FOOD STORES' 2001 SHARE OF FILM PROCESSING FLAT
market share for film processing remained virtually flat in 2001, dipping from 12.4% to 12.3% during the period from January 2001 to January 2002, according to results from a recent processing survey conducted by the Photo Marketing Association International here. Discount stores and warehouse clubs gained minimal market share. However, supermarkets captured 24% of the market share in same-day, film processing in the most recent year, up almost 3% from the year ending January 2001.
RALEY'S TO OPEN CENTRAL-FILL RX FACILITY
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Raley's here is preparing to open its first central-fill prescription facility near the retailer's corporate headquarters on May 1, according to Jody Stewart, director of pharmacy. The facility, which is intended to lighten pharmacists' workloads, will serve 90 out of the chain's 105 stores. Officials at Amerisource Bergen, Valley Forge, Pa., which is Raley's partner in the venture, declined to comment.
AARP LAUNCHES PRESCRIPTION AWARENESS EFFORT
WASHINGTON -- The AARP this month kicked off a $10 million ad campaign encouraging older Americans to do their homework before taking prescription medications. Among the suggestions AARP gives is to "call around and compare drug prices" and to ask about generic versions of medications. A spokeswoman for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Alexandria, Va., told SN that the two groups have had discussions about working together to educate consumers, but NACDS has not agreed to participate in the AARP's current effort. This fall NACDS is planning to kick off a consumer awareness campaign of its own called "Pharmacy Cares," which will include a self-assessment questionnaire.
TOPS TO OFFER BUFFALO BILLS TICKETS
WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. -- Tops Friendly Markets here said it signed a multiyear agreement to be the new supermarket sponsor of the Buffalo Bills professional football team, replacing Wegmans. As part of the agreement, the Ahold-owned chain will sponsor a family-friendly section at the team's stadium and will sell tickets at the 114 Tops stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio that offer the tickets.com service. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
