INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

WASHINGTON — As many as 71% of cough-cold sufferers in search of decongestant relief oppose a prescription requirement for pseudoephedrine, according to a survey commissioned by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released Monday.

LOS ANGELES — IBISWorld predicted Valentine's Day will boost retail sales in a new report.

The independent market and research firm said that consumers are expected to spend 5.8% more on Valentine’s Day purchases this year than last year, totaling $18.6 billion, or about $125 per person.

Big gains will be seen across all categories, especially in such staples as greeting cards and candy, which are projected to grow 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — After weeks of waiting to see how CVS Caremark would respond to Walmart's successful bid to block the Hank Mullany hire, the company handed the keys to its retail stores to one of the most prolific merchants in drug store retailing and the man who has led its massive real estate machine.

(THE NEWS: CVS' Bloom, Baker to lead chain's retail business on interim basis. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY ITS IMPORTANT — It’s no coincidence that Publix and Wegmans are two companies that also routinely wind up at the top of customer service surveys — testimony that satisfied employees who enjoy their workplace generally add that special ingredient to customer service. Having a totally energized work force, and knowing what it takes to keep them that way, that's the "secret sauce" in retailing.

ATLANTA — Obesity rates continue to soar among the U.S. population, particularly in children. And the result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, leads both to “psychosocial problems and to cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and abnormal glucose tolerance or diabetes.”

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — “The true ambassadors for the brand.” That’s how Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson now describes the company’s 244,000 employees.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens names chief customer experience officer, promotes three executives. For the full story, click here)

CHICAGO — It seems that private-label brands are getting a sterling reputation among shoppers.

According to new research by Mintel, consumers have taken notice of private-label companies' "better-for-you" products and attractive packaging, as 44% of grocery shoppers believed store-brand products are of better quality today than they were five years ago. What's more, 39% of respondents said they would recommend purchasing a store-brand product.

CHICAGO — Almost half of shoppers surveyed by HealthFocus International believed that food manufacturers should clearly state their products' contents, especially calories, fat and sodium content.