HEALTH

Don't believe the hype, retail is still a growth sector IHL Group reports
NASHVILLE – Retailers are opening 4,080 more stores in 2017 than they are closing and plan to open over 5,500 more in 2018, according to a new research report from IHL Group.
SkinSmart Antimicrobial debuts with eczema and wound care offerings
MINNEAPOLIS — SkinSmart Antimicrobial is a new skincare brand launching over-the-counter solutions for eczema and wound care. SkinSmart is powered by hypochlorous, an ingredient that has been used in specialty wound care for years to help heal chronic skin conditions, wounds and burns. Previously this formula was only available with a prescription, the company reported.

Daymon: Wearables of the future may be ideal shopper touchpoints for retailers

STAMFORD, Conn. — Could fitness trackers and apps connect retailers to consumers in a whole new way? Daymon, a team of private label merchandising and marketing consultants, seem to think so.

The Daymon team tested a few products to find out, as evidenced by the infographic below, including the Walgreens Striiv activity tracker and the Higi app.
P&G provides fragrance ingredient sourcing info across portfolio to consumers

CINCINNATI — The Procter & Gamble Company announced Wednesday it will share online all fragrance ingredients down to 0.01% for its entire product portfolio in the U.S. and Canada by the end of 2019, which includes more than 2,000 fragranced products. P&G is the first company to commit to this level of fragrance ingredient detail across such a broad product portfolio, the company noted.
Insole manufacturer MegaComfort celebrating Labor Day with annual Hardest Worker Contest

TUSTIN, Calif. – This Labor Day, MegaComfort, a provider of ergonomically designed anti-fatigue insoles and orthotics, will celebrate the great American work ethic with its second annual Hardest Worker Contest & Sweepstakes. MegaComfort was humbled by the overwhelming number of nominations received last year, and the stories candidly shared of sacrifice, dedication, and working through tough times; heroes from across the country.
CVS Pharmacy, GSK Consumer Healthcare partner on Stand Up To Cancer drive
SPAR Group appoints new president and CEO

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — SPAR Group, a supplier of retail merchandising, business technology and other marketing services in 10 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Christiaan Olivier as president and CEO, and a member of its board of directors, effective Sept. 5, 2017. As CEO, Olivier will be responsible for the company’s global strategy and operations.
Walmart.ca expands online marketplace by 27 vendors

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Walmart today announced the expansion of its global online marketplace to Walmart Canada's flagship online store, Walmart.ca. Through this program, 27 trusted, third-party sellers, curated by Walmart Canada now offer their products on Walmart.ca in categories ranging from home, baby, apparel, toys and sporting goods.

Walmart.ca attracts approximately 8 million unique visits per month.
PharmaJet announces availability of quadrivalent influenza vaccine
Amazon opens second fulfillment center in Oregon's capital

SEATTLE — Amazon.com on Monday announced plans to open its second Oregon fulfillment center in Salem, Ore. The company recently announced other commitments to Oregon, including an upcoming fulfillment center in Troutdale. Amazon currently operates a sortation center in Hillsboro and Prime Now hub in Portland.