WALMART

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The next chapter for CVS Caremark officially is under way. The company last month officially named Larry Merlo CEO, effective March 1. Tom Ryan will remain nonexecutive chairman until his retirement in May. Prior to the news, Merlo had been president and COO.

Just when you thought the low end of the generic drug price spectrum couldn’t get any more commoditized, the $2 price point debuted with a big splash in September 2010.


SUPPLIER NEWS — JocottBrands, a developer and marketer of branded consumer products, has introduced its new Argan Magic hair care line exclusively at CVS/pharmacy. The products are made with Argan Oil, a natural oil that is native to Morocco and derived from the crushed fruit and nuts of the Argan tree. The trio of Argan Magic products includes Intensive hair oil, Nourishing hair cream and Restorative hair mask. Prices are $7.99 to $9.99.



NOVI, Mich. — “Do you know what 2:30 in the afternoon feels like?” Not if you have Living Essentials’ 5-Hour Energy on the shelf. The company peppered the airwaves with its commercial message, positioning 5-Hour Energy shots as an alternative to coffee for those 30-somethings in the work force.


BENTONVILLE, Ark. — In a swift move by Walmart, Duncan Mac Naughton has been appointed the retailer's chief merchandising officer for its U.S. division, less than three months after being named the company's merchandising EVP.

Mac Naughton, who joined Walmart in October, was part of the big-box retailer's restructuring of the merchandising department, which involved divvying the responsibilities among four EVPs, directly reporting to Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon. Mac Naughton oversaw the consumables, health-and-wellness and Walmart.com businesses.

NEW YORK — At a press event in New York on Wednesday, Pacific World and Walmart officially took the wraps off a new eco-friendly beauty line for tweens, aptly named GeoGirl.

The line, which has a suggested retail price between $3.98 and $5.98, is launching exclusively at about 1,250 Walmart stores and on Walmart.com beginning in March. The 69-SKU collection includes makeup for face, lips, cheeks and eyes, as well as skin and body care. A GeoGirl website is slated to launch Feb. 24.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart, the presenting sponsor of the "America I Am: The African-American Imprint" tour, will offer specially priced tickets at select Walmart stores in the Washington, D.C., area.

Walmart is offering tickets at the lowest available price: $10 for adults and $5 for children, or 17% off standard ticket prices.

"America I Am" is a four-year touring museum exhibition that celebrates nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to this country.

WASHINGTON — Walmart joined First Lady Michelle Obama in Washington Thursday to unveil a comprehensive effort to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices.

The program will involve five key elements, including: