RETAIL NEWS

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco reported a 2% increase in same store sales for August and net sales of $8.9 billion.

The comp increase excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and deflation in gasoline prices. The company recorded comps growth of 2% and 4% across its U.S. and Canadian locations, respectively, while it had flat comps at other international outlets.

For the 16-week fourth quarter, the company reported net sales of $35.7 billion, an increase of 2% from $35 billion in the fourth quarter last year, which ended Aug. 30, 2015.

TEMPLE, Texas - McLane Company announced Thursday it has been chosen as the main distributor for Fred’s Pharmacy. With more than 650 locations across the Southeastern part of the United States, this new service agreement allows McLane’s nationwide reach and expertise to consolidate the work of Fred’s 60-plus previous distributors.

The multi-year contract, beginning in October, includes distribution of key product categories tailored specifically to fit the needs of Fred’s unique format of a discount retailer and pharmacy.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Meijer is working with Shipt to launch home grocery delivery service in Detroit and southeastern Michigan.

Because most Meijer stores are open 24 hours a day, Shipt deliveries will be available at some Meijer locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of certain holidays once the service launches in the Detroit area.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart has unveiled its annual top toy list, chosen by hundreds of kids.

The list includes many toys that will be exclusive to the retailer. Walmart also announced the return of its popular layaway program, which opens on Sept. 2. 

VALLEY FORGE, Pa.  - Jerry Dale Cline, AmerisourceBergen VP strategic accounts, community & specialty pharmacy group is retiring after a 37-year career in the wholesale and retail drug industry, the wholesaler announced recently.

Generation Rx - Mission Video from Generation Rx on Vimeo.

SILVER SPRING, Md. - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that it is requiring class-wide changes to drug labeling, including patient information, for almost 400 products to help inform health care providers and patients of the serious risks associated with the combined use of certain opioid medications and a class of central nervous system depressant drugs called benzodiazepines.