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
BOISE, Idaho — Vivek Sankaran, president of Frito-Lay North America, has been hired by Albertsons Cos. as the grocery chain’s new president and chief executive officer. The 55-year-old Sankaran is replacing Jim Donald, who took the helm in September, succeeding longtime CEO Bob Miller, who stayed on as chairman of the board of directors and
CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. is promoting several top executives as the retailer continues to remake its business through its Restock Kroger plan. “We are making progress on redefining the customer experience, and our high-performing leaders are determined to maintain that momentum in year two of Restock Kroger and beyond,” Mike Donnelly, the company’s executive vice
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Building on its commitment to save customers time and money, Walmart in a number of states recently unveiled store opening and remodeling plans, including innovative features that will support e-commerce growth. Walmart expects to spend an estimated $145 million this year in California through the opening and remodeling of 21 stores, as
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko Stores Operating Co. began liquidating its assets last month after it was unable to find a buyer for its struggling retail business. The retailer, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January, was still seeking to auction off its optical business as this article went to press. “This is
MEMPHIS — Fred’s Inc. announced earlier this month that it will begin to close underperforming and unprofitable stores. The company 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, as