RETAIL NEWS

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The latest Walgreens Flu Index shows that Puerto Rico and parts of Louisana are the top spots for flu activity so far this season.

The Walgreens Flu Index is a weekly report that provides state- and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and ranking of those experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country.

The Flu Index shows which populations are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology, the data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity.

An anonymous donor is making this Christmas a lot merrier for some Sav-Mor Pharmacy customers in Illinois.

The retailer says it received a $1,000 check from an anonymous donor. The donor asked the retailer to use the money to help customers pay for their prescription medications.

According to WAND-17 in Decatur, Ill., Sav-Mor Pharmacy owner Dave Falk said the donation has made an impact with his customers. "The Falk family owns a total of 15 pharmacies in central Illinois and this is the first time an act of kindness of this magnitude has occurred."

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Automation could threaten the jobs of “lower-paid, lower-skilled and less-educated” workers, leading to greater U.S. income inequality, according to “Artificial Intelligence, Automation and the Economy,” a new report issued by the Executive Office of the President.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Now that the divestiture of 865 Rite Aid stores to Fred’s Pharmacy for $950 million has been announced, Walgreens Boots Alliance’s acquisition of Rite Aid is moving forward, with an expected closing date of early 2017.

NBC's Today show spoke with some of Hollywood's top celebrity beauty experts to get the scoop on the best drug store beauty products to help battle the winter elements.

The network also highlighted the beauty products in one of its beauty segments and in a feature online.

The majority of the products can be found at drug and mass retailers.

To see the list, click here.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens has expanded the availability of prescription-free naloxone to 33 states and the District of Columbia.

The medication can be dispensed in accordance with each state’s pharmacy regulations at nearly 5,800 Walgreens pharmacies. Naloxone can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of heroin or other opioid drugs, and is administered by injection or nasal spray.

In the Trump administration, retailers can expect a new head of the FDA, one of the 4,000 or so political appointees. 

According to Forbes, the current FDA commissioner, Dr. Robert Califf, assumed the position only in February, so he has not really had time to make his mark.

His predecessor, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, was there for seven years, however, and provides an exemplar of the kind of commissioner a Trump administration should avoid.