Top Retailers

LANDOVER, Md. — USO's division for the nation's capital has named supermarket chain Giant Food of Landover, Md., to its USO-Metro 2013 Circle of the Stars for an annual networking event, the chain said.

NEW YORK — American Express Serve announced a free nationwide cash load network and the addition of new money management capabilities to its full-service reloadable prepaid account. The new features enable Serve customers to load cash for free at more than 14,000 participating CVS/pharmacy and 7-Eleven stores. According to reports, the number of stores will grow by the end of 2013 to about 20,000, with the addition of Family Dollar, Office Depot, Walgreens and Duane Reade stores.

CHICAGO — Peapod is offering customers in the Chicago area organic produce from a local, indoor urban farming company, shortly after its announcement of a new pickup location near the city.

The online grocer said its Chicagoland customers would be able to buy salad mixes, arugula, basil, mint and others from Farmedhere. Farmedhere uses aquaponic growing techniques that combine hydroponics with aquaculture.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Monday announced that both traditional and high-dose influenza vaccines are available nationwide. In addition, those who get a flu vaccine will receive a 10%-off coupon.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General on Saturday opened its 11,000th store, further distinguishing the dollar-store operator as the retailer with the most stores in the United States, the company announced. 

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is offering free shopping passes to members of the U.S. military in response to the government shutdown, which has also resulted in the shutdown of commissaries on military bases.

The club retailer said military personnel could obtain a pass for Sam's Club locations near military bases by presenting a military identification or proof of past or present military service at Sam's Club Member Services counters.

SHELTON, Conn. — TABS Group on Friday announced the formation of a senior-level team dedicated to supporting internal and customer-related initiatives with Walmart. TABS Group will tap into the talent base to obtain a comprehensive understanding as to how the largest U.S. retail chain operates on a chain and local level. The insights gained will benefit Walmart and Consumer Products manufacturers and further contributes to the firm’s mission to simplify and improve the way analytics is conducted within the industry. 

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday announced Balance Financial, a full suite of integrated financial services that will be launching in phases over the coming months, all built around its new Balance Financial Prepaid MasterCard.