Top Retailers

NEW YORK — Walgreens' Beth Stiller, division VP category strategy and innovation, on Thursday discussed with Bloomberg Businessweek the shopping habits of today's post-recession consumer and how Walgreens is engaging that consumer where and when she wants.  

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Harris Teeter Supermarkets on Thursday announced that Harris Teeter’s shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the previously announced merger agreement among Harris Teeter, Hornet Acquisition and Kroger. Approximately 98.6% of the votes cast during the day's special meeting were voted in favor of the merger agreement, representing approximately 82.5% of Harris Teeter’s outstanding common stock as of Aug. 22, 2013, the record date for the special meeting. 

It was a big week for executive promotions, particularly the appointment of Mary Kelly as EVP and chief merchandising officer at Rexall Pharma Plus and Chris Dimos, who has joined McKesson as SVP corporate strategy and business development.

There’s no doubt that these two industry leaders bring much to the table in their new roles.

Walgreens reached a 19.1% prescription market share for its fiscal year ended Aug. 31. But that wasn't the story to come out of the Chicagoland retailer's conference call.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday posted September sales of $5.9 billion, an increase of 8% as compared with the same month in fiscal 2013.

Total front-end sales increased 4.1%, while comparable store front-end sales increased 2.9%. Customer traffic in comparable stores decreased 0.8% while basket size increased 3.7%.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — In preparation for flu season, actress Amanda Peet, ambassador of the UN Foundation's Shot@Life program, received her annual flu shot at Walgreens' flagship store in New York City to support its "Get a Shot, Give a Shot" campaign.

As a mother, actress and ambassador to the UN Foundation's Shot@Life program, Peet spoke about the importance of providing life-saving vaccinations to children in need across the globe. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer expects its pharmacists to administer 40% more flu shots this season than last year due to increased demand, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based chain, which operates 203 stores in the Midwest, said walk-in services and new options for flu shots had made it easier and more appealing for families to get vaccinated.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid's same-store sales increased last month despite being offset by slightly lower front-end same-store sales and new generic drug introductions, the retail pharmacy chain said Thursday.

During the four-week period that ended Saturday, same-store sales increased 1.9% compared with September 2012. The increase included a 0.5% decrease in front-end comps and a 3.1% increase in pharmacy comps, offset by 1% due to new generics. Same-store prescription count increased by 0.9%.