Content about Medicine

June 12, 2013
Walgreens reaches $80M settlement with DEA

Walgreens will pay $80 million as part of a settlement with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) over a failure to report unusually large shipments of prescription painkillers from a distribution center in Jupiter, Fla.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens will pay $80 million as part of a settlement with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) over a failure to report unusually large shipments of prescription painkillers from a distribution center in Jupiter, Fla. Six Walgreens pharmacies in Florida received tens of thousands of orders for regulated painkillers that were up three times the normal size, but the distribution center did not report them to the DEA as they were required to by law.

May 31, 2013
Former Microsoft manager plans chain of pot stores

Jamen Shively, a former Microsoft corporate strategy manager, announced plans to invest $100 million over the next three years in a national chain of marijuana stores. The stores would sell both medical-use and adult-use (recreational) cannabis. Shively is now CEO of San Diego-based Diego Pellicer, which describes itself as the first legal premium marijuana retailer in the United States.

New York -- Jamen Shively, a former Microsoft corporate strategy manager, announced plans to invest $100 million over the next three years in a national chain of marijuana stores. The stores would sell both medical-use and adult-use (recreational) cannabis. Shively is now CEO of San Diego-based Diego Pellicer, which describes itself as the first legal premium marijuana retailer in the United States.

May 13, 2013
Vista Cos. names marketing/pr director

The Vista Cos. said that Lindsay Kaye has joined the LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch team as director of marketing and public relations, effective April 23.

Katy, Texas -- The Vista Cos. said that Lindsay Kaye has joined the LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch team as director of marketing and public relations, effective April 23.

Kaye will handle marketing, advertising, event coordination and public relations for the LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch mixed-use development.

Prior to joining The Vista Cos. team, Kaye was promotions manager for Radio Disney.

 

March 25, 2013
Vitamin Shoppe makes international debut with Panama store

Vitamin Shoppe said Monday it has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store, located in Panama City.

Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe said Monday it has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store, located in Panama City. The store, which opened March 4, is owned and operated by franchisee Reprico.

"We're excited to partner with Reprico and bring the Vitamin Shoppe to Panama," said Musab Balbale, director of new business for the Vitamin Shoppe. "Our focus on delighting the customer with knowledge and great service will make us a trusted source for our customers in Panama."

 

February 26, 2013
Vitamin Shoppe Q4 profit up 3%, hurt by Superstorm Hurricane

Vitamin Shoppe Inc. said its fourth-quarter net income rose 3% to $9.7 million, up from $9.4 million in the year-ago period.

North Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe Inc. said Tuesday its fourth-quarter net income rose 3% to $9.7 million, up from $9.4 million in the year-ago period.
   

February 15, 2013
The Vitamin Shoppe closes on acquisition of Super Supplements

The Vitamin Shoppe announced that it has closed on the previously announced purchase of Super Supplements, a specialty retailer of vitamins, minerals and supplements for approximately $50 million.

North Bergen, N.J. -- The Vitamin Shoppe announced that it has closed on the previously announced purchase of Super Supplements, a specialty retailer of vitamins, minerals and supplements for approximately $50 million. The acquisition was funded with available cash. 

The transaction was structured as a purchase of Super Supplements' assets by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Vitamin Shoppe. Super Supplements is headquartered in Seattle, Washington and operates 31 stores in the Pacific Northwest.
 

February 4, 2013
Vitamin Shoppe cleared for Super Supplements takeover

The Vitamin Shoppe said it was notified by the FTC that it has been cleared to acquire Super Supplements, with a targeted closing date of Feb. 15.

North Bergen, N.J. -- The Vitamin Shoppe said Monday it was notified by the FTC that it has been cleared to acquire Super Supplements, with a targeted closing date of Feb. 15.

In December, the vitamin retailer had announced it would purchase the assets of Super Supplements, a specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral and supplements, for $50 million.  

Super Supplements operates 31 stores in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, and expands Vitamin Shoppe's presence in the Pacific Northwest where it currently operates 17 stores.  

January 31, 2013
Rite Aid same-store sales edge up in January

Rite Aid Corp. reported that same-store sales for the month of January edged up 0.3%, boosted by a 4.2% rise in front-end sales for the month along with increased prescription counts.

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. reported Thursday that same-store sales for the month of January edged up 0.3%, boosted by a 4.2% rise in front-end sales for the month along with increased prescription counts.

Total sales for the four-week period decreased 0.5% to $1.914 billion.

 

January 14, 2013
Vitamin Shoppe enters Canada under new Vitapath banner

Vitapath, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Vitamin Shoppe, has opened its first two Canadian stores in the greater Toronto area in Newmarket and Leaside.

Toronto -- Vitapath, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Vitamin Shoppe, has opened its first two Canadian stores in the greater Toronto area in Newmarket and Leaside. The company expects to expand its retail stores under the Vitapath banner across Canada, with additional locations expected to open later in 2013.

December 17, 2012
Vitamin Shoppe to acquire Super Supplements

The Vitamin Shoppe announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Super Supplements, a specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral and supplements for approximately $50 million.

North Bergen, N.J. -- The Vitamin Shoppe announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the assets of Super Supplements, a specialty retailer of vitamin, mineral and supplements for approximately $50 million.

Super Supplements, headquartered in Seattle, operates 31 stores in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The acquisition expands the Vitamin Shoppe's presence in the Pacific Northwest where it currently operates 17 stores.

 

December 6, 2012
Rite Aid same-store sales down 3% in Q3

As expected, Hurricane Sandy left its mark on Rite Aid's monthly sales as the chain reported a decline in comps for November.

Camp Hill, Pa. — As expected, Hurricane Sandy left its mark on Rite Aid's monthly sales as the chain reported a decline in comps for November.

The company said the 3% decrease in same-store sales for the five-week period ended Saturday included a 0.5% decrease in front-end comps and a 4.2% decrease in pharmacy comps, while same-store prescription count increased 2.2% compared with the same time last year.

November 6, 2012
Vitamin Shoppe Q3 profit rises 37%; on track to open 57 stores in 2013

Vitamin Shoppe Inc. reported that net income for the third quarter leaped 36.8% to $16.3 million, from $11.9 million last year.

North Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe Inc. reported Tuesday that net income for the third quarter leaped 36.8% to $16.3 million, from $11.9 million last year.

Revenue rose 14.4% to $239 million, missing Wall Street’s expectations of $241.8 million in revenue. Same-store sales surged 9.6%, marking the company’s 28th consecutive quarter of positive comps.

For the current year, Vitamin Shoppe said it expects to open 52 new stores and, for fiscal 2013, the preliminary forecast is to open 57 new stores.

 

October 15, 2012
Humana-Walmart plan open for enrollment for seniors

Walmart and Humana have teamed up again to help Medicare beneficiaries afford their prescriptions.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart and Humana have teamed up again to help Medicare beneficiaries afford their prescriptions. With annual enrollment open until Dec. 7, 2012, for 2013 Medicare plans, the Humana-Walmart Preferred Rx Plan announced that it offers one monthly plan premium of $18.50 a month for beneficiaries in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., regardless of where they live.

October 4, 2012
Kroger transforms headquarters for breast cancer awareness

Throughout the month of October, Kroger is lighting up its Cincinnati headquarters with pink spotlights and 150-ft. banners, celebrating breast cancer awareness month.

Cincinnati -- Throughout the month of October, Kroger is lighting up its Cincinnati headquarters with pink spotlights and 150-ft. banners, celebrating breast cancer awareness month.  

September 24, 2012
Study: Retail health clinics, urgent care centers a $10B market and growing

Tampa, Fla. — The retail health clinic and urgent care center market currently is worth about $10 billion and is poised for strong growth in the coming years as the shortage of primary care physicians and crowded emergency rooms increasingly move patients to retail sites, according to new data by Marketdata Enterprises, an independent market research publisher.

September 4, 2012
Massage Envy to open at Cobblestone Plaza

Indianapolis-based, Kite Realty Group said that Massage Envy has leased 4,066 sq. ft. at Cobblestone Plaza, located in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Pembroke Pines, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based, Kite Realty Group said that Massage Envy has leased 4,066 sq. ft. at Cobblestone Plaza, located in Pembroke Pines, Fla. 

Kite Realty Group represented the landlord, KRG CREC/KS Pembroke Pines, LLC.

Cobblestone Plaza is anchored by Whole Foods, All Pets Emporium and Party City. The center sites on approximately 22 acres with 140,452 sq. ft. of retail space.
 

June 26, 2012
Walgreens in CDC pilot to offer free HIV tests

Walgreens announced it is participating in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pilot program to help connect more people with HIV to care.

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens announced it is participating in a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pilot program to help connect more people with HIV to care. Through the first phase of the two-year program, select Walgreens pharmacies in Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and a select Take Care Clinic in Lithonia, Ga., are offering free HIV testing.

According to the CDC, an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, but nearly one in five of those infected is unaware of their condition.

April 13, 2012
Walmart and Humana team up on prescription program

Walmart is partnering with health services company Humana Inc. to offer a new prescription drug plan for insured employers and employees. Humana’s pharmacy benefits management subsidiary, Humana Pharmacy Solutions, will now offer the Walmart Rx Network.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart is partnering with health services company Humana Inc. to offer a new prescription drug plan for insured employers and employees. Humana’s pharmacy benefits management subsidiary, Humana Pharmacy Solutions, will now offer the Walmart Rx Network. The partnership will also offer a new formulary, or approved drug list, called Rx4Value.

February 2, 2012
CVS/pharmacy introduces Rx text alerts

CVS/pharmacy has introduced a program that allows pharmacy patients to receive immediate notification via text message when their prescription is ready to be picked up, the drugstore chain said.

Woonsocket, R.I. -- CVS/pharmacy has introduced a program that allows pharmacy patients to receive immediate notification via text message when their prescription is ready to be picked up, the drugstore chain said.

Order Ready Text Messaging, which is available on nearly all mobile carriers, offers text alerts in English and Spanish. Customers interested in enrolling into Order Ready Text Messaging can do so by speaking to a pharmacy staff member or visiting CVS.com/text. Standard message rates apply.

January 19, 2012
Walgreens unveils newly renovated stores in Indianapolis

Walgreens has transformed 68 locations in the Indianapolis market into health and daily living destinations.

Deerfield, Ill. — Walgreens has transformed 68 locations in the Indianapolis market into health and daily living destinations.

The drug store chain hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday at a store located on 16th and Meridian in Indianapolis. On hand at the ceremony were Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson, former Indianpolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind.

The stores are part of Walgreens' pilot program that launched last year in Chicago.

January 10, 2012
Two new tenants commit to Plaza Square

Fameco Real Estate said that recently completed deals with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa and C2 Education have brought Plaza Square in Wayne, N.J., to 98% occupancy.

Wayne, N.J. -- Fameco Real Estate said that recently completed deals with Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa and C2 Education have brought Plaza Square in Wayne, N.J., to 98% occupancy.

The 103,000-sq.-ft. center is owned by Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers and is anchored by ShopRite, Bank of America, Dollar Power, Bensi Italian Restaurant and Wendy’s.
 

November 17, 2011
Coco Fresh Tea & Juice opens at Sky View Center

Onex Real Estate Partners said that Taiwanese tea brand Coco Fresh Tea & Juice has opened its newest teashop at Sky View Center, the 800,000-sq.-ft., multi-level regional mall in downtown Flushing, N.Y.

Queens, N.Y. -- Onex Real Estate Partners said that Taiwanese tea brand Coco Fresh Tea & Juice has opened its newest teashop at Sky View Center, the 800,000-sq.-ft., multi-level regional mall in downtown Flushing, N.Y.

The 600-sq.-ft. teashop operates a sister location on Main Street, in Flushing.

October 11, 2011
Red Door Spas names COO

Spa operator Red Door Spas said Tuesday it has named Jeff Kohl as its senior VP and COO.

Stamford, Conn. -- Spa operator Red Door Spas said Tuesday it has named Jeff Kohl as its senior VP and COO. Kohl is charged with directing all Red Door Spa operations globally, including strategic partnership development and management of the company's 31 full-service spa and salon properties and 1,500+ spa associates.

He will report to Todd Walter, CEO of Red Door Spa Holdings.

Kohl was previously director of global hospitality sales for Precor.
 

September 27, 2011
LaVida Massage to open new center

LaVida Massage said it will open a new location in Marietta, Ga., on Lower Roswell Rd.

Marietta, Ga. -- LaVida Massage said it will open a new location in Marietta, Ga., on Lower Roswell Rd.

The newest location is slated to open Oct. 1 in 3,000 sq. ft., and is owned and managed by Georgia Master Developers Terry Sharp and Duane Goodwin.

September 16, 2011
LaVida Massage opens new California center, names master franchisee

LaVida Massage, a Commerce, Mich.-based massage and wellness center, announced the opening of a new LaVida location in California, as well as the addition of a new master franchisee in southern California.

Placentia, Calif. -- LaVida Massage, a Commerce, Mich.-based massage and wellness center, announced the opening of a new LaVida location in California, as well as the addition of a new master franchisee in southern California.

The new 3,700-sq.-ft. center, located in Placentia, is slated to open Sept. 19.

New master franchisee Deby Goodman will own and manage the newest store, as well as will be responsible for building new LaVida operations specific to the southern California market.