BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
March 2020
Mar 16
In the Aisles: Retailers focus on their biggest asset — employees
DSN managing editor David Salazar discusses how Rite Aid is standing by its customers by standing by associates, and how the industry can lead in that area.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
April 2021
Apr 16
Rritual Superfoods garners Rite Aid distribution
Rritual‘s dissolvable powder products contain a daily prebiotic blend designed to nourish a healthy gut microbiome and facilitate balanced digestive function.
Apr 16
DSNTV: Westrock's Leon Nicholas highlights key retail trends
Hear from Westrock's Leon Nicholas about how the retail and CPG industries are rethinking merchandising, approaching the growth of e-commerce and working to center sustainability.
Apr 15
DSN webinar highlights Kroger, Unilever sustainability practices
How are leading companies undertaking sustainability, both from the retailer and CPG side?
Apr 15
Webinar explores building e-commerce capabilities with limited infrastructure
Sponsored by Conduit Brands and Mayawell, the webinar explored the importance of capturing the attention of consumers by optimizing brand content and leveraging organic search.
Apr 15
Rite Aid’s Q4, full-year results beat expectations
Despite a difficult cough-cold and flu season, as well as overarching pandemic headwinds, Rite Aid executives said that the company continues to make progress on its RxEvolution objectives.
Apr 14
AmerisourceBergen launches nation’s first specialty-focused PSAO
Accelerate Specialty Network uses the company’s data-driven PSAO strategy to enhance managed care access and optimize business performance in community-based specialty pharmacies.
Apr 14
Biden, Obama join Walgreens, ATTN: vaccination special airing on NBC
President Joe Biden will address Americans about getting vaccinated, and former President Barack Obama will appear alongside NBA legends to encourage vaccines as a way to return to activities people enjoy.
Apr 13
Natrol debuts Sleep+ line of melatonin products
VMS company Natrol is rolling out Natrol Sleep+ line of melatonin-focused sleep aid gummies that also offer such secondary benefits as immune support, calm, beauty benefits and more.
Apr 13
FDA gives tentative nod for Natco’s Imbruvica generic
The tentative approval applies to the chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma treatment in strengths of 560 mg, 420 mg, 280 mg, and 140 mg.
Apr 12
Products to Watch: HRG's 5 picks from March 2021
Find out which five products stood out to HRG's new product team in March.
Apr 12
Walgreens’ COVID-19 vaccination efforts reach 49 states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Currently, nearly 60,000 immunizers are administering COVID-19 vaccinations at more than 7,000 stores and via off-site clinics, with a count of 11 million vaccine doses administered to date.
Apr 12
ECRM to host 2021 Global Market: Food & Beverage program
The program will enable virtual meetings on a proprietary platform that will empower brands to showcase relevant products to buyers from retailers of all sizes and locations.
Apr 08
Bausch Health launches Envive probiotic supplement
Bausch Health’s latest supplement is tackling gut health.
Apr 06
Aurobindo launches generic Astelin
Aurobindo’s latest generic product is showcasing its versatility of delivery methods.
Apr 05
Walgreens brings back digital Red Nose to combat child poverty for 7th year
This year, Walgreens said Red Nose Day funds raised will be used by its grantee partners to help address the impact of COVID-19 on underserved children in the country.
Apr 02
LeafLine Wellness adds CBD topicals to Happy Place line
LeafLine Wellness added extra-strength CBD topicals to its Happy Place brand of products.
Apr 02
Mad Tasty, Natreve impress buyers at ECRM’s Healthy Living program
Mad Tasty won the Drug Store News/ECRM Buyers’ Choice Award for its Hemp Infused Wellness Boost at ECRM’s Healthy Living, Vitamin & Nutrition Session held in March. The runner-up was Natreve's immunity supplement.
Apr 01
Industry Issues Summit panelists discuss pandemic’s effect on partnerships
During the final panel of the Drug Store News Industry Issues Summit, held virtually in November, panelists discussed the partnerships between retailers and suppliers.
Apr 01
CbdMD debuts Sour CBD Gummies
CbdMD Sour CBD Gummies, available in sour orange, strawberry, raspberry and tropical flavors, come in three strengths and are free of THC, the company said.
Apr 01
Walgreens allows myWalgreens members to donate cash rewards to local charities
The company's new donation feature allows myWalgreens members to donate Walgreens Cash rewards directly to local nonprofits via Walgreens.com and the retailer’s mobile app.
March 2021
Mar 31
WBA’s solid Q2 results drive raised guidance
With second-quarter sales showing year-over-year growth of 4.6%, Walgreens Boots Alliance raised its guidance for the full fiscal year.
Mar 31
Dollar General promotes several executives
Dollar General announced the promotion of eight internal officers, touting its focus on creating paths for advancement.
Mar 30
Walgreens grows financial services efforts with InComm Payments
Walgreens is working with InComm Payments to offer a banking solution that will establish a MetaBank account with a Mastercard debit card and online banking for shoppers.
Mar 29
Meijer pharmacies now offering COVID-19 vaccine at every store
Meijer will be offering COVID-19 vaccines in Wisconsin, Illinois and Kentucky, on top of its existing efforts via the program in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
Mar 29
Nannocare unveils NannoDry incontinence protection product
NannoDry, a discreet incontinence protection pad designed for men and women, is sold in three protection levels — light, regular and super.
Mar 29
Twizzlers brings mystery to its twists
The Hershey brand is debuting Twizzlers Twists Mystery Flavor, with plans to reveal the flavor this summer.
Mar 29
CVS Health adds locations administering COVID-19 vaccine in 3 states
The company will be offering vaccines at certain CVS Pharmacy stores in Delaware, New Mexico and West Virginia beginning March 31.
Mar 26
Boston's subway inspires CBD gummies
Boston Hempire is selling four-packs of gummies in five flavors in packaging inspired by Boston's subway lines and commuter rail.
Mar 26
FDA warns 2 CBD companies over marketing, manufacturing practices
Honest Globe and Biolyte Labs received letters for their marketing practices, as well as for substandard manufacturing practices, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Mar 25
Higi stations now offering heart health risk testing
Higi said the heart health risk test addresses a leading health concern among Higi’s users, who have previously used its health stations to track such indicators of heart health as blood pressure and weight.
Mar 25
Rite Aid adjusts guidance for fiscal 2021
In response to a soft flu season, ongoing COVID-19 impacts and challenging weather conditions, Rite Aid adjusted its guidance for the fiscal year that ended Feb. 27, ahead of it sharing full results on April 15.
Mar 23
HDA campaign shines a light on role of distributors
The first component of the campaign is a digital and television ad showcasing the Healthcare Distribution Alliance member companies’ employees working to ensure hospitals, pharmacies and more have the medicine and supplies needed.
Mar 22
New tools, approaches to diabetes care help patients thrive
As the number of patients with diabetes continues to grow, companies are developing solutions for managing the disease state that can help make living with it easier.
Mar 22
Saltology unveils CBD bath salts
The Woodinville, Wash.-based company’s Relief Rx line features formulations that combine CBD with Antarctic sea salt and essential oils.
Mar 15
Southern Tier Hemp rolls out CBD Lotions
The lotions mark the opening salvo in the upstate New York-based company’s entry into the wellness CBD space, with its website teasing forthcoming gel, balm and emulsion oils.
Mar 15
Q&A: GMDC|Retail Tomorrow's Spear highlights slate of 2021 virtual events
Patrick Spear, president of GMDC|Retail Tomorrow, spoke with Drug Store News about the programs that the trade organization has in store for this year.
Mar 15
Walgreens to seek out local, regional suppliers at upcoming Localization Summit
Walgreens buyers will participate in the May 13 Localization Summit, hosted by ECRM, in an effort to find more local and regional suppliers.
Mar 12
Rite Aid focuses on vaccinating eligible educators, childcare providers
Rite Aid has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination to pre-K through high school educators, school staff and licensed childcare program staff.
Mar 12
CHPA to host virtual Self-Care Leadership Series and Summit
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s Self-Care Leadership Series and Summit will include virtual events throughout March, April and May, and will culminate in a hybrid in-person and virtual Leadership Summit in June.
Mar 12
Ulta Beauty’s Kimbell to become CEO
Dave Kimbell, the Bolingbrook, Ill.-based retailer’s current president, will succeed Mary Dillon in the beauty chain’s top spot, effective in June.
Mar 12
Cardinal Health selling Cordis business for $1B
The company has struck an agreement with Hellman & Friedman, which is paying $1 billion, including the buyer’s assumption of certain liabilities and Cardinal Health’s retention of certain working capital accounts.
Mar 12
The Giant Company names SVP of customer experience
In her new role, Glennis Harris will oversee the company’s e-commerce fulfillment centers, as well as asset protection and safety, delivery operations and store support.
Mar 12
Lassen Labs intros Daily Balance Oral Spray
Lassen Labs Daily Balance Oral Spray is a blend of nano-CBD, l-theanine and other therapeutic ingredients designed to deliver 16 mg of CBD and 50 mg of l-theanine per dose.
Mar 11
HRG debuts Retail IN.Tell Base
Retail IN.Tell Base is the first new offering from HRG since its recent branding refresh and repositioning within the retail supply chain.
Mar 11
Menstrual, vaginal care brands address age, ingredient demands
Leading companies are rolling out new products meant to meet consumer needs while also being straightforward about their products geared toward menstrual and vaginal health.
Mar 11
Pure Craft CBD launches immune-supporting vegan gummies
Each gummy contains 25 mg of Pure Craft’s nano-optimized broad-spectrum CBD, which is designed to improve absorption and not contain a vegetal aftertaste.
Mar 11
DSN Industry Issues Summit panel addresses patient care at a distance
At DSN’s Industry Issues Summit in December, panelists tackled the question of what patient care looks like for leading retail pharmacy operators during a pandemic.
Mar 10
Products to Watch: HRG's 5 picks from February 2021
Hamacher Resource Group’s new product team evaluated 263 new products last month, choosing five that stood out.
Mar 10
ShopRite celebrating National Nutrition Month with in-store, online offerings
ShopRite will be putting its dietitians front and center, offering a mix of in-store and online events focused on helping shoppers personalize their health-and-wellness goals.
Mar 09
Walgreens marks 5M administered COVID-19 vaccinations
The retailer has provided roughly 5 million COVID-19 vaccinations across long-term care facilities, stores and dedicated clinics, and it continues to receive doses via the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership.
Mar 09
Albertsons hits 1M COVID-19 vaccinations milestone
The Boise, Idaho-based retailer’s milestone comes as it opens appointments at its pharmacies to teachers as part of the Biden administration’s push to vaccinate educators.
Mar 09
IHA announces Tritton as Connect Spring keynote speaker
Mark Tritton, president and CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond, will deliver the keynote for the International Housewares Association’s upcoming virtual trade show, Connect Spring.
Mar 08
Nature’s Truth set to launch 3 children’s gummies
This spring, Nature's Truth will introduce multivitamin, vitamin C and elderberry gummies aimed at meeting children's supplement needs.
Mar 08
Q&A: Elsevier’s Anderson discusses making a positive impact on the industry
DSN spoke to Trygve Anderson, vice president of commercial and pharmacy at Elsevier, about how the company can help build trust and sales at the pharmacy.
Mar 05
Albertsons piloting remote-controlled delivery at Northern California Safeway stores
Albertsons’ Safeway banner is testing out a remote-controlled delivery cart via a partnership with last-mile logistics company Tortoise.
Mar 05
Medterra’s new line emphasizes immune support
The CBD brand is introducing Medterra Wellness — a seven-SKU line of products focused on overall immune health and wellness.
Mar 05
Q&A: Designer Greetings CEO talks delivering personalized messages at a value
Steven Gimbelman, CEO of Designer Greetings, discusses the role greeting cards play in driving traffic and enticing customers with value-focused offerings.
Mar 04
Walgreens Find Care expands service provider offerings
Walgreens Find Care now features 11 new collaborations and four expanded partnerships with service providers meant to make finding health providers more accessible.
Mar 04
BGJ Group adds Panzer, Shea as associates
Two longtime retail executives are joining management consulting firm The BGJ Group
Mar 03
Rite Aid ups commitment to improving chemical management, product safety
Rite Aid is issuing a food-contact materials restricted substance list and requiring own-brand suppliers to certify that its packaging and packaging components comply with it, as well as federal and state packaging laws.
Mar 03
ECRM Connect marks virtual meeting milestone
More than 100,000 meetings have taken place on the ECRM Connect platform since it debuted last May.
Mar 02
Kroger COO Donnelly to retire
Donnelly, who has worked with the grocer for 42 years, will be retiring effective in the spring, Kroger announced Monday.
Mar 02
J.R. Watkins launches pain relief remedies
The San Francisco-based company is introducing the Muscle and Cooling pain relief lines, which include patches, sprays, roll-ons and a gel.
Mar 01
H-E-B kicks off 2021 Quest for Texas Best
H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best has begun accepting submissions from Texas-based suppliers interested in taking home the grand prize of $25,000 and exclusive distribution at H-E-B.
Mar 01
Hisamitsu America intros Salonpas arthritis pain gel
Salonpas Arthritis Pain Relief Gel contains prescription-strength diclofenac, which was approved for over-the-counter use in 2020 by the Food and Drug Administration.
Mar 01
CBDfx adds Balm Sticks to topical line
The Los Angeles-based company is adding two varieties of the new CBD Balm Sticks — Muscle & Joint and Calming & Moisturizing to its lineup of topical products.
Mar 01
Mending a fractured supply chain: How companies have gotten creative during the pandemic
Throughout the pandemic, retailers and suppliers have turned to SKU optimization, as well as some other very creative ways to manage inventory and find new resources amid a disrupted supply chain.