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MINNEAPOLIS — Target is hiring a former CIA officer to give parents tips on looking for presents for children who might not be forthcoming about what they want.

The mass-merchandise retailer said it had hired Jonna Mendez as a "kids' gift detective." Mendez will appear in videos with popular mom bloggers who will work with her on looking for presents.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday is recognizing its more than 27,000 community pharmacists for the important role they play in helping people get, stay and live well, as part of American Pharmacists Month in October.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced that its board of directors increased the authorized level of the company's stock repurchase program by $2 billion. Through the end of the third quarter of 2013, Safeway had approximately $0.8 billion remaining under its previously authorized stock repurchase program.

Safeway's stock repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date, and the timing of repurchases will depend on market conditions. 

HARTFORD, Conn. — Aetna on Thursday announced that Dijuana Lewis is joining the company as EVP responsible for the newly formed Consumer Products and Enterprise Marketing organization. In this role, she will be responsible for aligning consumer-focused businesses, products, services and capabilities to deliver a personalized end-to-end consumer experience that positions the company for long-term growth. 

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores and Martin's Food Markets — collectively known as Giant-Carlisle — will sponsor drug take-back events at more than three dozen stores next weekend.

The Ahold USA-owned supermarket banner said customers could bring expired and unwanted drugs to 42 stores on Oct. 26; 40 of the stores are in Pennsylvania, and two are in Virginia.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has awarded a $50,000 grant to Special Olympics to help expand the organization's Healthy Young Athletes program, which provides healthcare services and support, early childhood intervention and preventive education to children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 years to 7 years old, the pharmacy retailer has announced.
 

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Family Dollar earlier this week celebrated the grand opening of its 11th distribution center in St. George, Utah. 

“Opening our 11th distribution center is an important milestone for us,” stated Howard Levine, Family Dollar’s chairman and CEO. “This facility is ideally located to support our growth in the West, helping us keep our stores well-stocked as we continue to provide customers in this region with great value and convenience.”

CHICAGO — Online grocer Peapod is partnering with Chicago's Shedd Aquarium to mark National Seafood Month and promote sustainable seafood.