Top Retailers

Amazon’s private-label products pull in nearly $450M in 2017
Private label has become big business for Amazon in 2017 — and momentum continues to grow.

The online giant used 2017 to refine its private-label strategy — a move that helped the company launch over 30 new brand names across highly competitive categories. As a whole, these private-label brands generated roughly $450 million in sales in this year, according to “Amazon Private Brands: Year-End Review,” a study from One Click Retail.
Texas continues to hold top spot for flu activity
The latest has been reported upon in Walgreens Flu Index. The weekly report which was developed to provide state and market-specific information regarding flu activity has all signs pointing to Texas once again.

For the second week in a row, The Flu Index is reporting that the Lone Star state is holding the top spot for flu activity for the week ending Dec. 16.

Target announces extended holiday hours

Target is catering to last-minute shoppers by extending store hours and offering convenient ways to obtain purchases before the holiday. The Minneapolis-based company has announced that up until December 23, all stores will open at 7:00 a.m., and close at midnight. On Christmas Eve, all Target locations throughout the nation will open at 7:00 a.m., and close at either 10:00 p.m., or 11:00 p.m.
Walgreens announces Christmas hours

Walgreens is catering to last-minute shoppers in more than one way. The Deerfield, Ill.-based company has announced that it will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Aside from extended store hours, customers are encouraged to order gifts and products online by December 20, to guarantee delivery in time for the holiday.
KidCents Holiday Wishes program gifts $2.2 million

In this season of giving, the Rite Aid Foundation is awarding a total of $2.2 million to its partner charities through its KidCents Holiday Wishes program. Created to recognize the year-round efforts of each organization, each of the more than 440 charities currently participating in The Rite Aid Foundation's KidCents program will receive a $5,000 grant to help make a holiday wish of their choice come true.
Costco surpasses analyst estimates in earnings

Costco earned $640 million, $1.45 a share, in the quarter ended November 26, compared with $545 million, or $1.24 a share, in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected earnings of $1.33 a share.

Net sales rose 13.3% to $31.12 billion, better than analysts expected. Total same-store sales 10.5%.

Costco’s comparable E-commerce sales jumped 43.5%. The increase comes as the retailer has been investing to grow its digital capabilities, including a partnership with delivery service firm Instacart to offer two-day and same-day delivery.
Rite Aid Foundation gives assist to SoCal wildfire victims

The Rite Aid Foundation announced Wednesday a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to help the victims, families and communities in Southern California affected by the wildfires.
Supermarket Wellness Watch: Kroger takes a stand against hunger, food waste

When you think of health and wellness in the retail setting, what often comes to mind are better-for-you products, in-store health services, and other high-profile topics.

However, there are other health-related subjects that don’t get as much exposure, but are still highly important. These include anti-hunger programs, and efforts to reduce food waste.
Engaging the new shopper

Who is today’s shopper? It’s a simple question with a very difficult and complex answer. The fact is that shoppers are difficult to pigeonhole these days. They have access to more information than ever before, and their expectations are changing constantly.
Walgreens heralds return of Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day, the national fundraising campaign to end child poverty, will return to NBC with a night of special primetime programming on Thursday, May 24, 2018, Walgreens announced Wednesday.