Content about Illinois

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is looking for five interns for a new program designed to provide opportunities to Hispanic women.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H.D. Smith, one of the largest pharmaceutical wholesalers in the United States, announced plans to acquire Valley Wholesale Drug in a merger agreement transaction.

The acquisition will increase H. D. Smith’s customer base in California and give the wholesaler an opportunity to expand into the Pacific Northwest, a market in which it currently has a limited reach.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens will be offering free, personalized Part D plan comparison reports to help beneficiaries identify the plan that best meets their prescription drug needs, the retail pharmacy operator announced Monday. Plan reviews are available on a walk-in basis or by scheduling an appointment at Walgreens.com/medicare, Walgreens stated.

 SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — According to Nielsen analyses issued Thursday, higher consumer confidence levels, increased impulse buying and consumer intent to spend more could all lead to an upside surprise in 2012 holiday spending. 

For sales in 89 categories across five key departments (food, beverages, alcohol, health/beauty and homecare), Nielsen is forecasting spending for November and December 2012 to reach $98.3 billion. Nielsen expects dollar sales to increase 2.3% and unit sales to remain generally flat (0.1%). 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors of Walgreens on Wednesday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year-ago dividend. The dividend is payable Dec. 12 to shareholders of record Nov. 12.

Walgreens has paid a dividend in 320 straight quarters (80 years) and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. Over the last five years, Walgreens annual dividend rate has increased from 38 cents per share to $1.10 per share, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%.

GLENVIEW, Ill. — Planters NUT-rition brand has entered the peanut butter category. NUT-rition peanut butter is nutrient-dense and a good source of energy, providing 6 g to 7 g of protein per serving and, depending on variety, at least five vitamins and minerals. The products have 0 g of trans fat per serving. The line — which includes Cinnamon Raisin Granola Nut, Banana Granola Nut and Berry Nut flavors — is available nationwide in 12-oz. jars, with a suggested retail price of $3.49 
to $3.99.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2012 SmartWay Excellence Award, the organization's highest recognition for demonstrated leadership in supply chain goods movement. The award — recognizing Walgreens as an industry leader in freight supply chain efficiency, performance and environmental sustainability — was announced at the American Trucking Associations Annual Management Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday announced the launch of the "Taylor Swift Store at Walgreens," which will market a wide array of products from the six-time Grammy winner's branded merchandise line. Walgreens and select Duane Reade locations will provide a comprehensive, in-store selection of Taylor Swift music and merchandise.

The items will be available for purchase chain wide beginning the week of Oct. 8. The Taylor Swift-branded merchandise will incorporate artwork from her soon to be released album, "Red."

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Jimmy Dean has introduced a new packaging look for its line of convenience breakfast products.

The packaging refresh, which features new graphics, product images and a contemporary brand logo, gives the brand's breakfast products a consistent look and feel across the entire product portfolio, including Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches, breakfast bowls, skillets, omelets, pancakes and sausage, quesadillas and all Jimmy Dean Delights product offerings.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Sagent Pharmaceuticals has launched a drug used to treat apnea of prematurity in infants, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Sagent announced the launch of caffeine citrate injection and caffeine citrate oral solution, used to treat apnea of prematurity in infants between 28 and less than 33 weeks gestational age.

The market for the drug was worth about $28.5 million during the 12-month period ended in July, according to IMS Health. The drug features Sagent's PreventIV Measures packaging and labeling, which are designed to reduce medication errors.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens will get a "significant" ownership stake in a specialty pharmacy that treats people with cystic fibrosis under a new deal with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the two announced Tuesday.

 DEERFIELD, Ill. — Fiscal 2012 now is in Walgreens' rearview mirror as the company looks ahead toward 2013 with its foot on the accelerator. A re-entry into the Express Scripts pharmacy provider network, a new loyalty card and synergies borne out of the Alliance Boots partnership will all help fuel Walgreens' health-and-wellness engine. 

Walgreens stock was up slightly within the half-hour of the call to approximately $36.70 per share. WAG had closed Thursday at $36.52 and opened Friday morning at $36.27.