Content about Top Retailers

CINCINNATI — Kroger said that its family of stores is offering new ways for its customers to save on gas.

The retailer said that customers can earn fuel discounts when they purchase select gift cards, and also when they fill certain eligible prescriptions.

Kroger noted that the discounts vary by state and that its prescription fuel savings promotion is not being offered to Arkansas pharmacy customers.

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WASHINGTON — CVS Caremark and a panel of health experts explored research findings and the problem of medication nonadherence Thursday morning during CVS Caremark’s first-ever national forum on medication nonadherence at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday promoted Mike Spear to divisional merchandise manager of the retailer’s personal care division and announced that Lauren Vondrasek is transitioning to the company’s beauty merchandising unit, which is headed by Barbara Larson.

Spear has more than 20 years of retail experience, most recently as director of category planning at Walgreens.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Many people who provide care and support to loved ones said they are more likely to be nonadherent to their own personal medication regimen than to neglect providing medications to those they are caring for, according to a new study by researchers at Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital and CVS Caremark. Given this, there's a significant opportunity for pharmacists and doctors to identify and work with caregivers to improve medication adherence and chronic disease management.

CHICAGO — Johns Hopkins Medicine and Walgreens on Wednesday announced an agreement between the two companies that will promote collaboration on population-based research.

Also part of the agreement, Johns Hopkins and Walgreens will jointly review and develop protocols to improve outcomes of patients with chronic diseases and explore the development of new models for improving care for individuals.

NEW YORK — Creative agency Kaplan Thaler Group has been tapped to run Supervalu’s latest ad campaign, according to a blog posted on the Kaplan Thaler Group site Monday.

As lead creative agency, the Kaplan Thaler Group’s responsibilities will encompass advertising, digital and direct marketing across all Supervalu banners, including Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘n Save, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, Hornbacher’s and Save-A-Lot.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has appointed David Kelly as group VP construction, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

Kelly, who has worked in real estate and development for more than 25 years, will start work May 31 and will have overall responsibility for all store planning and construction services, in addition to having a role in various segmentation initiatives, including Wellness, value and co-branded Save-A-Lot/Rite Aid stores. He will report directly to SVP, CFO and chief administrative officer Frank Vitrano.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Members of a local coalition in Providence launched on Monday the Script Your Future campaign, which is part of a national effort to educate consumers on the importance of medication adherence.

Elizabeth Roberts, lieutenant governor of the state of Rhode Island, together with the National Consumers League on Monday will launch Script Your Future in Providence to raise awareness among patients about the health consequences of not taking medication as directed.

FLUSHING, N.Y. — The New York Mets announced the launch of the "Honorary Captain" program presented by Duane Reade, which gives fans the opportunity to be an honorary team captain and bring out the Mets lineup card before one of the Subway Series games, which will be held July 1 to 3 at Citi Field.

Winners of the "Honorary Captain" program presented by Duane Reade also will receive four VIP tickets to one of the Subway Series games and a Mets jersey. The program also is sponsored by Precise, from the maker of Tylenol.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway's board of directors announced a 21% increase in its quarterly dividend.

The retailer's cash dividend rose to 14.5 cents per share and will be payable on July 14 to stockholders of record on June 23.

Safeway operates 1,692 stores in the United States and western Canada.

NEW YORK — Target plans to spend more than it had forecast this year on its entry into the Canadian market as it nails down more of the best retail locations sooner than expected.

The retailer said it will be able to “clarify” within weeks the number and locations of the first 100 to 150 stores it will open in Canada.

“We expect to close on higher value lease transactions sooner than expected,” Target CFO Doug Scovanner told analysts on a conference call Wednesday.