Content about Top Retailers

AURORA, Colo. — A Colorado-based firm will install solar power systems at 22 Walgreens stores in 14 cities in the state over the next few months, under a partnership between the two companies.

Walgreens announced Monday an expansion of its relationship with SolarCity, saying the new power systems would reduce more than 47.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the next two decades.

NEW YORK — Google is officially unveiling its testing program for its new online delivery service in the San Francisco Bay area of California, the Internet company said on its website.

Google Shopping Express promises same-day delivery to customers directly from such retailers as Target, Walgreens, Raley's, Toys "R" Us, American Eagle and others.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — As Reuters reported yesterday, Walmart is considering a new delivery system that would have in-store customers deliver packages to online buyers. The delivering customers would receive a discount off their shopping bills.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Walmart and Target are ramping up offerings of private-label products directed at multicultural and health-conscious consumers, according to a new study.

The findings were part of a study by market research firm Packaged Facts on mass merchandisers, "The Supercenter Grocery Shopper: U.S. Consumer Patterns at Walmart, Target, Meijer and Fred Meyer." The report noted that mass merchandisers in recent years have marketed private-label food and beverage products that rival those of national brands in price, value and quality.

WASHINGTON — The head of Ahold USA's Giant-Landover banner has pledged the supermarket chain's support for the Department of Defense's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Giant-Landover, officially Giant Food of Landover, Md., said president Anthony Hucker signed a statement of support for National Guard and reserve employees at the Brentwood Giant Food in Washington, accompanied by ESGR District of Columbia chairman George Alexander. Established in 1972, the ESGR develops and maintains employer support for the Guard and Reserve service.

AMSTERDAM — Dutch supermarket operator Royal Ahold has completed the sale of its majority stake in a Scandinavian supermarket chain, the company said Wednesday.

Ahold announced that it had completed the sale of its 60% stake in ICA to Swedish firm Hakon Invest for $3.3 billion. The deal was announced Feb. 11.

Based in Sweden, ICA operates the ICA and Rimi chains in Scandinavia and the Baltics.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday announced the planned retirement of VP and pension investment officer, Rich Manka, effective July 15.

"Throughout his career, Rich has been a trusted member of Kroger's leadership team," stated Mike Schlotman, Kroger's CFO. "Pension plan trustees and participants alike have benefited from his vast knowledge and influence on investment strategies and plan designs. We thank Rich for his contributions to our company and industry and wish him the very best."

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer will fund local food pantries by doubling every customer's $10 donation next month, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

As part of the spring "Simply Give" campaign, the company will double donations made April 12-13 to restock shelves of pantries that were depleted during the holidays. Meijer said customers have donated nearly $5 million — equal to 30 million meals — since November 2008.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is tying in its fundraising efforts for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with an upcoming children's movie.

The retail pharmacy chain announced it would kick off its 19th annual campaign for the group tied in with "Epic," the 20th Century Fox Films movie that will be in theaters starting May 24. The animated movie tells the story of a teenage girl who is magically shrunk to meet a group of warriors who protect the natural world.

NEW YORK — The American Diabetes Association, partnering with Walgreens and Duane Reade, on Tuesday kicked off its 25th Annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, a one-day "wake-up call" asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.   

SALT LAKE CITY — American Stores founder Sam Skaggs died of natural causes at his home Thursday, according to a report in the Salt Lake Tribune. He was 89 years old. 

Retail pharmacy was the family business. Skaggs was the grandson of Safeway founder Marion Skaggs. And his father, Leonard Skaggs, operated PayLess Drug Stores since 1939. 

MINNEAPOLIS — About $209.3 million worth of Target Corp.'s debt has been put up for sale as the company moves to refinance $679 million worth of debt due between 2028 and 2031, the mass merchandise retailer said.

Target announced plans to purchase $170 million in 6.75% debentures due 2028, $154.9 million in 6.65% debentures due 2028 and $354 million in 7% debentures due 2031.

The company said the $209.3 million tendered so far represented 20.31%, 25.22% and 38.32% of the totals of the three respective security titles.