Industry Updates: Drug Stores and HBC Chains – March 2014

Personnel Updates:

NACS has announced the hiring of Jonathan Taets as its new Director of Government Relations. Taets comes to NACS after several years as legislative director in the office of GOP Congressman Leonard Lance from New Jersey, where he managed the Energy and Commerce Committee portfolio.

Sam’s Club has named David Badeen VP Health Care. Badeen will be responsible for pharmacy, OTC, optical and hearing centers, as well as third-party contracting and pricing.

Financial Focus:

Town Sports International Holdings reported total fiscal 2013 sales of $470.225 million.

Ulta reported fiscal 2013 sales of $2.67 billion.

Industry Insight:

CVS/pharmacy is now providing ScripTalk talking prescription labels for prescriptions ordered for home delivery through its online pharmacy, according to a company press release.

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Regional pharmacy operator Lewis Drug has acquired Throndset pharmacies in Jackson and Lakefield, Minnesota.

Real Estate:

Hy-Vee is planning to remodel and renovate its store at Applewood Centre in Omaha, Nebraska to include a drive-through pharmacy. The current 60,000-square-foot store will be expanded by 10,500 square feet to also accommodate a new in-store restaurant and wine & spirits store. There will also be updates to the Asian and Italian sections of the store, a remodeled front facade and walkway, and expanded customer parking.