CVS Health Corp.

A new report reveals that some big retailers are cracking down on toxic chemicals in consumer products, while others are serious laggards.  

Strong results in its PBM business provided a boost during CVS Health’s fiscal third quarter, with the retailer reporting a 23.6% increase in net earnings to $1.5 billion.   Revenue increased 15.5% to $6 billion for the period ended Sept. 30.   

After a test, CVS Health is launching its mobile payment solution, CVS Pay, on a national basis.    CVS Pay is now part of the CVS Pharmacy mobile app, and integrates payment, prescription pickup and the ExtraCare loyalty program all into one quick scan at checkout.  

Inland’s ad tagline says the company’s “always buying.” One of the nation’s leading drugstore chains just found out how true that is.   Inland Real Estate Acquisitions announced that it has acquired 24 CVS pharmacy properties for $116 million. The stores are located in 14 states and add up to 276,466 sq. ft. of retail space.  

With its recent acquisition of Jet.com, a commitment to growing its online grocery business with a convenient grocery pick-up option and an extensive investment against delivering a seamless digital shopping experience, Walmart is once again flipping the script on what it means to compete for America's shopping dollar.   The company's investment in grocery pick-up services represents the cover of that new script - and Walmart is expanding that service to 600 stores this year and 500 stores next year.  

CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation on Thursday announced a $100,000 donation in cash and in-kind support to organizations providing relief efforts to flood victims in central Louisiana, including the Salvation Army USA Southern Territory and the American Red Cross.

Target Corp. on Wednesday reported second quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, but the discounter lowered its guidance for the full year amid declining sales and what it called a “difficult retail environment.”   Net income for the quarter was $680 million, or $1.16 cents per share, versus $753 million, or $1.18 per share in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted per-share earnings were $1.23, easily outdistancing analysts’ projections of $1.12.   

Fred’s on Tuesday announced its new executive VP and chief merchandising and marketing officer, Mary Lou Gardner. Gardner will be replacing Bryan Pugh, who has resigned from the company, effective immediately.