Reform creates wellness 'renaissance'

The collective efforts by the industry to create value have given way to a "health-and-wellness renaissance." That was a key message that Steve Anderson, president and CEO of NACDS, had for attendees of Sunday's business program. "It is creating a rebirth. Let's call it a health-and-wellness renaissance with innovations focused on patients and consumers," said Anderson during his state of the association address.

"We realized that we had to stop whining and start winning. We realized that we couldn't just go into Congressional offices and say what we were against," said Anderson. "We had to describe the way that pharmacy improves lives and saves long-term healthcare costs."

Pharmacists OnLine® specializes in working with our Pharmacies with an array of easy to use technology products designed to integrate wellness and your pharmacy. www.PharmacistsOnLine.com

Catalina Marketing releases brand, store-level mobile couponing performance data

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Apr. 21) Catalina Marketing released its first brand and store-level mobile couponing performance data.

The company and its test partners, including ShopRite and more than 60 CPG brands, leveraged its shopper marketing data warehouse and expertise to create compelling mobile programs, Catalina said.

The mobile strategy follows the same shopper-insight and engagement methodology powering its in-store print communications currently distributed globally in more than 50,000 food, drug and mass outlets. Among the results, Catalina Marketing found:

• Double-digit lifts in incremental store visits and spending at participating retailers
• Significant, double-to-triple-digit lifts in incremental sales volume for participating brand (Incremental sales lift varied depending upon the brand and the program design.)

"We use this data to give our customers offers that are relevant to them; and, that personalization provides an incentive for our consumers to spend more with us than the competition," said Cheryl Williams, VP marketing for Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer-owned cooperative whose members own and operate more than 200 ShopRite stores.

The RxWeb Genius® 'web presence' includes the ability to have easy-to-create coupons that fit your customer and patient needs. The email blast marketing tool can get the message out and increase average spending in your pharmacy. Visit www.RxWebGenius.com or call 1-866-312-8324.

Continued, next column.

Survey: Most Americans consider their lifestyles healthy

According to a survey released Monday by the American Public Health Association, 85% of Americans characterize their lifestyle as somewhat or very healthy.

"The trend of Americans making healthier lifestyle changes, such as eating better and exercising more, shows that the U.S. population is taking the necessary steps to becoming a healthier nation," stated Georges Benjamin, executive director of APHA. "Americans need to 'start small, think big,' in transforming our nation into a healthier nation. Individuals recognize that their personal changes can result in broader community impact.

"It's encouraging that many Americans are taking steps towards healthier living, but unfortunately these same adults don't view our nation as making these same strides," Benjamin added. "This disconnect shows that we need to commit to promoting good health in our communities, which can create a ripple effect across our neighborhoods, our cities, states and, hopefully, our nation."

SymphonyIRI: Retailers, manufacturers should tap baby boomer market

According to research released from the SymphonyIRI Group - "Healthcare III: Understanding the Age-Driven Health & Wellness Needs of Baby Boomers" - retailers and manufacturers that understand which ailments will be driving growth among baby boomers, and know how to link new and existing products to the treatment of these ailments, will be in a position to capitalize on this opportunity.

"Americans aged 55 and older represent more than one-third of the U.S. population," stated KK Davey, managing partner, SymphonyIRI. "This number alone is quite staggering, and when you couple it with the fact that they control 50% of discretionary income and fill 30% more prescriptions than the average person, you have a golden opportunity. Retailers and manufacturers need to build shopper loyalty and a new competitive advantage around increased variety and in-store messaging that support categories, segments, and products with specific benefits that link to aged-driven health and wellness needs."

Surveyed shoppers across all ailments rank whole grains, reduced fat and reduced sodium as attributes they look for to manage their conditions, SymphonyIRI reported.

Pharmacists OnLine® understands the relationship between the patient and the pharmacy. The RxLoyalty Genius loyalty and marketing program will help to keep your customers from straying to the chains during times of duress and find those that are 'missing in action' and bring them back. For more information: www.RxLoyaltyGenius.com.