RETAIL NEWS

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention joined the National Foundation for Infectious Disease, along with other public health and medical groups, on Thursday to kick off the 2017-18 flu vaccination campaign.

CVS Pharmacy has opened more than 13,000-sq.-ft., two-story location in Times Square — the largest featuring the company’s new front-store strategy.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Beginning Sept. 28, Publix will begin testing curbside grocery pickup at two locations in Florida. In addition, Metro-Atlanta stores will begin testing curbside pickup by the end of this year.

“We’ve had great success with Publix Delivery powered by Instacart, and the demand for online grocery services has continued to grow," stated Maria Brous, director of media and community relations, Publix. "So we’re excited to test Publix Curbside and learn more about how to best meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's CEO John Standley on Thursday morning outlined the six important areas on which Rite Aid will focus to rebuild its momentum and grow its business.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid on Thursday named Kermit Crawford president and COO. Crawford, prior to serving as a retail and healthcare adviser and consultant for New York City-based Sycamore Partners, enjoyed a long career with Walgreens, most recently as EVP and president of pharmacy health and wellness.

MONTREAL — Industry consolidation continued in the Great White North as the Jean Coutu Group could soon be part of Canada’s third-largest grocery chain. The company announced Wednesday that it was in advanced talks with Metro, which operates in Quebec and Ontario, regarding a potential combination agreement.

Under the terms of a non-binding letter of intent dated Aug. 22, the company would be acquired for $24.50 per share, paid 75% in cash and 25% in Metro shares.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy’s largest location featuring its new store format is now open to shoppers at the “crossroads of the world.” The company’s new two-story flagship Times Square location features CVS Pharmacy’s expanded health and beauty focused format the company rolled out earlier this year.

IRVING, Texas – Offering independent pharmacies practical advice for taking care of patients and growing their businesses, Health Mart on Tuesday kicked off its fifth Town Hall Continuing Education series titled “Revenue Remedies: Inject Profits into Your Business with Expanded Partnerships and Clinical Services.” Health Mart, with more than 4,800 locally owned community pharmacies across all 50 states, will host more than 80 events across the country through early 2018.