RETAIL NEWS

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart’s comparable-store sales decreased 11.2% during the fiscal first quarter of 2017 versus the year-ago period, primarily driven by declines in the pharmacy, grocery and household, apparel and home categories.

As Drug Store News previously reported, parent company Sears Holdings is in the process of closing 92 underperforming pharmacy operations in certain Kmart stores. 

CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. on Tuesday announced the retirement of Jay C and Ruler division president Paul Bowen after 46 years of service, effective June 21. His successor will be named at a later date.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — In honor of the service and sacrifices of Americans who served in the armed forces, Walgreens is offering a Memorial Day 20% discount to all veterans, active duty military personnel and their immediate family members, including the families of those who lost their lives in service to their country.

NEW YORK — CVS Health has a “very strong balance sheet” and will “look into opportunities” in the merger and acquisition space that can help the retailer become even more helpful to its clients, president and CEO Larry Merlo said Wednesday during the UBS Healthcare Conference at the Grand Hyatt here.

NEW YORK — In honor of Red Nose Day on May 25, Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance, will ring the closing bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.

MOSCOW — Walgreens Boots Alliance-funded Russian health and beauty products retailer Pharmacy Chain 36.6 expects online sales to account for 10% of total revenue by mid-2018 from just 1% now, its corporate finance director told Reuters.

To achieve its online sales target, the company has teamed up with online retailer Ozon.ru in March, but said growth will also come from sales through its own websites, 36.6 and Gorzdrav, the news source reported.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is expanding—and updating—its footprint in the Sunshine State.

The retailer will open nine new stores across Florida in its current fiscal year, creating more than 800 jobs, and also execute a multi-million-dollar capital investment plan by remodeling more than 40 locations across the state. Walmart currently operates 375 stores in Florida.