RITE AID

Rather than take off for Christmas, the editors of Drug Store News took a look at the year ahead and the stories, issues and trends that will make headlines in retail pharmacy in 2012.

CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Rite Aid is planning to roll out 3-D holographic display kiosks in its stores next year, according to the kiosks' manufacturer.

In a letter to shareholders, Provision Interactive Technologies president and CEO Curt Thornton wrote that it would place its 3-D Reward Centers in Rite Aid stores, starting with 200 stores and, according to the agreement between the two companies, eventually installing the kiosks in up to 4,800 stores. Rite Aid currently has 4,679 stores.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — In an effort to help shoppers find last-minute deals and gifts, Rite Aid announced that more than 4,500 of its stores will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Dec. 23.

In addition to the extensive hours, the company also said that many of its locations will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Consumers are encourage to visit RiteAid.com/stores for local store hours, including 24-hour locations.