In this Issue

Record-breaking attendance and four panel discussions on such topics as specialty pharmacy and diabetes set the stage for the 13th annual Drug Store News Industry Issues Summit held on Nov. 29 in New York City. This year’s event attracted more than 30 retailers and 200 industry suppliers. 


CVS Caremark is reinventing pharmacy and unlocking the full potential of its distinctive model. The company is doing this by capitalizing on what Larry Merlo, president and CEO, has referred to as “integration sweet spots,” which are capabilities unique to CVS Caremark’s integrated model. In this issue of DSN, we explore what we believe are 10 keys to driving growth across CVS' network and transforming the retail health landscape.

In the Feb. 7, 2011, issue, Drug Store News named three major issues that would define 2011 for the world of generic drugs. Those issues were drug safety, generic user fees and patent settlements.

Flawless, luminous skin is in, and with spring about to spring, you can bet that beauty mavens will continue their search for face makeup that helps their skin glow.


Sales of foundation at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) 
rose more than 4% to $543.7 million for the 52 weeks ended Nov. 27, according to SymphonyIRI Group. During that same period, sales of concealer climbed nearly 9.6% to $118.9 million, and sales of blush rose 2.4% to $107.6 million. 


NEW YORK — Everybody talks about “Health & Wellness” and “Product Innovation.” But what do those words actually mean to the consumer?

While physicians and pharmacists alike generally view electronic prescribing with favor, several barriers stand in the way of their realizing its full benefit, according to a November government study.


MIAMI — Navarro Discount Pharmacy recently celebrated the opening of its 30th store in Homestead, Fla., in the Homestead Pavilion Shopping Center. The store further differentiates the retailer from its competition and caters to the Hispanic market with its mix of ethnic products, such as chili peppers, piñatas and Jumex nectars.


The National Community Pharmacists Association recently unleashed a new front-end program that has seen more than 20% growth in test pilots. 
Driving that program is 35-year retail veteran Gabe Trahan, NCPA senior director of store operations and marketing. Drug Store News caught up with Trahan to discuss the kinds of tools that can be 
accessed as part of the new program. 


DSN: What are the primary elements?