Industry Updates: Drug Stores and HBC Chains – January 2013

Personnel Updates:

Rob Jensen has been appointed CFO of The Bartell Drug Company, where he will provide financial analysis and support for the chain, including supervisory oversight of accounting and finance, information technology, loss prevention and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act operations.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Eexec VP and CFO Jim Huber is retiring after 25 years of service.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) announced that David M. Fitzsimmons, CPA, CGMA, has been promoted to the role of Senior VP of Finance and Administration. Fitzsimmons currently serves as VP of Finance and Accounting. He succeeds Jim Huber, who is retiring as Exec VP and CFO effective Dec. 21, after 25 years of service to NACDS.

Shopko has promoted Senior VP Jill Soltau to the post of President and Chief Merchandising Officer. Soltau, a 25-year-industry veteran, joined the company in 2007 after stints at Sears, Kohl’s and Carson Pirie Scott.

Financial Focus:

Rite Aid announced for the four weeks ended Dec. 29, 2012, same store sales decreased 2.2 percent over the prior-year period. December front-end same store sales decreased 1.0 percent

Industry Insight:

Walgreens announced at its 2013 shareholders meeting that it is focusing on three major areas for growth: Delivering a complete Well Experience by transforming the customer experience across all of the company’s touch points, channels and formats; transforming the role community pharmacy plays in health care by offering unparalleled access to innovative, high quality and affordable health and wellness services; creating an unprecedented and efficient global platform through its strategic partnership with Alliance Boots GmbH

Real Estate:

Walgreens closed a USA Drug store in Benton, Arkansas and announced plans to close two more in Pine Bluff in February.