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.

For Rite Aid, 50 is the magic number this year.

In September, the drug chain marked its 50 years in business with a six-month campaign to promote its focus on health and wellness, kicking off a nationwide tour near its Camp Hill, Pa., headquarters. From there, the tour visited Baltimore, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and other cities.

In late June, DSN editor Rob Eder traveled to Las Vegas for McKesson ideaShare 2012. DSN.TV caught up on the show floor with Health Mart VP operations Chuck Wilson to recap the big highlights from this year’s conference, including the launch of a new direct-to-patient mobile application called ScriptAlert, the updated new look for Health Mart and what’s next for its 3,000-plus franchise group, an exciting new strategic plan it calls “Health Mart 2.0.”

Named Pharmacy of the Year with the Overall Excellence Award was Gateway Pharmacy South in Bismarck, N.D., which has won the passionate loyalty of local consumers with a highly personalized brand of patient care and services like compounding and clinical care.

Coming off a multi-year overhaul of its merchandising strategy and discount store format, Family Dollar is making good on its commitment to be “a compelling place to shop for our customers.” The big discount chain — which now numbers more than 7,200 stores in 45 states — is driving new business with an expanded and vastly more appealing product presentation, new and more attractive fixtures and in-line sets, broad and deep merchandise mix and improved department adjacencies.

An aisle of OTC products in a California 99 Cents Only Stores location complements departments with party products, fresh produce, deli and frozen foods, as well as other general merchandise. The deep-discount retailer currently has 298 stores, primarily in California but with some locations in Texas, Arizona and Nevada.

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.

Drug Store News caught up with Hyland’s Dale Nepsa to discuss its new baby line launch. All told, eight products fall under that new branding.