Top Retailers

Target to acquire Shipt, providing same-day delivery service
Minneapolis-based Target has announced it has come to an agreement to acquire Shipt, a digital same-day delivery platform for $550 million in cash. The retailer will leverage its network of store’s and Shipt’s technological platform to quickly and efficiently bring same-day delivery to consumers across the country.
Health Dialog disease management accreditation extended through 2020
Health Dialog announced Tuesday that it has received Patient Oriented Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its disease management programs for asthma, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease and diabetes.

Shoppers Drug Mart names new president

Canadian retail pharmacy banner Shoppers Drug Mart will soon be under new leadership. The Brampton, Ontario-based company named Jeff Leger Shoppers Drug Mart president, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Leger’s promotion comes alongside the promotion of Mike Motz, who will move from his role as Shoppers Drug Mart president to COO of Loblaw, effective Jan. 1, 2018.
Walgreens app makes health tracking easy

Walgreens is using its popular app to help consumers connect to many brands of fitness trackers outside of the store. The retailer, which is marketing Striiv, its own branded activity tracker, allows members of the company’s Balance Rewards program to also connect through 40 different devices and 27 apps, according to the Walgreen’s website.
Lone Star State heading into holidays with flu-like symptoms

The flu is picking up in Texas, according to the latest Walgreens Flu Index released Wednesday.

While the data does not measure actual levels or severity of flu activity, the Flu Index provides valuable insight by showing which cities or metropolitan areas are experiencing the most incidences of influenza each week based on Index methodology, the pharmacy retailer stated.
Getting on track with wearables

Are retail pharmacies late to the party when it comes to the health wearables market?

The booming category, which includes such devices as activity trackers and chronic pain relief devices, offers mass retailers — especially those operating a pharmacy — an opportunity to build sales and profits, not to mention a stronger relationship with consumers seeking answers. But, thus far, it appears that other retailers, as well as the digital marketplace, have outpaced retail pharmacy operators in this category.
Editor's note: Catching the consumers’ eye

Retail is not dead; boring retail is dead.

That is what industry guru, Mack Elevation Forum founder and DSN partner Dan Mack told a packed house at the 19th annual Drug Store News Industry Issues Summit at New York City’s Plaza Hotel in late November. Moderating a panel of executives from such top retailers as CVS Pharmacy, Target, Walmart, Walgreens and Sam’s Club, Mack challenged them to explain to the audience what they were doing to remain relevant.
Kroger, Chase partner to offer mobile payments

Kroger is teaming up with Chase Pay, the digital engagement wallet from JPMorgan Chase & Co., to offer mobile payments. The initiative will kick off in select retail markets and e-commerce programs in 2018.

Kroger’s payment solutions are a part of the company’s “Restock Kroger Plan.” One of the key strategic drivers is to expand partnerships to create customer value, which includes Kroger forming alliances to accelerate digital and e-commerce platforms.
Supervalu completes acquisition of Associated Grocers of Florida

Supervalu has completed the previously announced acquisition of Associated Grocers of Florida, in a transaction valued at approximately $193 million. This marks the second completed acquisition for Minneapolis-based Supervalu whose national distribution center continues to expand with annual sales of approximately $560 million reported in its last fiscal year.
KKR and WBA close PharMerica deal

Investment firm KKR and minority investor Walgreens Boots Alliance, based in Deerfield, Ill., on Thursday closed its acquisition of PharMerica, a provider of specialty pharmacy services.

The deal, first announced in August, was closed ahead of schedule. The all-cash transaction is valued at roughly $1.4 billion and will make PharMerica a private company. In connection with the completion of the acquisition, shares of PharMerica’s common stock will cease trading on the NYSE prior to the opening of the NYSE on Dec. 8, 2017.