BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has introduced free next-day deliveries to shoppers in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Southern California, and the retailer said the service would reach approximately 75% of the U.S. population this year, including 40 of the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas. Walmart’s May 14 announcement came three weeks after Amazon said it intends
WASHINGTON — Pharmacy organizations have decried the government’s refusal to reform direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees in its new drug pricing rule. “We are disappointed and frustrated that this final rule fails to finalize pharmacy DIR reform as proposed, to the detriment of seniors and community pharmacies,” said a statement from the National Association
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Pharmacy recently launched 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 list on the supplement facts panel and to confirm that products are free from certain additives and ingredients. 1,400 vitamins and supplements
MEMPHIS — Fred’s will begin its latest round of shuttering underperforming and unprofitable stores, the company announced. The company also has retained PJ Solomon to advise it in connection with a review of strategic alternatives to maximize value for all shareholders. The review will include a thorough evaluation of the company’s current operating plan. The
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart has transitioned two merchandising executives to new roles: Annie Walker was named the new vice president of merchandising operations for apparel at Walmart U.S., reporting to Kevin Pate, and Julie Barber was appointed the new vice president and divisional merchandise manager of O-T-C merchandising, reporting to Latriece Watkins. The transition, the
COMMERCE, Calif. — Smart & Final Stores has given the OK to be acquired by Apollo Global Management for approximately $1.1 billion, including debt. This will be the second time that Apollo will own Smart & Final, which operates 257 Smart & Final and Smart & Final Extra stores, as well as 67 Smart Foodservice
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee last month reopened the 10 pharmacies it acquired in February from Weber & Judd, marking the end of that company’s 157-year history of dispensing drugs to customers in and around Rochester, Minn. Nine of the locations were rechristened Hy-Vee HealthMarket Rx; the 10th is now called Hy-Vee Pharmacy. “Combining
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Chris Lane took the gavel as the newly elected chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores last month with a call to collective action on the challenges facing pharmacists. “Whether you are a chain or associate member, your active engagement in supporting and promoting our Access Agenda and legislative
Already intense, the competition among mass market retailers for the allegiance of omnichannel shoppers is becoming more fierce. Not a week goes by without an announcement from a major retailer about how it intends to improve the customer experience. Although the idea that brick-and-mortar stores are passe and will slowly but surely whither away has
The German hard discount grocery retailer Lidl stumbled in its much anticipated U.S. debut two years ago. The retailer has proven a strong competitor throughout Europe, with a business model based on small stores, a no-frills shopping experience and low low prices, and Lidl had big plans for the U.S. market. After opening nine stores