MMR: Mass Market Retailers - The Global Newspaper for Supermarket, Drug, Discount Chains

NCPA, NACDS address DIR pharmacy reform failure

Organizations issue statements condemning the outcome

Walmart’s strong Q1 same-store sales growth

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart on Thursday reported first quarter net income of $3.84 billion as revenue rose 1% to $123.9 billion. U.S. same-store sales increased 3.4% in the 13 weeks ended April 30. That was the best performance by that metric in nine years, the

Fred’s to close an additional 104 stores

MEMPHIS — Fred’s Inc. announced Thursday it is closing 104 underperforming stores as part of an “ongoing effort to rationalize its store footprint.” The new round of closings comes five weeks after the Memphis-based company started “going out of business” liquidation sales at 159 stores and

CVS launches ‘Tested to Be Trusted’ program

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy on Wednesday announced the launch of Tested to Be Trusted, a program requiring third-party testing of all vitamins and supplements sold in-store and online to confirm the accuracy of the dietary ingredients listed on the supplement facts panel and to

NRF calls latest tariffs a big gamble

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation has warned that the Trump administration’s imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods puts the U.S. economy and American jobs at risk. “We support the administration’s efforts to deliver a meaningful trade agreement that levels the playing field for

Walmart adding free next-day delivery

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart will begin offering free next-day delivery in select markets this week, with more markets to be added later this year. The move will raise the stakes in its battle with online retailer Amazon.com, which said earlier this month that next-day shipping

RETAIL NEWS

Walmart names new VP for O-T-Cs

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has transitioned two merchandising executives to new roles. Annie Walker has been named the new vice president of merchandising operations, apparel, for Walmart U.S. She will report to Kevin Pate. Julie Barber will take over as the new vice president and divisional

Retailer of the Year award winners honored

NEW YORK — Mass Market Retailers presented its 2018 Retailer of the Year awards Wednesday night in New York City. The event drew retailer and supplier executives from across the food, drug and mass channels. Target Corp. was honored as MMR‘s 2018 Retailer of the

IRI offers food for thought on CPG innovation

CHICAGO — IRI, a global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and media companies, announced Wednesday the release of its 2018 New Product Pacesetters, its 23rd annual report, highlighting the most successful new product launches across food and beverage, non-food and convenience store sectors. Smaller companies

Rite Aid recognizes six Pharmacy Champions

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Six members of Rite Aid’s pharmacy team have been selected for recognition through the company’s annual Pharmacy Champions program. Those recognized were selected by a panel of judges from more than 15,000 customer-submitted entries in the annual program, which was conducted

Fred’s front-store sales slide in Q4

MEMPHIS — Fred’s Inc. said a significant decline in sales in the front store contributed to a 17.2% slide in net sales to $307.1 million in its fourth quarter. Comparable-store sales declined 9.7% from the year earlier. “In our view, the primary contributors of the

SUPPLIER NEWS

Beiersdorf to acquire iconic Coppertone brand from Bayer

HAMBURG, Germany — Beiersdorf said Monday it has entered into a definitive agreement to buy the Coppertone business from Bayer for a purchase price of $550 million. Coppertone generated sales of $213 million in 2018. Through the acquisition of Coppertone, Beiersdorf is entering a major

Dr. Canuso’s Skincare for Feet partners with QVC

MOORESTOWN, N.J. — Dr. Canuso and her Skincare for Feet line recently announced her entire product line is now available on QVC. The foot care company hosted a launch party April 11th to debut the new partnership. “Americans love and trust QVC, and we are

Edgewell Personal Care combines with Harry’s

SHELTON, Conn. — Edgewell Personal Care Co. and Harry’s Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement in which Edgewell will combine with Harry’s in a cash and stock transaction that values Harry’s at $1.37 billion. According to the companies, the combination of Edgewell and Harry’s

Gillette debuts Heated Razor

BOSTON — Gillette has released its first-to-market Heated Razor by GilletteLabs. This high-tech device delivers a sustained heat sensation via an innovative warming bar and provides the sensation of a hot towel with every stroke. The Heated Razor is the first innovation to come from the new

Mars Wrigley launches 2019 Incubator program

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J.— Mars Wrigley Confectionery U.S. has launched its 2019 Innovative Merchandising Incubator, a national program to provide retailers with the opportunity to receive merchandising solutions and drive sales. One to two retailers will be chosen to embark on a relationship with Mars Wrigley Confectionery to