Top Retailers

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. had sales of $24.47 billion in first quarter 2014, the club retailer said.

The results, announced Wednesday, were an increase from the $23.20 billion reported in first quarter 2013 and produced a profit of $425 million, compared with the $416 profit last year.

Same-store sales for the quarter increased by 3%, including 3% in the United States and 1% in stores abroad.

While profits increased over the last quarter, the company's earnings per share of 96 cents fell short of the $1.03 expected by analysts.

NEW YORK — An Albertsons store in Billings, Mont., is home to a retail clinic staffed by physician assistants and nurse practitioners who will treat patients for allergies, infections, bug bites, pain and other minor health problems, according to published reports.

The Billings Gazette reported that Billings Clinic opened at Albertsons its first retail clinic, called ExpressCare. Additional clinics are planned for spring and summer next year. The clinic is staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Currently president and CEO of Walmart's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Canada region, David Cheesewright has been promoted to president and CEO of Walmart International, the company's second-largest operating segment.

Cheesewright will report to Doug McMillon, who was tapped to succeed Mike Duke as the company's president and CEO. Both assume their new roles Feb. 1, 2014. Cheesewright's successor will be named at a later date.

DUBLIN, Ohio and WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark and Cardinal Health announced on Tuesday the signing of an agreement to form the largest generic sourcing entity in the United States.

Both companies are contributing their sourcing and supply chain expertise to this 50/50 joint venture and are committing to source generic drugs through it. The companies separately announced a three-year extension through June 2019 of Cardinal Health's existing pharmaceutical distribution agreements with CVS Caremark.

LOS ANGELES — Value beauty brand Wet 'n Wild and its global beauty ambassador, eight-time Grammy award-winning artist, Fergie, had a big reason to celebrate on Dec. 5th. Together with Walgreens, they made a $50,000 donation to amfAR, the American foundation for AIDS research, amidst a plethora of celebrity and industry attendees at an exclusive party held at Tao Downtown in the New York City Meatpacking District.
 
The event marked the pop star’s first public appearance since welcoming her first child, Axl Jack Duhamel, this past August.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — More than 11 million Americans had vacation plans disrupted by the flu in 2012, according to Walgreens' recent Impact Survey, the company announced Tuesday.   

FREDERICK, Md. — BioElectronics on Monday announced that Boots will be selling its ActiPatch Pain Therapy products in select stores for back, knee and musculoskeletal ailments.  

The ActiPatch provides pain management therapy for common musculoskeletal complaints through duration pulsed electromagnetic therapy in a small device designed for personal extended use.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Cardinal Health ranked No. 1 in Gartner's fifth annual Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 ranking. Not including health systems, the top 10 included McKesson at No. 5, BD (6), Johnson and Johnson (7), Walgreens (8) and CVS Caremark (9). 

The Healthcare Supply Chain ranking identifies organizations leading the way in transforming the healthcare value chain to meet new revenue challenges through enhanced service and lower costs with an increasing focus on improved patient outcomes.