Content about Retail

January 28, 2013

Changing of the guard at 99¢ Only Stores as acquirer Ares Management fills top exec spots

99¢ Only Stores last week announced that Richard Anicetti has assumed the role of interim CEO.

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. — 99¢ Only Stores last week announced that Richard Anicetti has assumed the role of interim CEO. In addition, Michael Fung will join the company as interim chief administrative officer overseeing finance, information technology, real estate and various administrative functions of the company.

In connection with the foregoing changes, the original family management team Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold are no longer employed by the company.

January 28, 2013

Cracker Barrel plans expansion into groceries with branded food products

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is embarking on its third attempt to branch out from its chain of Southern comfort food restaurants by expanding a lineup of branded food products to be offered at grocers and outside retail outlets.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is embarking on its third attempt to branch out from its chain of Southern comfort food restaurants by expanding a lineup of branded food products to be offered at grocers and outside retail outlets.

"Our research shows that our guests would like to be able to purchase Cracker Barrel products in places other than just our restaurants and retail stores, and we believe that there is opportunity here to meet that desire," the company stated.

January 28, 2013

Insurers turn to retail, urgent care clinics to keep members out of emergency rooms

Shifting patients away from hospital emergency rooms and into retail-based and urgent care walk-in clinics can significantly lower healthcare costs, improve access to care and reduce the impact of such chronic diseases as diabetes and hyperlipidemia, two health benefits experts asserted in a recent online presentation.

January 28, 2013

NRF: In 2013, retail sales to grow 3.4%

Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) will increase 3.4%, down slightly from 4.2% in 2012 and 5.8% in 2011, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2013 economic forecast.

Washington, D.C. — Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) will increase 3.4%, down slightly from 4.2% in 2012 and 5.8% in 2011, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2013 economic forecast.

The lukewarm forecast, released Monday, comes on the heels of a holiday season that went head-to-head with Washington’s political wrangling over fiscal concerns, shifting consumers’ spending plans downward. In the end, holiday sales in 2012 grew 3.0%.

January 28, 2013

Six retailers make YouGov's BrandIndex 'Buzz' list

YouGov's BrandIndex has named 25 brands to its "2012 Annual US Top Buzz Rankings," YouGov said.

NEW YORK — YouGov's BrandIndex has named 25 brands to its "2012 Annual US Top Buzz Rankings," YouGov said.

The index measures public perception of thousands of brands based on interviews with thousands of consumers every day, with more than 2.5 million interviews every year.

January 28, 2013

Supplylogix appoints Denys Ashby as director of retail chain sales

Healthcare supply chain software maker Supplylogix has appointed Denys Ashby as director of retail chain sales, the company said Monday.

WESTLAKE, Texas — Healthcare supply chain software maker Supplylogix has appointed Denys Ashby as director of retail chain sales, the company said Monday.

Ashby, formerly head of retail chain pharmacy sales at pharmacy automation systems maker Innovation Associates, will lead Supplylogix's sales and business development activity within the retail chain pharmacy market.

January 24, 2013

CVS Caremark's Cheryl Mahoney assumes new role; new head of beauty/personal care named

Beauty retail veteran Cheryl Mahoney has assumed a new post at CVS Caremark, and the company has brought onboard Alex Perez-Tenessa to serve as VP retail merchandising – beauty/personal care, according to CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Beauty retail veteran Cheryl Mahoney has assumed a new post at CVS Caremark, and the company has brought onboard Alex Perez-Tenessa to serve as VP retail merchandising – beauty/personal care, according to CVS Caremark.

January 24, 2013

Rite Aid raises more than $590k for United Way

Rite Aid has raised nearly $600,000 for a United Way chapter in Pennsylvania, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has raised nearly $600,000 for a United Way chapter in Pennsylvania, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The company announced that employees in its corporate offices around the greater Harrisburg, Pa., area had raised $590,159 during its fundraising campaign for United Way of the Capital Region, for a total of nearly $5.8 million since 2002. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's state capital, is near the company's headquarters in Camp Hill, Pa.

January 23, 2013

Duane Reade, Citymeals-on-Wheels look to raise funds to feed NYC's homebound elderly

For two weeks this winter, customers at Duane Reade are being asked to donate their spare change to help feed New York City’s homebound elderly as part of a relationship with Citymeals-on-Wheels, the retailer has announced.

NEW YORK — For two weeks this winter, customers at Duane Reade are being asked to donate their spare change to help feed New York City’s homebound elderly as part of a relationship with Citymeals-on-Wheels, the retailer has announced.

January 23, 2013

Nielsen: Retail opportunities for 2013 in big data, omnichannel and fresh

Growth in 2013 will be slow-going in the first half of 2013 but will pick up at the end, suggested James Russo, SVP global consumer insights for Nielsen, during a webinar Wednesday afternoon.

CHICAGO — Growth in 2013 will be slow-going in the first half of 2013 but will pick up at the end, suggested James Russo, SVP global consumer insights for Nielsen, during a webinar Wednesday afternoon. "The consumer remains in maintenance mode," he said. "Consumers are being pragmatic in their spending. Uncertainty dominates."

January 22, 2013

Club retailers to see higher growth over next three years, Deloitte study finds

Club retailers could be in for a good time over the next three years, according to a new study.

NEW YORK — Club retailers could be in for a good time over the next three years, according to a new study.

The study, by Deloitte, found that consumer products executives expect growth through warehouse club retailers to outpace those of other retail channels, including mass merchandise, supermarkets and online retail.

January 21, 2013

GMA recognizes executives, companies who contributed to advancement of industry

The Grocery Manufacturers Association on Saturday presented a number of industry awards during the association's GMA Chairman's Lecture.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association on Saturday presented a number of industry awards during the association's GMA Chairman's Lecture.

January 18, 2013

NCPA monitoring new state health insurance exchanges

This will be a big year for implementation of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act, and the National Community Pharmacists Association will track the process closely on behalf of NCPA members and the patients they serve. NCPA recently submitted comments about the ACA’s Multi-State Plans, or MSPs, being designed by the Office of Personnel Management.

This will be a big year for implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and the National Community Pharmacists Association will track the process closely on behalf of NCPA members and the patients they serve. NCPA recently submitted comments about the ACA’s Multi-State Plans, or MSPs, being designed by the Office of Personnel Management.

January 17, 2013

Rite Aid boosts flu vaccine supply to meet increased demand

Rite Aid has obtained 400,000 new seasonal flu shots, which began arriving in stores earlier this week, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has obtained 400,000 new seasonal flu shots, which began arriving in stores earlier this week, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The company said it was delivering the shots to areas of need based on actual or anticipated flu activity.

January 16, 2013

DSN Flu Report UPDATE: OTC sales spike as flu travels West

This year is turning out to be a strong cough and cold season even though there are more flu shots being administered at retail, and those flu shots are a pretty good match to the popular strains this year — 99.4% of the H3N2 influenza viruses tested matched one of the three components of the 2012-2013 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine.

NEW YORK — This year is turning out to be a strong cough and cold season even though there are more flu shots being administered at retail, and those flu shots are a pretty good match to the popular strains this year — 99.4% of the H3N2 influenza viruses tested matched one of the three components of the 2012 to 2013 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine. Overall, for the four weeks ending Dec. 30, sales of remedies for sore throats and cough syrups were up 12.5% and 26.2%, respectively, according to SymphonyIRI Group data as measured across all channels.

January 15, 2013

H.D. Smith secures majority ownership in patient assistance firm Triplefin

H. D. Smith announced plans to secure majority ownership in Triplefin, a privately held reimbursement, patient assistance and pharmaceutical brand support services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H. D. Smith on Tuesday announced plans to secure majority ownership in Triplefin, a privately held reimbursement, patient assistance and pharmaceutical brand support services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. H. D. Smith will immediately obtain majority board vote, and by mid-2013, majority stock ownership.

January 15, 2013

Healthy holiday shopping season, but trouble could lie ahead, NRF says

Despite caution among consumers, retailers wrapped up 2012 with a healthy holiday shopping season, according to a new report by a retailing trade group.

NEW YORK — Despite caution among consumers, retailers wrapped up 2012 with a healthy holiday shopping season, according to a new report by a retailing trade group.

The National Retail Federation said Tuesday that holiday retail sales increased 3% over the year before, to $579.8 billion. December retail sales increased 0.8% seasonally adjusted from November and 2.1% unadjusted year over year. Nevertheless, the 3% increase was still below the NRF's projected 4.1% growth. Meanwhile, nonstore holiday sales grew 11.1%.

January 15, 2013

Smartphones driving mobile health revolution

“A drug store in the palm of your hand.” That’s what Walgreens calls the fast-growing suite of health and pharmacy services now available from many retail pharmacies to Americans with smartphones.

Technology vendors, pharmacies and other health providers are keeping pace with a slew of interactive health offerings. For proof, one need look no further than the nation’s biggest drug store retailers.

January 15, 2013

VMS for healthier pets

Pet supplements represent a new mostly untapped market opportunity for the OTC section in the retail pharmacy setting. Consumers spent an estimated $52.9 billion last year on their pets, up 3.7% as compared with 2011 actual sales, according to the American Pet Products Association.

NEW YORK — Pet supplements represent a new mostly untapped market opportunity for the OTC section in the retail pharmacy setting. Consumers spent an estimated $52.9 billion last year on their pets, up 3.7% as compared with 2011 actual sales, according to the American Pet Products Association.

January 14, 2013

East Coast reeling from flu, bug begins making its trek west

The worst of the flu season may be over, at least for those on the East Coast. In a late morning press conference with reporters on Friday, Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, "We are seeing a decrease in some regions."

Just don't tell that to anyone living in New York or Boston or Chicago, at least not before slipping on a facemask first.

ATLANTA — The worst of the flu season may be over, at least for those on the East Coast. In a late morning press conference with reporters on Friday, Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, "We are seeing a decrease in some regions."

Just don't tell that to anyone living in New York, Boston or Chicago, at least not before slipping on a facemask first.

January 14, 2013

Jewel-Osco shipping extra flu doses amid increased demand

Jewel-Osco is shipping "thousands" of extra doses of flu vaccine amid a flu season that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled an epidemic, the retail chain said.

ITASCA, Ill. — Jewel-Osco is shipping "thousands" of extra doses of flu vaccine amid a flu season that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has labeled an epidemic, the retail chain said.

The company plans to ship 7,000 doses to its pharmacies starting Tuesday and continuing into Wednesday, with about 170 pharmacies set to receive some of the doses.

January 14, 2013

Mobile coupon in aisle seven — Aisle411 showcases latest shopping app in Las Vegas Walgreens

Aisle411 last week announced their Indoor Location Geo-Fence Alerts API was being showcased in the Aisle411 Android application at Las Vegas-area Walgreens stores.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Aisle411 last week announced their Indoor Location Geo-Fence Alerts API was being showcased in the Aisle411 Android application at Las Vegas-area Walgreens stores.

January 11, 2013

Beiersdorf kicks off consumer awareness, fundraising effort to support mentoring

Skin care company Beiersdorf has announced a consumer awareness and fundraising initiative to support National Mentoring Month.

WILTON, Conn. — Skin care company Beiersdorf has announced a consumer awareness and fundraising initiative to support National Mentoring Month.

Beiersdorf currently has an employee-led, work-based mentoring program focused on supporting youth in the local community. In recognition of National Mentoring Month, the company, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, has created a three-month consumer awareness and fundraising initiative that will raise $100,000 to make a big difference for the Big Brothers Big Sisters network.

January 11, 2013

BIC develops new Soleil Shave & Trim

BIC has expanded its Soleil portfolio with the new Soleil Shave & Trim, which is designed to simplify shaving and bikini trimming by combining flexible triple-blade shaving technology with a slide-on/slide off trimmer.

SHELTON, Conn. — BIC has expanded its Soleil portfolio with the new Soleil Shave & Trim, which is designed to simplify shaving and bikini trimming by combining flexible triple-blade shaving technology with a slide-on/slide off trimmer.

The product will be available in January and has a suggested retail price of $7.49 for a package of three razors and one slide-on/slide-off trimmer. 

 The BIC Soleil Shave & Trim offers the following features:

January 11, 2013

With Walgreens two trends - omnichannel retailing and ACOs - are already taking shape in 2013

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots.

Two major announcements were made in the wake of the shareholders meeting, both of which were identified by DSN as two of the top six big trends to watch through 2013. Walgreens reiterated its commitment to fostering an omnichannel experience for its shoppers and, a day after the shareholders meeting, Walgreens became the only retail pharmacy operator to partner on three Accountable Care Organizations.

Walgreens chief Greg Wasson had a new vision to share with the pharmacy operator's faithful shareholders for 2013. It was a vision that firmly placed the Express Scripts dispute in the rear-view mirror and refocused on the road ahead, that includes expanding the role of pharmacy and even what it means to be a U.S. pharmacy operator with its acquisition of Alliance Boots.