Walmart reported today that it continued to gain traction in both food sales and its e-commerce business in its second quarter. Walmart U.S. traffic increased 1.3 percent and comparable-store sales grew 1.8 percent. It marks Walmart’s 12th consecutive quarter of positive comp sales. “The grocery business continued to improve as food categories delivered the strongest […]
Category: Nonfood Items
Posted inNortheast, Center Store, Nonfood Items
7-Eleven Selling Safe Sunglasses For Upcoming Eclipse
In anticipation of the total solar eclipse crossing the United States on Aug. 21, 7-Eleven is offering special and safe sunglasses for viewing. Available in a two-pack and single pack, the Explore Scientific Sun Catcher solar eclipse glasses offered by 7-Eleven are approved for viewing by the American Astronomical Society (AAS). “An opportunity like this only […]
Posted inWest, Home Page Latest News, Nonfood Items
Oregon Becomes Fifth State To Raise Smoking Age To 21
Oregon on Aug. 9 became the fifth state to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under age 21 as Gov. Kate Brown signed the measure into law. The legislature approved the bill in July. Tobacco 21 laws also have been enacted by California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine and at least 255 cities and […]
Posted inNonfood Items, Bonus Content, Guest Contributors, Home Page Latest News, National
Getting SMART About Back-To-School
by Naomi Sleeper/director of business development, Imperial Distributors As the summer season comes to a close, families are starting to do their back-to-school (BTS) shopping. According to a National Retail Federation (NRF) study, BTS and college spending is the second highest shopping season for retailers, after the winter holidays. Total BTS spending accounts for more than […]
Posted inWest, Home Page Latest News, Nonfood Items
Oregon Expected To Become Third State To Raise Tobacco-Buying Age
Oregon is about to become the third state in the nation to raise the age for buying tobacco products to 21. The measure passed in the State House by a 39-to-20 vote on July 6. Although the Senate passed the measure in March, 19 to 8, SB 754 will need to return to the Senate […]
Posted inNational, Home Page Latest News, Nonfood Items
IHA Executive Dies After Fall At Yellowstone National Park
Jeff Murphy, VP, international, at the International Housewares Association (IHA), died Wednesday, June 7, during a hiking trip to Yellowstone National Park. The 53-year-old’s death was the result of a fall near Turkey Pen Peak in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, according to National Park Service officials. He went missing on Wednesday and a search began […]
Posted inNonfood Items, Home Page Latest News, Marketing News, Merchandising News, National
Grocery Checkstands Drive Greeting Card Sales
Hallmark is partnering with several top supermarket retailers to test a new opportunity for greeting card sales at the grocery checkstand and is seeing positive sales as a result. One grocery partner reported seeing not only increased sales, but more units sold and a higher average price per card. “We are always looking for flexible […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Grocery Industry, Health & Wellness, Home Page Latest News, National, Nonfood Items
Albertsons Cos. Acquires MedCart Specialty Pharmacy
Albertsons Cos. has acquired MedCart Specialty Pharmacy in order to, the supermarket chain says, strengthen and extend its pharmacy specialty services. MedCart Specialty Pharmacy is an URAC-accredited pharmaceutical and healthcare provider of customized specialty care services and medication management for patients and physicians addressing complex diseases. “MedCart Specialty Pharmacy has built an exemplary operation, which complements […]