DATATRAC

Personnel Updates

Fred’s Inc. announced Mary Lou Gardner is its new Exec VP and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer. She will be replacing Bryan Pugh, who has resigned from the company.

General Nutrition Centers, Inc. appointed Robert F. Moran as Interim CEO. He replaces Michael G. Archbold.

Hy-Vee Inc. announced Donna Tweeten has been named the company’s Exec VP and Chief Marketing Officer, and Jeremy Gosch has been named to the position of Exec VP and Chief Merchandising Officer.

RediClinic announced Jeff Fields is joining the company as CFO.

Walgreens Boots Alliance announced it has promoted Greg Orr to VP Digital Healthcare, replacing Adam Pellegrini.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions

The Kroger Co. is expanding its position in the pharmacy market. Axium Pharmacy Holdings Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kroger, will acquire Orlando, FL-based specialty pharmacy retailer ModernHealth.

 

Industry Insight

Giant Eagle Inc. has received full Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based independent, nonprofit healthcare accrediting organization.

Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. is partnering with Alliance Data Systems Corp. which will develop and manage the new Ultamate Rewards Credit Card.

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. announced the company will discontinue operations of drugstore.com and Beauty.com in favor of focusing on its core online property Walgreens.com. The shutdown is expected to be complete by the end of September.

 

Real Estate

Benzer Pharmacy has opened three new stores through its franchise model. Two stores opened in Florida, and one in Oklahoma.

Bluemercury Inc. has opened its 100th store.

 

Technology News

CVS Health is using a new tool from Google Inc. The program, called Nearby, allows retailers to send smartphone alerts to consumers based on their physical location.

CVS Health announced the launch of CVS Pay, a new mobile payment solution. CVS Pay, which is now part of the CVS Pharmacy mobile app, integrates payment, prescription pickup and the ExtraCare loyalty program in one scan at checkout.