Inside This Issue - News

Legal battle begins

A judge has temporarily blocked CVS Caremark Corp. from hiring Hank Mullany, former president of the northern division of Walmart U.S.

November sales offer reason for optimism

Consumers were ready to spend in November and retail sales surged, boosting hopes for a strong holiday season.

High court to hear Walmart case

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by Walmart in a class-action sex discrimination case against the giant discounter.

Remembering a legendary retailer

Jack Shewmaker, the personification of ambiguity, a man of stunning contradiction and uncommon perplexity, was never as successful as he wanted to be — or as successful as he thought he should be.

Costco sees earnings jump 17%

Costco Wholesale Corp. posted a 17% increase in profit for the first quarter ended November 21, helped in part by a 10% increase in membership fee income, and a 7% increase in same-club sales worldwide.

Michel to exit Giant-Landover

Robin Michel, president of the Giant-Landover division of Ahold USA, will step down by the end of the year to pursue other opportunities, according to the company.

Duckwall chain to close 43 units

Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. will permanently close 43 of its 44 Duckwall stores and rebanner one to refocus investment on its 214 ALCO stores.