Drug Store News articles from November 2005

Drug Store News archives from November 2005

Store No. 20 in Richmond makes 5,000 for Walgreens.
November 7, 2005... RICHMOND, Va. -- With fanfare to fit the occasion, the drug store industry's premier player marked a special milestone here Oct. 26: the grand opening of Walgreens drug store No. 5,000. The store, one of roughly 475 new units that Walgreen...

Expansion and execution top Wal-Mart's '06 agenda.(Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)
November 7, 2005... ROGERS, Ark. -- Growth of Wal-Mart's Neighborhood Market remains on the back burner for 2006 as the company again accelerates expansion of its supercenter format. The addition of 270 to 280 supercenters next year represents the largest...

Kerr dazzles with health center concept.(Kerr Drug)
November 7, 2005... LENOIR, N.C. -- Making good on its pledge to take its health care mission to a new level, Kerr Drug unveiled a revolutionary new concept in drug store retailing Oct. 27 in this former furniture manufacturing hub northwest of Charlotte. The...

National Community Pharmacists Association.(appointed Kurt Proctor )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Community Pharmacists Association has appointed Kurt Proctor to serve as the new chief operating officer of Community Care Rx and Community MTM Services. Previously, Proctor was senior vice president of...

Wal-Mart Stores.(Wan Ling Martello appointed)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores has named Wan Ling Martello senior vice president and chief financial officer of its international operations. Martello will join the company at its headquarters here Nov. 14. Previously, Martello...

Meijer.(appointed Bruce Efird)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Meijer has appointed Bruce Efird executive vice president of merchandising. Efird will be in charge of all merchandising operations. Previously, he was executive vice president and general manager of Bruno's...

Procter & Gamble Co.(appointed Jeffery Schomburger)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... CINCINNATI -- The Procter & Gamble Co. has appointed Jeffery Schomburger, former vice president of global Wal-Mart team, as president of global Wal-Mart team. Schomburger joined P&G as a sales representative in 1984. He held positions of...

Chain Drug Marketing Association.(hired Anthony Piper )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... NOVI, Mich. -- The Chain Drug Marketing Association has hired Anthony Piper to serve as OTC/HBA category manager. Piper's appointment represents an expansion of the number of category managers at CDMA, enabling other category managers to more...

Pharmacy reps voice anger over Medicare Part B shifts.
November 7, 2005... BALTIMORE -- Frustration over dwindling reimbursements for prescriptions filled under the Medicare Part B program boiled over last month, with pharmacy leaders voicing anger at a confusing Part B fee schedule that's being scrambled by a...

Buyer's record for acquisitions bodes well for ShopKo's future.(ShopKo Stores Inc.)
November 7, 2005... GREEN BAY, Wis. -- After a months-long bidding war and shareholder dissent, ShopKo Stores has agreed to be acquired by Sun Capital Partners. On Oct. 18, the regional retailer signed a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an...

Kroger bids on Albertsons.(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... BOISE, Idaho -- Kroger reportedly has made an offer to buy Albertsons. Published reports citing sources close to the deal say the nation s No. 1 grocer made a bid for the chain Oct. 24, joining a list that now includes three investment...

Grocers market Part D plans.(Ahold USA Inc.'s retail operating companies have teamed up with CIGNA Healthcare Group Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... NEW YORK -- Ahold's U.S. retail operating companies have teamed up with Cigna HealthCare to cobrand Cigna's Cignature Rx Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and collaborate on cosponsored educational communications for distribution in its...

Store closings hurt Safeway 3Q.(Safeway Inc. to close stores due to lower third quarter profit)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway stated last month that it would shutter 26 under-performing Randalls and Tom Thumb stores in Texas as it posted a lower third quarter profit owing in large part to certain charges related to the stores. Net...

Tops Markets to sell 12 units.(C and S Wholesale Grocers Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... AMHERST, N.Y. -- As part of a long-term strategy to redefine its core markets, Tops Markets, a division of Ahold USA, has announced the sale of 12 eastern New York stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. C&S...

Supervalu enters organic market.(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu is entering the natural and organic foods market. The company's first Sunflower Market, a value-priced organic food retail concept, is slated to open in January in Indianapolis. Sunflower Market will range from...

Avian flu vaccine stockpiling continues.
November 7, 2005... NEW YORK -- While few experts expect the bird flu to take wing in the United States in time to impact this year's cold and-flu season drastically, the federal government and the global pharmaceutical community continue to ramp up preparedness...

ClearRx: art project to retail pharmacy concept.
November 7, 2005... NEW YORK -- When graphic designer Deborah Adler learned that her grandmother accidentally took prescription medication meant for her grandfather, she flipped--the pill bottle, that is. The medication mix-up inspired Adler to focus her...

Rx leaders roll up sleeves to block Grassley bill.(Senate Finance Committee chairman Charles Grassley)
November 7, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The Coalition for Meaningful Medicaid Reform has intensified its efforts to shift the burden of proposed federal budget cuts to the Medicaid program away from retail pharmacy. But a move to change the Medicaid prescription...

CVS, National Job Corps graduate first Rx student.(National Job Corps Association )
November 7, 2005... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Six years after CVS partnered with the National Job Corps Association to train young adults for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, the first former Job Corps student to graduate from pharmacy school is now eager to...

Abbott enlists Medicare 'ambassadors'.(Abbott Laboratories Inc. to encourage seniors to examine the Medicare benefit)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... ABBOTT PARK, Ill. -- It's almost like the "tell a friend" media campaigns kicked off by some of the wireless companies a few years ago. Abbott Laboratories, through its Abbott Ambassador program, is drawing upon both current employees and...

VeriSign acquires RSI.(Retail Solutions International Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- VeriSign, a provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, on Oct. 6 announced it acquired Retail Solutions Inc., a provider of operational point-of-sale data to the...

Walgreens/Pepsi World Series sweepstakes.(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Pamela Weiner (center) won the Walgreens/Pepsi sweepstakes and threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Game 2 of the World Series at Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field. Pictured on the field with Weiner are (from left) Pepsi's Robin Carter and Rand...

Bodine wins "Good Scout' Award.(CVS Corp.'s Chris Bodine )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... CVS' Chris Bodine (center) received the Greater New York Councils Boy Scouts of America 2005 Consumer Products "Good Scout" Award. Also pictured: selection committee members Peter Thompson of Colgate-Palmolive and CVS' Mike Bloom.

Rx mission involves more than just low prices.(Costco Wholesale Corp.)
November 7, 2005... Costco has become a major player in retail pharmacy by providing its 43 million members with prices they typically can t get anywhere else. But the chain has been branching out the past few years to offer members more drug store-related...

Focus on future growth fuels central-fill initiative.(Costco Wholesale Corp.)
November 7, 2005... Costco has watched its pharmacy sales boom in the past few years as word of its low prices has spread through a flurry of news reports and word-of-mouth. That s why Costco has been busy behind the scenes working to handle that growth and brace...

M&A action reflects changing retail landscape.(mergers and acquisitions )
November 7, 2005... For many retail executives, the recent announcement of the $12 billion merger between Boots the Chemist and Alliance UniChem probably went largely unnoticed despite the longstanding interest in these trendsetting British pharmacy retailers and...

Misinformation in the stars for Albertsons deal.
November 7, 2005... It's been one of those unlucky weeks. I think I'm "off the schneid," as the oddsmakers would say--knock wood. But I have a couple of friends into astrology who tell me I'm probably not. It's something they call "Mercury retrograde." ...

Adopt e-prescribing now, indy leader urges.(National Community Pharmacists Association)
November 7, 2005... FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Independent pharmacy owners must move quickly to adopt electronic prescribing, or they'll be left behind as the nation rapidly adopts a new, data-driven health care system, the top executive of the National Community...

Pro-Plan B panel convenes, expresses ire.
November 7, 2005... WASHINGTON -- A panel of executives in support of the switch of the emergency contraceptive Plan B to over-the-counter status met here late last month armed with stinging criticism of the ideological right s alleged influence over an agency...

NACDS seeks standard for PSE sales at retail.(National Association of Chain Drug Stores, pseudoephedrine products)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Congress should enact a single national standard to regulate the sale and distribution of pseudoephedrine products used to make methamphetamine, a well-known pharmacy leader urged lawmakers last month. In testimony on...

GlaxoSmithKline.(to develop 60 mg version of Roche Holding Ltd.'s weight-loss remedy Xenical )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... GlaxoSmithKline recently filed a switch application for a 60 mg version of Roche's weight-loss remedy Xenical (orlistat), which was found to be safe, effective and tolerable in a study presented last month at the 2005 Annual Meeting of NAASO,...

Home Diagnostics.(gained Food and Drug Administration approval for new blood glucose monitor called Sidekick)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Home Diagnostics last month gained Food and Drug Administration approval for its new blood glucose monitor called the Sidekick, which is built on top of a vial of 50 test strips. The Sidekick affords active people living with diabetes...

3M.(introduced the Nexcare Duct Tape Bandage)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... For all those times carpenters and construction workers have used duct tape to bandage a minor scrape or abrasion, 3M has launched a product to place in their tool belts: the Nexcare Duct Tape Bandage. Sold as a 20-count box or 10-count...

Niche products in poison ivy relief trend up in down anti-itch segment.(OTC/Natural Health)(Ivy Corp. introduced Ivy-Dry Soap)(Tec Laboratories Inc. introduced Tecnu Extreme line)(Antipruritics sales)
November 7, 2005... Niche products providing relief from an encounter with poison ivy, oak and sumac are one of the cresting anti-itch remedies in a category that is trending down in drug 1.7 percent for the 52 weeks ended Oct. 2, according to Information...

Taking the diet-aid challenge.(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... In the past months, two diet-aid manufacturers have been attempting to jump the gun on the after-the-holidays dieting season with the respective launches of high-profile dieting challenges. And while the timing may seem a bit...

Everlast Worldwide.(licensing agreement with M&M Fitness Equipment )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Everlast Worldwide last month expanded its relationship with M&M Fitness Equipment with the licensing of Everlast-branded neoprene and elasticized joint races and wraps. The new products are expected to launch in the first quarter. Last...

Adams Respiratory Therapeutics.(won DIANA award)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... The Healthcare Distribution Management Association last month awarded Adams Respiratory Therapeutics its DIANA award-which stands for Distribution Industry Award for Notable Achievements in Healthcare--recognizing the company's success from its...

ZEO Health.(introduces a remedy for both irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea called Esdifan)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... ZEO Health last month introduced an all-natural remedy for both irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea called Esdifan. The supplement contains the mineral zeolite, an ingredient commonly used to remove toxins from the water supplies. A...

Manufacturers of decongestants no longer will be able to make any health claims against the relief of sinusitis symptoms.(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Manufacturers of decongestants no longer will be able to make any health claims against the relief of sinusitis symptoms, according to a FDA label change issued last month that won't be enforced until April 2007. "Due to current labeling,...

Johnson & Johnson.(to acquire the Rembrandt brand of oral care products from Gillette Co.)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Johnson & Johnson plans to acquire the Rembrandt brand of oral care products from Gillette for an undisclosed amount. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2005. As part of...

Procter & Gamble sold to U.K.'s Lornamead Group, a manufacturer of home and personal care products.(Yardley Toiletry business )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Procter & Gamble sold to U.K.'s Lornamead Group, a manufacturer of home and personal care products, the Yardley Toiletry business on Oct. 1 for an undisclosed amount. Yardley, an English brand of luxury toiletries that generates worldwide...

Woodridge Labs.(created Under EyeBryten for dark under-eye circles and puffiness)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... In an effort to help consumers battle dark under-eye circles and puffiness, Woodridge Labs has created Under EyeBryten. The use of Under EyeBryten two times each day promises a reduction in the appearance of dark circles and overall puffiness...

Hawaiian Tropic.(Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Research Laboratories Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Hawaiian Tropic is preparing for 2006 with a string of new products featuring its new SunSure Technology. The patent-pending technology offers higher SPFs with less chemical sunscreens and photo-stable formulas, which means it is sun-tested to...

Licensing firm Stone America Licensing has inked an exclusive deal with actress Jennifer Love Hewitt.(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Licensing firm Stone America Licensing has inked an exclusive deal with actress Jennifer Love Hewitt. The firm will work with Hewitt to secure an exclusive retailer deal and/or a master apparel licensee for the Jennifer Love Hewitt Timeless"...

'Nude' color trends making move from runways to makeup aisles.
November 7, 2005... For spring 2006, designers are moving away from the brighter end of the spectrum, toning down color for a palette of nature-inspired colors, neutrals, antiqued "old gold" and blues. The sense of relaxation these hues inspire also will trickle...

All-natural nurturing.(natural and organic personal care products booming in the market)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Concerned about potentially harsh chemicals, consumers are increasingly turning to natural and organic personal care products, not only for themselves, but for their children, as well. According to the Natural Marketing Institute, sales in...

Stencil Ease.(introduced Sculpture Stencils and stencil paste)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Stencil Ease is launching Sculpture Stencils and stencil paste in an effort to allow even novices to paint and paste like a pro. Stencil Paste is a flexible, lightweight paste that, when applied across an extra-thick stencil with a putty...

Pentel.(Pentel of America Ltd. offers prizes on purchase of Pentel products)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Getting a jump on next year's back-to-school season, Pentel will be giving customers a chance to win an iPod a day in its new promotion that will run from July 1 to Sept. 18, 2006. Customers will have a chance to win daily prizes by purchasing...

First National Pictures.(releasing DVDs)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... First National Pictures is releasing The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin in a series of DVDs to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the popular children's animated television program. The first volumes in the set, "The Journey Begins: Vol. 1" and "The...

Winner International.(introduced a new photo lithium battery)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Winner International has introduced a new photo lithium battery line on the market offering five battery sizes, in conjunction with its launch of Juice brand rechargeable alkaline and NiMH batteries and a multi-charger that charges batteries of...

Plug-and-play, value-priced games look to be strong sellers for holidays.(General Merchandise)
November 7, 2005... Drug stores account for only a small slice of sales in the $20 billion toy industry each year, but that figure could rise in the 2005 holiday season. With energy costs at an all-time high, consumers will be looking for low-priced options this...

Going tech for 'tweens.(WHAT'S HOT)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Just as Apple yet again rocked the digital scene with the launch of its iPod with video capabilities, other companies are retooling their electronics to cater to children and 'tweens. Disney is getting in the action with the launch of...

Coca-Cola.(Coca-Cola Co. starts new campaign for Coke Zero)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... In yet another sign that the company remains committed to its newest diet cola, Coca-Cola announced a new campaign to support Coke Zero. Chief among the elements of the marketing push are new commercials, the first of which is reminiscent of...

Jelly Belly.(Jelly Belly Candy Co. starts promotion of jelly bean flavors)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Appealing to consumers' fascination with the myriad of the company's jelly bean flavors, Jelly Belly's newest promotion, set for a January launch, invites chewers to guess the new mystery flavor for a chance to win up to $250,000. The mystery...

Amstel Light.(launches a new marketing campaign )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Amstel Light is launching a new marketing campaign that encourages beer drinkers to "Live Tastefully. Part of the marketing efforts are new labels that feature a more sophisticated feel and new packaging for its six- and 12-packs. Also part of...

Unilever.(Unilever Group launches limited-edition salad dressing)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Unilever's Wish-Bone brand launched last month a limited-edition salad dressing that was created during an episode of "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart." The Rosemary Lime Vinaigrette accompanies Cranberry Walnut Vinaigrette in the company's...

Wisdom of the Ancients.(Retailer News)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Wisdom of the Ancients is bringing to the United States a traditional Latin American tea beverage, yerba mate. Made from the leaves of the yerba mate tree, Yerba Mate Royale combines the mate with stevia, a natural calorie-free sweetener....

Consumers seem health-bent on marrying portion control and flavor.(Consumables)
November 7, 2005... Drug retailers have been nibbling away at the snack food category. Salty snack dollar sales grew nearly 8 percent in drug stores for the 52 weeks ended Sept. 4, according to Information Resources Inc. Some segments within the category posted...

Delightful microbaking.(General Mills Inc. new microwavable desserts )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... While superbusy morns are the target audience for the vast majority of drug stores' offerings, just about everyone will. be drawn to this new product from General Mills. Warm Delights, which landed on-shelf in August, are single-serve...

Alimera Sciences.(new lubricant eye drop)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Millions of people experience dry, irritated eyes. Ordinary lubricant eye drops simply provide moisture, which can evaporate quickly from the surface of the eye. Soothe is the only lubricant eye drop that provides moisture and an advanced,...

Instead.(Instead Softcup loyalty programs)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Instead Softcup, the first real innovation in feminine protection in more than 70 years, offers retailers incremental sales, profit and shelf productivity. Leverage the innovative Instead brand to create shopping interest in the category and...

Kobayashi Healthcare.(introduces analgesics)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Kobayashi Healthcare introduces a new capsaicin-based topical liquid analgesic, Cura-Heat Penetrating Liquid Pain Relief. Two formulas target major pain states, arthritis and backache, both chronic conditions with high reuse rates. The...

Lansinoh.(Lansinoh Clean & Condition Cloths introduces new accessory for breastfeeding mothers )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Lansinoh Clean & Condition Cloths provide an exceptional opportunity for incremental sales and profit. Breastfeeding mothers already are anchored in the nursing accessory section and identify with Lansinoh products and the conditioning...

Matrixx Initiatives.(introduces new drug delivery devices)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Matrixx Initiatives, maker of Zicam, continues to provide consumers with unique delivery systems and to drive retail growth with the introduction of it's new brand, Nasal Comfort. Nasal Comfort uses a patented one-way microfiltration pump to...

McNeil Consumer.(promotes Nizrol antidandruff shampoo)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Don't miss the opportunity to promote the No. 1 and No. 3 SKUs in pharmacy. Nizoral is the only dandruff treatment containing ketoconazole, recognized by dermatologists as the best treatment for dandruff available. Used only twice per week,...

Numark.(new drug-free supplement )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Millions of people suffer from Meniere's disease, or ringing of the ears, a serious problem that can lead to dizziness and even hearing loss. Lipoflavonoid is the only clinically tested, drug-free supplement available that helps relieve the...

Preval Health.(SUPPLIER BUZZ)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... For people suffering from the extreme discomfort of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, relief is an absolute priority. Skin Zinc contains an extremely effective doctor-recommended formula, which provides fast, complete multi-symptom relief...

Synova Healthcare.(new MenoCheck Menopause Indicator Test )(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... MenoCheck Menopause Indicator Test from Synova Healthcare is one of only two products in this growing category and is the brand doctors use for their patients. Synova is undertaking a comprehensive program to educate physicians and pharmacists...

Woodward Labs.(Woodward Laboratories Inc. intorduces nail care products)(Brief Article)
November 7, 2005... Chains offer products to treat nail fungus, but are missing a product to revitalize and whiten nails during and after treatment. New Mycocide Revitalizing Whitener from Woodward Labs offers consumers a fungal stain revitalizer and nail whitener...