COVID-19

MUNDELEIN, Ill. — Following last week's news that the influenza season has gotten off to an early start, Medline issued a release recommending the company's BioMask facemask as adequate protection against contracting the flu.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — As expected, Hurricane Sandy left its mark on Rite Aid's monthly sales as the chain reported a decline in comps for November.

The company said the 3% decrease in same-store sales for the five-week period ended Saturday included a 0.5% decrease in front-end comps and a 4.2% decrease in pharmacy comps, while same-store prescription count increased 2.2% compared with the same time last year.

BETHEL, CT. — Duracell, partnering with Toys for Tots, is looking to "power" jubilant faces this holiday season. The company announced an exclusive sweepstakes on their Facebook page allowing consumers to win some of the holiday's hottest toys while helping those in need.

With more people working from home, the office products category continues to expand. For the past year, sales of office supplies were up 4%, according to NPD analyst Lora Morsovillo, driven by sales of writing implements, mailing and shipping supplies, and office essentials, including paper clips and 
rubber bands.


Morsovillo said the trend toward personalization is evident in the category, creating more demand for products like coordinated pens 
and folders.

It’s been several weeks now since Hurricane Sandy, virtually erased neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and New Jersey. For those of us who live and grew up here, the stories of loss and devastation are all around us. 


As many as 100 Rockaway boys from Xavier High School — my alma mater — lost their homes and everything in them. 


It’s times like these when you really understand what it means to be a part of this great city and its indomitable spirit.


WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As part of its continuing efforts to help communities affected by Hurricane Sandy, CVS/pharmacy has announced that it is waiving prescription co-payments, deductibles and other financial liability related to prescription medications for patients who cannot pay at selected stores in the hardest hit neighborhoods in New York City and surrounding communities. 

NEW YORK — As part of the cleanup and relief effort in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, one New York City public school teacher is trying to do her part to help moms bring some normalcy back into their lives.

Building on the belief of “look good … feel good,” Jamee Schleifer, a dance teacher at PS 253 (3D Dance Company, Momz N Da Hood) is turning to pharmacies and cosmetic companies in an effort to collect makeup for the moms of students at PS 253. The goal: to make “kits” to give to 800 children to give to their moms.

WASHINGTON — Retail sales were down slightly in October on a month-to-month basis while increasing on an annual basis, reflecting Hurricane Sandy and uncertainty in Washington, according to the National Retail Federation.

The retailing trade group said Wednesday that October retail sales — with exception to automobiles, gas stations and restaurants — decreased 0.3% seasonally adjusted from September while increasing nearly 4% unadjusted year over year.