By Jen Johnston My preschooler has a medical condition called fructose malabsorption. (It is a condition that may affect up to 33% of people, although most don’t realize it.) Like many medical conditions, there are a lot of ins and outs – especially ingredients that are off limits. This goes for food (no agave nectar, … Read More
Standing room only
by Dave Wendland, as seen in Healthcare Distributor magazine, Out of the Box column April/May 2014 One of life’s annoyances I have little patience for is the recorded message I receive when phoning a cable company or utility: “Due to unexpected call volumes, we are experiencing extended wait times. Your call is important to us and we appreciate your … Read More
Let’s get personal
By Dave Wendland Make no mistake: homogenized retailing is no longer relevant. Today’s shoppers demand a personalized experience that puts their needs, interests, and desires at the center. But what about supply chain logistics? Well, if you take a page out of the country’s largest retailer who in March opened their first convenience store format, … Read More
Back to the future
by Dave Wendland, as seen in Healthcare Distributor magazine, Out of the Box column October/November 2013 While at a recent industry event, I found myself becoming rather sentimental and quite reflective. As a result, I decided to sift back through the editorials I have written over the years for E.L.F. Publications. I can’t believe my … Read More
Retailiation
by Dave Wendland It seems that virtually every retail format is gunning for independent and regional chain pharmacies. Dollar stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General, etc.) have broadened their assortment of health, beauty, and wellness products significantly. Mass merchandisers (Target, Wal-mart) continue to build new promotions and programs around their wellness and personal care initiatives. Convenience stores … Read More
What goes around comes around
by Dave Wendland for Drug Store News UpMarketing Blog December 2, 2013 — I can hardly believe that I will once again have the distinct honor of facilitating a discussion with an impressive panel of industry leaders from both the retail and supplier side in this, my tenth appearance as moderator of Drug Store News’ … Read More
Blurred lines
posted by Dave Wendland Robin Thicke’s mega-hit skyrocketed to the top of the music charts. With a pulsating beat and lyrics that literally get stuck in your head, “Blurred Lines” hypnotically takes listeners to new heights. It offers a juxtaposition of reality with fantasy and begs the question “what if?” What does a pop song … Read More
Carolina in my mind
posted by Dave Wendland If a major retail drug chain wants to enter a state with a strong pharmacy base without organically growing market share, the best way to achieve it is to acquire one of the area’s foremost regional drug chains. That’s precisely what happened as Kerr Drug struck a deal to become part … Read More
Superhero status
by Dave Wendland You won’t find them in capes, leaping tall buildings, or catching bullets in mid-air, but these white-coated professionals are indeed healthcare superheroes. And I believe the role of the pharmacist in the United States is about to become more pronounced. Healthcare reform is dictating the need for front-line healthcare professionals to guide consumer … Read More
Connecting the dots
by Dave Wendland When the biggest retailer in the world recognizes that their out of stock situation is causing shopper frustration what do they do? Begin connecting the dots. Beginning in May 2013 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. addressed its stocking problem by developing a green-dot program whereby key items were flagged to ensure their availability. This intensified … Read More