Top Retailers

CVS' Merlo: Health reform to benefit business in 2014
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark, which posted solid third-quarter results across its enterprise, is well-positioned to benefit from the rapidly changing healthcare environment. That was a key message that CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo had for analysts Tuesday morning during the company’s third-quarter conference call.
Family Dollar's Mike Bloom next top executive to go undercover for CBS' 'Undercover Boss'
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Family Dollar president and COO Mike Bloom will be featured on the CBS award-winning reality series, "Undercover Boss" this Friday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. EST. For the episode, Bloom went undercover in several Family Dollar stores and at one of the company's distribution centers, where he worked a variety of jobs alongside company team members.

Walgreens' corporate operations VP tapped to lead health care for Boots in U.K. and Ireland

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and Alliance Boots on Tuesday announced that Richard Ashworth, Walgreens corporate operations VP for the Western United States, has been appointed as director of health care, health and beauty U.K. and Republic of Ireland at Alliance Boots. He will report to Simon Roberts, managing director, health and beauty U.K. and ROI.
Publix posts third-quarter comp lift of 4.1%

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Friday posted sales for third quarter 2013 of $7 billion, representing a 5.6% increase. Comparable-store sales for third quarter 2013 increased 4.1%.

Publix's sales for the first nine months of 2013 were $21.6 billion, a 5.2% increase from last year's $20.5 billion. Comparable-store sales for the first nine months of 2013 increased 3.4%.
Todd Vasos named Dollar General COO; former Duane Reade exec joins Dollar General executive team

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General on Monday announced a number of senior management changes. Todd Vasos has been named COO with responsibility for store operations, merchandising and supply chain. And David D'Arezzo has joined the company as EVP and chief merchandising officer.
Target launches Canadian holiday shopping season

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target is extending its hours during the holiday shopping season at its Canadian stores, the mass merchandise retailer said Monday.

Target said most of its Canadian locations would offer extended hours from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 as part of the "My Kind of Holiday" marketing campaign. The retailer will also extend its price-matching policy for the season; if customers purchase a qualifying item at Target between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 and subsequently find it for less in a local competitors printed ad, Target will match the competitor's price.
Safeway completes sale of Canadian operations to Sobeys

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday announced that it has completed the sale of the net assets of Canada Safeway to Sobeys, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Co.

Proceeds from the transaction of $3.8 billion in cash after taxes and expenses and between $400 and $450 million in U.S. tax benefits related to the exit of the Chicago market will be used to pay down $2 billion of debt, with the majority of the remainder to be used to buy back stock. In addition, some of the proceeds may be used to invest in growth opportunities, Safeway reported.
MusclePharm targets women with new sports nutrition line

DENVER — MusclePharm on Monday announced the launch of FitMiss, a brand of sports nutrition supplements formulated specifically for women, at Walgreens in January.
Kmart, Sears offer extended holiday shopping hours

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – Sears and Kmart stores will open on Thanksgiving Day and stay open all night for early holiday shopping, parent company Sears Holdings said Monday.

The company said Kmart stores will open at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving and stay open until 11 p.m. on Black Friday, while Sears stores will open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving and stay open until 10 p.m. on Black Friday. Stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and Puerto Rico will not be open on Thanksgiving due to state laws.
Gordon Reid appointed as Giant-Landover president

CARLISLE, Pa. – Ahold USA has appointed a former executive for Asian retailer Dairy Farm International as president of its Giant Food of Landover, Md., division, Ahold said Friday.