Inside This Issue - News

In Sandy’s aftermath

The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is expected to shift consumer priorities in the crucial holiday shopping season.

Chains step forward to provide aid

Retailers have once again proven to be among the first responders in times of natural disaster.
Walmart pledged to donate up to $1.5 million to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Feeding America to help with relief efforts.

Mass chains eke out monthly sales gains

October mass market retail sales were less than stellar, even though results did not, for the most part, reflect any major impact from Hurricane Sandy. Department stores, on the other hand, outperformed analysts’ expectations.

Rivals vie for Walmart’s lead

Amazon is among the companies challenging Walmart as the “power retailer” of the future, according to Kantar Retail’s 2012 PoweRanking report.

Supervalu’s Shaw’s set to cut jobs

Supervalu Inc.’s Shaw’s Supermarkets subsidiary announced earlier this month that it will trim nearly 700 workers from its store-level workforce.

Walgreens introduces Ology label

Walgreen Co. has unveiled Ology, a new line of baby and personal care products as well as household cleaners. The line was designed to be the first affordable, nationally accessible brand with formulations free of harmful chemicals.

Boston is eyed by Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Inc. has purchased six leases from Johnnie’s Foodmaster, a family-owned grocery chain based here. The transaction is expected to close November 30. Terms were not disclosed. Johnnie’s will shutter all six locations prior to the closing date.