RETAIL NEWS

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons plans to provide free hearing tests to customers in 24 stores using a unique testing kiosk developed by Hearing Wellness Network.

The diagnostic test expands Albertsons Companies' health and wellness services to customers by offering a quick and easy method to diagnose possible problems and promote hearing awareness. Kiosks are now available as part of a pilot program at participating Albertsons, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Safeway, Shaw's, Star Market and Tom Thumb stores.

SPRINGFIELD, Va. -- The CVS Health Foundation is teaming up with the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) on a new scholarship program to support student excellence in projects related to healthcare- and pharmacy-related quality.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Parents looking for portable protein for their children will love the new offerings from E-hydrate.

The brand has launched KIDS Protein On-the-Go — the first natural, healthy on-the-go protein powder for kids — and it's now available exclusively at Target stores nationwide. 

Consumers are taking stock of their financial health and how it will affect their decisions to make CPG purchases in the coming months.

According to the new first quarter 2016 IRI Consumer Connect survey, 67% of respondents feel their financial health will improve in the next six months. As a result, CPG spending will generally improve, but shoppers have some specific needs and wants to fulfill.

DEERFIELD, Ill. & ST. LOUIS -- Walgreens has signed an agreement with SSM Health to allow SSM Health to own and operate 27 retail health clinics within Walgreens stores across the St. Louis region, the companies announced Monday.

NEW YORK -- Bazooka Candy Brands is bringing some more pop culture into the candy aisle with its new Ring Pop Gummies Chains.

Ring Pop Gummies Chains are wearable, edible and customizable gummy candy chains that are accompanied by a variety of eight favorite emoji-inspired charms that consumers can join to form a yummy gummy bracelet. The emoji shapes include hearts, stars, smiley faces, four-leaf clovers, music notes, Ring Pop gems, LOLs and BFFs.

Meijer has plans to open stores in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Cleveland and Minneapolis during the next five years, reported MLive.com. "We see Cleveland as the next city to go to," said CEO Hank Meijer, with the first stores opening in 2018 or 2019, the report continued. (MLive.com)

PALM BEACH, Fla. — With the sun shining at the Breakers on Monday, the Cabanas were busy with Strategic Exchange Appointments during the 2016 NACDS Annual Meeting.