WALMART

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Additionally, Walmart operations around the world are planning to implement or already have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.

CHICAGO — Walmart has succeeded in bringing its smaller-format store concept to Chicago, helping to make the case that the retailer can find success in more urban markets, including New York, which thus far has eluded the retailer.

The company announced that it has secured locations in West Englewood for Walmart Market and Walmart Express stores. According to the company, West Englewood is in the heart of a food desert and is one of Chicago’s most underserved communities.

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Walmart is expanding the number of locations that carry Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal, the manufacturer has announced.

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal products have been available in select Walmart stores for nearly two decades, but beginning this month, the all-natural, fragrance-free roll-on will be available in all 3,747 Walmart locations.

NEW YORK — Hitting select mass retail locations in April is the new FX Wild Harvest Hydra Silk collection, which contains a blend of natural, wild ingredients harvested from different regions of the world to make hair shiny, thicker and fuller.

The new FX Wild Harvest Hydra Silk collection includes:

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — An online order and same-day pickup service will be expanded to all Walmart stores beginning this month, the company announced.

The “Pick Up Today” service allows shoppers who make a purchase online to pick up their merchandise within about four hours if the order is placed before 6 p.m. Orders placed after that time are available for pickup the next day before 10 a.m.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Through March 13, Sam's Club is offering an eValues trial to its advantage and business members.

According to the company, the eValues program is an exclusive program that delivers tailored offers to consumers based on unique shopping patterns. The trial program will enable all Sam's Club members to receive a benefit usually afforded only to members with Sam's Club Plus.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — This weekend, Sam's Club is offering free allergy health screenings in select locations across the country.

Sam's Club said that its allergy tests, which are valued at $500, will screen participants for allergies to house and dust mites, cats, timothy grass, Bermuda grass, mountain cedar, short ragweed, alternaria (mold), milk, egg whites and wheat.

The drug store channel isn’t maximizing its potential in the consumer electronics category. According to research by TWICE and the Stevenson Co., CE sales at Walgreens, Rite Aid and CVS amounted to $111 billion last year, less than 1% of the chains’ combined revenue. At Walmart, electronics comprise about 7% of sales. TWICE’s research also revealed that CE sales at all three drug chains were down last year.