RITE AID

NEW YORK — The 15th annual Industry Issues Summit, presented by The Drug Store News Group on Dec. 3, proved to be a powerful, all-star lineup as some of the top minds in pharmacy retailing gathered for a candid discussion of the top issues and trends impacting the industry. On top of that, brand-building genius and TV celebrity Daymond John of ABC’s “Shark Tank” delivered an exclusive lunchtime keynote.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering a $5 discount on flu shots as a way to encourage more people to protect themselves, the retail pharmacy chain said.

Rite Aid said that in recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, which runs between Dec. 8 and Dec. 14, it would offer flu shots at its stores for $24.99. NIVW started in 2005 as a national campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends annual flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older.

Rite Aid announced Monday the promotion of Karen Staniforth to group VP pharmacy initiatives and clinical services from her current position of VP pharmacy for the chain's mid-Atlantic division. In her new position, Staniforth will oversee the company's strategy around the Wellness Ambassadors, specially trained staff who walk the aisles of the stores and provide information on health and wellness products and programs, as well as serve as a "bridge" between the front end and the pharmacy.

CAMP HILL, Pa. – Rite Aid has promoted Karen Staniforth, VP pharmacy for the chain's mid-Atlantic division, to group VP pharmacy initiatives and clinical services, the company said Monday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Many of Rite Aid's stores will open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Rite Aid, which operates about 4,600 stores, said the move was designed to give shoppers a head start on Black Friday shopping, citing National Retail Federation figures indicating that up to 140 million shoppers will visit retailers nationwide during the weekend. Still, store hours will vary, and many pharmacies will close at 3 p.m., the company said.

NEW YORK — During a red carpet celebration Tuesday evening at its newly remodeled Wellness store in New York's West Village neighborhood, Rite Aid unveiled and celebrated the exclusive launch of the Eddie Funkhouser beauty line at select Beauty Vision stores.

WASHINGTON — More than six dozen pharmacists and pharmacy students from in and around the District of Columbia offered free health screenings on Capitol Hill Tuesday as a way to promote awareness of the role pharmacists play in the healthcare system.

NEW YORK — Rite Aid had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to debut its newly remodeled Wellness store in New York's West Village neighborhood Tuesday.