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

Publix reports 14.8% sales gain in Q4

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Monday reported strong sales gains for the third quarter and fiscal year ended December 26. Publix’s sales for the fourth quarter were $11.2 billion, a 14.8% increase from the $9.8 billion recorded in 2019. Comparable store sales for the three-month

Walmart drops $35 minimum for Express delivery

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is removing the $35 minimum order requirement for its Express delivery service, which allows consumers to get food, consumables and some general merchandise items delivered to their homes in under two hours. “Many customers use Express delivery for when they’re in

Walmart launches COVID-19 vaccine drive

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is hosting a series of community events across the country to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, as part of an effort to drive higher vaccination rates in vulnerable communities. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing Walmart with

Vitamins and supplements propel self-care

CHICAGO — The COVID-19 pandemic has created a flourishing demand for self-care products as consumers take their health care into their own hands. The latest IRI research, “Vitamins, Minerals, Herbal Supplements Propel Self-Care,” examines consumers’ desire for a healthy, vibrant lifestyle as they await their COVID-19

Meijer steps up supplier diversity outreach

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer will host a supplier diversity event in May, allowing diverse-owned businesses nationwide the opportunity to get their products in front of the retailer’s merchants. After meeting with nearly 250 diverse suppliers at its first Supplier Diversity Summit in November, the

RETAIL NEWS

Catalina details pandemic’s impact on product sales

PETERSBURG, Fla.— Twelve months after shopper intelligence leader Catalina began closely tracking the impact of escalating coronoavirus concerns on shopping and buying behavior at grocery and drug stores across the country, several categories have experienced strong sales spikes, while others continue to struggle. Also, in

Walgreens launches HIV prevention initiative

DEERFIELD, Ill. — While rates of HIV in the U.S. have decreased, the epidemic is far from over. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have faced barriers to HIV testing, prevention and treatment. Recognizing that everyone can be part of the solution, Walgreens and its

GIANT works to support sustainable farming

CARLISLE, Pa. – GIANT Co. is partnering with Rodale Institute, widely recognized as a founder of the modern organic movement, to support the development of sustainable farming and food retailing practices. “Through education, research, and training, Rodale Institute is quite clearly leading the charge to

Target debuts enhanced Apple departments

MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. is partnering with Apple to offer an expanded assortment of the brand’s products and services, the retailer said Thursday. The new shopping experience, similar to departments Target has created with Disney, Ulta Beauty and Levi Strauss & Co., is part of

NRF expects 2021 retail sales to top $4.33 trillion

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation said Wednesday that it expects U.S. retail sales to grow between 6.5% and 8.2% this year, topping $4.33 trillion, as more Americans get vaccinated and the economy reopens. “Despite the continuing health and economic challenges COVID-19 presents, we are

SUPPLIER NEWS

Dark & Lovely introduces the Hair Hydrator

NEW YORK — Dark & Lovely has introduced the Hair Hydrator, a daily moisturizing hair and scalp mist infused with rice water, rice bran oil and rice protein. “The past year has reinforced the idea that hair care is self-care. Given protective styles continue to be

Afro Sheen launches two initiatives

ATLANTA — A pioneer of the Black hair care community, Afro Sheen said it is continuing its commitment to Black excellence in all forms with two new initiatives – #IDoWhatIDo campaign and a pitch competition for entrepreneurs. The brand said its #IDoWhatIDo digital campaign has been created

RB to acquire Biofreeze from Performance Health

PARSIPPANY, N.J.— Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Biofreeze brand from Performance Health, a company owned by Madison Dearborn Partners. “This is a monumental day for the employees at Performance Health and more specifically, Biofreeze and TheraPearl. Our

Market Performance Group bolsters specialty teams

PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J. — Market Performance Group recently announced that Linda Voracek and Courtney O’Grady will be joining the company to lead specialty broker teams for beauty and value accounts, respectively. A multifaceted merchandising executive with robust retail beauty experience and a strong track

Edgewell names Karen Anderson director of DEI

SHELTON, Conn. — Edgewell Personal Care Co. has appointed Karen Anderson director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Reporting to chief human resources officer John Hill, Anderson will lead Edgewell’s global diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy. “Karen brings more than two decades of experience in