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

A.T. Kearney: Consumers want to shop greener

But study finds little appetite for paying higher prices

Walgreens to implement new Tobacco 21 policy

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens said Tuesday it is implementing a new, chain-wide policy that will require customers to be at least 21 years old in order to purchase tobacco products in its stores. The policy will go into effect September 1, 2019, and is the

Store brands surge 40% in mass retail channel

NEW YORK — Store brands are proving to be a powerful weapon for mass merchandisers, club stores and dollar stores as they compete against both Amazon and other brick and mortar retailers the Private Label Manufacturers Association reported Monday. An analysis of the latest Nielsen data reveals

ShopRite recognized for “green” efforts

KEASBEY, N.J. – ShopRite was named the recipient of EarthShare New Jersey’s 2019 Environmental Leadership Award, just in time for Earth Day. EarthShare New Jersey, a 25-year-old organization that works with 400 environmental groups across the state and country, recently recognized ShopRite for its commitment to

Walgreens unveils Everyday Hero Squad

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The iconic Red Nose has returned to Walgreens for its fifth year in support of Red Nose Day, this time with help from some friends. The new Red Nose Day Everyday Heroes hit the shelves of Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide

NRF: March retail sales gain a good sign

WASHINGTON — Retail sales in March were up 1% seasonally adjusted from February and up 0.8% unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation, which said today that the numbers represent good news about the strength of the economy. “March’s numbers are very encouraging and

RETAIL NEWS

Smart & Final to be acquired in $1.1 billion deal

COMMERCE, Calif. — Smart & Final Stores Inc. has agreed to be acquired by Apollo Global Management LLC for about $1.1 billion, including debt. This will be the second time that Apollo will own Smart & Final, which operates 257 Smart & Final and Smart

François Coutu retires as Jean Coutu Group president

MONTREAL — François Coutu will retire as president of the Jean Coutu Group on May 31, parent company Metro Inc. announced Wednesday. He will be succeeded by Alain Champagne, a former president of McKesson Canada. François Coutu François Coutu had two stints as president and

Kroger launches autonomous delivery in Houston

HOUSTON — Kroger Co. on Wednesday began offering grocery delivery service with autonomous vehicles in Houston. The service, offered in partnership with Nuro, is being offered from the retailer’s South Post Oak store, and will be available from its Buffalo Speedway store later this spring. Houston

David Kimbell named president of Ulta

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Beauty Inc. has named David Kimbell to the additional role of company president. He continues to serve as chief merchandising and marketing officer. In this new role, Kimbell assumes additional responsibilities for corporate strategy, merchandise planning and operations, the company said.

Fred’s to begin closing unprofitable stores

MEMPHIS – Fred’s announced Thursday that it will begin to close underperforming and unprofitable stores. The company also has retained PJ Solomon to evaluate strategic alternatives to maximize value for all shareholders. The review will include a thorough evaluation of the company’s current operating plan,

SUPPLIER NEWS

Higi establishes cross-functional team

CHICAGO – The consumer health access and engagement platform higi said on Thursday that it had formed a cross-functional team dedicated to advancing the strategic goals of its partners and clients. The move comes on the heels last month’s announcement that Darren Singer is joining

Michele Buck announces new leaders to Hershey executive team

HERSHEY, Pa. — The Hershey Co. Thursday announced new executive leaders who will report to president and chief executive officer Michele Buck. Michele Buck “These appointments are testament to Hershey’s internal succession planning and its ability to attract deeply experienced talent and expertise from outside

Abacus adds two to senior management team

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Abacus Health Products has announced the hiring of two members to its senior management team — James Barkat as vice president of marketing and Mark Bolling as vice president of sales. Prior to joining the company, Barkat spent over ten years at Sanofi

Kellogg to sell Keebler Cookies, related businesses to Ferrero

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Kellogg Co. has reached an agreement to sell selected cookies, fruit and fruit-flavored snacks, pie crusts, and ice cream cone businesses to the Ferrero Group and its related companies. The cash transaction is valued at $1.3 billion (or €1.16 billion, at current

CBDMEDIC launches topical pain relief medications

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Abacus Health Products has announced the national launch of 10 over-the-counter pain relief products. CBDMEDIC’s innovative formula is built on 15 years of pharmaceutical research and development. CBDMEDIC products are available across the U.S., including select CVS locations, regional and independent pharmacies including