Top Retailers

CVS’ innovations far from ‘Just the Basics’ with Bloom at helm
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Looking for a merchant known for the ability to swiftly understand the big picture and move into action? Look no further than Mike Bloom of CVS/pharmacy. 
New exec Mac Naughton pursuing familiar strategy at Walmart
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Duncan Mac Naughton, recently promoted to chief merchandising officer for Walmart’s U.S. stores division, has an opportunity to be a hero at Walmart as the nation’s largest retailer looks to restore sales growth at its U.S. stores this year and beyond.

Pugh’s customer-centric approach boosts Walgreens’ momentum

DEERFIELD, Ill. — A veteran of Walmart and Tesco, Walgreens VP merchandising Bryan Pugh brought a more analytical and customer-targeted approach to front-end merchandising. His oft-stated mission: to oversee, in coordination with the company’s Customer Centric Retailing initiative and other renewal efforts, a more cost-effective and more compelling merchandising strategy. 
N.Y. authorized paternity test  finds home at Duane Reade

SALT LAKE CITY — Identigene last month began placing its Identigene DNA paternity test kit on the shelves of New York-based Duane Reade pharmacies after meeting the more restrictive testing requirements for the state. 
Kroger banners support kids with charitable campaigns

LOS ANGELES — Kroger banners Ralphs and Food 4 Less/Foods Co have kicked off their respective charitable campaigns to benefit children in the markets they serve.
ReportersNotebook — Beauty Care, 2/7/11

SUPPLIER NEWS — JocottBrands, a developer and marketer of branded consumer products, has introduced its new Argan Magic hair care line exclusively at CVS/pharmacy. The products are made with Argan Oil, a natural oil that is native to Morocco and derived from the crushed fruit and nuts of the Argan tree. The trio of Argan Magic products includes Intensive hair oil, Nourishing hair cream and Restorative hair mask. Prices are $7.99 to $9.99.  
CVS' Foulkes named vice chairwoman of R.I.'s EDC board

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee last week appointed Helena Foulkes, EVP and chief marketing officer for CVS Caremark, to the R.I. Economic Development Corp. board of directors, according to published reports.

Foulkes will serve as vice chairwoman of the EDC board. She is the first female to serve in this capacity.
Generics discounts ignite Medicare Rx competition

Just when you thought the low end of the generic drug price spectrum couldn’t get any more commoditized, the $2 price point debuted with a big splash in September 2010. 
Optimizing SKU lineup equals success with Curtis at Costco

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Vic Curtis has come a long way since he began working for Costco Wholesale in 1991 as a pharmacy manager.  

Recently, he was promoted to SVP pharmacy and has seen action in prescription and OTC merchandising, pharmacy operations, mail-order and Internet-based pharmacy, and pharmacy benefit management services, as part of Costco’s team led by Charlie Burnett, the “dean” of Costco’s pharmacy/health and beauty business.
Loyalty program under Montini’s tenure is a big plus for Rite Aid

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Tony Montini returned to Rite Aid just in time to help leverage what is becoming a very powerful Wellness+ loyalty card program that has cracked the code for the chain in terms of tying the front-end to the back bench by way of the patient.  

And while Montini returns to the retail ranks as SVP category management, he is well-prepared to make Wellness+ work gangbusters with the supplier community. His background is in corporate marketing with advertising agency Marc USA, where he was EVP and COO.