Content about Retail

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — It’s a battle that raged for more than three years. But in mid-December, the retail pharmacy industry was able to declare a clear, unequivocal victory.


We’re talking, of course, about the struggle to head off what would have been a devastating change in the way Medicaid pays community pharmacies to dispense generic drugs to low-income patients. On Dec. 14, the chain and independent pharmacy lobbies announced they had reached a landmark agreement with the 
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that effectively ends the threat.

ROGERS, Ark. — If the eyes are the window to the soul, then Walmart’s suppliers are the window to its future, thanks to the truly unique relationship the retailer enjoys with its trading partners. Walmart brought new meaning to the concept of collaboration when it pursued a strategy of data transparency decades ago that enabled fact-based decision-making. Suppliers embraced what, at the time, was a novel approach in the retail industry, and their support over the years facilitated Walmart’s expansion, sales growth for all concerned and low prices for consumers.


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores on Wednesday named Laurence Appel SVP retail operations, reporting to Peter Lynch, Winn-Dixie's chairman, CEO and president.

Appel succeeds Frank Eckstein, who has retired from his current role but will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until the end of fiscal year 2011.

Appel joined Winn-Dixie in 2002 and served as general counsel, corporate secretary and SVP human resources prior to the new appointment.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings' SVP procurement and finance has been promoted.

Deidra Cheeks Merriwether now holds the title of SVP and president of retail services, succeeding James Haworth. In this role, Merriwether, who joined the corporation in 2001, will be responsible for the oversight and leadership of retail services for the broadline retailer's Kmart and Sears stores.

Merriwether currently serves as a member of Sears Canada's board of directors and is the executive sponsor of the company's African-American Associate Network.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate is pairing its classic Snickers candy with peanut butter.

Snickers Peanut Butter Squared boasts classic Snickers taste, which includes peanuts, caramel, nougat and milk chocolate, but also possesses the rich decadence of peanut butter. Each 1.78-oz. singles pack includes two delicious square-shaped bars and sells for a suggested retail price of 89 cents.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Mass merchandiser Shopko will open a new Shopko Hometown store in the city of Seymour, Wis., the chain said in December.

The company said the new store would focus on retail health by offering pharmacy services and a full eye care center. Shopko had acquired the former Seymour Pharmacy and planned to run the store at its current location until it could construct a new store, but said it would retain the pharmacists and staff.

RESTON, Va. — ComScore on Wednesday tabulated $28.4 billion in holiday season retail e-commerce spending for the first 49 days of the November/December 2010 holiday season. That marks a 12% increase versus the year-ago period.

The most recent week (ended Dec. 19) reached $5.5 billion in spending, an increase of 14% versus the corresponding week last year. The final shopping weekend before Christmas reached $900 million in retail e-commerce spending, representing a strong 17% growth rate versus last year.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Everyone likes to be proven right. And Walgreens' leaders are justifiably proud of the company’s record performance in first quarter fiscal 2011.

(THE NEWS: Walgreens drives accelerating renewal program. For the full story, click here)

WINONA, Minn. — J.R. Watkins Naturals is expanding its presence in the Asian market by selling its personal care and home care products through retail chains in Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan.

"There is a growing demand for heritage brands and natural products in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan," stated J.R. Rigley, J.R. Watkins Naturals' sales and marketing VP. "We are proud to bring more than 140 years of natural tradition to consumers in these countries."

DEERFIELD, Ill. — In a resounding declaration that its massive revitalization efforts have been the right strategy at the right time, Walgreens on Wednesday reported its net earnings jumped to a record $580 million in first quarter fiscal 2011, rising nearly 19% over prior-year levels. Sales for the period ended Nov. 30 also rose 6% to $17.3 billion, another record for the nation’s top drug retailer.

CINCINNATI — Kroger recalled select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, a naturally occurring toxic chemical byproduct from the growth of a certain fungus.

The recall affects Kroger stores in 17 states, as well as Dillons and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker's stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen's, Pay Less and Scott's stores in Illinois and Indiana.

LOVES PARK, Ill. — A certified gluten-free crackers brand has gained retail distribution in Walmart Supercenter stores.

Crunchmaster's original flavor multigrain crisps now are available in 4.5-oz. boxes for a suggested retail price of $2.48. The oven-baked, 100% whole grain crisps are made with a blend of California brown rice and four seeds: sesame, quinoa, flax and amaranth.