Top Retailers

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Safeway welcomed President Barack Obama to its Upper Marlboro, Md., distribution center as he called for new fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, the grocer announced Tuesday.

In using the Upper Marlboro distribution center for the backdrop for this announcement, President Obama recognized Safeway's commitment to operating its business in the most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible way.

SOUTHPORT, Conn. — DiversityBusiness.com earlier this month named the “Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities." More than 1.3 million diversity business owners participated in an online election to determine the “Top” 50 organizations. Wal-Mart Stores was named the leading retailer and No. 2 overall for providing business opportunities to diverse business owners throughout the United States. Food, drug and mass retailers Kroger (No. 11), Target (No. 18), Supervalu (No. 23), Walgreens (No. 26) and Ahold USA (No.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Wednesday afternoon confirmed it is in discussions concerning a possible transaction involving the sale of the company. However, the company declined to comment further at this time. "Although the discussions are ongoing, the company has not reached an agreement on a transaction, and there can be no assurance that these discussions will lead to an agreement or a completed transaction," Safeway stated as part of its earnings release. 

SAN FRANCISCO — McKesson and Rite Aid on Tuesday announced the signing of an expanded distribution agreement to include both brand and generic pharmaceuticals. The new five-year agreement, which extends through March 2019, creates efficiencies for both companies by leveraging the strength of Rite Aid as one of the leading national drug store chains in the United States, and McKesson as a leader in pharmaceutical sourcing and supply chain management, the companies reported. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — With new advances in treatment therapy now available for hepatitis C patients, Walgreens on Monday announced it is expanding access to Walgreens Connected Care hepatitis C program through its more than 100 hepatitis C-specialized pharmacies. Walgreens Connected Care is an education and support plan designed to help patients achieve a sustained virologic response and improved quality of life through medication adherence. 

Recent strategic business initiatives are granting wholesalers more generic drug purchasing power than ever before.

Over the last few years, some major deals in the world of drug wholesaling have taken shape. While the business arrangements among the three top wholesalers differ slightly in terms of ownership, benefits and risks, one thing is for certain: all of the agreements will translate into growth opportunities for the companies involved and will help them improve their generic drug sourcing practices.

NEW YORK — Credit Suisse on Tuesday speculated that Safeway may be considering either a sale or acquisition. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Further expanding the scope of convenient, preventive health care services provided by its pharmacists, Walgreens on Thursday announced it is now offering daily testing for cholesterol, blood glucose and body composition at nearly 200 stores in California. Each test also includes a free blood pressure reading and personal consultation with a Walgreens pharmacist.