WALMART

HARTFORD, Conn. — Aetna has announced that Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies have been added to the preferred pharmacy network of the Aetna CVS/pharmacy Prescription Drug Plan as of Jan. 1.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is offering prescriptions at no upfront cost to patients who enroll in the public health insurance marketplace, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

DALLAS — Skimpy Mixers, a new drink mixer, will be available Dec. 26 to Jan. 2 at select Walmart locations across the nation as part of a limited-time only promotional launch. The mixers are made with real fruit juices and are low in sugar content and calories. The product will officially launch in February.

The company’s founders first came up with the idea while attending a friend’s Bachelorette pool party. They loved the drinks that were being served and were surprised that they couldn't taste the alcohol content. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — A national gay-rights organization has given Walgreens top marks for its practices related to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

In its 2014 Corporate Equality Index, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation gave the Deerfield, Ill.-based retail pharmacy chain a "perfect" score of 100. 2014 is the ninth year that Walgreens has won a perfect score.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mistic, a maker of electronic cigarettes, on Monday announced that Walmart has added Mistic's Ultimate Gift Set to store shelves across the nation.  

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Dog owners have two new reasons to rejoice this holiday season, thanks to Freshpet.

Freshpet, which makes fresh, refrigerated dog and cat food, has announced the introduction of two new products to the mix: Dog Joy Chicken Strips with Flaxseeds and Dog Joy Sausage Slices.

Currently president and CEO of Walmart's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Canada region, David Cheesewright has been promoted to president and CEO of Walmart International, the company's second-largest operating segment.

Cheesewright will report to Doug McMillon, who was tapped to succeed Mike Duke as the company's president and CEO. Both assume their new roles Feb. 1, 2014. Cheesewright's successor will be named at a later date.

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.