Top Retailers

Costco’s sales grow 8.8% in July
ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. turned in a winning performance in July, fueled by strong traffic trends.

The company reported that its net sales in July rose 8.8% to $9.41 billion, compared with $8.65 billion during the similar period last year. Total company same-store sales rose 6.2%, with a 6.0% increase in the United States. Excluding the impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, total same-store sales rose 5.3%, and 5.5% in the U.S.
Rite Aid gears up for back-to-school season
CAMP HILL, Penn. — With the National Retail Federation projecting back-to-school season to be the second-busiest shopping period of the year, Rite Aid is stocking its shelves in preparation, the company announced Wednesday.

H-E-B expands delivery through Shipt

SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B and grocery delivery provider Shipt on Wednesday announced the expansion of their partnership that will bring grocery delivery to three new Texas markets, as well as more customers in the San Antonio and Austin metro areas.
Costco chairman, founder Brotman passes away

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — A retail legend has passed.

The co-founder and chairman of Costco Wholesale Club, Jeff Brotman, 74, died Tuesday morning. He died in his sleep at his home and the cause of his death wasn’t immediately known.
Walgreens Boots Alliance partners with KKR on PharMerica acquisition, settles with Theranos

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance has had a busy week.

As a minority investor, the company on Wednesday announced that it had formed a new company with KKR, through which the two acquired institutional pharmacy company PharMerica. The all-cash transaction is valued at roughly $1.4 billion and will make PharMerica a private company.
CVS Health removes 17 drugs as part of its 2018 formulary management strategy

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health on Wednesday outlined its plan for formulary management in 2018, which includes the removal of 17 products from its Standard Control Formulary. The move is part of the company’s rigorous approach to formulary management that it began in 2012. Since starting this effort, the company said it will bring $13.4 billion in cumulative savings to its pharmacy benefits manager clients through 2018.
Weis Markets reports Q2 comps increase

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets have delivered an increase in comparable-store sales once again. The company on Wednesday reported a 2.7% rise in comps, after adjustment for the Easter holiday shift, for the 13-week period ended July 1.

For the quarter, sales rose 20% to $876.6 million. The company also increased its operating income 15.2% in the quarter, bringing it to $27.7 million, compared with $24.1 million in the same period last year. Net income hit $18.5 million — a 21% increase over Q2 last year.
Food Lion mobile app looks to streamline shopping experience

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion is stepping up its digital engagement game.

A banner under Delhaize America, Food Lion launched a mobile app Tuesday. Available to customers across its 10-state footprint, the app streamlines and personalizes the shopping experience.
Publix cuts stock price as Q2 sales increase

LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida's largest supermarket chain on Tuesday reported higher sales and revenues for its second quarter. Prior to releasing its results, the company cut the price of its stock.

Publix’s sales in the second quarter rose 3.6% to $8.4 billion, from last year’s $8.1 billion. Same-store sales increased 1.6%.

Net earnings increased 3.5% to $495.1 million, compared to $478.2 million in the year-ago period.
Amazon remains committed to innovating in grocery delivery, payment

SEATTLE — Don’t expect Amazon to stop experimenting with cashier-less grocery stores anytime soon.

Despite announcing in June it would acquire Whole Foods Market for $13.7 billion, the online giant will continue evolving its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go concepts, among other efforts. Its goal: to reinvent the way consumers shop for food, according to Business Insider.