RETAIL NEWS

LOS ANGELES -- Ralphs Grocery Company is teaming up with Feeding America food banks in Southern California on a new health and wellness campaign.

Through April 1, Ralphs will donate one meal through the Feeding America network of food banks for every flu shot administered at its in-store pharmacies.

Consumers with diabetes spend 35% more on OTC products than the average consumer, noted Jeff Gregori, group VP consumer and shopper analytics for Nielsen, during a recent presentation at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Total Store Expo. “That’s hands down more than any other ailment,” he said, and it’s because they face so many challenges beyond their initial diagnosis.

How can pharmacy retailers and their vendor partners help make health care more accountable, accessible and cost-effective? And what role can they play to help their customers to lead longer, healthier lives?

Lovepop Cards, a Harvard-based greeting card start-up, landed a $300,000 investment from investor Kevin O’Leary, on ABC’s “Shark Tank” TV show in December. Every card design starts as a sketch on paper that is translated to a modeling software, in which each shape is drawn. Those shapes are then transferred to a software that routs a laser-cutter to cut out each piece. Since January, the company has had about 40,000 customers and will do roughly $1 million in sales this year, according to the company.

Quest Products is looking to break onto the external analgesic scene with CopperFixx, a balm that combines the analgesic properties associated with copper and arnica. “Copper has always been known to help relieve the aches and pains of certain afflictions,” said Don Ryan, president and CEO of Quest Products. “Until now, no one had figured out how to produce it in a consumer-friendly form.”

The explosive growth in the at-risk elderly population has spawned a corresponding explosion in the number of baby boomers who find themselves caring for aging parents. In response, start-up companies have sprung up offering new services and solutions to help these caregivers help their parents remain independent, mobile and in their own homes as long as possible.

CARSON, Calif. — Hyland’s at NACDS Total Store Expo launched a new homeopathic energy booster called Good Morning that targets consumers looking for a natural revitalization solution, following a night of tossing and turning in bed. Good Morning contains no caffeine, is stimulant free and is non-habit forming. According to Hyland’s research, 38.3% of Americans have trouble sleeping, with stress being the leading cause of their restlessness.

Health care, said Katya Hancock, “is very different than other industries.” Given the fragmented, piecemeal way the health system has evolved and the urgent challenges posed by skyrocketing costs, inconsistent care standards and wide gaps in the gathering and sharing of vital patient data, it’s no wonder that the health industry is ripe for innovation and new solutions, she told participants at the Retail Health Summit.