Winn-Dixie’s latest transformational remodel in Miami is a store of the future with a merengue twist, featuring a strong Hispanic influence. In addition to bilingual signage, Winn-Dixie incorporates the regional flair with features like a full-service Cuban café replete with such Spanish pastries as empanadas, as well as a wide variety of Hispanic products. Winn-Dixie’s transformational remodel initiative — which incorporates upscale fresh departments, including produce, deli, meat and seafood — generates between $400 and $500 in sales per sq. ft.

For Rite Aid, 50 is the magic number this year.

In September, the drug chain marked its 50 years in business with a six-month campaign to promote its focus on health and wellness, kicking off a nationwide tour near its Camp Hill, Pa., headquarters. From there, the tour visited Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and other cities.

Coming off a multi-year overhaul of its merchandising strategy and discount store format, Family Dollar is making good on its commitment to be “a compelling place to shop for our customers.” The big discount chain — which now numbers more than 7,200 stores in 45 states — is driving new business with an expanded and vastly more appealing product presentation, new and more attractive fixtures and in-line sets, broad and deep merchandise mix and improved department adjacencies.

An aisle of OTC products in a California 99 Cents Only Stores location complements departments with party products, fresh produce, deli and frozen foods, as well as other general merchandise. The deep-discount retailer currently has 298 stores, primarily in California but with some locations in Texas, Arizona and Nevada.

Uniqlo's new Fifth Avenue store, coming in at 89,000-sq.-ft., is the largest single retailer on Fifth Avenue, and the largest Uniqlo store in the world. Technology is fused with such raw materials as glass, oak and steel to create a chic, modern shopping experience. The store features the latest in technology with a combination of LED and LCD screens throughout, handheld inventory checking devices and custom-made spinning mannequins showcasing Uniqlo style. The flagship store opened on Oct. 14.

New York City’s Meatpacking District is now the home of Sephora’s 16th Manhattan location — a stunning beauty destination that opened in mid-September and incorporates innovative design, state-of-the-art services and exclusive brands.

Hundreds of retail healthcare professionals gathered in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 1 to 3 at Gaylord Palms for the fourth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress, which this year featured a couple of new, high-impact elements. The conference was hosted by Drug Store News in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association.

Hundreds of retail healthcare professionals gathered in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 1 to 3 at Gaylord Palms for the fourth annual Retail Clinician Education Congress, which this year featured a couple of new, high-impact elements. The conference was hosted by Drug Store News in conjunction with the Convenient Care Association.

Duane Reade is opening at 40 Wall St. on July 6 its 22,000-sq.-ft. flagship store, which has a decided “up market focus” with exclusive services and amenities never seen before in a Duane Reade or any other drug store. Drug Store News got a first look at the store.

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Drug Store News held its annual NACDS Marketplace party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Boston on Monday, June 27

National Sales Solutions reception and Emerson Group party Sunday at NACDS Marketplace 2011