Top Retailers

CHICAGO and DEERFIELD, Ill. In an effort to keep travelers healthy throughout the holiday season, a leading global online travel company and one of the nation's largest drug store chains have joined forces through new cross-promotional marketing programs.

INDIANAPOLIS PNC Bank has made its branded automated teller machines available for customer use in 135 CVS/pharmacy locations throughout Indiana.

The PNC-branded ATMs, which are owned and operated by Cardtronics, are accessible to all CVS/pharmacy customers. PNC Bank customers will enjoy surcharge-free withdrawals and the ability to check their balances at 135 stores identified with a PNC logo in the window, PNC said.

CAMP HILL, Pa. Rite Aid on Wednesday announced its pharmacists have been prepared to assist seniors during the 2011 Medicare Part D open enrollment period. With the first of the baby boomers officially turning 65 years old in 2011, more seniors are expected to hit drug stores looking for information about Part D options and open enrollment.

Open enrollment begins on Nov. 15.

NEW YORK — Costco customers walking past this Living Essentials 5-Hour Energy pallet aren't likely to know what 2:30 in the afternoon feels like, and neither should Costco.

Energy shot sales projections are expected to nearly double in the coming year, even while consumers continue to be cautious around spending. According to Consumer Edge Research projections, overall food/drug/mass sales could crest to some $700 million, excluding Walmart.

LOS ANGELES Two supermarket chains owned by Kroger announced their fundraising efforts to benefit local food banks.

Ralph's and Food 4 Less said that they are collecting donations to help local food banks and families in need through their checkstand canisters. Each retailer kicked off their respective Bringing Hope to the Table initiatives, which include an annual cause-marketing partnership with Feeding America that generated more than $200,000 for Feeding America-affiliated food banks this year.

NEW YORK — The Walgreens on Avenue J in Brooklyn’s Midwood neighborhood has a display of decorations for Hanukkah, which starts at sundown on Dec. 1. The store, in one of the largest Jewish neighborhoods in New York, has made a huge effort to attract business from local residents, even including bilingual signage in English and Hebrew at the entrance.

SHREWSBURY, N.J. RelaxZen recently announced that RelaxZen Night, a sleep-aid shot supplement, has gained distribution through Rite Aid and will be merchandised at Rite Aid’s checkout counters.

“Our corporate philosophy is 'everyone deserves to live a RelaxZen Life,'” stated Brent Sonnek-Schmelz, RelaxZen chief zen officer. “With the addition of 3,000-plus Rite Aid locations, it really expands the opportunities for consumers to try our uniquely formulated RelaxZen Night product.”