Top Retailers

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corp. reported sales of $21.18 billion and profits of $320 million during first quarter 2012, according to an earnings statement.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Calling it a first for the drug store industry, Rite Aid will roll out an online coupon management tool for members of its Wellness+ loyalty card program, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. — Medical Alarm Concepts Holding on Monday unveiled plans for the second phase of its MediPendant medical alert system marketing campaign: a bag stuffer/coupon offer placed alongside patient prescriptions in Albertsons that includes one free month of monitoring services and a lockbox device that allows for first responders to get into a home without having to break down the door.

NEW YORK — Ken Finnegan, Walgreens divisional VP healthcare new business development, will assume leadership of the corporate innovation team, Drug Store News has learned.

Finnegan succeeds Colin Watts, corporate VP and chief innovation officer, who is departing Walgreens for Weight Watchers in January. In that capacity, Finnegan will pick up on Watts' efforts to transform the retail pharmacy retail format into more of a destination center for all issues regarding health and wellness.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart.com customers have the opportunity to save up to 70% across popular categories on Dec. 12.

The day, dubbed Green Monday by parent company Sears Holdings, provides more than 500 deals that are as good as Cyber Monday prices, the company reported.

The promotion also is being held on Sears.com.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The longer this proposed Express Scripts-Medco deal remains under the microscope, the more people don't seem to like what they see. The general tone at this Senate hearing was against the merger. Many of the senators in attendance were expressing concern that the proposed merger would negatively impact access to pharmacy, which is perhaps the greatest import of the possibility of an Express Scripts-Medco super-PBM.

NEW YORK — Supermarket chain Schnucks is hoping to benefit from the spat between Walgreens and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, according to published reports.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has announced the expiration and final results of its previously announced tender offer for any and all of its $1 billion outstanding 6.302% enhanced capital advantaged preferred securities.

The tender offer commenced on Nov. 29 and expired on Dec. 7.  Based on the final tabulation provided by the information agent for the tender offer, D.F. King & Co., holders of the notes tendered $957.7 million aggregate principal amount of the notes on or prior to the expiration date.