NEW YORK — When he was asked almost a year ago what pandemic-related changes in consumer behavior would likely stick around once things returned to normal, Walmart U.S. president and CEO John Furner said it was too soon to tell. So when National Retail Federation president and CEO Matthew Shay interviewed Furner on Monday, during
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on May 13 that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear face masks in most indoor settings, there has been a strong, subsequent sales uptick for over-the-counter (O-T-C) medicines designed to treat such maladies as colds,
NEW YORK — The Private Label Manufacturers Association said Monday that its Board of Directors has confirmed the appointment of Peggy Davies as PLMA President. Davis, who has been leading the organization as acting president since June 2020. Davis’ confirmation was effective on June 11, and she will serve a three-year term, according to PLMA.
SAN FRANCISCO — DoorDash and Albertsons Cos. are joining forces to offer on-demand grocery delivery from nearly 2,000 stores across the country, including those operating under the Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco and other banners. “We are committed to expanding our delivery experience in order to meet our customers’ needs whenever, wherever and however they want,” said
CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. has announced plans to host The Wellness Experience by Kroger and co-founder and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jewel. The third annual wellness festival will take place August 20-21, 2021 at The Banks in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The Wellness Experience by Kroger is one of the largest wellness and entertainment events in the Midwest region. The two-day festival, presented by Molson
WASHINGTON — Citing an accelerating economic recovery, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has raised its retail sales forecast for 2021. The nation’s largest retail trade organization now projects that retail sales will grow between 10.5% and 13.5%, up from its February forecast of 6.5% to 8% growth. “The economy and consumer spending have proven to
ARLINGTON, Va. — The pandemic has altered consumers’ relationship with food in ways that are likely to outlast the public health emergency, according to the latest U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report from FMI. FMI has tracked the grocery shopping habits of U.S. consumers for four decades through its annual U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends report. The
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Prescription drug savings have been added to the perks of Walmart+ membership. A new program called Walmart+ Rx for less provides “incredible value” on the prescriptions members rely on most, says Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president of health and wellness for Walmart U.S. “When you consider the frequency with which many
NEW YORK — The rate of vaccination against COVID-19 has been declining in the United States since early this spring, even as new, potentially deadlier variant strains of the disease emerge. In response, several major retail pharmacy operators are offering incentives to encourage people to take advantage of the availability of free vaccination. The decrease
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy has added more than 150 products under its portfolio of private label lines, including extensions of the recently launched Live Better by CVS Health brand; new Gold Emblem Fair Trade Certified coffee; and the debut items of Goodline Grooming Co., a men’s skin and grooming care line. Guided by current
NEW YORK — After the economic dislocation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, job growth and unemployment rates are key indicators of the nation’s progress toward recovery, and the mass market retail industry is doing its part to help the rebound. When 20 million jobs evaporated last spring as the economy shut down in response to
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Earlier this month Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) announced that it has finalized the sale of its Alliance Healthcare businesses to AmerisourceBergen. The $6.5 billion deal included $6.275 billion in cash (subject to a customary net cash and working capital adjustment) and 2 million shares of AmerisourceBergen common stock. WBA said it will