WOONSOCKET, R.I. — A recent CVS Health/Morning Consult survey found that a majority of adults have significant concerns about their mental health. The survey found: Two-thirds (65%) of adults have experienced concerns about their own mental health or the mental health of their friends and family, which is up six percentage points from 2022 and 15 percentage points from 2020. About eight in 10 adults (77%) are concerned about mental health in the country, viewing it as a top concern in line with issues such as the economy (81%). Seventy percent of parents are concerned about their children’s m ..read more

ARLINGTON, Va. – FMI—The Food Industry Association has announced the recipients of its 2024 Store Manager Awards. These outstanding individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment to driving success within their respective stores, fostering a culture of excellence, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. “We are immensely proud of these store managers for their unwavering commitment to the communities they serve and for their innovative approach to leadership,” FMI president and CEO Leslie Sarasin said. “These awardees are a testament to hard work and creativity and demonstrate t ..read more

WASHINGTON – April retail sales were up modestly from March, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, but were down slightly compared to last year. A shift in the timing of Easter appeared to be the reason for the year-over-year decline. “Consumer spending continues to drive economic growth and retail sales increases, though we see some moderation in spending as consumers continually search for value,” National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “The ability to spend is supported by a growing job market and real gains in wages. Overall inflation remains stubborn because of ..read more

SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Vitamin Shoppe is launching Whole Health Rx by The Vitamin Shoppe, a telehealth service that promises a holistic approach to health solutions — including prescription medications, nutritional supplements for whole-body health, and expert guidance on lifestyle practices to support lifelong wellness. Whole Health Rx by The Vitamin Shoppe also offers comprehensive weight-loss solutions for whole-body health, encompassing prescription GLP-1 medications, educational resources, and nutrition support. Whole Health Rx is initially launching with a focus on weight-management soluti ..read more

PHILADELPHIA – Rite Aid is participating in Hepatitis Awareness Month in May by providing additional education opportunities for its pharmacists to learn more about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that affects more than three million people each year in the U.S. Additionally, all Rite Aid pharmacists can help customers learn more about how vaccination can help safeguard their health against the Hepatitis B virus. In Washington state, Rite Aid is collaborating with the King County Department of Health to host a webinar on Hepatitis B vaccines for local stores while also looking to ..read more

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General Corp. says it has partnered with INROADS since 2020 to support and build career pathways for diverse students across the country, and notes that it was recently awarded the INROADS 2024 Frank C. Carr Corporate Partner of the Year Award at the organization’s Benefit Gala. That award recognized the company’s work towards equitable education for underrepresented talent. Since its founder, Frank C. Carr, established INROADS in 1970, the organization has helped more than 164,000 students prepare for employment with companies like DG by offering free career dev ..read more

WASHINGTON – The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has released a statement praising Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s recent signing of legislation that allows consumers to buy more over-the-counter cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine (PSE). Senate Bill 2048, which Lee signed into law, raises the monthly purchase limit for common O-T-C cold and allergy medications containing PSE from 5.76 grams per month to 7.2 grams, allowing access to a full 30-day supply per month. The bill also raises the annual purchase limit to 43.2 grams, which is a 40% increase from the c ..read more

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2024 – Economic growth slowed during the first three months of the year, but consumers are still spending more than last year, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said today. “The U.S. economy lost some spring in its step during the first quarter as the pace of growth declined, and the downshift came with an unexpected bout of inflation,” Kleinhenz said, noting that prices for services are still increasing even as prices for goods level off. “But even with signs that the economic expansion is decelerating, the economy remains resilient, boosted by a sol ..read more

DES MOINES, Iowa – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is applauding the enactment of the modernization of Iowa’s Pharmacy Practice Act (House File 555), legislation that will help ensure patient access to vital healthcare services provided by pharmacists and pharmacies across the state. The measure was signed into law by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R), and will go into effect July 1, 2024. Specifically, the Pharmacy Practice Act will implement a “standard of care” regulatory model and remove burdensome restrictions on pharmacy practice, so that Iowans maintain ready access t ..read more

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry announces the addition of seven new members to its global roster. This growth reflects CRN’s dedication to convening an array of leading industry stakeholders, united in a commitment to the highest ethical principles in their dealings with customers, suppliers, competitors, regulators, and consumers, as established in the association’s Code of Ethics. New to CRN, following approval by the association’s board of directors, are voting members F ..read more