20 minute read
INDUSTRY NEWS
from DSN-0822
by ensembleiq
Kroger’s Boost Membership Launches Nationally
Kroger is expanding its loyalty program by rolling out Boost by Kroger nationally.
The annual membership provides shoppers with unlimited free grocery delivery on orders more than $35, as well as fuel discounts of up to $1 per gallon and additional savings on its Our Brand products.
“As customers continue to evolve how they shop and eat, this expansion of our loyalty program offers more personalized value in groceries and fuel, alongside easier access to convenient shopping solutions, such as delivery,” said Yael Cosset, senior vice president and chief information officer at Kroger. “We are committed to consistently delivering a best-in-class seamless experience with zero compromise — the fresh and quality products our customers want, how they want it and when they want it. We recognize this is especially important as our customers are facing an inflationary environment and rising fuel prices.”
Currently, Boost expands on savings available to customers through the retailer’s free loyalty program in two annual membership levels — $59 or $99 — that offer free next-day delivery or free delivery in as little as two hours respectively, the company said.
In addition, Boost members are eligible for two times fuel points for every dollar spent and savings on Our Brands products that include Murray’s Cheese, Vitacost, HomeChef, Simple Truth and Private Selection.
“Boost contributes to our rapidly expanding seamless ecosystem, bringing value and convenience to many more families across America as we roll out new delivery fulfillment centers,” said Bill Bennett, Kroger vice president and head of e-commerce. “Through Boost, Kroger is uniquely positioned to be Fresh for Everyone, making grocery delivery accessible to more customers through the industry’s most affordable grocery delivery membership program. Combine this with our industryleading fuel points program, we are confident we have built a differentiated membership program that our customers will love.”
During the last several months, Kroger piloted Boost in four divisions, which resulted in a growing number of new members and an increase in delivery sales compared to its non-Boost divisions, the retailer said.
CVS Health Appoints New Executive
CVS Health has welcomed a new executive leader. Tilak Mandadi has joined the company as executive vice president and chief data, digital and Tilak Mandadi technology officer, a newly created position, effective July 25.
Mandadi will be responsible for the company’s data, digital and technology strategy while overseeing growth and innovation through digital-led, consumerfocused experiences and services.
“Technology is a catalyst for valuecreation and growth at CVS Health,” said president and CEO Karen Lynch. “It is crucial that we continue to enhance customer engagement and experiences, and we’re confident Tilak will drive these efforts as we prioritize serving consumers wherever and whenever they need health care.”
Mandadi joins CVS Health from MGM Resorts International, where he served as chief strategy, innovation and technology officer. Prior to that, he served in senior digital strategy roles at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and American Express.
“CVS Health serves more than 44 million unique digital customers and is increasingly integrating digital solutions into the consumer healthcare experience,” Mandadi said. “I look forward to helping make health care more seamless, convenient and personalized, and driving business agility and growth through technology, data, digital and experiential innovations.”
Mandadi will become a member of the company’s executive leadership team and will report directly to Lynch. He has a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Oregon.
Rite Aid Opens New Headquarters in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard
Rite Aid has opened its brand-new headquarters in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard district.
Dubbed the Rite Aid Collaboration Center, it is located on the second floor of 1200 Intrepid Ave., and will bring its remote corporate workforce and associates together in a modern space with stateof-the-art amenities, the retailer said.
“This new collaboration space represents how we are modernizing our brand from the inside out,” said Rite Aid president and CEO Heyward Donigan. “We are not only transforming our business to better serve our customers, but we are embracing new ways of working that blend a remote-first corporate workforce with opportunities for in-person collaboration. We are proud to join the Philadelphia community and continue our rich history in Pennsylvania as we work to improve health outcomes for our customers and communities.”
Accessible to major transportation, the new headquarters offers teams across the retailer’s various businesses a space to meet, collaborate, engage clients and partners, and work on cultivating professional relationships, the company said.
Designed by Wynnewood-based Meyer Designed, the facility features a variety of conference rooms equipped for video conferencing, a digital/video studio, Genius Bar to support IT needs and such associate amenities as a catering kitchen, multiple food and beverage stations, a business center, and respire room for nursing, prayer and meditation.
Previously, Rite Aid had its headquarters in Camp Hill, Pa. The company currently operates 2,350 stores across 17 states, including 223 in Philadelphia and its surrounding area.
Amber Specialty Pharmacy, a Hy-Vee subsidiary, is offering expanded Evusheld services.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) for the pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric individuals aged 12 years old and older weighing at least 40 kg.
Evusheld may be prescribed for individuals who are not currently infected with SARS-CoV-2 who have not had a known recent exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 and who are moderate to severe immune compromised due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments and may not mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination or for whom vaccination with any available COVID-19 vaccine, according to the approved or authorized schedule, which is not recommended due to a history of severe adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine(s) and/or COVID-19 vaccine component(s).
This can include transplant recipients, as well as oncology and other immunocompromised patients. Amber Specialty Pharmacy’s high-touch service model is designed to support prescribers, like transplant programs, oncologists and others, who may have patients who might be prescribed Evusheld. The pharmacy provides comprehensive services beginning at the moment of referral, through delivery and beyond, to ensure the best possible patient outcomes, the company said.
“Throughout the pandemic, Amber Specialty Pharmacy has consistently risen to the occasion to take care of our patients. Through the administration of monoclonal antibodies, we kept our focus on delivering solutions when our patients needed them the most,” said Kristin Williams, president of Amber Specialty Pharmacy. “Our expanded Evusheld services represent our continued commitment to caring for our patients, especially those who have been without therapeutic options that provided adequate immune response.”
Amber Specialty Pharmacy will offer Evusheld at its 19 locations throughout the United States. It also coordinates delivery and nursing for at-home administration, if needed, the company said.
Schnucks, DoorDash Expand Partnership to 25 Locations
After initially launching a partnership with DoorDash in 2021, Schnuck Markets is expanding on that alliance.
The St. Louis-based retailer said that the two companies have worked together to bring delivery services to 25 stores that serve the Midwest.
Delivery options available from Schnucks include prepared foods from its deli, such as rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, chicken wings, pulled pork, side dishes and side salads.
“Schnucks’ expanded partnership with DoorDash allows us to reach more customers and gives them greater access to our delicious deli and prepared food options and Schnucks signature items,” said Chace MacMullan, senior director of digital experience. “Through DoorDash and our many other e-commerce options such as Schnucks Delivers, Deli Order Ahead, Party Planning Order Ahead and Custom Cake Order Ahead, Schnucks continues to meet our customers where and when it’s most convenient for them.”
DoorDash will deliver to addresses within 3.7 miles of select Schnucks locations across Missouri, including Richardson Crossing, Ballwin, Kehrs Mill, Brentwood, Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Town Square, Fenton, Florissant, Dorsett, Zumbehl, Lindell, Loughborough, Mid Rivers, Webster Groves and Wentzville.
In Illinois, locations include Alton, Bloomington, Champaign, Collinsville, Market Place, East State, Montvale and Swansea.
In Indiana, the Lawndale location currently offers the service.
Customers can place a DoorDash order by visiting the Schnucks Rewards app and selecting the DoorDash link, or they can visit the DoorDash app or website directly. Orders are typically delivered within 30 minutes, pending DoorDash driver availability and demand, the company said.
Perrigo’s HRA Pharma Submits FDA Application for OTC Birth Control
Perrigo’s HRA Pharma is looking to make birth control pills easier to obtain.
The company announced the submission of its application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill.
An application was submitted for an Rx-to-OTC switch for Opill, a progestin-only daily birth control pill, which is also referred to as a mini pill or nonestrogen pill.
If approved, this would be the first daily birth control pill available without a prescription in the United States, the company said.
“This historic application marks a groundbreaking moment in contraceptive access and reproductive equity in the U.S.,” said Frédérique Welgryn, chief strategic operations and innovation officer at HRA Pharma. “More than 60 years ago, prescription birth control pills in the U.S. empowered women to plan if and when they want to get pregnant. Moving a safe and effective prescription birth control pill to OTC will help even more women and people access contraception without facing unnecessary barriers.”
Opill consists of 0.075 mg of norgestrel and has been used to prevent pregnancy in women in the United States since it was approved in 1973, the company said.
Several organizations are already applauding this move, including the Consumer Healthcare Products Association.
“CHPA is pleased to see the Rx-to-OTC switch pathway being used to broaden access to oral contraception. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care. If approved based on the safety and other scientific data provided by the sponsor, this switch will help ensure all Americans have greater access to basic and essential healthcare products,” said Scott Melville, CHPA’s president and CEO.
“According to survey results released this month by Data for Progress, an overwhelming majority of adults across the U.S. consider birth control to be a basic and essential part of women’s health care. Providing OTC access to daily oral contraception is a long-sought objective for women’s health advocates, care providers and policymakers that is also supported by more than 70% of voters in the U.S.,” he said.
Yes Sales, Booby Tape Among Top Picks at ECRM’s Natural & Clean Beauty Session
Yes Sales won the Drug Store News Buyers’ Choice Award for its Ongredients Jeju Green Tea Cleansing Ball during ECRM’s Skin Care, Bath, Cosmetics, Natural & Clean Beauty session in June. Booby Tape was a finalist for its Nude Booby Tape.
The products were selected from dozens of entries submitted by participating suppliers. Buyers were able to evaluate each entry and cast their votes based on product packaging and innovation via the Drug Store News-branded Buyers’ Choice Awards section of the ECRM Connect platform.
“Our Buyers’ Choice Award winners are two great examples of product innovation in the beauty category,” said Craig Chmielowicz, senior vice president of health and beauty care at ECRM. “One provides a natural and sustainable way of achieving healthy skin, while the other addresses the challenge many women face wearing outfits without the use of a bra. Congratulations to both winners.”
Ongredients is a vegan, cruelty-free and organiccertified brand that prioritizes skin minimalism, sustainability, innovation, clean products and vegan/organic ingredients.
The brand caters to consumers who are environmentally conscious and seek clean, efficient products, and strives to help the environment by lowering its carbon footprint, eliminating labels and providing recyclable, biodegradable and reusable containers.
Its Cleansing Ball comes in three varieties: Centella for soothing, Butterfly Pea Flower for antiaging and Jeju Green Tea for hydrating the skin. Each line contains ingredients that aid in their specific function. The Jeju Green Tea Cleansing Ball is made of organic green tea and comes in a biodegradable pouch. It focuses on hydration, moisturizing and soothing the skin. The cleansing ball dissolves as it is used, adding to the product’s sustainability.
Booby Tape was created by co-owners Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano to address their frustration of not being able to wear outfits without a bra or having to use painful options such as duct tape and other hardware tapes to be able to do so.
The philosophy behind Booby Tape is devoted entirely to the breast and décolletage area to help keep it healthy and ultimately making women feel beautiful. To use, consumers simply cut the tape to the desired length and use the brand’s recommended methods to achieve their breast lift goals.
According to the company, Booby Tape lifts any size bust and is latex free. It comes in a 5-meter roll and a nude version that is perfect underneath colored clothing.
Trojan is adding a new product to its offerings — BareSkin Raw condoms.
Designed to provide a barely there experience, the latex condom features a virtually invisible barrier for a closer and more intimate experience, the company said.
Featuring a silky-smooth lubricant to increase comfort and sensitivity, the product features premium latex to help reduce the risk of pregnancy and STDs, according to the brand.
Currently, Trojan BareSkin Raw condoms are available in counts of three, 10 and 24 packs that can be found at retailers nationwide, including Walmart and Target, as well as online at Amazon.
Trojan Intros BareSkin Raw Condoms
Dollar General’s CEO to Retire
Dollar General is about to undergo a change in its leadership. The Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based company announced that Todd Vasos will be retiring from his role as CEO on Nov. 1. Jeffery Owen Following the announcement, the retailer shared that its board of directors approved Jeffery Owen, chief operating officer since 2019, as its incoming CEO.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank Todd for his many years of service to Dollar General, his outstanding leadership, commitment to our values and dedication to the company, its employees, customers, communities and shareholders,” said Michael Calbert, chairman of Dollar General’s board of directors. “Todd led Dollar General through a period of significant transformation, accelerated growth and innovation. We are a stronger, more resilient, and longer-term strategically driven organization than when he took the reins in 2015.”
Calbert continued, “DG is a better company today as a result of Todd’s leadership. The board is looking forward to continuing this strong trajectory under the leadership of Jeff Owen, who is a strategic thinker, strong collaborator and proven leader known for his motivational leadership and deep knowledge of DG.”
To assist in the transition of leadership, Vasos is expected to serve in a senior advisory position from Nov. 1 to April 1, 2023, at which time he will retire from the company.
In addition, Vasos is expected to enter into a two-year consulting agreement and continue to serve as a member of the board following his retirement, the company said.
Vasos served as CEO and as a member of the board of directors since June 2015. He joined Dollar General in 2008 as executive vice president, division president and chief merchandising officer, and also served as chief operating officer from 2013 until being named CEO.
CVS Pharmacy Pilots Skin Care Center
CVS Pharmacy is piloting a new concept store to step up the beauty experience for shoppers.
The retailer announced that its Skin Care Center format, which launched in three locations, features a wholly owned shop-in-shop experience that provides consumers with enhanced access to skin health innovations.
Building upon the success of its BeautyIRL experiential store format, the Skin Care Center will help consumers address individual skin needs with tools, education and products previously only found in prestige beauty retail, the company said.
“With the success of our BeautyIRL store formats, we’re making a move to provide new health-focused, innovative offerings with our Skin Care Center, an elevated in-store experience designed to help customers navigate personal skin health solutions,” said Andrea Harrison, vice president of merchandising, beauty and personal care at CVS Health. “We have a proven ability to influence the industry, and we’ll continue to expand that impact through customized experiences and purpose-led commitments that inspire trust, discovery, self-expression and confidence in our customers.”
In the new format, consumers can find such prestige brands as Wander Beauty, Blume and Volition Beauty, as well as dermatologist-tested and recommended brands such as CeraVe, La Roche-Posay and Vichy.
The center will feature on-site skin diagnostic tools to help consumers assess their specific needs and identify customized skin solutions by leveraging advanced LED technology from SkinScope and ModiFace’s Derma Skin analyzer.
Each of the locations will have guidance from CVS Beauty Consultants, including licensed estheticians who are trained in diagnostics by L’Oréal experts.
In addition, CVS Pharmacy has eliminated skin care items with an SPF below 15 from its shelves and through its Tested to Be Trusted program, as well as required third-party testing of all vitamins and supplements sold in stores and online.
The Skin Care Center is now in select locations across New York; Woodland Hills, Calif.; and Walnut Creek, Calif.
CVS Health Breaks with NACDS
CVS Health has left the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
“Every day, CVS Pharmacy delivers innovative, community-based solutions to make health care simpler, more affordable and more accessible in communities across the country, and our pharmacy care teams provide trusted advice and counsel to help our patients get and stay healthy,” CVS spokesperson Matt Blanchette told Drug Store News in a statement. “While we have made the decision to step away from the association, we are fully committed to advancing and supporting the value of pharmacy and the critical role that pharmacists play as healthcare providers in their communities.”
NACDS issued a statement which said: “For the 89 years since the association was established, NACDS has remained singularly focused and extremely effective on the pharmacy, health and wellness issues of critical importance to patients and the pharmacies that serve them. That has never changed. These issues include putting patients first, advancing pharmacies and pharmacy teams as the face of neighborhood health care, and establishing fairness for pharmacies and for patients on increasingly consequential payer and PBM issues. Thanks to the engagement and unity of the diverse NACDS chain and supplier membership, and to the leadership of the NACDS board of directors, NACDS remains duly focused and stands in the strongest financial position in our 89-year history. NACDS has always acted as the collective and collaborative will of our members and we always will.”
News of the departure first broke via a report from Politico that noted that the exit from NACDS comes at a time when there is a broader push in the pharma ecosystem to blame rising drug costs on PBMs, which health insurers, employers and the government hire to manage prescription benefits for their health plans.
CVS Caremark controls the largest portion of the market among PBMs, being one of three companies that controls 80% of the PBM market, according to Health Industries Research, the report said.
By Joe Toscano, Vice President, Trade & Industry Development at Purina
Purina Dog Chow has proudly supported the military since its founding almost 100 years ago, and the strong commitment to service members continues today. In fact, Dog Chow is celebrating five years of its Service Dog Salute campaign, which highlights the life-changing benefits that service dogs provide to veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Approximately 3.5 million military veterans suffer from PTSD, and while service dogs are demonstrated to reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms and suicidal behaviors, only one in 100 of those in need who seek a service dog receive one each year. Dog Chow is on a mission to help. This year marks $1 million in donations from Dog Chow to service dog organizations since the start of the Service Dog Salute program in 2018. These donations help support the care and training of more service dogs for veterans with PTSD. PTSD service dogs are NOT the same as emotional support, therapy or companion dogs. Like service dogs for the blind, deaf and physically disabled, PTSD service dogs for veterans must be specifically trained to help their handler perform tasks they cannot otherwise perform on their own. As part of this year’s Service Dog Salute program, Dog Chow has launched its first-ever Visible Impact Award in partnership with the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans. The award celebrates the remarkable impact PTSD service dogs have on veterans’ daily lives and recognizes these outstanding service dogs and the organizations that trained them. Starting September 1, 2022, dog lovers can join in selecting the first-ever Dog Chow Visible Impact Award winner by voting on the selected finalists at DogChow.com/ service. For every vote, Dog Chow will donate $5 to the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans (up to $75,000 total) to help train more PTSD service dogs at no cost to veterans. Additionally, the winning dog’s veteran will receive a $10,000 cash prize and $25,000 for the organization that trained the service dog. The Dog Chow Visible Impact Award complements ongoing research that shows most veterans with trained service dogs exhibit lower symptoms of PTSD, reduced depression and increased social participation compared to those who utilize more traditional clinical care for PTSD alone. Dog Chow and Purina associates are working to bring more awareness and support to veteran service dogs. Soon, you’ll see our mission highlighted on every bag of Dog Chow that arrives in retail stores. Retailers can make an impact by carrying special Service Dog Salute in-store signage designed to drive attention and awareness for the program. Contact your Purina sales rep to learn more.
International Delight Celebrates Christmas in July with Grinch-themed Creamers
International Delight is bringing the magic of the holiday season to the warm summer months via a new partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
The Broomfield, Colo.-based company is stamping the Grinch’s sneaky grin on every bottle of the limited-edition launch, which consists of three new flavors: • Gingerbread Cookie Dough: A blend of sweet buttery dough, brown sugar and hints of ginger and cinnamon; • Peppermint Mocha: A recipe that contains a mix of chocolate and mint notes; and • Frosted Sugar Cookie: A sweet, silky-smooth flavor reminiscent of
Santa’s holiday cookies.
“At International Delight, we aspire to create room to party in every coffee cup by delivering exceptional and delightful creamer flavors yearround — and especially during the holidays,” said Kallie Goodwin, vice president of marketing. “With our latest partnership, International Delight is presenting three tasty creamers for our flavor-obsessed fans, along with the nostalgia of the season’s most beloved tale, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’. These flavors are sure to warm the hearts of even the grouchiest and greenest Grinches out there!”
International Delight’s three Grinch-inspired creamers, which come in the brand’s new modernized packaging, are available through December in 32-oz. bottles that retail for $3.99 at major retailers.
