Top Retailers

CINCINNATI — Kroger posted its 32nd consecutive same-store sales gains as the grocer continues to grab market share due to a combination of a customer service initiative and value pricing.

WOONSOCKET, R.I.  — CVS/pharmacy has launched a new card and stationery shop on CVSphoto.com, as well as an enhanced and expanded collection of greeting card and invitation options for those looking to add a personal touch to holiday tidings.

With more holiday and occasion themes to choose from — as well as more than 1,200 new Hallmark designs — creating cards, invitations and announcements is easier than ever at home or at CVS/pharmacy photo centers nationwide, the company stated.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday announced it is offering more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services is assisting in the distribution of the vouchers in markets across the country.

NEW YORK — Record-breaking attendance, a high-profile keynote speaker, four engaging panel discussions on some of the hottest issues facing the industry and exclusive consumer videos set the stage for the 13th annual Drug Store News Industry Issues Summit held on Tuesday in New York.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — ValueCentric on Wednesday announced it has reached an agreement with Walgreens that will allow ValueCentric to deliver channel- and store-level data services that provide pharmaceutical market insights based on retail data.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — The board of directors at Safeway announced that it has increased the authorized level of the company's stock repurchase program by $1 billion.

With this boost, the program now totals $8 billion.

Through the end of the third quarter 2011, Safeway had repurchased about $6.1 billion of its stock and had approximately $900 million remaining under its stock repurchase program, the retailer noted.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Take Care Health Systems, a subsidiary of Walgreens, on Tuesday announced a relationship with Cisco to operate the LifeConnections Health Center on Cisco's campus in San Jose, Calif. The LifeConnections Health Center provides Cisco employees and dependents with comprehensive and integrated health-and-wellness services, including primary care, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, vision, health coaching and an on-site Walgreens pharmacy.

ST. LOUIS — Supervalu banner Save-A-Lot will open a new 330,000-sq.-ft. food distribution center in Lexington, N.C., on Wednesday.

The distribution center initially will service more than 70 stores within a 150-mile radius, Save-A-Lot noted.

The distribution center, which will employ 35 employees, is part of the company's commitment to expand in the region. Currently, there are nearly 30 Save-A-Lot stores in North Carolina, including one in Lexington; the company plans to open an additional three stores in the state by March 2012.