INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

NEW YORK — Good customer service sells, according to a new study conducted by American Express.

WASHINGTON — A major depressive disorder treatment made by Pfizer significantly reduced the number and severity of moderate-to-severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women, compared with placebo, according to a new study.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Sales of cosmetics and toiletries in the United States increased 2.4% to $36.5 billion in 2010 — which is above pre-recession levels — thanks to technological advances, promotional activity and rising consumer confidence, according to worldwide consulting and research firm Kline.

WASHINGTON — Mobile and social initiatives are becoming increasingly important to retailers.

According to “The State Of Retailing Online 2011: Marketing, Social and Mobile” report conducted by Forrester Research for Shop.org, 91% of retailers currently have a mobile strategy in place or in development (up from 74% a year ago). Additionally, 72% of retailers said they will increase their spending on social networks this year over last year.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Things get done at Annual Meeting. That was the key message National Association of Chain Drug Stores chairman Larry Merlo had for members attending Sunday morning’s business session. That’s because the right people come to Annual — people that have the authority necessary not only to make a commitment but also, and more importantly, the authority to deliver on that commitment.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — With more than two-thirds of Americans either overweight or obese, weight management undoubtedly is a critical health issue facing the nation. And the news that RediClinic now is offering a weight-management program speaks to a larger trend with the convenient care industry: expanding service offerings beyond acute care, which includes, for some operators, tools to tackle obesity.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The link between high-fat diets and Type 2 diabetes has been known for a long time, but researchers at the University of North Carolina said they’ve found out how that link occurs.

Led by UNC at Chapel Hill School of Medicine professor Jenny Ting, the team found that the key contributor to Type 2 diabetes is a diet high in saturated fat, but not unsaturated fat. Such diets cause immune cells to produce interleukin-1beta, an inflammatory protein.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — When the pharmacist talks, people listen. The real gem to come out of this survey is where that pharmacist is standing when delivering that over-the-counter recommendation. (Here’s a hint: It ain’t behind the pharmacy counter.)

(THE NEWS: Survey: Many pharmacists offer guidance on OTC purchases. For the full story, click here.)