Dept. Pharmacy

  1. Trends & External Forces

NACDS implores North Carolina Senate to advance PBM bill

RALEIGH, N.C. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is calling on North Carolina lawmakers to continue to stand up for North Carolinians in the face of “pharmaceutical benefit manipulation” in all its forms. A newly released PBM reform “explainer video” — with customized content unique to North Carolina — applauds the state government […]
2 min read
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  1. Agencies & Vendors

Loblaw To Wind Down Third-Party Marketplace

The Toronto Sun reports that “Loblaw Companies Ltd. says it’s shutting down its third-party marketplace.” Spokesperson Catherine Thomas tells the Sun that “the company has learned a lot about what customers are shopping for online, but that given the rapid change in e-commerce over the past three years, Loblaw has decided to focus on its […]
< 1 min read
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  1. Channel: Drug

New Chicago Walgreens Built to Deter Theft

Fox News reports on a new Walgreens store in Chicago’s South Loop that has “been redesigned to allow customers to browse only two aisles of products – after they pass through anti-theft detectors. “The changes at the store on 2 E. Roosevelt Road in the South Loop area put most of the merchandise in aisles behind staffed […]
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  1. Associates & Employees

Pharmacist Salaries and Employment in 2022: The Good Times Roll for Retail Pharmacists

Time for the annual update to the Drug Channels Institute (DCI) analysis of pharmacist salaries and employment. Pharmacist employment in retail settings rebounded to its pre-pandemic levels, while non-retail settings—hospitals, physician offices, outpatient centers, and home healthcare—continued to add positions. For 2022, nearly half of pharmacists now work in non-retail practice settings. Average base salaries […]
2 min read
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  1. Channel: Drug

CVS Pharmacy launches home vitamin dispensing system

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy announced the launch of its CVS Health QuickServe Vitamin Dispensing System, an easy-to-assemble vitamin dispenser that holds a 30-day supply of select CVS Health vitamins and supplements. Its sleek countertop design promotes “vitaminimalism” — the simplification of vitamin and supplement routines, eliminating the clutter of pill bottles and keeping vitamins and supplements front and […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Walmart raising pay for pharmacists, opticians

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart today announced it is raising pay for approximately 3,700 pharmacists and 4,000 opticians while also rolling out a new pathway for opticians to grow their careers with industry-recognized training that’s 100% paid for by the company. Walmart pharmacists will now be paid more than $140,000, not including bonuses and incentives, the […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Five (or Maybe Six?) Reasons that the Largest PBMs Operate Group Purchasing Organizations

In The Top Pharmacy Benefit Managers of 2022: Market Share and Trends for the Biggest Companies, I shared Drug Channels Institute’s analysis showing that three pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—the Caremark business of CVS Health, the Express Scripts business of Cigna, and the OptumRx business of UnitedHealth Group—accounted for about 80% of total equivalent prescription claims […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Albertsons survey: Americans prioritizing wellness

BOISE, Idaho — Most consumers intend to improve some aspect of their physical health in 2023, according to a recent survey conducted by Albertsons Cos. But half say they are not sure that they’re making healthy choices while grocery shopping. The survey of 1,000 adults in the U.S. was conducted in March to help the […]
2 min read
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  1. Acquisitions, Divestitures & Mergers

Ranked: Who Made the Most U.S. Unicorn Acquisitions Since 1997?

Who Made the Most U.S. Unicorn Acquisitions Since 1997? The elusive unicorn is no longer a myth in the U.S. startup world, with over a thousand private startups reaching a $1 billion valuation in the last 25 years. While some of these startups eventually go public and go on to become household names, it’s also […]
4 min read
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  1. Department: HBC

The Top Pharmacy Benefit Managers of 2022: Market Share and Trends for the Biggest Companies

In 2022, the PBM market remained highly consolidated—although there were some intriguing share shifts among the largest players. Below, you’ll find Drug Channels Institute’s latest estimates of pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) market share based on equivalent prescription claims. I also provide commentary on recent market developments and offer some helpful tips for interpreting the figures. […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

CVS exceeds predictions for quarter

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health posted first quarter sales and earnings that beat Wall Street forecasts. Revenue for the period through March 31 increased 11% to $85.3 billion, exceeding analysts’ projection of $80.8 billion. Adjusted earnings of $2.20 per share topped the average estimate of $2.09. The company lowered its outlook for the full year, […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Time is right for NACDS to once again ‘deliver’

PALM BEACH, Fla. — During its 90th anniversary year, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores has its sights set firmly on the future. At the NACDS Annual Meeting here last month, industry leaders expressed their determination to build on the association’s long record of achievement as they work to help shape the evolution of […]
3 min read
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  1. Media & Marketing

PBMs and the Battle Over Patient Support Funds:Accumulators, Maximizers, and Alternative Funding (NEW Live Video Webinar)

Dr. Adam J. Fein, CEO of Drug Channels Institute (DCI) and the author of Drug Channels, invites you to join him for a new video webinar: PBMs and the Battle Over Patient Support Funds: Accumulators, Maximizers, and Alternative Funding This event will be broadcast live on Friday, June 23, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 […]
5 min read
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  1. Corporate Strategy

Albertsons names Tom Moriarty EVP, general counsel

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. has named Tom Moriarty to be executive vice president and general counsel, effective June 5. Moriarty brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience to Albertsons Cos., including senior positions across legal, corporate strategy, policy and operations. He joins the Company from CVS Health, where he spent more than […]
2 min read
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  1. Corporate Strategy

CEO transition underway at Thrifty White

APLE GROVE, Minn. — Bob Narveson, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Thrifty White Pharmacy since 1999, plans to relinquish the latter two roles at the beginning of next year, when he will pass the torch to chief operating officer Justin Heiser. Bob Narveson   The transition, announced at a Thrifty White managers meeting […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

CHPA Names head of regulatory & scientific affairs

WASHINGTON – The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has appointed Lisa Parks to serve as its senior vice president of regulatory & scientific affairs. Parks will succeed Barbara Kochanowski, who is retiring in July after nearly four decades of regulatory leadership in the consumer healthcare industry. Parks will begin her work at CHPA on June […]
3 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

CVS Closing its Clinical Trials Arm After 2 Years

Two years after unveiling its clinical trial services in an attempt to reinforce its presence in the world of healthcare, CVS Health is shutting it down, Fierce Healthcare reported Monday. A CVS spokesperson told Fierce Healthcare it routinely reviews its portfolio to ensure its assets are “aligned with our long-term strategic priorities.” The company will wind […]
< 1 min read
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  1. Department: HBC

FDA Endorses OTC Birth Control Pills

From the Washington Post: “Advisers to the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday unanimously endorsed making birth control pills available without a prescription, overriding concerns raised by the agency about whether the medication could be used in a safe and effective manner without physician oversight. “The FDA’s outside experts expressed confidence, in a 17-0 vote, […]
2 min read
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  1. Data & Insights

Mapping the Vertical Integration of Insurers, PBMs, Specialty Pharmacies, and Providers: A May 2023 Update

Yesterday’s reflections on Asembia’s Specialty Pharmacy Summit included a link to the general session slides. My portion of the deck included an updated mapping of vertical integration among insurers, PBMs, specialty pharmacies, and providers within U.S. drug channels. Many readers asked for a standalone version of this infamous chart. So, for your viewing and slide […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

“Thank you”: NACDS TV ad honors pharmacists

ARLINGTON, Va. – Timed with the formal end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on Thursday, a National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) television and digital ad is punctuating the occasion with a “thank you” to pharmacists and pharmacy teams. The ad states: “It’s a normal day again in America. We’ve all been through […]
2 min read
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  1. Media & Marketing

The State of the Specialty Market 2023: Reflections, Trends, and Photos from #Asembia23

Last week, Paula and I had the pleasure of attending Asembia’s 2023 Specialty Pharmacy Summit at the wonderful Wynn Las Vegas. As I do every year, I will violate Vegas code and tell you what happened there. I offer reflections on my keynote session with Seema Verma, share my experiences during the featured session, and […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

CVS Health’s Q1 results beat forecasts

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health posted first quarter sales and earnings that topped Wall Street’s forecasts. Revenue for the period ended March 31 rose 11% to $85.3 billion, exceeding analysts’ projected $80.79 billion. Adjusted earnings of $2.20 per share beat the average estimate of $2.09. The strong showing notwithstanding, the company lowered its outlook for […]
5 min read
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  1. Media & Marketing

How Discount Cards Work: A Primer on GoodRx and Its Competitors (video)

In my most recent video webinar, I explored how the rapid expansion of patient-paid prescriptions—via cash-pay pharmacies and discount card vendors—is transforming the prescription market. Below, I follow the dollar when a patient uses a discount card to pay for a generic drug prescription. As you’ll see, a discount card can save money for consumers […]
2 min read
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  1. Channel: Drug

Roxanne Flanagan leaving post at Walgreens

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Roxanne Flanagan, SVP, Chief Supply Officer at Walgreens announced Tuesday on her LinkedIn page that she is leaving the company. She joined Walgreens in 1993. After holding field leadership positions, she moved to the Walgreens corporate office in 2009 to lead pharmacy and retail programs. Roxanne Flanagan   In 2016, Roxanne joined […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

It’s Gonna Be May: Unofficial Summer Begins at Walmart Wellness Day

BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 2, 2023 — With warm weather and vacations on the horizon, Walmart wants you to feel your best. That’s why we’re hosting a day dedicated to your health: Wellness Day on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. Customers can receive free health screenings for things like glucose, […]
3 min read
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  1. Channel: Drug

Sustainable bag pilots running in Denver and Tucson

NEW YORK — National retailers and local mom-and-pop shops across Denver, Colo. and Tucson, Ariz. are participating in the new ‘Bring Your Own Bag’ Pilot, a first-of-its-kind initiative launched by the Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag, managed by Closed Loop Partners. Many national brands in the U.S., including Consortium partners CVS Health; Target; DICK’S […]
4 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

Walmart hosting Wellness Day on May 6th

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart is hosting Wellness Day events at more than 4,600 stores on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Customers can receive free health screenings for things like glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure, as well as affordable immunizations like flu, COVID-19, shingles, tetanus, measles and others at pharmacies nationwide. […]
2 min read
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  1. Agencies & Vendors

Don’s Story: Patients Shouldn’t Have to be Resilient to Get Their Medications

Today’s guest post comes from Megan Marchal, Director of Specialty Strategy at CoverMyMeds. Megan shares the story of Don, a cancer patient who struggled to access and afford his medications. She describes how human care plus an innovative, technology-driven patient support solution can help patients start therapy and get on the road to recovery. To […]
2 min read
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  1. Trends & External Forces

No Business Halo For Amazon Fitness Trackers

Bloomberg reports that Amazon “is pulling the plug” on its line of Halo fitness devices, ending all support for the service on August 1. The move is seen as reflecting CEO Andy Jassy’s desire “to wind down marginal programs and streamline the retail and cloud-computing giant’s businesses.” The line included wrist-worn health and fitness trackers […]
2 min read
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  1. Channel: Mass
  2. Channel: Grocery - Natural
  3. Channel: Mass
  4. Channel: Specialty & Other
  5. Department & Category
  6. Department: Consumer Durables
  7. Department: Nonfood
  8. Corporate Strategy
  9. Media & Marketing
  10. Shopper & Customer
  11. Trends & External Forces
  12. Merchandising
  13. Stores & Formats

Target Leapfrogs Walmart For Upscale Grocery Approach

Bloomberg has a story about how “a slew of retailers are beefing up their grocery investments to lure in consumers cutting back on non-essentials like clothing and electronics. But as they lay out plans to improve their food offerings and supply chains, the big question is how does one compete with the mighty Walmart Inc. on […]
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  1. Department: Beverage
  2. CPG: Adult Beverage
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  4. CPG: Food
  5. CPG: Food & Bev
  6. CPG: HBC
  7. Channel: Ecommerce & Digital
  8. Channel: Restaurants
  9. Department & Category
  10. Department: Adult Beverage
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  14. Department: Nonfood
  15. Corporate Strategy
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  24. Trends & External Forces
  25. Merchandising
  26. Operations & Supply Chain

Circana reveals 2022 New Product Pacesetters

CHICAGO – Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group, has released its 2022 New Product Pacesetters, the 28th annual report revealing the top new product launches across food and beverage and nonfood sectors. The report illustrates the enduring power of CPG innovation, revealing that consumer spending on new product offerings remained elevated last year despite challenges […]
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  1. Channel: Mass
  2. Channel: Mass
  3. Acquisitions, Divestitures & Mergers
  4. Media & Marketing
  5. Retailer Media
  6. Shopper & Customer
  7. Trends & External Forces
  8. Owned Brands (Private Label)

Walmart Upgrades Its Digital Ad Network

From Advertising Age: “Walmart Connect, which has made huge gains in recent years through digital advertising, is testing ways to bolster in-store pieces of its retail media network. “For the first time, Walmart Connect is selling ads on its revamped in-store radio network and integrating sampling programs with online offerings. While aspects of Walmart Connect’s […]
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  1. Channel: Grocery
  2. Trends & External Forces
  3. Stores & Formats

H-E-B expands its discount format

Several years after opening its last Joe V’s location, H-E-B is reigniting the banner with two locations set to open in Dallas by 2025. Dive Brief: H-E-B announced Tuesday it is opening two Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B stores in Dallas, marking the first time the grocer’s discount format will appear outside of the Houston area. […]
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  1. Retailer Media
  2. ESG
  3. Media & Marketing
  4. Retailer Media
  5. Shopper & Customer
  6. Operations & Supply Chain

Giant Eagle launches in-house retail media network Leap

The platform leverages the chain’s loyalty program, bringing personalized ads to shoppers in-store, in-app, on social media and elsewhere, said Damian Scott, who heads up the grocer’s retail media and front-end digital operations. Dive Brief: Giant Eagle announced on Wednesday the debut of Leap Media Group, an in-house retail media arm that leverages the regional […]
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