In this Issue

I never understood people who root against the hometown team. I once knew a New York Yankees fan that was pulling for the Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series. (Are you kidding me — the FLIPPING Red Sox?!) I bet him $50 just on principal; what kind of demented Yankees fan could ever root for the Red Sox to beat another New York team? Surely, this is the kind of sick lunatic that the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the CIA and just about every federal and local law enforcement agency in the country should have on a watch list.

How does Lewis Drug thrive in a crowded and super-competitive marketplace? The company’s success formula is no big secret, said Bob Meyer, SVP of merchandise and marketing, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to replicate. “[We try] to find niches in the marketplace where we feel we can do better than our competition,” Meyer explained.

In an effort to bring down the price of prescription drugs, the Food and Drug Administration’s new commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, has made increasing competition among generics manufacturers one of his top priorities. Gottlieb unveiled the Drug Competition action plan in late June. Ahead of a July 18 public meeting, the agency released a list of branded drugs that currently have no listed patents or exclusivities, and also have no generics.

BLOOMFIELD, Conn. and WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health and Cigna on Thursday announced a new collaboration aimed at revamping the experience of patients on Cigna employer-sponsored health plans. Cigna Health Works will align Cigna-administered health benefits with CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic services to create a personalized health-and-wellness program for Cigna-covered patients in select markets, the companies said.

In fall 2016, Mars brought together its chocolate and Wrigley segments under Mars Wrigley Confectionery in an effort to better deliver innovative products that address consumer desires and insights. Since then, the division has been busy. In 2017 alone, Mars Wrigley Confectionery has brought beloved U.K. brand Maltesers to the United States, introduced the now-permanent M&M’s Caramel variety — as well as several new varieties and flavors of its biggest brands — and redesigned several of its brands’ packaging.

Humble roots in the family business fed a calling to ‘create moments that matter.’ A lifetime of martial arts training gave him the confidence and discipline to make it happen. Drug Store News Mckesson SVP marketing, strategy and business development Chris Dimos about his mentors, his background in his family’s business and how his passions have shaped his approach to doing business. 

Consumers are gravitating toward more natural eye and ear care products that have fewer chemical additives, industry observers said.

The shift comes amid increasing demand for eye care products overall, as the baby boomer population ages and younger consumers seek options for treating various eye irritations resulting from allergies, prolonged exposure to computer screens and other factors.