Chain Drug Review back issues from February 2003:
Kmart gets new CEO as it works to exit Chap. 11.(Jim Adamson hands CEO post to Julian Day)
Feb 03, 2003 ... TROY, Mich. -- Saying he has nearly completed what he wanted to accomplish, Jim Adamson relinquished his post as chief executive officer of Kmart Corp. last month, handing over the reins to president and chief operating officer Julian Day. Adamson will remain nonexecutive ...
Discount drug card is in works.(Medicare)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... WASHINGTON -- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has asked companies wanting to participate in its proposed Medicare prescription drug card program to submit applications by March 7. Critics of the plan say the call for applicants is premature because the ...
Eckerd takes prototype to next level.
Feb 03, 2003; ... PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- Eckerd Corp.'s latest prototype offers "a new level of drug store shopping and convenience," chairman and chief executive officer Wayne Harris said at the company's analysts meeting last month. The 13,800-square-foot format adds space to Eckerd outlets for ...
Debate rages over who should pay Mass. Rx tax.
Feb 03, 2003; ... BOSTON -- The argument over Massachusetts' recently implemented prescription tax heated up last month as retailers and legislators disagreed over who should pay the tax: pharmacies or consumers. The $1.30-a-prescription assessment added to all prescriptions not covered by a ...
Walgreens has reason to celebrate.(centennial meeting)
Feb 03, 2003; ... CHICAGO -- Assuming that Charles Walgreen Sr., founder of the drug chain that bears his name, began a tradition by meeting with friends or family members at the close of his first year of business, Walgreen Co.'s leaders met for the 100th time last month for the same purpose. ...
States form drug purchasing group.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Seeking to bypass pharmacy benefits management companies (PBMs), nine states and the District of Columbia are forming a nonprofit drug purchasing organization for their employees and Medicaid beneficiaries. Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, ...
Sorkin to get his own trial.(Eric Sorkin of Rite Aid Corp.)
Feb 03, 2003 ... HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. executive Eric Sorkin will have his own trial on obstruction of justice and perjury charges stemming from the federal investigation of the drug store operator's past accounting practices. Sorkin, who is now on unpaid leave from his job as the ...
Gabriel joins Albertsons.(C.J. "Gabe" Gabriel appointed executive vp)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons Inc. has named C.J. "Gabe" Gabriel executive vice president of the supply chain. He will report to president and chief operating officer Peter Lynch and serve on the supermarket, drug and food/drug combination store operator's executive council. ...
Kerr makes Zawilla a senior VP.(Kerr Drug, Emil "Buck" Zawilla)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... DURHAM, N.C. -- Kerr Drug has promoted Emil "Buck" Zawilla to senior vice president of operations. "Buck has enormous experience in many areas," notes president and chief executive officer Tony Civello. "His knowledge of retail operations has been critical to our company's ...
CVS reaches settlement on partial-fill Rx billing.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has agreed to pay $1.1 million to several states to settle allegations of unfair and deceptive billing practices arising from so-called partial-fill prescriptions. Last month's agreement with attorneys general from 18 states and the District of ...
Duracell will cut prices of batteries. (Supplier News).
Feb 03, 2003 ... BETHEL, Conn. -- Duracell is cutting the prices of its batteries, reducing promotional activities and increasing the role of advertising in its marketing efforts. According to a spokesman, the actions mark a new phase in the company's long-term strategy to strengthen its ...
Pfizer to sell Schick unit to Energizer. (Supplier News).(Energizer Holdings Inc. to buy Schick-Wilkinson Sword)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... ST. LOUIS -- Pfizer Inc. has agreed to sell its Schick-Wilkinson Sword shaving products business to Energizer Holdings Inc. for $930 million. Energizer will finance the transaction with cash and a $550 million, 364-day bridge loan arranged by Bank One Corp. and Bank of America ....
Murphy gets exec VP post at Revlon. (Supplier News).(Paul Murphy)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Revlon Inc. has named Coca-Cola Co. executive Paul Murphy executive vice president of North American sales, effective February 1. He will report directly to Jack Stahl, president and chief executive officer of the cosmetics and beauty care supplier. Murphy succeeds ...
Walgreens profits rise 24.6% on 14% sales gain. (Business).
Feb 03, 2003 ... DEERFIELD, Ill. - Walgreen Co. came roaring out of the gate in fiscal 2003, generating a 24.6% bottom-line gain on a 14% sales increase for the three months ended November 30. Net income escalated to a record $231.6 million from $185.9 million in fiscal 2002's first quarter ....
Adjusted earnings decrease 6.6% at Kroger. (Business).
Feb 03, 2003 ... CINCINNATI -- Third quarter earnings at Kroger Co. nearly doubled on a reported basis but slipped 6.6% on an adjusted basis behind weakening sales and rising expenses. Management also lowered its profit forecast for next year, with flat earnings before onetime items now anticipated. ...
Still the most exciting retail segment in America. (My Turn).(drug chains)
Feb 03, 2003; ... In 1978, the year Chain Drug Review first was published, chain drug retailing was an industry run by giants. Indeed, it is fair to say that at no time in the industry's history before or since that date have so many outstanding executives led America's drug chains. Many of these figures ...
Companies should have right to express views. (My Turn).(Supreme Court scheduled to hear Nike commercial speech case)
Feb 03, 2003; ... In April the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in a case that could have a profound impact on the ability of businesses to compete in the marketplace of ideas. Last month the justices agreed to review a four-to-three ruling by the California Supreme Court that upheld ...
Harried consumers look for some help. (Consumables).(convenience foods, beverages)
Feb 03, 2003; ... NEW YORK--Increasing numbers of consumers are bringing their appetites as well as their health care needs to drug stores. A report issued by ACNielsen last month is one of the most recent affirmations of the popularity of beverages, snacks and other convenience food in drug ...
Study maps strategy for drug chains. (Consumables).(food, beverage approaches)
Feb 03, 2003 ... Editor's note: This is the first of a four-part series. ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Food and beverages are a relatively new frontier for drug chains, but one promising to lead the trade class to sustained growth in the 21st century. Chain drug retailers leveraging their ...
Consumables take on bigger role at Kerr. (Consumables).(Kerr Drug)
Feb 03, 2003 ... DURHAM, NC. -- "We have become a convenience destination," notes Diane Eliezer, director of marketing at Kerr Drug, in describing the chain's initiatives in the consumables category. "We use a variety of displays and manufacturer promotions -- especially in beverages." ...
Big suppliers reenergize marketing. (Consumables).(Coca-Cola Co. and Pepsi-Cola Co. have debuted advertising blitzes)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Soft drink giants Coca-Cola Co. and Pepsi-Cola Co. have debuted advertising blitzes bound to bring more consumables shoppers to drug chains and other retailers. Coca-Cola's campaign integrates advertising, music, promotions, packaging and graphics. The "Coca-Cola ...
P&G donates nutritious snack food technology. (Consumables).(Procter & Gamble Co.)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Suppliers in the consumables category are working to satisfy the sometimes-conflicting demand for products that offer appealing tastes but reduce significant calories or avoid ingredients that pose other health risks. For example, Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), ...
Chocolate prices are on the rise. (Consumables).
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Prices for chocolate confections are on the rise. In December Mars Inc.'s Masterfoods USA Inc. division raised the cost of its single M&M packs and Snickers and other candy bars by approximately 10%. Hershey Foods Corp., manufacturer of such products as ...
Attracting the 'fill-in' shopper. (Consumables).(to drugstores)
Feb 03, 2003 ... WASHINGTON -- A recently released study highlights how drug chains that merchandise milk products can enhance overall sales by attracting "fill-in" shoppers. Fill-in shopping occasions are defined as the periods when consumers lack time for regular trips to the grocery store. ...
Cadbury high on Adams deal. (Consumables).(Cadbury Schweppes PLC's pending purchase of Pfizer Inc.'s Adams unit for $4.2 billion )(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... LONDON -- Cadbury Schweppes PLC's pending purchase of Pfizer Inc.'s Adams unit for $4.2 billion will help the firm enhance its position in the global consumables business. "Adams gives us confectionery market leadership and a unique portfolio with an offering in every ...
New technology transforms the business. (Oral Care).(power-assisted toothbrushes )
Feb 03, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- As in so many other product areas, technology is playing a crucial role in shaping the direction of the oral care category. For many consumers the advent of power-assisted toothbrushes carrying price points at or near those of top-of-the-line manual brushes is ...
Demand for whiteners surges. (Oral Care).(Industry Overview)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- While performance in the dentifrice category has been mixed in recent months, sales of whiteners that fall outside the realm of traditional toothpastes have soared. Information Resources Inc. (IRI) reports that dollar sales of whitening products more than doubled in ...
Dentifrices do more than just clean teeth. (Oral Care).(Industry Overview)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Technological advances over the past few years have transformed the toothpaste category into one that provides consumers with benefits well beyond just fighting cavities. Rare is the dentifrice these days that does not also promise whiter teeth, a healthier mouth, ...
Licensed products, power brushes draw kids. (Oral Care).
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Licensed products and the power brush craze define the trends shaping the children's oral care market. With power-assisted toothbrushes making up the fastest-growing segment in oral hygiene, more suppliers are launching such products for children. Procter ...
Manual brushes deliver value. (Oral Care).(Industry Overview)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- The recent trend toward power-assisted toothbrushes has not meant the demise of the traditional manual products. In fact, retailers and suppliers report, the manual toothbrush remains a key component of the oral care category, offering a valueprice alternative to the ...
Toothbrush sanitizers find niche. (Oral Care).
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- With a number of consumers concerned about the germs and bacteria that can accumulate on wet toothbrushes when they are left exposed in their bathrooms, a handful of companies have created a niche market for electronic toothbrush sanitizers. Using a variety of ...
Results show there's strength in diversity. (Social Expressions).(greeting cards market in drugstores)
Feb 03, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- The leading suppliers in the social expressions category are helping drug chains boost sales by offering increasingly diverse lines of greeting cards and related products while keeping their assortments fresh. For example, Hallmark Cards Inc. updates its everyday ...
AG division, Nickelodeon join forces. (Social Expressions).(American Greetings Corp. subsidiary Learning Horizons teams with Nickelodeon to produce educational workbooks)
Feb 03, 2003 ... CLEVELAND -- American Greetings Corp.'s Learning Horizons subsidiary has worked with Nickelodeon, the leading children's television channel, to create a line of educational products. Featuring the popular "Nick Jr." characters Dora the Explorer and Blue's Clues, the line will be ...
'Cocoon boom' lifts candle sales. (Social Expressions).(Americans staying at home increase candles sales)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Economic uncertainties and the fallout from September 11, 2001, have led many Americans to put more value on time spent in their homes. The "cocoon boom" has led to an upsurge in sales of such home decor items as candles. Marianne McDermott, president of ...
The options multiply for Hispanics. (Social Expressions).(greeting card industry targets Hispanics)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Hispanics now comprise the nation's fastest-growing ethnic group, and social expressions suppliers have taken notice. Hallmark Cards Inc. is poised to launch Sinceramente Hallmark, the most comprehensive line of Spanish-language cards ever offered by the company. ...
Chains unlock category's potential. (Books and Magazines).
Feb 03, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- Magazines are gaining prominence in the chain drug merchandise mix, say both publishers and retailers, as consumers continue to hunger for information. Health and beauty periodicals are a natural fit with drug stores, they note, while the availability of general ...
Martha Stewart aims at everyday cooking. (Books and Magazines).(Everyday Food magazine indtroduced)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Martha Stewart has unveiled a new magazine for the mass market shopper and everyday cook, featuring quick, easy recipes using supermarket and drug store ingredients for weekday meals. Available at drug chains including Walgreen Co., Everyday Food was launched last ...
Health magazine sets in-store beauty events. (Books and Magazines).(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Heightened interest from chain drug retailers in the cross-merchandising possibilities of magazines will result this year in in-store beauty programs cosponsored by health magazine. While not identifying the retailer pending a final contract, health vice president ...
Walgreens touts books on health. (Books and Magazines).(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 2003 ... DEERFIELD, Ill. - Walgreen Co. has begun selling softcover books over its web site as part of an expanded agreement with Mayo Clinic Health Information. Such consumer titles as Mayo Clinic on Healthy Weight, Mayo Clinic on Arthritis and Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease can now ...
Maximizing opportunities for Rx-to-O-T-C switches. (IRI Insights).(prescription drugs move to over-the-counter status)
Feb 03, 2003; ... Retailers axe bracing for unprecedented upheaval -- and opportunity--as a slew of blockbuster prescription drugs move to over-the-counter status during the next few years. Schering-Plough Corp's allergy drug Claritin, with $2.7 billion in 2001 sales, kicked off this major shift ...
Markwins.
Feb 03, 2003 ... Markwins International Corp. expects a combination of sales growth initiatives, operational efficiencies and productivity gains to drive sales up 20% in 2003. Key sales growth drivers include new product innovation across all categories, strategic distribution diversification, global ...
Norstar.(Norstar Consumer Products)
Feb 03, 2003 ... Norstar Consumer Products Co. is a leading supplier in the niche beauty arena that is committed to offering solutions for personal comfort through product development and by using resources from all over the world to incorporate the latest technology into its offerings. ...
What is marketplace? Your best trade show investment.
Feb 03, 2003 ... The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Marketplace Conference is the trade show of all trade shows - literally the largest and most powefful convergence of drug, food, mass, club, and value retailing in the United States. It is the ultimate destination conference for key ...
Why attend marketplace?
Feb 03, 2003 ... By any measure, Marketplace is an extraordinary event, rich with business opportunities for retailers and manufacturers alike. Successful Marketplace participants use this Conference as an essential component of their annual marketing plan, and declare that the results they reap are equal ...
Judge nixes administration's discount drug card.
Feb 17, 2003 ... WASHINGTON -- A federal judge's rejection of the Bush administration's discount drug card proposal is a step toward free and open debate over a Medicare drug benefit, says Larry Kocot, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. ...
Regional chains carve niche.(Small drug chains hold ground amid chain drug industry consolidation)
Feb 17, 2003; ... KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. -- Small drug chains have more than held their ground since consolidation swept the chain drug industry, Jose Navarro, president and chief executive officer of Navarro Discount Pharmacies, told his counterparts here. "There is no doubt that regional drug ...
Eckerd joins retail fray in Arizona.(Eckerd Corp)
Feb 17, 2003 ... SUN CITY, Ariz. -- Eckerd Corp. made good on its promise to move into Arizona when it opened its first store in the state earlier this month. After announcing its plan to build more than 80 stores in Arizona over the next three years, the company debuted its first outlet here on ...
FDA chief backs fair deal for generics.(Generic Pharmaceutical Association meeting)
Feb 17, 2003; ... SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- To repeated applause and a standing ovation, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Mark McClellan told the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPbA) that ensuring rapid, fair access to generic medications is one of his top priorities. "This is my ...
Bush links Rx coverage with Medicare reform.
Feb 17, 2003 ... WASHINGTON -- As part of his state of the union address last month President Bush recommended dramatic changes in the nation's Medicare system that would help provide prescription drug coverage to senior citizens. However, the president's $400 billion plan, of which he provided ...
Kmart plan calls for exit from Chap. 11 by April 30.
Feb 17, 2003 ... TROY, Mich. -- Kmart Corp. plans to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by the end of April with a store base of about 1,500 (around 1,100 with pharmacies) and a $2 billion financing package. In a reorganization plan submitted on January 24 Kmart outlined its accelerated ...
2003 Sales Scoreboard.
Feb 17, 2003 ... Jan. 2003 vol.: $10.63 bil. Gain vs. Jan. 2002: 6.6% ...
Bush aims to loosen Medicaid requirements.
Feb 17, 2003 ... WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration unveiled a plan for revising the nation's Medicaid system late last month that could reduce, eliminate or increase benefits for millions of low-income people across the country. The administration says the plan, which would do away with ...
Longs' Jones steps down.(Longs Drug Stores' senior vice president of properties and corporate secretary retired )(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... WALNUT CREEK, Calif. -- Orlo Jones, Longs Drug Stores' senior vice president of properties and corporate secretary, retired at the end of last month. He began his career with the drug chain as a corporate attorney/real estate representative and assistant secretary. ...
In-store tests of RFID technology start.(Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology will be tested by CVS Corp and others)
Feb 17, 2003 ... BOSTON -- Three of the world's largest mass market retailers and a top-tier supplier will begin the first large-scale testing of breakthrough radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology developed by the Auto-ID Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Drug ...
Coutu gets results in dispute with CIBC.(Jean Coutu Group reaches settlement in dispute with CIBC World Markets)
Feb 17, 2003 ... TORONTO -- A complaint lodged over a year ago by Jean Coutu Group to the effect that it had been disadvantaged by the failure of CIBC World Markets Inc., the underwriter of Shoppers Drug Mart's (SDM's) initial public offering (IPO) in 2001, to fully disclose a potential conflict of ...
Rite Aid moves to bolster loss prevention program.(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. has added Retail Expert Inc.'s NaviStor software package to its loss prevention program. In choosing NaviStor, Rite Aid joins such other retailers as CVS Corp. and Big Y Foods in using the supplier's software for loss prevention arid store ...
Scene at the show.(Attendance at National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference )(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... Retail attendance at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference was up 20% from last year to over 110. Total conference attendance was around 400, ...
Unilever puts muscle behind Dove hair care launch. (Supplier News).(Unilever Home & Personal Care USA)
Feb 17, 2003 ... GREENWICH, Conn. -- Unilever Home & Personal Care USA says its launch of a line of shampoos and conditioners is the largest debut, in terms of both support and expected growth, of a daily hair care collection in the North American market. The company plans to spend upwards of ...
MPG helps firms hone operations. (Supplier News).(Market Performance Group LLC will provide consumer packaged goods suppliers and retailers with practical programs to improve performance)(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Two industry veterans have formed Market Performance Group LLC (MPG) to provide consumer packaged goods suppliers and retailers with practical programs geared to improving their performance. In forming MPG, cofounders Marc Greenberger, a former Johnson & Johnson ...
Snapple tries meal replacements. (Supplier News).(Snapple Beverage Group offers fruit-flavor, soy protein-based meal replacement drink dubbed Snapple-A-Day )
Feb 17, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- The meal replacement category is about to receive a major shake-up with the entry of Cadbury Schweppes PLC's Snapple Beverage Group Inc. This month the supplier begins shipping a fruit-flavor, soy protein-based meal replacement drink dubbed Snapple-A-Day. The ...
New ad campaign touts Oral B brand. (Supplier News).(Gillette Co's new toothbrushes)(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... BOSTON -- Gillette Co. is supporting its line of Oral B toothbrushes with a new television advertising initiative. Created by BBDO NY and launched earlier this month, the commercial is airing on such television programs as NBC's "Scrubs" and CBS' "The Late Show with David ...
Dr. Thrower's wins wider distribution. (Supplier News).(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... MIAMI -- The Dr. Thrower's Heritage Skin Care collection, which targets the skin care needs of African-Americans and other ethnic consumers, is winning broader distribution. The line, which was developed by Angelo Thrower, a dermatologist and ethnic skin care specialist, and ...
Church & Dwight. (Product Pipeline).(Armkel LLC affiliate adds two new products to its Trojan condom line)(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... Church & Dwight Co.'s Armkel LLC affiliate has added two new products to its Trojan condom line. TROJAN MINT TINGLE condoms are peppermint- and spearmint-flavored condoms being marketed in a variety of colors, and TROJAN TWISTED PLEASURE condoms use a patented spiral design ...
Alberto-Culver. (Product Pipeline).(Introduces FDS PURSONALS FEMININE DEODORANT SPRAY )(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... Alberto-Culver Co. has introduced FDS PURSONALS FEMININE DEODORANT SPRAY Aimed at keeping women shower-fresh throughout the day, the product comes in packaging the size of a lipstick. It uses a hypoallergenic, natural cornstarch formula said to be ...
Kellogg. (Product Pipeline).(Snack division of Kellogg Co. USA offers new Rice Krispies treat, RAINBOW RICE KRISPIES TREATS SQUARES)(Brief Article)
Feb 17, 2003 ... The snack division of Kellogg Co. USA has introduced a new Rice Krispies treat, RAINBOW RICE KRISPIES TREATS SQUARES. The new item, which comes out on the ...