WALGREENS

NEW YORK — The governor of California has vetoed a bill that critics said would have limited patients' access to knock-off versions of biotech drugs.

By November, Walgreens will have completed fine-tuning its management structure for maximum effectiveness in realizing its three-pronged strategy. That strategy includes improving the front-end experience through retail theater. It includes establishing the pharmacist as the go-to source for healthcare, not just for the patient but for the payer, too.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens recently fine-tuned its merchandising leadership structure, most notably elevating Jim Jensen to VP daily living implementation and space planning, where he will be looking at maximizing merchandising initiatives against space optimization in the stores. Moe Alkemade will assume the role of general merchandise manager handling seasonal, sundries and consumables; and Beth Stiller has been named group VP retail brands and global sourcing. 

All appointments are effective Nov. 4. 

CHICAGO — You can say the big winner was literally out of this world.

Unilever’s Axe Apollo Astronaut floorstand, designed by RockTenn Merchandising Displays, was named the Design of the Times 2013 Platinum Award Winner by Path to Purchase Institute judges, during a special awards ceremony Wednesday evening, here at the annual Shopper Marketing Expo. 

NEW YORK — A listing of the 500 most innovative users of information technology, as determined by industry magazine InformationWeek, includes the country's largest retail pharmacy chain and a major dollar-store chain.

On the recently released InformationWeek 500, Walgreens ranked 89th, and Dollar General ranked in 98th place.

NEW YORK — American Express Serve announced a free nationwide cash load network and the addition of new money management capabilities to its full-service reloadable prepaid account. The new features enable Serve customers to load cash for free at more than 14,000 participating CVS/pharmacy and 7-Eleven stores. According to reports, the number of stores will grow by the end of 2013 to about 20,000, with the addition of Family Dollar, Office Depot, Walgreens and Duane Reade stores.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday announced Balance Financial, a full suite of integrated financial services that will be launching in phases over the coming months, all built around its new Balance Financial Prepaid MasterCard.

NEW YORK — Walgreens' Beth Stiller, division VP category strategy and innovation, on Thursday discussed with Bloomberg Businessweek the shopping habits of today's post-recession consumer and how Walgreens is engaging that consumer where and when she wants.