Top Retailers

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.

RHINEBECK, N.Y. — Topical BioMedics recently announced distribution through CVS/pharmacy for its Topricin Foot Therapy Cream, a homeopathic topical treatment for pain associated with fibromyalgia and neuropathy that is safe for diabetics.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Independent brewer Craft Brew Alliance gave Safeway one of its Retailer of the Year awards at its inaugural annual conference for beer wholesalers in Las Vegas earlier this week, the company said.

CBA said the Retailer of the Year Awards recognize retailers that have contributed to the company's sales growth and demand for its products. Safeway was named the off-premise retailer of the year, while restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings was named on-premise retailer of the year.

SAN FRANCISCO — With the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mired in controversy, two of the nation’s largest retailers are backing an innovative Employers Centers of Excellence Network that will offer no-cost knee and hip-replacement surgeries at four highly regarded hospitals.

Walmart and Lowe’s issued a joint statement that they and other large employers had joined the Pacific Business Group on Health Negotiating Alliance (PBGH-NA) to launch the national Employer’s Centers of Excellence Network.

PHOENIX — Rite Aid is renewing its contract with e-sourcing firm Intesource, the Phoenix-based e-sourcing company said Tuesday.

Rite Aid's contract with Intesource dates back to 2009, and the Camp Hill, Pa.-based chain has used it to tackle complex and strategic categories, ranging from print advertising to snow plowing services. E-sourcing refers to using an online portal to attract bids from suppliers of products and services.

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.

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.