ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Following its Annual Meeting in April where leaders pledged a renewed commitment to front-end retail departments and manufacturers, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores here yesterday reported on its progress. In drug stores, “front end” generally refers to non-pharmacy-related business. NACDS is a member of the Coalition Against Organized Retail Crime, which has expressed support for legislation that would require brokers of personal property to report transactions of their customers over a certain threshold. The intent behind the proposal is to drive illegitimate sellers out of business without inhibiting legitimate sellers, as well as to provide law enforcement with necessary tools to investigate and prosecute organized retail crime, NACDS said. As a member of the Merchants Payment Coalition, NACDS is also working on lowering credit card interchange fees. Among its issues, the Merchants Payment Coalition is advocating for greater transparency that would help show consumers the magnitude of credit card payment fees compared with the actual price of a product. “These issues are examples of how public policy affects brands and bottom lines throughout the entire store,” said Steven C. Anderson, NACDS’ president and chief executive officer. In other news, NACDS this week named Christine M. Shott as vice president of media relations.

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