Content about retail

March 26, 2013

Meijer launches Simply Give donation campaign

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

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.

March 26, 2013

Revamped Supervalu to cut 1,100 positions at district level and above

Supervalu on Tuesday announced plans to reduce its national workforce by an estimated 1,100 positions.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Tuesday announced plans to reduce its national workforce by an estimated 1,100 positions. The reductions include both current positions and open jobs that will not be filled.

March 26, 2013

Rite Aid supports 'Epic'-themed fundraising campaign

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

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.

March 25, 2013

Mineral Fusion skin care now available at Ulta Beauty locations

Mineral Fusion, a natural cosmetics brand, has entered a strategic retail partnership with Ulta Beauty and in early March introduced its collection of skin care to all 550 Ulta Beauty stores and Ulta.com.

NEW YORK — Mineral Fusion, a natural cosmetics brand, has entered a strategic retail partnership with Ulta Beauty and in early March introduced its collection of skin care to all 550 Ulta Beauty stores and Ulta.com.

Through its portfolio of personal care items, Mineral Fusion delivers beauty essentials to women of all skin types. All of the products within the Mineral Fusion portfolio are eco-friendly and free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances, 100% vegetarian, and most are 100% vegan, the company stated.

March 22, 2013

Change the channel: More consumers opt for mobile, online shopping

Google is dogfooding a service called Google Shopping Express, which would offer same-day delivery from brick-and-mortar stores in the San Francisco Bay Area to the Internet giant's employees. Target and several other retailers have been named as possible partners.

With Google now looking to compete with Amazon — not to mention Target's growing attention to online and mobile commerce — a growing body of consumer studies and industry trends shows that the most important emerging consumer demographic isn't men, women, old people or young people — but multichannel consumers.

Google is offering a service called Google Shopping Express, which would offer same-day delivery from brick-and-mortar stores in the San Francisco Bay Area to the Internet giant's employees. Target and several other retailers have been named as possible partners.

March 22, 2013

Nearly half of retail app 'non-users' intend to use in future

Among non-users of retail apps, 46% indicated they would be likely to download an app in the future, according to a recent online survey of more than 600 AccentHealth viewers. Similar to current reasons for usage, discounts and coupon access are likely to drive future app usage for as many as 77% of non-users.

To see more Patient Views, click here.

March 22, 2013

New Supervalu names several executives to key leadership positions

Supervalu on Friday named several executives to the company's leadership team one day following the closing of its divestiture of five retail banners to AB Acquisition.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Friday named several executives to the company's leadership team one day following the closing of its divestiture of five retail banners to AB Acquisition.

March 22, 2013

Walgreens Empire State Building store opens

Walgreens opened its latest New York flagship store in the Empire State Building on Saturday morning, the retail pharmacy chain said.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is opening its latest New York flagship store in the Empire State Building, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

The store, scheduled to open Saturday at 10 a.m., will include an enhanced pharmacy designed to encourage greater interaction between pharmacists and patients, a health guide to help customers find health-and-wellness products and healthcare services ranging from immunizations to health tests. An "Ask Your Pharmacist" desk, private consultation rooms and Express Rx kiosks are included as well.

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

New Chapter recalls 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement

New Chapter voluntarily recalled a limited number of packages of its 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement because it may contain an undeclared allergen - soy.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — New Chapter on Wednesday voluntarily recalled a limited number of packages of its 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement because it may contain an undeclared allergen - soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product, the company stated.

The one lot of affected New Chapter Probiotic Elderberry was distributed nationwide. It reached consumers through retail stores, mail order and direct delivery.

March 21, 2013

Starbucks expands loyalty program to grocery purchases

Starbucks today at the company's annual meeting of shareholders unveiled plans to expand its My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program to reward customers who purchase Starbucks-brand products in their local grocery stores.

SEATTLE — Starbucks today at the company's annual meeting of shareholders unveiled plans to expand its My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program to reward customers who purchase Starbucks-brand products in their local grocery stores.

March 21, 2013

Supervalu completes deal with AB Acquisition

Supervalu announced the completion of the sale of its Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market stores and related Osco and Sav-on in-store pharmacies to AB Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of a Cerberus Capital Management-led investor consortium, in a stock deal valued at $3.3 billion, including $100 million in cash and $3.2 billion in debt assumption.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday announced the completion of the sale of its Albertsons, Acme, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star Market stores and related Osco and Sav-on in-store pharmacies to AB Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of a Cerberus Capital Management-led investor consortium, in a stock deal valued at $3.3 billion, including $100 million in cash and $3.2 billion in debt assumption.

March 21, 2013

Walgreens debuts flagship location in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown

On Thursday morning, Walgreens opened the doors to its latest flagship location in the nation's capital, bringing to District of Columbia residents and commuters the kind of retail pharmacy theater already familiar with citizens of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

WASHINGTON — On Thursday morning, Walgreens opened the doors to its latest flagship location in the nation's capital, bringing to District of Columbia residents and commuters the kind of retail pharmacy theater already familiar with citizens of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

March 20, 2013

Half of all smart-device users have retail app

As retailers strengthen mobile strategies, it is not surprising to find that half of surveyed consumers (49%) own a retailer app, according to a recent online survey of more than 600 AccentHealth viewers. Of those, as many as 77% report having an app for a pharmacy or mass merchandiser with a pharmacy.

To see more Patient Views, click here.

March 20, 2013

NRF: Easter spending doesn't jump, on par with 2012

According to a new spending survey from the National Retail Federation, consumer spending for Easter 2013 will be flat when compared to the holiday last year.

WASHINGTON — According to a new spending survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumer spending for Easter 2013 will be flat when compared to the holiday last year.

The NRF 2013 Easter Spending Survey, conducted by BIGinsight, was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to Easter. The poll of 5,050 consumers was conducted from March 5 to 11, 2013.

March 20, 2013

Retailers say 'hello' to new oral care line

Say "hello" to Hello, a new line of oral care products hitting retail shelves this month.

MONTCLAIR, N.J. — Say "hello" to Hello, a new line of oral care products hitting retail shelves this month.

The new Hello line is comprised of 99% natural toothpaste, mouthwash and breath sprays. Hello debuts in distinctive designs created by BMW Group DesignworksUSA, a subsidiary of BMW Group, and offers a departure from the traditional bottles and tubes.

March 20, 2013

Rite Aid raises record-breaking amount for Children's Miracle Network

Rite Aid raised $5.9 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in 2012, the retail pharmacy chain said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid raised $5.9 million for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in 2012, the retail pharmacy chain said.

The company said the amount marked a record and was 41% higher than the year before. Rite Aid has supported the organization for 18 years, and the money funds critical care, research and equipment at 95 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in communities served by Rite Aid.

March 19, 2013

Brewers Association: Craft brewing sees barrel full of growth

Craft brewers saw a 15% rise in volume and a 17% increase in dollar growth, the Brewers Association said today as they released preliminary 2012 data on U.S. craft brewing growth ahead of the Craft Brewers Conference to be held in Washington, D.C., March 26 to 29.

BOULDER, Colo. — Craft brewers saw a 15% rise in volume and a 17% increase in dollar growth, the Brewers Association said today as they released preliminary 2012 data on U.S. craft brewing growth ahead of the Craft Brewers Conference to be held in Washington, D.C., March 26 to 29. The trade association representing small and independent American brewers estimated these findings represented a total barrel increase of almost 1.8 million.

March 19, 2013

Sam's Club and Amazon rank top among customers in terms of experience

Based on a study of 10,000 U.S. consumers, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector of the "2013 Temkin Experience Ratings," the Temkin Group announced Tuesday.

WABAN, Mass. — Based on a study of 10,000 U.S. consumers, Sam's Club and Amazon earned the top spots in the retail sector of the "2013 Temkin Experience Ratings," the Temkin Group announced Tuesday.

Six additional retailers were in the top 20 overall, including Costco, which was tied for the No. 13 spot with Nordstrom. Four retailers tied for the No. 20 spot, including BJs Wholesale, Dollar Tree, PetSmart and Walgreens. Thirty-six out of the 44 retailers in the study earned a "good" or "excellent" rating.

March 19, 2013

WAG Q2 results headed in right direction as chain prepares three new flagship openings in DC, NY and Boston

Even as Walgreens expands its operation globally through strategic partnerships with both Alliance Boots and now AmerisourceBergen, the pharmacy operator continues to create some retail pop in the U.S. market.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Even as Walgreens expands its operation globally through strategic partnerships with both Alliance Boots and now AmerisourceBergen, the pharmacy operator continues to create some retail pop in the U.S. market. For example, Walgreens has set the stage for the opening of three more flagship stores.

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 18, 2013

Rite Aid expands Easter, spring product selections

Rite Aid is stocking Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is stocking Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

The 4,623-store chain said items at its stores included chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, SweeTarts, Ducks & Bunnies, Cadbury Eggs and other candy brands, as well as baskets and other accessories.

In addition, the company is selling such gardening supplies as planters, figurines, bird feeders, wind chimes and outdoor fountains and lighting, including solar-powered devices.

March 15, 2013

Cardium Therapeutics introduces new vitamin format: popping pellet candy

Cardium Therapeutics announced its To Go Brands operating unit has expanded its VitaRocks kids' vitamins product line and that retail distribution has been expanded into select Target stores.

SAN DIEGO — Cardium Therapeutics earlier this week announced its To Go Brands operating unit has expanded its VitaRocks kids' vitamins product line and that retail distribution has been expanded into select Target stores.

The VitaRocks products are inspired by a popping pellet candy that is popular with kids and represents a next-generation, easy-use delivery platform for multivitamins and nutrients, dietary supplements, and potentially over-the-counter medicines for children as well as adults, Cardium Therapeutics suggested.

March 15, 2013

Safeway EVP retail operations Bruce Everette retires

Safeway announced the retirement of Bruce Everette, EVP retail operations. Kelly Griffith, current president of merchandising, has been chosen to succeed Everette.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced the retirement of Bruce Everette, EVP retail operations. Kelly Griffith, current president of merchandising, has been chosen to succeed Everette.

"We are deeply grateful to Bruce for his significant and lasting contribution to our company's success," stated Steve Burd, chairman and CEO. "He is the consummate operating executive whose results and people-oriented approach to the business leave an unmistakable imprint on who we are as a company."

March 15, 2013

Target buys Cooking.com, CHEFS Catalog

Target has purchased two online retailers of cooking equipment in a move designed to expand its cooking and kitchenware business, said the mass merchandise retailer, which has lately made major investments in multichannel retailing.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. has purchased two online retailers of cooking equipment in a move designed to expand its cooking and kitchenware business, said the mass merchandise retailer, which has lately made major investments in multichannel retailing.

Target announced the purchase of Cooking.com and CHEFS Catalog, both of which will continue to operate under their current names as a single, wholly owned subsidiary of Target. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.