Content about Top Retailers

NEW YORK — The University of Utah's College of Pharmacy has opened a new research organization designed to encourage collaboration and interaction, according to published reports.

The Salt Lake City-based Deseret News reported on the opening of the L.S. Skaggs Pharmacy Institute, a 150,000-sq.-ft. facility that includes open lab space.

Rite Aid reported a $123.1 million profit for fourth quarter 2013 and $118.1 million for the fiscal year — its first profitable year since 2007 — amid greater generic drug penetration and retention of at least three-quarters of the customers who switched over to the chain during the dispute between Walgreens and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, among other factors.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Club retailer Costco Wholesale announced Thursday sales grew by 7% in March compared with March 2012, the company said.

Costco reported net sales for the month of $9.67 billion, compared with $9.07 billion during the same period last year.

For the 31-week period that ended on Sunday, sales were $61.02 billion, an 8% increase over the same period last year, when sales were $56.34 billion.

The Issaquah, Wash.-based chain currently operates 626 stores, including 449 in the United States.

FAYATTEVILLE, Ark. — The healthcare industry's supply chain may have a few tips and tricks to pick up from the retail industry's supply chain, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Arkansas.

NEW YORK — An awards celebration this fall at the University of Missouri-Kansas City will honor the co-founder of Costco Wholesale Corp., according to published reports.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Thursday that Jim Sinegal, who retired as the club retailer's CEO in January 2012, would be among the honorees of the university's 28th Annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards celebration.

Sinegal founded Issaquah, Wash.-based Costco together with Jeff Brotman in 1983. The company now operates 626 stores, including 449 in the United States.

 LOS ANGELES — Walgreens and NBC’s hit weight-loss competition series "The Biggest Loser" on Wednesday joined forces to launch a new web series that follows former contestant Filipe Fa's journey to lose weight and keep it off once and for all.

“The Biggest Loser is changing how American’s view health and wellness, and together we are highlighting Walgreens 'Way to Well Commitment’ by sharing Felipe and Sione's dramatic stories,” stated Megan McCambridge, divisional VP customer relationship marketing for Walgreens.

NEW YORK — Duane Reade on Wednesday announced the launch of its first mobile application for iOS devices. The free app, available in the iTunes store, will facilitate and further enhance customer access to Duane Reade’s pharmacy services, photo printers, prescription refills, Balance Rewards offers, account information and in-store maps.  

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors at 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 June 12, 2013, to shareholders of record May 21, 2013.

Walgreens has paid a dividend in 322 straight quarters (more than 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%.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Step by step, Walgreens of South Florida and the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation on Tuesday announced the third annual Walk with Walgreens Family Fun Day and Health Fair, which takes place April 20 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, home to both the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes football teams. 

SAN FRANCISCO — ECOtality and Kroger on Monday announced an expanded partnership that includes the installation of more than 200 level-2 (quick-charge) charging stations, and 25 DC Fast Chargers, to be installed across key markets through the EV Project. This multimillion dollar expansion will bring the total number of Blink chargers at the Kroger Family of Stores to almost 300.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Blackhawk Network Holdings on Monday announced its intent to open its initial public offering of 10 million shares at an estimated offering price of $20 to $22 per share. The IPO will consist solely of shares to be offered by existing stockholders, including Safeway, and could raise as much as $220 million.