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CAMP HILL, Pa. — In a sneeze heard around the world, allergy season is afoot, but the country’s retail pharmacies are on call to help the estimated 60 million Americans whose sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and congestion will drive them to wit’s end this year.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes, who is widely regarded as one of the most visionary marketers in modern drug store retailing, to the newly created position of EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer.

In the new role, Foulkes will bring together the company's capabilities in enterprise branding, communications, community relations, charitable giving, healthcare-reform strategy, government relations and marketing into one integrated organization in an effort to deliver even better business results and stronger partnerships.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — A decision by the Food and Drug Administration to lower the age at which patients can receive a vaccine for shingles opens the door for pharmacists to administer it to more patients.

Rite Aid said Tuesday that pharmacists at more than 2,100 of its stores now could vaccinate patients ages 50 years and older with Merck’s Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) thanks to the FDA’s approval of the vaccination for patients in that age group. Previously, it was only approved for patients ages 60 years and older.

NEW YORK — Royal Ahold’s Peapod online grocery service is expanding in New York, according to published reports.

According to the reports, the new service, Peapod by Stop & Shop, will fill orders using the existing warehouse presence of Ahold supermarket banner Stop & Shop, which operates several stores in the city. In addition to groceries, Peapod also offers numerous health and beauty products.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation on Wednesday announced that the first-ever Walk with Walgreens Family Fun Day & Health Fair will take place April 10 at 14 locations across Florida.

Additionally, 851 Walgreens stores throughout the state and parts of Georgia and Alabama will be selling "scannables" in the amounts of $1, $5 and $10 that customers can write their names on and help decorate the stores' walls through April to benefit the Diabetes Research Institute.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It’s that time of year once again. Come April 30, more than 2,000 of today’s leading retail executives from food, drug and mass, and their supply partners, will convene at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., to gain new insights into today’s changing marketplace and explore future opportunities.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway this week received an award for demonstrating commitment to various causes through financial support and encouragement.

The retailer said it received the 2011 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award for Outstanding Corporation from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. AFP presented the award to Safeway's EVP Larree Renda, who also serves as chair for the company's charitable organization, the Safeway Foundation.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Expectations of improved profitability at Dollar General mean the company will keep the pedal to the metal in terms of expansion.

(THE NEWS: Dollar General keeps growing. For the full story, click here)