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COVID surge to reshape shopping plans

Deloitte: Shoppers creating new holiday traditions

Rite Aid updates COVID-19 testing program

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is updating its COVID-19 testing program through its partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Effective immediately, no-charge testing at Rite Aid’s existing testing sites will be expanded to individuals 13 years of age and

Dollar Tree rolling out multi-price concept

CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Dollar Tree Inc. plans to expand its multi-price Dollar Tree Plus! initiative into about 500 stores beginning in the spring of 2021, the company said Tuesday. The announcement came as the retailer reported increased sales and profits for its fiscal third quarter

Amazon working with government to fight counterfeits

WASHINGTON — Amazon will work with the U.S. government’s National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) on an effort to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the U.S. and help protect American consumers, the company said on Tuesday. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and

Loblaw rolls out digital health app

BRAMPTON, Ontario – Loblaw Cos. is bringing its health and wellness app, which debuted in Atlantic Canada last month, to the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Loblaw said Monday that it plans to roll out the app nationally in the coming months while

Walmart offers light show powered by drones

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has sought to be an entertainment option as well as a shopping venue during the pandemic, hosting drive-in movies and other events at its stores. The retailer is keeping that effort moving next month with a traveling holiday light show that

RETAIL NEWS

GIANT adds ‘Cyber Days’ sales event

CARLISLE, Pa. – GIANT Co. is offering special deals for GIANT Direct and MARTIN’S Direct online grocery customers from November 30 through December 3, the company said Monday. GIANT Direct Cyber Days will feature online savings on more than 115 items from national brand manufacturers,

NRF: holiday sales to grow 3.6% to 5.2%

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation forecast Monday that holiday sales during November and December will increase between 3.6% and 5.2% compared to 2019, totaling between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. The numbers, which exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, compare with a 4%t

Hy-Vee reinstates reserved hour for at-risk shoppers

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee is reinstating its reserved shopping hour for customers considered “high risk” for COVID-19, the company said Monday. The move is in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the retailer’s eight-state operating region. The reserved hour will

Neela Montgomery tapped to head CVS Pharmacy

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Neela Montgomery has been named executive vice president of CVS Health and president of the company’s CVS Pharmacy retail unit, with responsibility for overseeing the company’s 10,000 U.S. pharmacies, the company said Monday. Her appointment is effective November 30. “Neela is a

Walmart Health concept makes Chicago debut

CHICAGO — Two Walmart Supercenters here that were damaged during civil unrest in May have reopened with new health centers attached. “These last few months have been especially difficult for this great city, and it has done a remarkable job facing its challenges head on,”

SUPPLIER NEWS

CHPA welcomes new board members

WASHINGTON – The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) announced the election of two new members to the CHPA Board of Directors during the association’s virtual November meeting. The newly elected CHPA board members are: Tim Grannan, president, Blistex Inc. Don Kerrigan, president, North America, The

Mars agrees to purchase Kind snack bars

CHICAGO— Mars said on Tuesday that it would acquire Kind North America, the company that makes healthy granola and energy bars. The acquisition of Kind North America will add to Mars’ existing partnership with Kind International that operates across 35 countries. Kind will operate as

Eos Products receive Leaping Bunny certification

NEW YORK — Eos Products, the beauty brand known for its lip balms, said that its portfolio of products are now Leaping Bunny Certified by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), underscoring its commitment that no animal testing occur at any stage of

Hallmark to give away cards to thank school staff

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hallmark Cards Inc. said it is giving away one million cards to help parents and students show their appreciation and support for the people – including teachers, school staff, bus drivers, coaches and school counselors – who have made education possible

Snickers Peanut Brownie to rollout in December

NEWARK, N.J. — Mars Inc.’s Snickers brand is launching Snickers Peanut Brownie nationwide starting in December and it is also available now for pre-order on Walmart.com. Snickers Peanut Brownie features individual squares of a layer of caramel and a chewy peanut-brownie filling, coated in the