Pharmacy

SETPEMBER 6, 2005 -- One week after Hurricane Katrina's fury was unleashed on the Gulf Coast region -- leaving thousands homeless, hungry, and worse -- retailers continue looking for ways to help. Several companies late last week were sending truckloads -- and even planeloads -- of product to local relief agencies and needy refugees, while many more are jumping in to collect customer donations for American Red Cross and other organizations.

As the devastation grows in Hurricane Katrina's wake, grocers in the South and beyond do their best to cope, and to help. Here are some of the latest developments.

General merchandise and HBC have gone from grocery's stepchildren to leading players in Stop & Shop's prototype format.

From HEB to Publix and beyond, the grocers most committed to Hispanics are learning not to get lost in the translation.

DALLAS -- Betting that the appeal of nutraceuticals will grow, leading convenience store chain 7-Eleven, Inc. here is by launching Formula 7, a proprietary line of functional foods and beverages.

NEW YORK ¿ Beer, when consumed in moderation, offers a number of health benefits for mature men and women, according to a noted Harvard professor who spoke yesterday at a media luncheon sponsored by Anheuser-Busch.

Clamping down on retail losses should be everybody's business.

CHICAGO -- In the same month that Interstate Bakeries Corp.'s Wonder brand has launched its White Bread Fans 100% Whole Grain bread, Sara Lee, based here, yesterday introduced nationwide a similar concept: Soft & Smooth Made With Whole Grain White Bread -- a product that the company describes as looking, smelling, and feeling like white bread, but providing a "good source of whole grains." The idea behind both new breads is to allow consumers who love white bread, particularly kids, to receive the health benefits of whole grains.