Walmart

TOWACO, N.J. — Bosco brand chocolate syrup is making its Walmart debut in 530 stoes in 12 Eastern states including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Bosco which comes in a 22 ounce squeeze bottle is all-natural and vitamin-fortified. Walmart will sell Bosco for $1.98.     

Martin Fry has joined Premier Retail Networks as chief operating officer, the company announced Monday.

Allegations of worker abuse prompted Walmart to suspend a small seafood supplier earlier this week pending the outcome of an investigation, according to a Reuters report.

The rhetoric over allowing foreign direct investment in India is reminiscent of the rhetoric that would have occurred in the United States 30 years ago had Walmart’s critics knew then what they profess to know now.

It may be back to basics in Walmart’s apparel department, but shoppers still crave discounted brands and fashion as evidenced by continued strength at some familiar retailers.

TJX and Ross Stores both posted same-store sales increases of 7% during June, and both companies used the occasion of the better-than-expected results to elevate their profits forecasts. TJX said June sales increase 9% to $2.3 billion, while Ross said its June sales increased 12% to $886 million.

The past few months have seen Walmart leverage its 50th anniversary with a wide range of tactics, but one of the company’s most visible actions may occur this weekend.

Throughout the retail industry and beyond, Walmart has earned a reputation as a leader in executing sustainable improvements that deliver positive results for consumers, communities and the company’s bottom line. Andrea Thomas, who joined Walmart in 2007, was appointed the company’s first senior VP sustainability in August 2010. Thomas talked with Chain Store Age contributing editor Connie Gentry about what sustainability means at Walmart and how the company leverages its scale to make the biggest possible impact for global good.

Walmart observed its 50th anniversary in fine fashion this week as its share price hit an all-time high, even as the company faced familiar charges from vocal critics.

Walmart shares closed Tuesday at an all time high of $70.75, nearly 18% above the $59.97 level where they began the year and more than 46% above the 52-week low price of $48.31 seen late last summer. The move is nothing short of remarkable considering an investment in Walmart was dead money for the past dozen years as shares traded for a little more than $69 back in December 1999.