INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT “We don’t have to be the PBM.” That’s what Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, told Drug Store News in one interview last year, and it neatly encapsulates the dynamic that may be unfolding behind the scenes at the nation’s top pharmacy retailer.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens said to consider sale of PBM. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT There are many pharmacy retailers hooking their diabetes-related initiatives into the awareness generated by American Diabetes Month, but judging by a new study recently issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it may be time for healthcare professionals to begin piecing together initiatives that will help maintain that heightened awareness over the course of an entire year.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The natural affinity that has sprung up between independent pharmacy and the generic drug industry -- both viewed as underdogs in the relentless fight for market position and profits: one versus powerful chain and big-box retailers, the other versus the far more entrenched and well-funded branded drug industry -- was never more fully realized than it was last weekend, when the National Community Pharmacists Association introduced its new top manager to its members at the group’s annual meeting.

As this issue went to press, it sure had been a busy week here at Drug Store News. And that means it was a busy week for the industry, too.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT In this lackluster economy, retailers are fortunate that such vendors as consumer products giant Procter & Gamble are investing in ideas like the pop-up store in New York to encourage consumers to try new products and loosen the grip on their wallets and buy.

(THE NEWS: P&G unites innovation with value for multipronged campaign. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes over the next several decades is likely to place huge strains on the U.S. healthcare system, costing the country hundreds of billions of dollars every year. It also means the diabetes market will continue to be a hot bed for innovation for decades to come.

(THE NEWS: Diabetes prevalence among Americans may increase to 33%, CDC study finds. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Leave it to our creative retail neighbors to the north to find a fun way to merchandise over-the-counter products and wellness.

(THE NEWS: In sweeping overhaul of its retail mission, Rexall unveils ‘Healthy Living’ prototype. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT A plan by health insurer Humana and Walmart to offer a cheap prescription drug plan to seniors who shop at the mass merchandiser may be a little off the mark, if results of the survey of Medicare beneficiaries is to be believed.

(THE NEWS: Many seniors are satisfied with Medicare Rx benefit, survey shows. For the full story, click here)