WSL Future of Health Event

2024

FMI: health and wellness support becoming a pillar for grocers

ARLINGTON, Va. — Building on burgeoning consumer interest in the link between health and nutrition, the grocery industry aims to raise its profile as a destination for a broad and expanding range of products and services that support customers’ well-being. Executives at FMI – The Food Industry Association recently examined the trend during a briefing

WE highlights two inspiring career path journeys

NEW YORK — With a nod to this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Inspire Inclusion, the latest edition of Conversations with WE focused on the journeys of two female industry leaders. Formed seven years ago, WE is an organization comprised of female executive leaders representing retailers, suppliers and business partners. Tina Jackse, chief commercial officer

Q2 gains reported by Costco

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. posted net sales growth of 5.7% for its second quarter as more members visited its warehouse clubs and spent more per trip. Traffic was up 4.3% in the United States and 5.3% companywide, Costco reported on March 7. Net income in the period through February 18 was $1.74 billion,

Kroger’s earnings top expectations

CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. reported flat sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 3, but profits beat expectations. The retailer reported a $736 million profit on sales of $37.1 billion for the three-month period. Kroger noted that identical sales (excluding fuel) decreased 0.8% in the quarter, while underlying identical sales without fuel

Costco’s aura has never been brighter

Costco, to no great surprise, is much in the news lately — and, no great surprise, the news is overwhelmingly positive. To begin at the beginning, Craig Jelenik, the retailer’s longtime (and very effective) chief executive officer, has retired, ending an era of unprecedented retail success. Simultaneously, Richard Galanti, the company’s equally talented chief financial

Influential Women: Claudine Adamo, Costco

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — As executive vice president of merchandising at Costco Wholesale Corp., Claudine Adamo leads the team that finds and often helps develop the products that bring members back to the company’s warehouse clubs again and again, often spending more than they planned because of the extraordinary values and treasure-hunt finds that are on

Influential Women: Monica Arnaudo, Ulta

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Beauty continues to produce strong sales and profits by giving customers what they want. That’s exactly Monica Arnaudo’s superpower as the chief merchandising officer for the nation’s largest beauty retailer. “We’re proud to be a place where beauty lovers can discover the brands and products that unlock limitless possibilities to express

Influential Women: Silvia Azrai Kawas, Walmart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — As executive vice president of consumables for Walmart U.S., Silvia Azrai Kawas leads the omni­merchandising strategy and assortment for the company’s Consumables business, including baby, beauty, health and wellness, household essentials, personal care, and pets businesses. Under Silvia’s leadership, the team has delivered growth, brought hundreds of new innovative items and brands