Content about Walmart

March 29, 2013

Reports: Walmart considers customer-to-customer delivery service

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.

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.

March 29, 2013

Retailers go all out for omnichannel

Google has officially unveiled its testing program for Google Shopping Express, its new online delivery service in the San Francisco Bay area, signing up with retailers like Target, Walgreens and Raley's to allow customers to receive items directly from store shelves at their homes within a day.

The program has been widely described as an effort by Google to compete with e-commerce giant Amazon, but what sets Google Shopping Express apart is its sourcing partnership with brick-and-mortar retailers, particularly Target, which itself has made significant investments in omnichannel retail, most recently with its purchases of two online cooking-equipment retailers. As a whole slew of developments over the past couple of weeks has shown, omnichannel is becoming a key component of many retailers' business.

March 29, 2013

Study finds mass merchandiser private-label foods, beverages rival national brands

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

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.

March 27, 2013

Herdez expands cooking sauces line, eyes wider distribution

Herdez, a brand of MegaMex Foods, announced today four new Mexican Cooking Sauces currently lining shelves at Los Angeles-area Albertsons stores, as well as plans to increase distribution to Walmart stores nationwide by June.

LOS ANGELES — Herdez, a brand of MegaMex Foods, announced today four new Mexican Cooking Sauces currently lining shelves at Los Angeles-area Albertsons stores, as well as plans to increase distribution to Walmart stores nationwide by June.

The four new sauces include:

Traditional Chipotle — Chipotle simply means "smoked chili pepper." Brown and shriveled chipotles are combined with the tomato, onion and vinegar.

March 21, 2013

Network of Executive Women releases '2012 Annual Report'

The Network of Executive Women, whose mission is to attract, retain and advance women in the retail and consumer products industry through education, leadership and business development, has unveiled its "2012 Annual Report."

CHICAGO — The Network of Executive Women, whose mission is to attract, retain and advance women in the retail and consumer products industry through education, leadership and business development, has unveiled its "2012 Annual Report."

The report opens with the personal stories of 10 network members, who explain how their engagement with NEW changed their companies, careers and lives. Among those features are Kim Tisdale, manager of expense payables at Wal-Mart Stores, and Chris Albi, VP merchandising at Kroger.

March 21, 2013

Walmart expands mobile checkout program to 200 stores

Late last year, Walmart rolled out the pilot program for a new mobile initiative called "Scan & Go" to 70 stores in the Atlanta and Bentonville, Ark. areas, where the company is based. Now, the mass merchandise retailer is expanding the program after a successful test run.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Late last year, Walmart rolled out the pilot program for a new mobile initiative called "Scan & Go" to 70 stores in the Atlanta and Bentonville, Ark. areas, where the company is based. Now, the mass merchandise retailer is expanding the program after a successful test run.

March 20, 2013

Study finds rebates may spur healthy food purchases

Rebates on healthy foods may lead patients to purchase them more frequently, according to a new study by researchers in South Africa.

NEW YORK — Rebates on healthy foods may lead patients to purchase them more frequently, according to a new study by researchers in South Africa.

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, examined a program offered by Discovery, South Africa's largest health plan. The HealthyFood program provides a cash-back rebate of up to 25% on healthy food purchases in more than 400 designated supermarkets around the country.

March 18, 2013

RadioShack continues to build retail team, naming Michael De Fazio SVP store concepts

In a SEC filing, RadioShack last week confirmed it had recruited Michael De Fazio, one of the architects behind Duane Reade's new store formats, to help the small-box specialty retailer recapture some of its lost retail pizzazz.

FORT WORTH, Texas — In a SEC filing, RadioShack last week confirmed it had recruited Michael De Fazio, one of the architects behind Duane Reade's new store formats, to help the small-box specialty retailer recapture some of its lost retail pizzazz.

As SVP store concepts, De Fazio joins a team that includes Troy Risch, who came to RadioShack from Target as EVP operations in December, and Huey Long, formerly of Wal-Mart and now RadioShack EVP strategy and consumer insights who also signed with RadioShack in December.

March 14, 2013

Walmart stocks Black Diamond Stoneworks cleaning products

Black Diamond Stoneworks’ cleaning products will soon be seen on the shelves of Walmart across the country.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Black Diamond Stoneworks’ cleaning products will soon be seen on the shelves of Walmart across the country.

March 13, 2013

New 'Thomas & Friends' DVD rolls into Walmart stores

A new adventure from Thomas the Tank Engine and will be available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide April 9, 2013.

NEW YORK — A new adventure from Thomas the Tank Engine and will be available exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide April 9, 2013.

The new DVD, Thomas & Friends: Railway Mischief, features five brand new episodes and a bonus, collectible “Calling All Engines” poster. There are also bonus features including a hide and seek game, a music video and a "Guess Who?" puzzle.

The DVD will be sold for a suggested retail price of $14.98.

March 8, 2013

Walmart offers market for women-owned businesses with new website

Empowering Women Together, an online destination on Walmart.com, gives shoppers who want to buy unique and interesting products the opportunity to do so while supporting small women-owned businesses around the world, the retailer announced.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Empowering Women Together, an online destination on Walmart.com, gives shoppers who want to buy unique and interesting products the opportunity to do so while supporting small women-owned businesses around the world, the retailer announced. At launch, Empowering Women Together will offer shoppers more than 200 items from 19 businesses in nine countries.

March 4, 2013

President Obama names Walmart exec to budget post

President Obama will nominate Walmart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell as director of the Office of Management and Budget on Monday, according to published reports.

WASHINGTON — President Obama will nominate Walmart Foundation president Sylvia Mathews Burwell as director of the Office of Management and Budget on Monday, according to published reports. Burwell will be nominated at a White House ceremony during the morning.

Obama announced his intent to appointment Burwell several months ago, but the nomination on Monday makes it official and paves the way for Senate confirmation hearings to begin.

March 4, 2013

True Drinks launches kids' Aquaball healthy beverages

True Drinks, a healthy beverage provider, has launched a new marketing campaign behind its Aquaball healthy kids' drinks in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" healthy food and exercise campaign to battle childhood obesity.

IRVINE, Calif. — True Drinks, Inc., a healthy beverage provider, has launched a new marketing campaign behind its healthy kids' drinks in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" healthy food and exercise campaign to battle childhood obesity.

March 1, 2013

Walmart, Michelle Obama celebrate progress on push for healthier, more affordable foods

First Lady Michelle Obama paid a special visit to a local Walmart Neighborhood Market store to praise the efforts of the retail giant on its initiatives to put healthier, more affordable items on its shelves and thus, into the shopping carts of its millions of customers.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — First Lady Michelle Obama paid a special visit to a local Walmart Neighborhood Market store on Thursday to praise the efforts of the retail giant on its initiatives to put healthier, more affordable items on its shelves and thus, into the shopping carts of its millions of customers.

Three years ago, the First Lady created the "Let’s Move" healthy food initiative and the following year Walmart unveiled five broad commitments that aligned with her vision for ending childhood obesity within a generation.

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

A-B-Cs of makeup

As anticipated, the BB cream phenomenon is beginning to give way to a new player in the world of alphabet creams. Enter CC creams, or "color control" creams.

NEW YORK — As anticipated, the BB cream phenomenon is beginning to give way to a new player in the world of alphabet creams. Enter CC creams, or "color control" creams.

Hard Candy, whose products are sold exclusively at Walmart, is launching in February its CC Crème. The multifunctional CC Crème will be available in four shades and priced at $8 each. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble began shipping in December its new Olay Total Effect CC cream that promises to fight the seven signs of aging and covers skin imperfections.

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

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

AP: Oklahoma legislator files bill requiring PBMs to get a state license from state pharmacy board

Legislation that would require pharmacy benefit managers to seek licensure from the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy if they were to distribute medicines to Oklahoma residents was introduced on Tuesday, according to an AP report.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Legislation that would require pharmacy benefit managers to seek licensure from the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy if they were to distribute medicines to Oklahoma residents was introduced on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press report.

February 13, 2013

Shopkick, citing Nielsen data, stakes claim as leading shopping app

Shopkick, a shopping app, on Wednesday announced that Nielsen ranked Shopkick No. 34 out of approximately 1 million apps in December 2012.

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Shopkick, a shopping app, on Wednesday announced that Nielsen ranked Shopkick No. 34 out of approximately 1 million apps in December 2012. While still trailing giants like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter overall, Shopkick dominated the shopping category during the holiday season, with more frequent and prolonged usage than all physical retailers' own apps including Starbucks, Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger and Safeway, the app developer noted.

January 31, 2013

All American Pet Co. ships nutrition bars for dogs to Walmart

The All American Pet Company said its new line of nutrition bars for dogs is on its way to Walmart.

LOS ANGELES — The All American Pet Co. said its new line of nutrition bars for dogs is on its way to Walmart.

The company said Thursday that its three SKUs of NutraBars were on their way to "the world's largest retailer" for its first purchase order, though it didn't mention Walmart by name.

"We can get the retailer, but we can't write the retailer's purchase order," AAPT CEO Barry Schwartz said. "We created the bar and have the capabilities to meet the demand."

January 31, 2013

NCPDP releases updated acetaminophen white paper

A standards-development organization for the pharmacy services industry has updated a white paper on protecting consumers and patients from accidental overdoses of the painkiller acetaminophen.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A standards-development organization for the pharmacy services industry has updated a white paper on protecting consumers and patients from accidental overdoses of the painkiller acetaminophen.

The NCPDP announced the updated white paper, "NCPDP Recommendations for Improved Prescription Container Labels for Medicines Containing Acetaminophen Version 1.1."

January 28, 2013

Changing of the guard at 99¢ Only Stores as acquirer Ares Management fills top exec spots

99¢ Only Stores last week announced that Richard Anicetti has assumed the role of interim CEO.

CITY OF COMMERCE, Calif. — 99¢ Only Stores last week announced that Richard Anicetti has assumed the role of interim CEO. In addition, Michael Fung will join the company as interim chief administrative officer overseeing finance, information technology, real estate and various administrative functions of the company.

In connection with the foregoing changes, the original family management team Eric Schiffer, Jeff Gold and Howard Gold are no longer employed by the company.

January 28, 2013

Date night deal

Those thirty-something parents picking up a cold remedy for their kids may have happened by this display at Walmart in Palmyra, Pa. Just in time for Valentine's Day, J&J's KY personal lubricant brand has pieced together a "date night" deal that includes dinner and "an unforgettable evening" for Mom and Dad on the one day of the year it's not all about junior.

PALMYRA, Pa. — Those thirty-something parents picking up a cold remedy for their kids may have happened by this display at Walmart in Palmyra, Pa. Just in time for Valentine's Day, J&J's KY personal lubricant brand has pieced together a "date night" deal that includes dinner and "an unforgettable evening" for Mom and Dad on the one day of the year it's not all about junior.

January 25, 2013

Retailers stand to benefit from Made-in-America wave

Walmart recently announced that it would source $50 billion of the products sold in its stores in the United States over the next 10 years, according to a report in USA Today.

"Be American; buy American" has long been a slogan that makes buying U.S.-made goods sound nothing less than patriotic because it helps create American jobs, much like CVS' initiatives to create jobs for veterans, and the recent Made-in-USA fervor around the country has more than demonstrated that. But there are practical reasons for sourcing domestically as well, making it high time for retailers to start looking into putting more products with the "Made in USA" label on their shelves.

Walmart recently announced that it would source $50 billion of the products sold in its stores in the United States over the next 10 years, according to a report in USA Today.