples of its new Nivea Lip Care in Times Square. As part of the sponsorship, the...

Countdown begins for HIT legislation.(OPINION)(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996)
January 19, 2009... T-minus 10-9-8... That's more or less where federal lawmakers are at right now on a new economic stimulus bill that could have wide-sweeping implications on retail pharmacy; and not the kind where consumers wind up with a few extra bucks...

Regionals use innovation to knock out the competition.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Industry overview)
January 19, 2009... So what do boxing and retail pharmacy have in common? More than you might think. Like boxers in the ring, both regional and national players are battling for the win and striving to overcome much of the same challenges, whether it is an...

New exec team poised to overhaul Duane Reade ops.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Duane Reade Holding Corp. appoints Joseph Magnacca, Mark Scharbo and Frank Scorpiniti )
January 19, 2009... NEW YORK -- Since taking the helm at Duane Reade in March 2008, John Lederer and his team have been reviewing the business and pouring over customer research to uncover opportunities to strengthen the business and capitalize on the chain's...

Kinney expands through innovation, local outreach.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Kinney Drugs Inc.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. -- In its 105 years, Kinney Drugs has grown into an employee-owned company with 87 stores in central and northern New York and Vermont, operating its own distribution warehouse, pharmacy benefit manager and institutional...

Aiming to reinvent Rx, Kerr extends renewal efforts.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Kerr Drug Stores Inc.)
January 19, 2009... RALEIGH, N.C. -- When a group of former Thrift Drug executives bought Kerr Drug from JCPenney in 1997, neither Kerr's new management team nor the chain pharmacy industry it represented knew the North Carolina chain would soon embark on a...

USA Drug adds services, technology.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)
January 19, 2009... PINE BLUFF, Ark. -- Any broadline drug store operation that can thrive on Wal-Mart Stores' home turf--while maintaining a widely merchandised front end, stacks of deeply discounted promotional buys, boutique-style arrays of giftware and other...

Snyders renews focus on Twin Cities leadership.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Snyder Drug Stores Inc.)(Company overview)
January 19, 2009... MINNETONKA, Minn. -- Year 2008 was an eventful one for Snyders Drug Stores, owned by Canada's Katz Group. Under the direction of Katz Group president Andy Giancamilli, along with David Schwartz, who remains Snyders president and day-to-day...

Aurora raises the bar with community service efforts.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Aurora Health Care)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MILWAUKEE -- Just about every retail pharmacy offers prescription drugs, OTC medications and beauty products. But how many belong to a comprehensive healthcare system encompassing stores, clinics and hospitals? Aurora Health Care, which...

Thrifty White niches its way into customer service.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Thrifty White Drug Stores Inc.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MAPLE GROVE, Minn. -- Thrifty White is a textbook example of a small chain that fills a specific niche in its market. With 85 stores, it serves rural areas and towns in the Midwest with populations from 1,000 to 90,000 and is committed to...

Discount Drug Mart illuminates savings.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MEDINA, Ohio -- While its name suggests that it cuts customers slack on prices, Discount Drug Mart also has made an effort to give itself a few discounts. The Medina, Ohio-based retail pharmacy chain, which operates 67 stores throughout...

Bartell fights failing economy with new technology.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Bartell Drugs)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... SEATTLE -- Like many others in the industry, George Bartell, chairman and CEO of Bartell Drugs, is bracing for the New Year as the industry wades through a string of regulatory issues and the economic crunch. But with a history that dates back...

Drug Fair incorporates new program, management.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Company overview)
January 19, 2009... SOMERSET, N.J. -- Regional operator Drug Fair Group has undergone a great deal of change in recent years since retail veteran Timothy LaBeau was brought in to reposition the chain after the late 2005 acquisition by Sun Capital Partners. Today,...

Fruth improves back-end efficiency with upgrade.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Fruth Pharmacy Inc.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. -- Sales at Fruth Pharmacy increased slightly since last year, as the Point Pleasant, W.Va.-based retail pharmacy chain ended its 57th year in business. The chain saw an increase from $135.1 million in 2007 to $136...

Lewis' growing boxes continue to serve Badlands.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Lewis Drug Inc.)(Company overview)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- South Dakota's hometown drug store Lewis Drug had a lot to celebrate in the past year. President and CEO Mark Griffin was honored with the Spirit of Sioux Falls Award late last year by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation...

Navarro launches Savings Club for uninsured patients.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Company overview)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MIAMI -- Known for its Hispanic heritage and related product offerings, Navarro Discount Pharmacies has, over the years, developed a devout following among Hispanic shoppers. Today, the 31-store regional chain is taking steps to further enhance...

Acquisitions bolster Pharmaca's industry presence.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Company overview)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... BOULDER, Colo. -- Signing a well-known big-box pharmacy veteran to the Pharmaca team late last year is only the latest example that the company's integrative pharmacy concept--which marries both allopathic and holistic health...

Ritzman moves 'alternative health' on up to the East.(REGIONAL RX REPORT)(Ritzman Pharmacies)(Company overview)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... WADSWORTH. Ohio -- Ritzman Pharmacies, a 10-store pharmacy chain located primarily in and around the Cleveland area, is oftentimes grouped together with West Coast natural, traditional pharmacy hybrids like Pharmaca and Elephant Pharmacy given...

Ricky's gains hair care share with salons.(The Wild Card)(Ricky's NYC)
January 19, 2009... NEW YORK -- It may not operate pharmacy or even have much of an OTC presence, but Ricky's NYC is the ultimate beauty destination, with its edgy, ultra-hip store. The home-grown chain has developed an almost cult-like following among New...

Seeking solutions as slugqish Rx sales continue.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... If current trends in pharmaceutical sales are any indication, retail pharmacy leaders may have to look beyond the prescription department for big gains in store revenues this year. Hammered by a lack of new breakthroughs in research and...

Diabetes market increases with disease prevalence.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... With diabetes and its adverse effects on the economy on the rise, the market for diabetes drugs also has increased. According to a report released in 2006 by market research company Visiongain that projected trends in the market through 2025,...

Obesity market looks to new drugs for boost.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... As obesity and related diseases have increased, so have prescriptions and sales of drugs to treat them. According to IMS Health data, prescriptions for the generic hypertension drug lisinopril went from 42.4 million in 2003 to 70.5 million in...

Generics cause erosion of mental health market.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... Awareness of bipolar depression has increased among physicians, but that, and the introduction of new therapies for the disease, will not forestall an erosion in the market brought on by the increasing availability of generic drugs, according...

GERD treatments gain popularity, market share.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)(gastroesophageal reflux disease )
January 19, 2009... A disease that affects 5% to 7% of the worldwide population and whose associated disorders can cost the U.S. economy close to $100 billion every year demands a wide array of treatments. Gastroesophageal reflux disease affects 20% of the...

Prescription pain meds highest on sales lists.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... More than a quarter of the U.S. population--76.2 million people--report problems with some sort of pain lasting for longer than a day. Chronic pain resulting from everything from cancer to arthritis to migraines can be debilitating for those...

Generics scramble cholesterol drug class.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)(brands slated to lose patent protection by 2013)
January 19, 2009... Staggered by waves of generic competition, the massive market for cholesterol-lowering simvastatin drugs faces the new year in a state of turmoil. Statin drugs to combat hyperlipidemia comprise the biggest-selling single class of drugs,...

Hypertension treatments top dispensed Rx lists.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that more than 70 million American adults ages 20 and older have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and almost 40 million were diagnosed with the disease in 2006. With...

Asthma market plagued by ingredient inquiries.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... About 6 million people use asthma drugs known as long-acting beta-agonists to control their asthma symptoms, but they might soon have to start looking for alternatives. Officials at The Food and Drug Administration said in early December that...

Specialty meds realign prescription market.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)
January 19, 2009... Prescriptions initiated by specialists--otherwise known under the broad umbrella of specialty pharmaceuticals--are now generating the bulk of the growth momentum in branded drugs. In 2007, specialty drug revenues grew roughly 13%, topped...

Osteoporosis leads women's health concerns.(ECRM[R]: Brand Rx)
January 19, 2009... Increasing awareness of and concerns over the loss of bone density in women continues to drive the market for osteoporosis medications, led by top-selling Actonel from Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi-Aventis U.S. Worldwide,...

Upsher-Smith launches DHA supplement.(ECRM[R]: Branded Rx)(docosa-hexaenoic acid )(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MINNEAPOLIS -- Upsher-Smith Labs plans to market PreNexa, the only single-gel capsule prenatal vitamin with the most plant-based docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA, 265 mg) for women considering pregnancy, pregnant women and new mothers who are...

Bush, in final gesture, boosts 'moral' protections.(CHAIN PHARMACY)
January 19, 2009... WASHINGTON -- A month before leaving office and a week before Christmas, the Bush administration left a parting "gift" on community pharmacy's doorstep. But for retail pharmacy operators, the gift looks more like a lump of coal. In a move...

Von Eschenbach to leave FDA.(CHAIN PHARMACY)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- On Jan. 20, President-elect Barack Obama will become the newest tenant of the White House. At the same time, Food and Drug Administration com missioner Andrew von Eschenbach's desktop knick-knacks will be packed into a...

FDA to boost CMI initiatives after study shows voluntary system is ineffective.(CHAIN PHARMACY)(consumer medicine information )
January 19, 2009... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Printed consumer medication information provided voluntarily with new prescriptions at retail pharmacies does not consistently provide easy-to-read, understandable information about the uses and risks of medications, according...

Condensing the compounding process with kits for pharmacists.(CHAIN PHARMACY)
January 19, 2009... WOBURN, Mass. -- One of the biggest headaches for pharmacists comes when patients arrive with prescriptions for compounded drugs. This involves a complex process of mixing, matching, weighing and cleaning up whatever ingredients the...

MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals.(Supplier News)(launch of amoxicillin tablets)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals has launched a once-daily line of extended-release amoxicillin tablets, the Westlake, Texas-based drug maker formerly known as Advancis Pharmaceutical announced. The company said that Moxatag tablets, available...

Dr. Reddy.(Supplier News)(Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... Dr. Reddy's has released an authorized generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's Imitrex tablets. The Hyderabad, India-based drug maker is the first to launch an authorized generic version of the migraine medication in the United States. Dr....

Americans choosing homeopathy for cough-cold.(OVER THE COUNTER)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... All the consternation surrounding allopathic pediatric cough-cold medicines may help to drive awareness around homeopathic formulations, suppliers in the category have reported, though it may be more of an opportunity to build brand affinity...

Viewers can lose with 'Biggest Loser' protein.(WHAT'S HOT)(The Biggest Loser)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... CARLSBAD, Calif. -- Designer Whey last month joined forces with NBC's weight loss program "The Biggest Loser" on a co-branded protein product, The Biggest Loser Protein by Designer Whey, which is already available in stores and online. ...

EyeScience Labs.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... EyeScience Labs last month launched its advanced ocular nutrition line for age-related macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome at CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide. EyeScience Macular Health Formula is a complete eye vitamin supplement...

Variant Products.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... Variant Products recently introduced its latest pill case designs--under the brand names VitaCarry and VitaBuddy--Including an innovative pushbutton technology. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new push-button series will be initially...

Proprietary Nutritionals.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... A recent study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy has found that the administration of Cran-Max was comparable to the commonly prescribed antibiotic trimethoprim for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in...

Carmex offers virtual kisses through new Web site.(OVER THE COUNTER)(www.mycarmex.com)(Carma Laboratories Inc.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... MILWAUKEE -- Carma Laboratories late last year unveiled a new Web site, www.mycarmex.com, which features a viral ad campaign developed by Bolin Digital. The Web site helps build brand affinity by allowing users to upload their head shots,...

Focus on prevention, wellness boosts supplement sales.(ECRM[R]: Vitamin, Diet & Sports Nutrition)
January 19, 2009... Sales of vitamins across food, drug and mass outlets (minus Walmart) grew by a whopping 8.9% to $2.7 billion for the 52 weeks ended Nov. 30, 2008, according to data from Information Resources Inc. That kind of growth affirms an October 2008...

Airborne Health.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... Airborne Health last month completed the last of three settlements regarding past marketing and labeling of its products, agreeing to pay $7 million to settle investigations by 32 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia, the...

The Food and Drug Administration.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... The Food and Drug Administration last month cracked down on more than 25 different products--primarily sold online--that were marketed for weight loss, but contained undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients. An FDA analysis found that...

Frost & Sullivan.(Supplier News)(Ganeden Biotech Inc. receives North American Food and Beverage Probiotics Product Innovation Award)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... Frost & Sullivan in December named Ganeden Biotech the recipient of its 2008 North American Food and Beverage Probiotics Product Innovation Award, recognizing the supplier for its probiotic strain GanedenBC30 on opening new development...

National Institutes of Health.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... According to a new nationwide government survey, 41% of adults in the United States between the ages of 60 and 69 use some form of complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements, the National Institutes of Health reported...

Industry abuzz with natural, organic product opportunities.(BEAUTY CARE)
January 19, 2009... The buzz around natural and organic beauty products shows little signs of fading as 2009 kicks into gear, representing tremendous growth opportunities for those retailers and manufacturers that can deliver products that are effective and...

Grooming men, a growing market.(BEAUTY CARE)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... CHICAGO -- The men's grooming market is not only flourishing, but manufacturers are increasingly developing advanced products, such as makeup, self-tanners and anti-age formulas for him, in an effort to stay ahead of the evolving market,...

Green by Nature.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... Green by Nature has introduced a direct-to-buy Web site devoted to providing service to all retailers carrying the Green by Nature collection. The site, located at GBNshop.com, is a virtual showroom where retail buyers can view the entire...

L'Oreal Paris.(Supplier News)(Elizabeth Banks to endorse brands)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... L'Oreal Paris has signed actress Elizabeth Banks as a new spokeswoman for the company and its brands. Banks will be featured in new print and TV advertisements in the United States in February. ANTOINETTE ALEXANDER SENIOR EDITOR

Pam Bailey.(Executive News)(appointments in International Federation of Grocery Manufacturers Associations)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... The Personal Care Products Council president and CEO Pam Bailey stepped down at the end of 2008 to assume the role of president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. At press time, the council was searching for a successor. Mark...

Hair care gets 'EverPure'.(WHAT'S HOT)(L'Oreal Paris launches hair care preparations)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... NEW YORK -- L'Oreal Paris in February is bringing to retail its new EverPure, a sulfate-free hair color care system that it is positioning as the first line to feature such ingredients, quality and expertise in the mass market. ...

Candy brands give consumers more ways to 'trade up'.(CONSUMABLES)
January 19, 2009... There's no denying it--frugal is the new trend. Still, retailers continue to ask themselves just how much consumers are willing to give up to save a few dollars. And does it include premium chocolate? Premium chocolate has been the star of...

Organics feel effects of spending downturn.(CONSUMABLES)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... NEW YORK -- Although the market for organic foods and beverages should reach $7.2 billion in 2008, an increase of more than 140% from just five years ago, a recent study by Mintel International suggested that sales growth has been slowing year...

Campbell, Kraft team up to tout value.(CONSUMABLES)(Campbell Soup Co.)(Kraft Foods Inc.)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... CAMDEN, N.J. and NORTHFIELD, Ill. -- Campbell Soup Co. and Kraft are among the consumer packaged goods companies using ad campaigns to tell consumers how their products can help save money in the kitchen. Campbell has increased advertising,...

Multigrain chips get baked.(WHAT'S HOT)(Natural Snacks )(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... ADDISON, Ill. -- Natural Snacks will begin shipping new Michael Season's Baked Multigrain chips this month. The snacks will be available in three flavors--original, cheddar and honey chipotle--and will retail for $2.99 for a 5-oz. bag. The...

New technology pushes battery category to change.(GENERAL MERCHANDISE)
January 19, 2009... The holidays prompted many drug chains to link batteries with seasonal and emerging product categories, but taking advantage of those opportunities throughout the year may require more expansive merchandising. Battery centers remain the...

Focus is on value for 2009 school supplies.(GENERAL MERCHANDISE)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... NEW YORK -- Value will be key in home office, stationery and school supplies in what drug chains expect will be a recession-impacted 2009. Product trends influencing licensed products and segments, such as home office electronics, also will...

ZAP.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... ZAP portable energy is expanding its Recharge-It-All line to offer retailers on-the-go USB charging. The expansion is designed to service the growing market for MP3 players, personal digital assistants and related devices, including iPods,...

Bic Consumer Products USA.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... Bic Consumer Products USA is focusing on contemporary style with a new pair of refillable roller pens. The Bic Triumph 537R and 730R target image-conscious male and female consumers 18 to 34. The 537R offers an ink window, jewel-tone accent...

The Cartoon Network series "Chop Socky Chooks" will be represented by a variety of new products at this year's Toy Fair.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... The Cartoon Network series "Chop Socky Chooks" will be represented by a variety of new products at this year's Toy Fair. Inkology Inc. has created a range of "Chop Socky Chooks" school supplies, including binders, theme books, composition...

Godfather heads to Toy Fair.(WHAT'S HOT)(Brief article)
January 19, 2009... BOTHELL, Wash. -- This year, Toy Fair will have only one product that consumers can't refuse--the Don Vito Corleone bobblehead. From Funko and Paramount Licensing, the bobbleheads from "The Godfather" will launch for Toy Fair, and Don Vito,...