Chain Drug Review back issues from February 2007:
CVS lays groundwork for future.(promoted Larry Merlo and Chris Bodine)
Feb 05, 2007 ... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has named veteran executives Larry Merlo and Chris Bodine presidents of two new divisions as it readies for a pending merger with Caremark Rx Inc. Merlo will head a retail division while Bodine will lead a health services group. Merlo was executive ...
Anderson is named CEO by NACDS.(National Association of Chain Drug Stores appoints Steven Anderson)
Feb 05, 2007 ... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores ended its 10-month search for a new leader last month, naming Steven Anderson, the former head of the National Restaurant Association (NRA), its new president and chief executive officer. The 53-year-old Anderson, ...
Decision time for Caremark nears.(Caremark Rx Inc.)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NASHVILLE -- The stage is set for the decisive battle in the bidding war for Caremark Rx Inc. A vote here on February 20 will determine whether shareholders accept CVS Corp.'s offer or agree with Express Scripts Inc. that its bid is superior. Nashville-based Caremark ...
Wal-Mart realigns top merchants.(News)
Feb 05, 2007 ... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Bill Simon, executive vice president of professional services and new business development at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., has been given additional authority as part of a recently announced merchandising and marketing strategy by the discount store chain. Simon now reports ...
Degn retirement a loss for Wal-Mart.(News)(Doug Degn)
Feb 05, 2007; ... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Doug Degn, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s executive vice president of food, consumables and hard lines, one of retailing's most effective and respected merchants, has announced his retirement. Degn, a 24-year Wal-Mart veteran, will remain with the retailer for ...
Schreiber set to succeed Murphy as SDM chief exec.(News)(Jurgen Schreiber to replace Glenn Murphy)(Shoppers Drug Mart Ltd.)
Feb 05, 2007 ... TORONTO -- Jurgen Schreiber, who was recruited by Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) last summer to be its president and chief operating officer, has been named to replace Glenn Murphy as chief executive officer at the end of March. In making the announcement last month, the board of ...
Rite Aid receives stockholder O.K.(News)
Feb 05, 2007 ... HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. stockholders have overwhelmingly approved the approximately $3 billion acquisition of the Brooks and Eckerd chains from the Jean Coutu Group, positioning the retailer for what president and chief executive officer Mary Sammons describes as "a unique ...
House moves quickly to reform Medicare Rx.(News)
Feb 05, 2007 ... WASHINGTON -- While President Bush has vowed to veto a bill from the House of Representatives requiring the government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for the drugs provided to Medicare beneficiaries, Washington, D.C., insiders say they see some version of the bill eventually ...
Bush offers ideas on health care.(News)(George W. Bush's ideas on health insurance plans)
Feb 05, 2007 ... WASHINGTON -- President Bush's proposals for improving access to health insurance are likely to encounter intense opposition from Congress. In his State of the Union address last month, Bush proposed the creation of a new tax benefit for individuals purchasing insurance on ...
Two retailers enhance generic drug programs.(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Pharmacy providers--both in the community setting and online--continue to develop innovative ways of delivering lower prices on generic medicines. For example, Kmart, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corp., recently expanded its 90-day generics program to cover ...
Walgreens gives three executives more responsibility.(News)(promotion of Stanley Blaylock, Donald Boyajian and Kenneth Weigand)
Feb 05, 2007 ... DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Walgreens Health Services senior vice president Stanley Blaylock has been given the additional title of corporate divisional vice president. The move is just one of three recent executive promotions at the drug chain. Blaylock, who joined the ...
Murphy leaving a retail powerhouse.(Jurgen Schreiber replaces Glenn Murphy as CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart )
Feb 05, 2007 ... TORONTO -- Financial analysts' reaction to the change of leadership at Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) has been largely positive. Those who have commented publicly have expressed their approval of the selection of Jurgen Schreiber to succeed Glenn Murphy as chief executive officer at ...
Global experience will be a plus.(Shoppers Drug Mart Ltd. appoints Jurgen Schreiber)
Feb 05, 2007 ... TORONTO -- Shoppers Drug Mart's (SDM's) next chief executive officer feels his international experience can greatly benefit the company. Jurgen Schreiber, who joined the drug chain as president and chief operating officer last July after a career that saw him work in 30 ...
Pfizer to "fundamentally change" the way it operates.(Supplier News)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Pfizer Inc. will lay off 7,800 workers, close at least five manufacturing and research sites, and overhaul its operations in response to competition from generic drug makers and a slowdown in new drug development. The job cuts, announced in January, come on top of ...
Nycomed assimilates Altana.(Supplier News)(Nycomed Holding A/S)(Altana Pharma AG)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... MELVILLE, N.Y. -- Nycomed has been launched as a combined group that now includes Altana Pharma AG. Altana, which is headed by chief executive officer Paul McCarty and includes generic drug maker Fougera, was purchased by Nycomed on December 31. "Our primary concern ...
Nutrition 21 supplement shown to help fight HIV.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... PURCHASE, N.Y. -- Daily supplementation with Selenomax, Nutrition 21 Inc.'s high-selenium yeast product, suppresses progression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and improves immune cell CD4 counts in HIV-1 seropositive men and women, a five-year study has found. The ...
Reilly, longtime Mennen exec, dies at 83.(Supplier News)(James Reilly)(Obituary)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... DENVILLE, N.J. -- Long-time consumer packaged goods industry executive James Reilly died early last month at the age of 83. Reilly spent 38 years at the Mennen Co., starting in sales and working his way up to vice president of trade development. He was on the advisory board of ...
Markwins unveils travel cosmetics bags, extends wet n wild.(Supplier News)(Markwins International Corp.)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Markwins North America debuted two lines of travel cosmetics bags and rolled out new collections of wet n wild cosmetics here last month. The bags, marketed under the wet n wild and London Soho New York brands are aimed at two different consumer needs. ...
Antioxidant introduced by Natrol.(Supplier News)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... CHATSWORTH, Calif. -- Nutritional supplements supplier Natrol Inc. has added an antioxidant made from the acai berry to its product line. Executives say acai, a dark purple berry similar in size and shape to a red grape, is very high in antioxidants. Also known as the Amazon ...
Special items have big impact at Coutu.(BUsiness)(Jean Coutu Group)(Statistical data)
Feb 05, 2007 ... LONGUEUIL, Quebec -- The favorable impact of various nonoperating items as well as improved sales both in Canada and the United States helped produce a triple-digit gain in reported net income at the Jean Coutu Group for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. However, a hefty asset impairment ...
Supervalu turns in 'another strong quarter'.(Business)(Financial report)(Statistical data)
Feb 05, 2007 ... MINNEAPOLIS -- Benefiting for the second straight quarter from its June 2006 acquisition of the prime food/drug combination store and supermarket assets of Albertsons Inc., third quarter sales at Supervalu Inc. more than doubled, although net income was held to a 50% gain as interest ...
Tax credit lets A&P move into black.(Business)(Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc.)(Financial report)(Statistical data)
Feb 05, 2007 ... MONTVALE, N.J. -- Banking on a big tax credit, A&P swung from a prior-year loss to a bottom-line profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2006. However, adjusted EBITDA from ongoing operations in the United States inched down slightly in the wake of a top-line decline. Net income ...
Depth of talent is Walgreens' greatest strength.(My turn)(Editorial)
Feb 05, 2007; ... The remarkable thing about Walgreen Co. is that it doesn't seem to matter much who's running the drug chain. Hugely capable executives come and go, making an indelible imprint while they're there, but slipping away at the end of their tenure without a noticeable difference in ...
Wal-Mart ups the ante in pharmacy, H&BC.(My Turn)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)(health and beauty care products)
Feb 05, 2007; ... Since Wal-Mart got into the pharmacy business less than 30 years ago, the company has emerged, along with Walgreens and CVS, as one of the dominant sellers of drug store merchandise in the United States. That feat, remarkable in and of itself, is all the more impressive given the fact that ...
Tweezers go high-tech.(Beauty Watch '07)(TweezLights USA)
Feb 05, 2007 ... A unique new beauty implement promises to finally do justice to the tweezer. The inventors of TweezLight have literally shed light on a long-standing and fundamental problem with tweezers--the needed visibility for the finely detailed work for which tweezers are used is often ...
Hot idea spurs redesign of beauty care staple.(BeautyWatch'07)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... The concept for TweezLight came to Aida Shaljian, the wife of Vartan Shaljian, president of parent company Atlantis Enterprises, six years ago. At the time the couple was attending a trade show to display an illuminated pen for Atlantis. Aida suddenly took the pen and shone the ...
Sabella unveils Alagio hair care line.(BeautyWatch'07)(Jerry Sabella)(Belco Distributors)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Belco Distributors, owned by Jerry Sabella, is one of the largest distributors of professional hair care products in the United States. Belco's continued success has gained the company financial security. With a 90,000-square-foot warehouse, Belco is an industry leader in ...
Men aren't neglected.(BeautyWatch'07)(Alagio Trend Starter Collection)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... The Alagio Trend Starter Collection offers men as well as women unique, professional hair care products, all created with a "no flake'" formula that adds texture and definition to any style while providing extreme hold and shine. The line includes: * Fast Freeze ...
New items target men.(Beauty Watch '07)(Hansen for Men line introduces skin creams for men)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... With its new Hansen for Men line, Sally Hansen is offering moles a wide variety of exciting items in 2007. Medicated 8 Hour Chapped Lip Repair is formulated for extremely dry, chapped and sore lips to instantly soothe and repair. The item contains emollients, conditioners and ...
Sally Hansen extends its reach.
Feb 05, 2007 ... The year 2006 was a successful one for Del Laboratories Inc.'s popular Sally Hansen line, and 2007 looks even brighter. "We are very proud to report that the Sally Hansen brand posted significant performance results in 2006," says president Harvey Alstodt. In nail ...
MiraCell helps renew skin naturally.(Beauty Watch'07)(MiraCell 37+)
Feb 05, 2007 ... With a mission of helping people achieve attractive, healthy skin through exceptional, natural products, MiraCell Inc. has found success in the beauty care arena with MiraCell 37+. "We earn the trust of customers by delivering results even beyond what we promise," says president ...
The company's primary objective is to bring about "miracles of health'.(Beauty Watch '07)(MiraCell Inc.)(Company overview)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... A major participant in the business of formulating and marketing innovative natural skin care and cosmetic products, MiraCell is a privately held corporation that was established in January 2000 in Orem, Utah. Founded by Robert and Marilyn Harris, MiraCell sells its products to ...
Pacific World understands nail care consumers.(BEAUTY WATCH '07)(Company overview)
Feb 05, 2007 ... When retailers working in the beauty care arena think of artificial nail care, their first thought of which company can bring the most to the segment is often Pacific World Corp. The company is well known for its Nailene brand of artificial nails and treatments as well as the ...
Supplier maintains steady stream of new products.(Pacific World Corp. adds skin care iems to its Nailene Pure Match ultranatural nails products)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Pacific World has been busy in the past few months, updating its nail care lines and adding a unique skin care item to its roster. In October the company rolled out Nailene Pure Match ultranatural nails. Said to be the first artificial nails to complement a woman's skin tone, ...
'True innovation" keens category moving ahead.(ORAL CARE)(oral hygiene products)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- With oral care items accounting for nearly $3.18 billion in drug store sales last year, the category continues to be one of the most exciting product areas in all of chain drug retailing. The primary reason for the excitement, industry insiders say, has been a steady ...
Dentifrices unite health, beauty care.(MERCHANDISING)(Industry overview)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Chain drug stores are emphasizing health and beauty across several categories, and toothpaste is a prime example of this trend, notes Gloria Carver, assistant product manager for the Arm & Hammer toothpaste brand at Church & Dwight Co. "Whitening is a huge segment of ...
Incidence of dry mouth on rise.(ORAL CARE)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- With the aging of the baby boom generation, a common condition is starting to garner more attention. Clinically referred to as xerostomia and more commonly known as dry mouth, the problem goes well beyond the parched sensation from which most people occasionally ...
Colgate vice chair gets ready to retire.(What's New)(Javier Teruel of Colgate-Palmolive Co. )(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Colgate-Palmolive Co. vice chairman Javier Teruel says he will retire in April, ending 35-year career with the company. Vice chairman since 2004, Teruel is credited with sharpening Colgate's worldwide strategy and helping the company expand and restructure its ...
Del extends Orajel line to throat care.(What's New)(Del Pharmaceuticals Inc. )(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Del Pharmaceuticals Inc. has added a sore throat treatment for children to its line of Orajel oral care products. Orajel Kids sore throat strips join the company's growing line of items ...
Antibacterial agent to debut in spring.(What's New)(Innovative Healthcare Products Inc.)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Innovative Healthcare Products Inc. says it will launch an all-natural antibacterial oral care product in the late spring. Called UltraGuard, the oridyct works in conjunction with a proprietary device to combat bacteria in users' mouths. "We rarely have seen ...
Biolase patent may help deal with P&G.(What's New)(Biolase Technology Inc.)(Procter & Gamble Co.)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... A recent a patent granted to Biolase Technology Inc. for the technology behind its electromagnetic energy, oral care devices could help move along an agreement the company signed with Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) last year. "Our recently announced relationship with Procter & ...
Dentists point to pacifiers' benefits.(What's New)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Despite a feeling among many oral care professionals that using pacifiers can harm a child's oral health, a recent report in the professional journal General Dentistry shows that pacifiers can have a positive impact on a child. "Contrary to popular belief, there are some ...
Manual toothbrushes go upscale.(ORAL CARE)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Despite growing competition from power toothbrushes, the manual toothbrush segment continues to prosper. Industry watchers say the primary factor that has helped toothbrush sales continue to move forward has been consumers' willingness to trade up to higher-price ...
Technology impacts power brushes.(ORAL CARE)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Technologically advanced products have usually been associated with big-ticket items. But innovation has caused the prices of computers, digital cameras and cell phones to be lowered recently, and it is having the same impact on some power toothbrush models. Procter & Gamble ...
Suppliers help children learn proper oral care.(ORAL CARE)(World Trend Inc. introduces musical toothbrushes)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Licensed characters, music and other innovations that are now standard in many toothbrushes for children have helped harried parents in their efforts to convince their youngsters to consistently practice oral health care. "We consider ourselves the 'account-friendly ...
Pain relievers meet growing need.(ORAL CARE)(mouth pain relievers)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Few things send consumers running to their neighborhood drug store more than mouth pain. And with the condition being a problem for a growing percentage of the population, mouth pain remedies have become an important part of chain drug stores' oral care mix. Data ...
Chains can capitalize on premium brands.(ORAL CARE)
Feb 05, 2007; ... Although today's drug chains face major challenges in garnering sufficient profits in the pharmacy department, a real opportunity exists in the oral care aisle, particularly in the section devoted to premium clinical-grade destination brands. In fact, some of these brands are as ...
Options multiply in children's arena.(ORAL CARE)(Orajel Toddler Toothpaste)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- A major trend in children's oral care is a continued movement in products providing specific needs for different age groups, ranging from toddlers to older children, says Randy Sloan, executive vice president and general manager of Del Pharmaceuticals Inc. One of the ...
Consumers recognize vital role of oral rinse.(ORAL CARE)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- No oral care regimen is complete without mouthwash and oral rinse. When combined with flossing and brushing, rinsing plays an integral part in keeping teeth and mouthes healthy, combating bacteria and helping to remove unwanted plaque. It comes as little ...
Laying a foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.(ORAL CARE)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Keeping children's teeth healthy has long been one of the most important goals of parents. "Parents are becoming more and more concerned with their children's oral care, starting as young as just a few months old," says Daniel Enriquez, vice president of sales at Dr ....
Suppliers hone lines to ensure products remain relevant.(SOCIAL EXPRESSIONS)
Feb 05, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- With competition from everything from the Internet to text messaging, social expressions companies are working overtime to deliver the products and the "me to you" message that modern consumers seek. While 90% of all American households still purchase greeting cards ...
Valentine's Day takes on broader meaning.(MERCHANDISING)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Valentine's Day, which used to be known for "mushy" cards to spouses and lovers, has been expanded to include all kinds of cards, people, topics and nontraditional Valentine's "greetings." Now the second most popular card-giving occasion of the year, Valentine's Day ...
New twists enliven greeting cards arena.(MERCHANDISING)(sound greeting cards)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Innovation is vital to the social expressions category, and the leading suppliers are doing their part to launch concepts that appeal to modern shoppers. For example, Hallmark Cards Inc. recently introduced sound cards that feature hits by well-known artists. The new ...
Reduced-sodium energy pretzels are introduced.(Benzel's Bretzel Bakery Inc. introduces iDeserv energy pretzels)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Benzel's Bretzel Bakery Inc. has introduced iDeserv energy pretzels. The pretzels have fewer net carbohydrates than regular pretzels as a result of the reduction of wheat flour and the ...
Hershey's Kisses celebration.(What's New)(The Hershey Co.)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Hershey Co. is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hershey's Kisses with the yearlong "Kiss Someone" promotion, ...
Kandy Kastle debuts novelties.(What's New)(Kandy Kastle Inc. introduces ID Cell Hero plastic container)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... The ID Cell Hero, a plastic container that holds candy and displays an illuminated image of a superhero when an identification card is inserted and a button is ...
Drug chains' mix reflects shifting attitudes.(CONSUMABLES)
Feb 05, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Attitudes toward food and beverages are changing faster than ever, and chain drug retailers are taking notice. As municipalities and individuals take steps to address the national obesity epidemic by cutting fat and sodium intake, drug chains are responding with ...
Retailers tout new food pyramid.(retail stores launch ad campaign to promote healthy eating)('Take A Peak' advertising campaign)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Retailers, including Supervalu Inc., operator of the Jewel/Osco and Albertsons/Sav-on combination stores, will participate in a new national campaign in stores and elsewhere promoting healthy diet choices. Called "Take A Peak," the program highlights food and ...
Energy drinks keep making news.(MERCHANDISING)(high caffeine concentration in energy drinks)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- The fastest-growing consumables category has generated some concerns along with its high sales and profits. Energy drinks saw volume in drug stores soar 41.7% during the 12 months ended October 8, 2006, according to Information Resources Inc. Total category volume in ...
Flavor the story in gum, candy.(Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co introduces mint and fruit flavored candies)(Cadbury Adams USA LLC introduces teeth whitening gums with three fruuit flavors)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- The gum and confectionery market is heating up with new launches and marketing initiatives from Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. and Cadbury Adams USA LLC. Wrigley late last year combined premium dark chocolate and the No. 1 mint brand with the launch of Altoids dark ...
Study: health affected by beverage choices.(pro-health advertising campaigns to counter obesity)(report on the contribution of beverage consumption to obesity)(Report)
Feb 05, 2007 ... WASHINGTON -- With nearly two out of three Americans overweight or obese, a key to healthier weight could be rethinking daily drink choices. A new analysis of beverage consumption in the United States called "What America Drinks" suggests that making healthier beverage choices ...
New twist in beer market.(Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. introduces Redbridge sorghum light beer)(Heineken USA Inc. introduces Heineken Premium Light beer)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- The pursuit of health-conscious consumers has extended to the beer market. Anheuser-Busch Cos. has introduced the first nationally available sorghum beer, targeting consumers on a wheat- or gluten-free diet. Redbridge is billed as is a hearty, full-bodied ...
Nutrient drink mix slicks unveiled by Sturm Foods.(Sturm Foods Inc. introduces Vita Splash nutrient-enhanced drink mix sticks)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Sturm Foods Inc. has debuted Vita Splash nutrient-enhanced drink mix sticks. The flavored mixes allow consumers to add fiber, calcium or multivitamins ...
Cookie Diet rolling out in drug stores.(Cookie Diet products to be available soon in drug stores)(Brief article)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Cookie Diet cookies, shakes, soups and other food products w411 be available at thousands of drug stores starting March 1 5. The rollout ...
Corrections.(Correction notice)
Feb 05, 2007 ... In the January 22 issue of Chain Drug Review the maker of the Milani cosmetics brand was misidentified. The correct manufacturer is the New Milani Group Inc. In the ...