Content about Top Retailers

February 26, 2013

Rite Aid tops drug chains in customer satisfaction, as Publix, Target, Costco lead among supermarkets, mass, clubs

Several pharmacy retailers got top place in a recent consumer satisfaction survey.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Several pharmacy retailers got top place in a recent consumer satisfaction survey.

A report released Tuesday by the American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked Rite Aid at the top among drug store chains, with a score of 77, a 3% improvement over last year. Walgreens gained 1%, for a score of 76, while CVS ranked 75, a 3% gain. The survey noted that CVS hit a low two years ago due to cost-cutting efforts.

February 25, 2013

Costco offers Aetna insurance to members in Florida

Health insurer Aetna is offering individual health insurance plans to Costco members in Florida, the insurer said.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Health insurer Aetna is offering individual health insurance plans to Costco members in Florida, the insurer said.

The Costco Personal Health Insurance program includes five plans and offers medical benefits, dental options, a network of doctors and hospitals and other services, as well as lower copays on prescriptions at the club retailer's pharmacies.

February 25, 2013

New south Fla. Target store set for October opening

Target will open a new store in East Kendall, Fla., one of the 18 it plans to open this year in the United States, the mass merchandise retailer said.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target will open a new store in East Kendall, Fla., one of the 18 it plans to open this year in the United States, the mass merchandise retailer said.

The 173,000-square-foot store will include a variety of products, including fresh produce, fresh packaged meat and pre-packaged baked goods.

"Target is excited to open our new store in October," Target VP stores for the southern region Sid Keswani said. "We look forward to deepening our commitment to south Florida, our guests and team members there."

February 25, 2013

Summertime in February: Meijer sells Michigan-grown tomatoes in winter

Meijer is sourcing tomatoes from a greenhouse that can grow them year-round, including during the famously frigid winters of the Midwest, the mass merchandise retailer said Monday.

GRAND RAPIDS. Mich. — Meijer is sourcing tomatoes from a greenhouse that can grow them year-round, including during the famously frigid winters of the Midwest, the mass merchandise retailer said Monday.

February 22, 2013

Bloomberg: Royal Ahold possibly one step closer to making bid for Harris Teeter

Royal Ahold may be one step closer to acquiring Harris Teeter, though the Dutch supermarket conglomerate has yet to make a formal bid, according to a story published by Bloomberg.

NEW YORK — Royal Ahold may be one step closer to acquiring Harris Teeter, though the Dutch supermarket conglomerate has yet to make a formal bid, according to a story published Friday morning by Bloomberg.

Citing persons familiar with any potential acquisition pursuit, Bloomberg reported Ahold has contacted JPMorgan Chase, which has been retained by Harris Teeter to evaluate options.

February 22, 2013

Community-based diabetes efforts should involve retail pharmacies

The YMCA is offering a demonstration project to show that its YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program — part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's broader National Diabetes Prevention Program — can lower the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and reduce medical costs incurred by Medicare. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is funding the project, whereby YMCAs in 17 communities that deliver the program will offer it at no cost to 10,000 Medicare enrollees over the next three years, and the YMCA expects it to save Medicare $4.2 million over three years and $53 million over six years.

It's been said that, "It takes a village to raise a child," and because chronic disease is an issue that affects communities as a whole - not just individuals - it would make sense for community-based organizations to target a growing national health crisis like the diabetes epidemic.

February 22, 2013

Rite Aid finishes debt-refinancing transactions

Rite Aid has completed a series of debt financing transactions it announced recently, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has completed a series of debt financing transactions it announced recently, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The transactions were meant to extend the maturity of a portion of the retailer's debt and lower its interest expenses.

February 21, 2013

Albertsons appoints division presidents; Justin Dye to head pharmacy

Albertsons named the division presidents who will lead the 877 stores it will acquire from Supervalu after the purchase agreement closes next month, the company said. The two companies agreed to the purchase in January.

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons named the division presidents who will lead the 877 stores it will acquire from Supervalu after the purchase agreement closes next month, the company said. The two companies agreed to the purchase in January.

February 21, 2013

CVS/pharmacy revamps private-label products

CVS/pharmacy is making some changes to its Gold Emblem food product line, including enhanced ingredients and new flavors, the retail pharmacy chain said.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy is making some changes to its Gold Emblem food product line, including enhanced ingredients and new flavors, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

The line has been revamped with more options and a new look. Gold Emblem includes more than 250 products, such as nuts, trail mixes, chips, pretzels, dried candies, cookies, spices, juices, condiments, baking products and breakfast bars. CVS introduced it in 1995, making it one of the first private-label food lines created by a major drug store chain.

February 21, 2013

Rite Aid to present N.J. first lady with nearly $280,000 in hurricane-relief money

New Jersey first lady and chairwoman of the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund Mary Pat Christie will visit a Point Pleasant, N.J., Rite Aid store on Friday at 11:30 a.m. with Rite Aid executives to receive money for the fund, Rite Aid said Thursday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — New Jersey first lady and chairwoman of the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund Mary Pat Christie will visit a Point Pleasant, N.J., Rite Aid store on Friday at 11:30 a.m. with Rite Aid executives to receive money for the fund, Rite Aid said Thursday.

February 21, 2013

Safeway reports Q4 sales, projects Q1 comps of 2% based on strong uptake in loyalty program

Safeway reported a sales increase of 1.3% to $44.2 billion in 2012 for its fiscal year ended Dec. 29, driven by increased fuel sales and a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (excluding fuel), the grocer reported.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday reported a sales increase of 1.3% to $44.2 billion in 2012 for its fiscal year ended Dec. 29, driven by increased fuel sales and a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (excluding fuel), the grocer reported. Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd projected identical sales as high as 2% in the first quarter of 2013, in part because of the success Safeway has had with its loyalty program Just 4 U.

February 21, 2013

UrgentRx expands distribution into Duane Reade, Walmart

UrgentRx announced expansion of its line of fast-acting over-the-counter flavored powder medications into Duane Reade and Walmart.

DENVER — UrgentRx on Wednesday announced expansion of its line of fast-acting over-the-counter flavored powder medications into Duane Reade and Walmart.

February 21, 2013

Walgreens to open 'WAG U,' a top-of-the-line learning center for Walgreens employees

Walgreens on Friday will open the doors to "Wag U," an internal education center replete with technology-enhanced classrooms, a mock drug store and video-conferencing capabilities.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Friday will open the doors to "Wag U," an internal education center replete with technology-enhanced classrooms, a mock drug store and video-conferencing capabilities. The new learning center will be the base of operations for employee educational programs offered online and in regional locations nationwide.

February 21, 2013

Walmart bests forecasts amid soft sales

Walmart saw a slight 1% increase in same-store sales at U.S. stores, but beat analyst estimates and delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, the company announced.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart saw a diminutive 1% increase in same-store sales at U.S. stores, but beat analyst estimates and delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter profits, the company announced Thursday.

Walmart said total sales increased 3.9% to $127.1 billion compared to $122.3 billion last year. Without the benefit of a favorable currency exchange situation, sales would have increased a lesser 3.7% to $126.8 billion. Full year sales increased by 5% to $466.1 billion compared to last year’s total of $443.8.

February 20, 2013

Giant Food announces Child Hunger Grants, 2012 contributions

Giant Food, joined by Feeding America food bank leaders, held a press conference to highlight the company's 2012 giving and announce Child Hunger Grants. Giant’s monetary and in-kind contributions exceeded $12 million.

LANDOVER, Md. — Giant Food, joined by Feeding America food bank leaders, held a press conference today to highlight the company's 2012 giving and announce Child Hunger Grants. Giant’s monetary and in-kind contributions exceeded $12 million, which was an increase from $8.3 million in 2011.

February 20, 2013

GNC marks mass retail for nationwide distribution of its 'Marked' portfolio

GNC is ramping up its reach beyond its 6,100 retail outlets, Joe Fortunato, the company's chairman, president and CEO, told analysts last week.

PITTSBURGH — GNC is ramping up its reach beyond its 6,100 retail outlets, Joe Fortunato, the company's chairman, president and CEO, told analysts last week. The company's relationship with Sam's Club, which incorporated a branded shelf in July, is expanding; new products are being introduced to PetSmart, suggesting potential growth in pet supplements; and GNC's Marked line, co-developed with action movie star Mark Wahlberg, has been launched through Rite Aid and Walgreens.

February 20, 2013

Reports: Analyst names Ahold as 'most logical' buyer of Harris Teeter

Supermarket operator Ahold USA could be in a position to buy Matthews, N.C.-based supermarket chain Harris Teeter, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Supermarket operator Ahold USA could be in a position to buy Matthews, N.C.-based supermarket chain Harris Teeter, according to published reports.

Citing remarks by BMO Capital Markets analyst Karen Short, the Wall Street Journal reported that Ahold, Publix Super Markets and Kroger Co. would be candidates for a purchase of Harris Teeter, with Ahold named as the most logical candidate due to an acquisitive nature and a desire to enter the southern United States.

February 19, 2013

Ahold USA donates $9 million in new funding to hunger-relief groups

The parent company of the Stop & Shop, Giant-Carlisle and Giant-Landover supermarket chains is donating $9 million over three years to alleviate child hunger.

CARLISLE, Pa. — The parent company of the Stop & Shop, Giant-Carlisle and Giant-Landover supermarket chains is donating $9 million over three years to alleviate child hunger.

Ahold USA said it would distribute the money in Fighting Child Hunger grants from its Our Family Foundation. The foundation has awarded grants to 21 regional food banks in areas served by the company's banners.

February 19, 2013

Kroger names in-house veteran group VP non-perishables

Kroger promoted Robert Clark, 28-year veteran, as group VP non-perishables.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday promoted Robert Clark as group VP non-perishables.

"Robert brings impactful leadership and extensive merchandising experience to our team," stated Michael Donnelly, Kroger's SVP merchandising. "His valuable knowledge of our customers across the country will further strengthen our strategic direction."

February 19, 2013

Less than half of employers have specialty prior authorization programs under medical benefits, study finds

Management of specialty drugs under the medical benefit continues to trail management under the pharmacy benefit, according to a new report by the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute.

PLANO, Texas — Management of specialty drugs under the medical benefit continues to trail management under the pharmacy benefit, according to a new report by the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute.

February 19, 2013

Pharmavite expands Voots into Walgreens

Pharmavite on Tuesday announced that its Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts brand, a fruit- and vegetable-based supplement for kids ages 4 years and older, are now available for purchase at Walgreens locations nationwide.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite on Tuesday announced that its Voots Veggie-Fruit Tarts brand, a fruit- and vegetable-based supplement for kids ages 4 years and older, are now available for purchase at Walgreens locations nationwide.

February 15, 2013

Costco sued over diamond engagement rings

Jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. is suing Costco Wholesale, alleging that the club retailer falsely marketed diamond engagement rings as coming from the New York-based jeweler, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. is suing Costco Wholesale, alleging that the club retailer falsely marketed diamond engagement rings as coming from the New York-based jeweler, according to published reports.

News media reported that Tiffany filed suit against Issaquah, Wash.-based Costco in the Federal District Court in Manhattan.

February 15, 2013

Legislation would allow states to levy sales taxes on out-of-state online purchases

Sears Holdings, the parent company of mass merchandiser Kmart, is throwing its support behind a bill that would grant states authority to enforce existing sales tax laws and require out-of-state online retailers to collect and remit sales taxes on sales made to their residents.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings, the parent company of mass merchandiser Kmart, is throwing its support behind a bill that would grant states authority to enforce existing sales tax laws and require out-of-state online retailers to collect and remit sales taxes on sales made to their residents.

The Marketplace Fairness Act was sponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Mike Enzi, R-Wyo.; Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.; as well as Reps. Steve Womack, R-Ark.; Kristi Noem, R-S.D.; Peter Welch, D-Vt.; and John Conyers, D-Mich.

February 14, 2013

Evander Holyfield to make two appearances as part of Jewel-Osco’s 'A Taste of Black History' program

Evander Holyfield, the only five-time world heavyweight champion, will greet Supervalu's Jewel-Osco customers and boxing fans during appearances at two of the retailer’s Chicago stores.

ITASCA, Ill. — Evander Holyfield, the only five-time world heavyweight champion, will greet Supervalu's Jewel-Osco customers and boxing fans during appearances at two of the retailer’s Chicago stores. Holyfield will be the special guest at free food sampling events on Feb. 16 and 17 that will be held as part of Jewel-Osco’s ongoing “A Taste of Black History” program, a month-long initiative that recognizes the retailer’s African-American vendor partners.

February 14, 2013

Reports: Buffett, Lemann buy H.J. Heinz; Buffett investment group increases Costco holding

The investment groups of billionaires Warren Buffett and Jorge Paulo Lemann will buy H.J. Heinz for about $23 billion, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — The investment groups of billionaires Warren Buffett and Jorge Paulo Lemann will buy H.J. Heinz for about $23 billion, according to published reports.

Bloomberg reported that Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Lemann's 3G Capital would buy the condiment maker for $72.50 per share, and the deal includes $12 billion to $13 billion from Buffett's group. Heinz also owns the Ore-Ida potato chip brand.