Top Retailers

Reports: Buffett, Lemann buy H.J. Heinz; Buffett investment group increases Costco holding
NEW YORK — The investment groups of billionaires Warren Buffett and Jorge Paulo Lemann will buy H.J. Heinz for about $23 billion, according to published reports.

Bloomberg reported that Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Lemann's 3G Capital would buy the condiment maker for $72.50 per share, and the deal includes $12 billion to $13 billion from Buffett's group. Heinz also owns the Ore-Ida potato chip brand.
Meijer to build six new stores, remodel five in 2013
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Meijer plans to invest more than $160 million to build six new stores and remodel five in 2013, the mass merchandise retailer announced Wednesday.

The company said the new stores will be in Swartz Creek, Mich.; Detroit; Portage, Ind.; Warsaw, Ind.; Danville, Ill.; and Evergreen Park, Ill. The remodel projects include stores in Lansing, Taylor, Flint and Grand Rapids, Mich., and Springfield, Ill. The company currently operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Evander Holyfield to make two appearances as part of Jewel-Osco’s 'A Taste of Black History' program

ITASCA, Ill. — Evander Holyfield, the only five-time world heavyweight champion, will greet Supervalu's Jewel-Osco customers and boxing fans during appearances at two of the retailer’s Chicago stores. Holyfield will be the special guest at free food sampling events on Feb. 16 and 17 that will be held as part of Jewel-Osco’s ongoing “A Taste of Black History” program, a month-long initiative that recognizes the retailer’s African-American vendor partners.
Safeway, UCSF School of Pharmacy partner on smoking-cessation program

NEW YORK — Safeway pharmacists will use a program developed by the University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy to help people quit smoking, under a partnership with the supermarket operator announced by the university.

Safeway pharmacists will receive training in smoking-cessation counseling techniques developed by the UCSF pharmacy faculty, while stores will locate OTC nicotine-replacement therapies near pharmacy areas, giving customers convenient access to the pharmacist.
Swisse Wellness places 15 supplements on Walgreens shelves

CHICAGO — Swisse Wellness, one of Australia's leading multivitamin brands, on Thursday announced availability of 15 of its most popular multivitamins and dietary supplements through Walgreens.

"We are impressed by Swisse's growth, commitment to its principles and the research investment in the premium quality of their multivitamins and supplements," stated Robert Tompkins, divisional VP and general merchandise manager for Walgreens.
MinuteClinic, Greenville Hospital System form clinical affiliation

WOONSOCKET, R.I. and GREENVILLE, S.C. — MinuteClinic and Greenville Hospital System — South Carolina's largest health system, with five medical campuses, outpatient and specialty centers and a large network of physician practices — have entered into a clinical affiliation to enhance access to healthcare services in upstate South Carolina.
Walgreens, Alliance Boots provide analysts color on global pharmacy opportunity

LONDON — Walgreens and Alliance Boots will generate $130 billion or more in combined sales, Greg Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, told analysts Wednesday. Walgreens and Alliance Boots offered analysts a firsthand look at the Alliance Boots operation here, beginning with a store tour and then leading into presentations.
Shopkick, citing Nielsen data, stakes claim as leading shopping app

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Shopkick, a shopping app, on Wednesday announced that Nielsen ranked Shopkick No. 34 out of approximately 1 million apps in December 2012. While still trailing giants like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter overall, Shopkick dominated the shopping category during the holiday season, with more frequent and prolonged usage than all physical retailers' own apps including Starbucks, Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger and Safeway, the app developer noted.
I.D. Systems upgrades vehicle management system at Walgreens

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — I.D. Systems on Tuesday announced that Walgreens will be implementing I.D. Systems' PowerFleet wireless Vehicle Management System to help secure, track and manage high-value enterprise assets.
Walgreens extends Way to Well Health Tour with AARP through 2013

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday announced that the Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour with AARP will continue through 2013. The program is dedicated to providing free preventive and early detection health services to some of the nation's most underserved communities. Now through December, the tour will provide free tests, assessments, education and consulting services to communities located predominantly in cities with the highest prevalence for leading diseases and highest uninsured and unemployed populations.