Distribution

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Humana will offer Medicare Part D beneficiaries a prescription drug plan co-branded with Wal-Mart Stores, the two companies said earlier this week.

The plan, originally launched in 2010, will be launched again for 2012 and will include savings on monthly plan premiums, prescription drug copayments and cost-shares for beneficiaries.

Walmart is set to hold its 18th annual fall analysts’ meeting next week and provide insight into a broad range of growth strategies, domestic turnaround efforts and international expansion. The event is scheduled to last from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Issaquah, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. reported an 11% increase in its fourth quarter net income, below forecasts. The company also announced that it will raise its membership fees starting Nov. 1.

Costco's net income rose to $478 million for the period ended Aug. 28, up from $432 million in the year-ago period. The quarter included a "last-in, first-out" inventory charge of four cents per share. This charge reflects a requirement that the company revalue its inventory if prices rise or fall notably.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s Corp. said Tuesday it will hire 40,000 seasonal workers for the 2011 holiday shopping period, about 5% more than in 2010.

The plan equates to about 35 additional associates per store at its 1,127 stores, each working about 20 hours per week.

In addition, Kohl's said it plans to hire 2,500 seasonal workers at DCs and 500 seasonal and full-time credit operations workers.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s Corp. said Tuesday it will hire 40,000 seasonal workers for the 2011 holiday shopping period, about 5% more than in 2010.

The plan equates to about 35 additional associates per store at its 1,127 stores, each working about 20 hours per week.

In addition, Kohl's said it plans to hire 2,500 seasonal workers at DCs and 500 seasonal and full-time credit operations workers.

Milford, Conn. — Subway said Monday that it opened more than 400 sandwich shops during August and September in 44 countries, 36 U.S. states and seven Canadian provinces.

The new restaurants account for more than 480,000 sq. ft. of retail space and bring the total number of Subways to just over 35,300 locations in 98 countries.

Johannesburg, South Africa — A Bloomberg report on Sunday said that Massmart Holdings Ltd., the South African retailer controlled by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will open 23 new outlets over the next eight months, part of its plan to not only expand its coverage area but also to add jobs in the region. The plan calls for 15,000 jobs over the next three years.

The retailer also said it will repeat a price-cut promotion at its stores.

Leawood, Kan. -- Epay, a division of electronic payments provider Euronet Worldwide, said Thursday it has forged an exclusive agreement to process prepaid mobile airtime transactions in the independent retail segment for Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile USA and Assurance Wireless.

These no-contract wireless brands are owned by Sprint.

Berlin -- 360buy.com was named the Pure Play Etailer of the Year at the Oracle World Retail Awards, which took place during the annual World Retail Congress in Berlin.

Operated by Jing Dong Mall, China’s largest online retailer, 360buy.com provides customers with home appliances, digital devices, computers, household items, clothing and accessories, baby products, books, and food, plus 11 other large product categories, including more than 10,000 brand names and 800,000 SKUs.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Ace Hardware Corp. has selected Suffolk, Va., for the company’s new 336,000-sq.-ft. Import Re-Distribution Center (RDC). Construction is scheduled for completion May 1, 2012.

The facility will allow the company to reduce import and logistics costs and provide an even higher level of service to East Coast retailers, making it possible for Ace stores to more effectively respond to consumer needs dictated by hurricanes and other weather emergencies in the region.