As of Jan. 1, asthma products like the Primatine Mist inhaler became no longer available at retail — leaving consumers with few asthma-care options in the OTC aisle. Drug Store News recently interviewed King Bio president Frank King, who is introducing a new nonprescription inhaler for asthmatics, formulated with homeopathic ingredients, called AsthmaCare under its Safecare banner of products.

Walgreens has brought the latest example of its flagship retail pharmacy to life in Chicago, tantalizing its hometown crowd with departments most shoppers wouldn't normally associate with a pharmacy — fully stocked sushi bar, quick-and-fresh deli offerings, a self-serve yogurt bar adjacent to a juice bar that along with the healthy-for-you selection of juices offers the "double-rich chocolate malted milk" that the retailer invented in 1922.

Walgreens has brought the latest example of its flagship retail pharmacy to life in Chicago, tantalizing its hometown crowd with departments most shoppers wouldn't normally associate with a pharmacy — fully stocked sushi bar, quick-and-fresh deli offerings, a self-serve yogurt bar adjacent to a juice bar that along with the healthy-for-you selection of juices offers the "double-rich chocolate malted milk" that the retailer invented in 1922.

Chain Drug Marketing Association later this month will be hosting its 86th Annual Trade Expo at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. Drug Store News caught up with Brianne Johnson, CDMA director of business development, to talk about what’s new at the show this year.

Navarro Discount Pharmacy recently celebrated the opening of its 30th store in Homestead, Fla., in the Homestead Pavilion Shopping Center. The store further differentiates the retailer from its competition and caters to the Hispanic market with its mix of ethnic products, such as chili peppers, piñatas and Jumex nectars. For added convenience and improved customer service, the pharmacy department has been moved to the front of the new 11,280-sq.-ft. store.

Drug Store News kicked off Friday morning with a firsthand look at the transformed Duane Reade store nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of 52nd and Broadway.

To better reflect the needs of the neighborhood, which is brimming largely with tourists and business tourists, Duane Reade transformed the former 3,100-sq.-ft. Duane Reade Express store into an impressive 20,000- sq.-ft. health, beauty and daily living destination.

The National Community Pharmacists Association recently unleashed a new front-end program that has seen more than 20% growth in test pilots. Operating under the hood of that program is 35-year retail veteran Gabe Trahan, NCPA senior director of store operations and marketing. Drug Store News caught up with Trahan to discuss the kinds of tools that can be accessed as part of the new program.

Winn-Dixie’s latest transformational remodel in Miami is a store of the future with a merengue twist, featuring a strong Hispanic influence. In addition to bilingual signage, Winn-Dixie incorporates the regional flair with features like a full-service Cuban café replete with such Spanish pastries as empanadas, as well as a wide variety of Hispanic products. Winn-Dixie’s transformational remodel initiative — which incorporates upscale fresh departments, including produce, deli, meat and seafood — generates between $400 and $500 in sales per sq. ft.

Everybody talks about “Health & Wellness," but what do those words actually mean to the consumer? To make sure that retailer and supplier initiatives align with consumers’ definitions of these concepts, the DSN.TV cameras took to the streets for a series of man-on-the street interviews.

Help Remedies recently gained national distribution and is launching an ad campaign with a “less-is-less-but-that’s-better-for-you” proposition. DSN sat down with Help CEO Richard Fine to discuss who that pitch is supposed to reach.

Uniqlo's new Fifth Avenue store, coming in at 89,000-sq.-ft., is the largest single retailer on Fifth Avenue, and the largest Uniqlo store in the world. Technology is fused with such raw materials as glass, oak and steel to create a chic, modern shopping experience. The store features the latest in technology with a combination of LED and LCD screens throughout, handheld inventory checking devices and custom-made spinning mannequins showcasing Uniqlo style. The flagship store opened on Oct. 14.

Regional chain Bartell Drugs recently opened its “next generation” store format, a remodel of an existing store in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood. Developed in conjunction with Hartman Group,  the store includes a “Fresh Beauty” cosmetics section with natural and organic product lines; a “Wellness Courtyard” for supplements, vitamins and healthy beverages; a “Sweets & Snacks” section with new displays and lighting; and an “Urban Market” that showcases unique and locally produced products.