Solantic announces flu vaccination program

   

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 2) Solantic has announced the launch of its flu vaccination program for the 2010-2011 flu season at the company's 34 walk-in urgent care centers statewide.

Solantic also provides offsite flu clinic services for those companies seeking to protect their employees.

The vaccine is priced at $30. Medicare and some insurance companies cover the cost of the flu shot. Solantic also offers the flu mist (nasal spray) for $40 and the pneumonia vaccine for $60.

The 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N1 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus. Antibodies begin providing protection approximately two weeks after vaccination.

Same-store sales jump 5% for Fred's

   

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Sept. 2) Fred’s on Wednesday posted sales of $134.3 million, representing an increase of 5%, for the four weeks ended Aug. 28. Comparable-store sales for the month increased 3.6%, versus a decrease of 1.4% in the same period last year.

“August sales continued the positive pattern set in the first half of the year and provide a solid start to the third quarter,” stated Bruce Efird, Fred’s CEO. “Comparable-store sales for the month were at the higher end of our quarterly guidance, driven by general merchandise departments and increased customer traffic. The Core 5 program, as well as the success of our back-to-school promotions, continues to validate the marketing and merchandising programs initiated earlier this year.”

Rite Aid's August same-store sales drop

   

CAMP HILL, Pa. (Sept. 2) Rite Aid posted a same-store sales decline of 1% for the five weeks ended Aug. 28, the pharmacy retailer announced Thursday. August front-end same-store sales decreased 0.9% while pharmacy same-store sales, which included an approximate 225 basis point negative impact from new generic introductions, declined 1%. Prescriptions filled at comparable stores decreased 1.2% over the prior-year period.

Total drug store sales for the five-week period decreased 2.2% to $2.3 billion. Prescription revenue accounted for 68.5% of drug store sales, and third-party prescription revenue represented 96.2% of pharmacy sales.

Meanwhile, same-store sales for the 13-week quarter ended Aug. 28 decreased 1.5% over the prior-year period. Front-end same-store sales were down 0.9%, while same-store pharmacy sales decreased 1.8%. Prescriptions filled at comparable stores decreased 2.1% over the prior-year period.

Total drug store sales for the 13-week second quarter decreased 2.5% to $6.1 billion. Prescription revenue represented 68.1% of total drug store sales, and third-party prescription revenue was 96.1% of pharmacy sales.