CVS

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — As Walgreens pays tribute to its store brand via hard-hitting ads that position its health-and-wellness products as the ones that its pharmacists recommend, CVS/pharmacy officially has unveiled its new Just the Basics private-label line — both developments that should serve as warning signs to vendors.

(THE NEWS: CVS/pharmacy's Just the Basics line makes debut. For the full story, click here)

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As expected, CVS/pharmacy officially has introduced a new line of store-brand products called Just the Basics, which is comprised of household essentials. As previously reported by Drug Store News, the retailer unveiled plans to launch the new line during its 2010 analyst day in October.

The new product line, exclusively available at CVS/pharmacy, is comprised of nearly 100 items, and there are plans to expand the line going forward.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — LifeScience Plus recently introduced Advanced BloodStop, a bandage that helps stop bleeding in less than one minute, at CVS/pharmacy.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this product through CVS,” stated Wayne Korteweg, COO of LifeScience Plus. “BloodStop is so much more effective and versatile than ordinary bandages; it’s an essential for any medicine cabinet, first aid kit or car for home or travel emergencies.”

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy and the United Negro College Fund, a minority education organization, are teaming up to celebrate Black History Month and promote education in the retailer's stores nationwide.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens this month rounded out the pharmacy purchasing team led by Jeff Berkowitz, who joined the company in the fall as SVP pharmaceutical development and market access.


WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced on Friday that the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute awarded the company and its PBM client, ArcelorMittal, the 2011 Rx Benefit Innovation Award. The award recognizes the Pharmacy Advisor program, which was developed by CVS Caremark to manage costs, improve medication adherence and close gaps in care for members with diabetes.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In an effort to encourage healthy lifestyles among consumers, CVS/pharmacy and Weight Watchers have developed a mutually beneficial rewards program.

Members of CVS' ExtraCare loyalty program will be given the opportunity to save money on CVS/pharmacy purchases when they join Weight Watchers meetings. Conversely, Weight Watchers members will receive CVS/pharmacy ExtraBucks offers on such health-related items as blood-pressure monitors, blood-glucose testing equipment, healthy snacks and more.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Customer satisfaction as measured by the American Customer Satisfaction Index has not improved since the middle of 2009, and on Tuesday it registered its biggest drop in two years; for fourth quarter 2010, the index fell 0.5% to 75.3.