In this Issue

Sometimes shifting trends in business, society or technology can seem to crystallize, giving business leaders who are paying attention a clear view of a market’s future direction and forcing a fundamental realignment of their companies’ strategy. Such was the case four years ago for Innovation Associates, a leading pharmacy technology provider and the company behind the PharmAssist robotic automation system.

Shoppers are becoming more focused on health and wellness — and they are making the connection between oral health and overall health — so they increasingly are moving from the value segment to premium products, not to mention oral care regimens.


Functional beverages are moving to the next level. Sean Seitzinger, partner at Symphony Consulting of the SymphonyIRI Group, said that functional foods are one of the fastest-growing areas of the supermarket, recording 27% growth over the past three years. “Functional beverages, which comprise 63% of the category, are the center plate of that story,” Seitzinger said.



BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart’s Neighborhood Market concept finally is getting its due more than 12 years after the first unit opened in late 1998. Next year, the company expected to open between 30 and 40 small stores, the majority of which will be Neighborhood Market units, in addition to a handful of pilot stores measuring less than 30,000 sq. ft. that the company views as a potential growth vehicle for either urban or rural markets.


NEW YORK — Last year, the big question on every­one’s mind was: How many brands can actually thrive in what has become a cluttered antacid shelf? Because just exactly how many heartburn sufferers are there?



BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart clearly is not unique in the fact that some of its stores offer access to an in-store health clinic, but what is unique is that several years ago, the retail giant decided to scrap its retail clinic model of partnering with a handful of independent operators in favor of a more regionalized, healthcare system-driven model.


NEW YORK — Upscale beauty brand Shiseido celebrated its fall and holiday makeup and skin care collections with its first-ever Pop-Up Beauty Boutique in New York. The Shiseido Pop-Up Beauty Boutique, located across the street from Bloomingdale’s at Third Avenue and 59th Street, was open Nov. 12 to 19. 


Beauty mavens who stopped by the two-story boutique could learn about the brand’s newest collections, including the fall 2010 Shiseido Makeup and Limited Edition Holiday Palette created by Dick Page, the brand’s makeup artistic director.


NEW YORK — This ain’t your grandfather’s trade magazine. And assuming you work in today’s retail pharmacy industry, the new Drug Store News is a lot more relevant to your business.


In January 2011, The Drug Store News Group will unveil a bold new look for its flagship publication, with several exciting new features, including:


Store Tour — In every issue, DSN highlights an exciting, new store format;


Changing Channels — New products from alternate retail channels;