RITE AID

NEW YORK — The entire retail store is a diabetes destination, and pharmacists are critical in educating and communicating with consumers to help them and their loved ones better manage the chronic disease. That was one of several important messages that industry leaders expressed during Drug Store News’ 8th Annual Diabetes Roundtable discussion on Tuesday in New York at the New York Athletic Club. More than 100 leading industry players gathered for the event, which also included the 12th Annual Industry Issues Summit in the afternoon.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Diabetica Research Solutions is spreading the word about its diabetes energy formula with a new media program that targets the New York metropolitan area.

The targeted media program for DRSI ReStore! Energy — which now is available at Duane Reade and Rite Aid pharmacies in the area — supplements the brand's national television campaign, includes high saturation local commercial spots on television and radio, and internet banner ads to appear specifically on Web pages viewed by people in New York and the surrounding area.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering customers ways to earn money back on purchases made from Black Friday through Christmas Eve.

CALGARY, Alberta — The Jean Coutu Group may be only biding its time before making another go at a pharmacy operation in the United States, the Calgary Herald reported Friday, citing Jean Coutu Group chairman Jean Coutu’s recently released autobiography, written in French.

According to the report, Coutu suggested that jettisoning the Eckerd headquarters led to the early demise of the Brooks-Eckerd deal because there “weren't enough key personnel to make the merger work.”

NEW YORK — Rite Aid “likes” this.

Rite Aid became the first drug store retailer to “friend” Pharmacist Society powered by Drug Store News earlier this month, unlocking a host of new tools and functionalities for its pharmacists, and providing the company an entirely new way of connecting with pharmacy students all across the country.

CAMP HILL, Pa. Rite Aid on Wednesday announced its pharmacists have been prepared to assist seniors during the 2011 Medicare Part D open enrollment period. With the first of the baby boomers officially turning 65 years old in 2011, more seniors are expected to hit drug stores looking for information about Part D options and open enrollment.

Open enrollment begins on Nov. 15.

SHREWSBURY, N.J. RelaxZen recently announced that RelaxZen Night, a sleep-aid shot supplement, has gained distribution through Rite Aid and will be merchandised at Rite Aid’s checkout counters.

“Our corporate philosophy is 'everyone deserves to live a RelaxZen Life,'” stated Brent Sonnek-Schmelz, RelaxZen chief zen officer. “With the addition of 3,000-plus Rite Aid locations, it really expands the opportunities for consumers to try our uniquely formulated RelaxZen Night product.”

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — This is a next-generation pharmacy solution for the next generation of seniors, who begin celebrating birthday No. 65 with the coming of the New Year at a rate of one every 10 seconds, and that’s for nearly two straight decades.