RETAIL NEWS

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation earlier this week named 24 finalists for the 2017 Corporate Citizenship Awards, including Albertsons as part of the "Disaster Relief and Outreach Initiative" category. Mastercard and The Walt Disney Company were also named finalists in that category

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention project that more than 1,000 people are treated everyday as a result of prescription opioid misuse, and the New York Times reports that drug overdose becomes the leading cause of death of Americans younger than 50 years of age, research from CVS Health Research Institute and Johns Hopkins University is looking at how algorithms can be used to help identify signs of patients misusing and abusing opioids.

Not only are “clean labeling” initiatives resonating with consumers across the food aisle, but the pull toward more natural remedies, including homeopathic solutions, is resonating with consumers shopping in the OTC aisles, as well, many suppliers shared with Drug Store News.

TORONTO, Ontario — In an effort to connect with Canada’s aging population, Shoppers Drug Mart this week will unveil its new pilot retail experience in Toronto’s Leaside neighborhood. The Wellwise store pilot will get a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 23.

NEW YORK — Walgreens on Wednesday launched its new campaign “#ItEndsWithUs” to educate teens nationwide on the opioid epidemic. The campaign will be unveiled by actor Brandon Larracuente from Netflix’s popular series “13 Reasons Why” and “Bloodline.”

CAMP HILL, Pa. — The Rite Aid Foundation announced earlier this week that 428 students have been selected as 2017 Folds of Honor scholarship recipients through its KidCents program. The scholarships, totaling more than $2 million, are the second round of scholarships to be awarded by The Foundation's KidCents program as part of a previously announced three-year, $6 million commitment to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to children of fallen or disabled service members.  

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In its latest public health effort to curb smoking, the CVS Health Foundation is partnering with the American Cancer Society and Truth Initiative to provide grants to help U.S. colleges and universities push for smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies. The grants are part of the organizations’ efforts to expand the number of campuses that prohibit smoking and tobacco use.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred’s Pharmacy, in partnership with MarkeTouch Media, has released a redesigned and updated version of its mobile app. The app offers users a more streamlined experience and is aimed at improving patient adherence and the Fred’s shopping experience, the company said.

“Our new mobile app provides the kind of value-rich shopper-friendly program that our customers have come to expect from Fred’s,” Fred’s EVP and chief merchandising and marketing officer Mary Lou Gardner said