Marketing

Walgreens named former Sam’s Club head merchant Linda Filler to the role of president of retail products and chief merchandising officer.

The hire is a positive development for Walgreens given Filler’s diverse background and accomplishments in a consumer packaged goods industry where many are more likely to recognize her by the maiden named Linda Hefner.

New York – Consolidated net earnings dropped 8% at Barnes & Noble Inc. in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, to $12.3 million from $13.2 million. An increase in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses helped drive the drop in profit.   Second quarter consolidated revenues decreased 3% to $1.69 billion from $1.75 billion.   

Las Vegas - Fresh & Easy, the former Tesco-owned grocery format, is testing a dramatically new look at seven plus stores in the  Las Vegas market.    The stores have been remodeled with a more modern feel and layout and a greater emphasis on ready meal solutions, with such features as a “Fresh To Go” hot food bar, a pizza over, a coffee bar and made-to-order sandwiches. A revamped product selection with lower fixtures and a more abundant selection of fresh food.  

Momentum continues to build at Kroger where the company elevated expectations for its fourth quarter performance after a better than expected showing in the third quarter.

New York – Earning a reputation is not always a good thing, but in Google’s case it is a positive development. Google has received top ranking in the new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) RepTrak Study from Reputation Index. Google beat out number two company Microsoft, which held the top spot in 2012 and 2013. Nestle exited the top 10 list this year, while Lego is the one new entrant. The full top 10 list is:   1. Google 2. Microsoft 3. Walt Disney

Walgreens Walgreens has named Linda Filler as president of retail products and chief merchandising officer effective Jan. 1.

Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson said: “With the addition of Linda, our retail products division will be well-positioned to join with Alliance Boots to deliver the unique combination of products and services that will set apart our future combined company.”

Toronto, Canada – Hudson’s Bay Company is launching a new credit card program with Capital One Financial Corp. that includes the Saks Fifth Avenue banner. The agreement is also planned to add the Lord & Taylor credit card program in June 2015, subject to certain closing conditions.  

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreen Co. has named Linda Filler as president of retail products and chief merchandising officer, effective Jan. 1. Filler will be responsible for the vision, leadership, strategic direction and performance of all Walgreens merchandising activities.