Top Retailers

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has promoted Mir Aamir to lead Safeway’s loyalty programs and oversee digital and mobile efforts related to loyalty.

Aamir will serve as customer loyalty and digital technologies president, reporting to Diane Dietz, EVP and chief marketing officer. Aamir also will continue to be responsible for marketing strategies, shopper analytics and insights, club card strategies and pricing.

NEW YORK — The flu may drive consumers to bed, but drug store sales are expected to benefit from an increase in flu activity, according to a Credit Suisse research note.

Credit Suisse research analyst Edward Kelly on Monday noted that as Walgreens and Rite Aid would report their monthly sales on March 3, comparable pharmacy sales would be driven by increased flu activity.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Walmart is convinced its sales woes can be solved by a renewed emphasis on everyday low prices and breadth of assortment. As Walmart looks to execute those strategies, the health-and-wellness category will continue to be impacted as it is a key area where favorable trends exist and it is easier to demonstrate price separation.

(THE NEWS: Walmart to refocus on U.S. unit as sales decline. For the full story, click here)

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Friday announced that Hal Rosenbluth will retire as president of its health-and-wellness division in April but will continue with the company as a senior consultant to the CEO for healthcare services.

Rosenbluth was a co-founder of Take Care Health Systems, which was acquired by Walgreens in 2007. Prior to that, he led Rosenbluth International, a global travel management company, which he sold to American Express in 2003.

CINCINNATI — Kroger is highlighting immunization against the flu this season on the company's website.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — As Walgreens pays tribute to its store brand via hard-hitting ads that position its health-and-wellness products as the ones that its pharmacists recommend, CVS/pharmacy officially has unveiled its new Just the Basics private-label line — both developments that should serve as warning signs to vendors.

(THE NEWS: CVS/pharmacy's Just the Basics line makes debut. For the full story, click here)

NEW YORK — Roger & Gallet, the maker of fine French fragrances and body care products, has debuted at Duane Reade's Look Boutique, the retailer's signature beauty department.

To celebrate the launch, Roger & Gallet handed out 6,000 roses over two days with special cards redeemable for a tote bag with any Roger & Gallet purchase of $20 or more at select locations.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart said it will present more than $1.5 million to nonprofits in six U.S. communities, thanks to Facebook users' help with the retailer's commitment to fight hunger through 2015.