RETAIL NEWS

Over the course of his career, DSN 2017 Pharmacy Innovator of the Year Dennis Wiesner worked with colleagues both in and outside of H-E-B. Here’s what they had to say about him. 

Walgreens is using its popular app to help consumers connect to many brands of fitness trackers outside of the store. The retailer, which is marketing Striiv, its own branded activity tracker, allows members of the company’s Balance Rewards program to also connect through 40 different devices and 27 apps, according to the Walgreen’s website.

The flu is picking up in Texas, according to the latest Walgreens Flu Index released Wednesday. 

While the data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity, the Flu Index provides valuable insight by showing which cities or metropolitan areas are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology, the pharmacy retailer stated.

Health Dialog announced Tuesday that it has received Patient Oriented Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its disease management programs for asthma, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease and diabetes.

A recent article published in the Whole Dog Journal included a number of therapeutic ways people can address their pets’ arthritis pain relief needs, including a lengthy discussion on laser and red light therapies. A few years ago, a similar article would have likely focused on prescription-based solutions, but now the conversation often centers on alternative methods for caring for our pets.

Canadian retail pharmacy banner Shoppers Drug Mart will soon be under new leadership. The Brampton, Ontario-based company named Jeff Leger Shoppers Drug Mart president, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Leger’s promotion comes alongside the promotion of Mike Motz, who will move from his role as Shoppers Drug Mart president to COO of Loblaw, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Are retail pharmacies late to the party when it comes to the health wearables market?

The booming category, which includes such devices as activity trackers and chronic pain relief devices, offers mass retailers — especially those operating a pharmacy — an opportunity to build sales and profits, not to mention a stronger relationship with consumers seeking answers. But, thus far, it appears that other retailers, as well as the digital marketplace, have outpaced retail pharmacy operators in this category.

Minneapolis-based Target has announced it has come to an agreement to acquire Shipt, a digital same-day delivery platform for $550 million in cash. The retailer will leverage its network of store’s and Shipt’s technological platform to quickly and efficiently bring same-day delivery to consumers across the country.