RETAIL NEWS

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — A new performance-based network from CVS Health will bring together its CVS Pharmacy banner, Walgreens and roughly 10,000 independent pharmacies. The 30,000-store network, announced Tuesday, is aimed at reducing costs for members of CVS Caremark’s pharmacy benefit manager clients and improve health outcomes, the company said.

CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday joined Peapod to announce the company is relocating its headquarters to downtown Chicago at 300 S. Riverside Plaza.

"Peapod is a national leader in both the food and tech industries and will be a strong addition to Chicago's thriving innovation community," Emanuel shared during a press conference. "In Chicago, the company can continue to expand, create new jobs and contribute to our growing economy."

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance expects to shutter about 600 stores in the wake of its purchase of 1,932 stores from rival Rite Aid.

The closings will start next year and take place over 18 months, Walgreens CFO George Fairweather said on the chain’s quarterly earnings call. The stores marked for closing will mostly be Rite Aid locations. The retailer expects to close stores within a mile of another Walgreens or Rite Aid location.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance on Wednesday exceeded analyst expectations with results that came in slighlty north of the company's year-end projections thanks, in part, to the company's commitment to a fluid go-to-market strategy that is constantly evaluating customer behavior.

BOISE, Idaho — All of Albertsons’ banner stores are now equipped to let customers pay for their purchases with Apple Pay. The mobile payment solution has been available at Albertsons’ Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Star Market, Haggen and United banners, and rolled out Monday to Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Tom Thumb, Randalls and Carrs locations.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — As part of its comprehensive national plan to combat drug abuse, Walgreens is now stocking Narcan, an FDA-approved nasal form of naloxone, in all of its more than 8,000 pharmacies nationwide.

“By stocking Narcan in all our pharmacies, we are making it easier for families and caregivers to help their loved ones by having it on hand in case it is needed,” stated Rick Gates, Walgreens group VP pharmacy. “As a pharmacy we are committed to making Narcan more accessible in the communities we serve.”

 ST. PAUL, Minn. — Patterson Cos. on Tuesday named Mark Walchirk president and CEO, effective Nov. 20. He will succeed James Wiltz, who will continue to serve as interim president and CEO until that time and will remain on the Patterson board following the transition.

CINCINNATI — Kroger Monday afternoon named its executive leadership team to support the company's Restock Kroger Plan.

"Kroger is fortunate to have a leadership team that combines deep experience with creative new talent as we strategically reposition the company through our Restock Kroger Plan," stated Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO.