Anchored by more than 7,300 stores, 650 clinics and the nation's second-biggest PBM, CVS Caremark is unlike any other company. President and CEO Larry Merlo tells DSN why that matters to payers.

CVS Caremark has grown from a go-getting New England-based regional player to a nearly $100 billion pharmacy healthcare giant known for its vertically integrated pharmacy-PBM model via the 2007 acquisition of Caremark, its highly successful loyalty card program and its innovative beauty concepts. Now, the industry trailblazer embarks on a new chapter with a new leader and an eye on driving medication adherence, curbing healthcare costs and improving the health outcomes of its patients.

CVS Caremark, through its All Kids Can program, announced on Thursday a partnership with Cedars-Sinai to expand the medical center's Coach for Kids and Their Families program to provide health services to more vulnerable children in South Los Angeles who otherwise would not have access to health services, including immunizations and dental screenings.

Publix announced that its initiatives to reduce the use of paper and plastic grocery bags used at checkout have paid off.

Club retailer Costco Wholesale is looking to grow its online retail presence, according to published reports.

Supervalu on Thursday announced that Pete Van Helden, EVP retail operations, will be leaving the company this spring. Taking his place will be Kevin Holt.

Procter & Gamble on Friday announced a decrease in third-quarter profit, as sales rose 2%.

CVS Caremark announced today its partnership with The Miracle Project, a nonprofit organization that creates social skills programs for children with autism through the performing arts, to expand The Miracle Project School Inclusion Program to public schools in San Diego and San Jose, Calif.

The Drug Store News Group on Sunday co-hosted a breakfast with CVS Caremark. Larry Merlo, CVS Caremark president and CEO, shared with attendees CVS’ focus on leveraging personalization opportunities, through both marketing and assortment, to engender loyalty. And suppliers were introduced to new CVS/pharmacy president Mark Cosby and chief merchant Judy Sansone.

Supervalu on Monday announced three new executive appointments following the departure of Sue Klug, president of its Albertsons Southern California division.

Thursday's results marked the fifth consecutive quarter in which Rite Aid increased its same-store sales. And at the rate it's currently going, there's a good chance the country's third-largest retail pharmacy chain soon could become profitable, even though it expected to post losses in 2013, albeit even smaller losses than in 2012.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2013, Supervalu will continue its focus on "hyperlocal" merchandising, value-driven pricing and its transformational remodels to build on its momentum coming out of fiscal 2012.