Content about Easter

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales decreased 4% in April compared with April 2012 due to an earlier Easter and introductions of new generic drugs, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The numbers released Thursday included a 3.5% decrease in sales on the front end and a 4.2% decrease in pharmacy sales, but the pharmacy figure included a 4.54% negative effect due to new generics. Same-store prescription count decreased by 0.2%.

Total sales for the month were $1.902 billion, a 4.6% decrease over April 2012's $1.993 billion.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Super Dollar on Thursday reported total sales of $190.4 million for the five weeks ended April 6, down 2% from the comparable year-ago period. 

Comparable store sales for the month decreased 3% compared with flat store sales in the same period last year.

WASHINGTON — According to a new spending survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumer spending for Easter 2013 will be flat when compared to the holiday last year.

The NRF 2013 Easter Spending Survey, conducted by BIGinsight, was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to Easter. The poll of 5,050 consumers was conducted from March 5 to 11, 2013.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Just in time for Easter celebrations, Nestlé USA Confections and Snacks has unveiled a handful of new offerings available in retail stores nationwide.

The collection's highlights for spring include:

CHICAGO — Shopper activity will continue to improve intermittently through the first half of 2013, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter of retail foot traffic.

ShopperTrak estimates during the first quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 3.2% and retail foot traffic will increase 3.5%, when compared to the same period last year. The company estimates during the second quarter of 2013, national retail sales will increase 2.9%, though foot traffic will remain flat with a 0% change, when compared to the same period in 2012.

Seasonal candy generates 40% to 45% of total category sales, according to data from the National Confectioners Association. Christmas candy sales are expected to track last year’s sales, but with Easter falling early this year, NCA recommends that retailers set Easter candy as Valentine’s Day products are taken down. 


Products with play value remain popular with consumers, but manufacturers say those with a “try me” feature have the strongest sell-through.

DETROIT — Avanti is gearing up for spring 2013 by boosting its portfolio to include a variety of new greeting cards.

New to the Avanti portfolio are Valentine's Day cards enhanced with glitter and foil; Easter cards that showcase bright colors and characters; Mother's Day cards that are humorous and traditional; Father's Day cards that evoke a "saltier" style of humor; and graduation cards for grades kindergarten and older. Avanti also is launching new seasonal StandOuts cards and Avanti-branded cards that have been added to the company's A*Press collection.

AMSTERDAM — Royal Ahold's U.S. subsidiary saw net sales rise 3.4% in light of challenging market conditions, the retailer reported last week.

NEW YORK — A new Market Track report highlighted what categories were most promoted by drug stores during this past Easter season.

According to the new report, drug stores shifted from promoting toys and games and boosted candy promotions. Market Track said "since candy is one of the central areas of focus around the event, drug stores [were] hoping to drive traffic with the additional promotional emphasis."

MINNEAPOLIS — For the second month in a row, Target’s same-store sales were nearly double the expected amount. As a result, the company increased its first-quarter guidance.

Same-store sales increased 7.3%, with half of the increase driven by growth in average transaction size combined with an increase in comparable-store transactions. Overall comparable-store sales in March 2011 decreased 5.5%.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens posted March sales of $6 billion, a decrease of 4.3% compared with the same month in fiscal year 2011.

WASHINGTON — While intentions aren't always equal to results, if the National Retail Federation's predictions are correct, consumers will be shelling out quite a bit of cash this Easter. According to NRF’s Easter spending survey, conducted by BIGinsight, Americans will spend an average of $145.28 on everything from apparel and candy to food and decorations this year, up 11% from $131.04 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion.