News

Deerfield, Ill. -- Walgreens said Wednesday that its sales were up 6.8% in June, as more customers came to its stores and spent more money per trip. Same-store sales rose 4.8%.  Revenue increased to $6.04 billion from $5.65 billion.

Pharmacy revenue rose 6.2% and front-end sales were up 6.4%. The chain said monthly customer traffic rose 1.3% compared to June 2010, and customers spent 3.4% more per trip.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Ross Stores will celebrate on July 16 the opening of its 1,000th Dress for Less store in North Pleasant Hill, Calif. 

Ross Stores' announcement of its 1,000th Dress for Less store follows strong monthly and quarterly sales and earnings, as the company continues to thrive in the down economy.

By Mark Gibson, [email protected]

MCKINNEY, Texas — Blockbuster L.L.C. announced that customers can now get unlimited kids and family movies on either DVD or Blu-ray for $4.99 a month (one movie out at a time) with the new Kids Summer Pass. A two-movie and three-movie pass are also available for  $9.98 and $14.97, respectively.  

Everett, Wash. -- Zumiez said its same-store sales increased 9.8% for the five-week period ended July 2.

Total net sales for the period increased 16.8% to $43.5 million, compared with $37.2 million for the five-week period ended July 3, 2010.

MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P has launched a new program offering exclusive discounts to pet owners across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut. The program is a collaboration with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

PARAMUS, N.J. — Smart Balance announced that its board of directors has appointed Dean Hollis and Thomas McInerney as independent directors, expanding its members from eight to 10.  

Currently, Hollis is a senior advisor for Oaktree Capital Management, an $85 billion investment firm.  In addition, he oversees several privately held investments and serves on several boards, including Advance Pierre Foods, Landec Corporation, Earth Analytics Group, and Adams Land and Cattle Company.  

In his newest column, Retail Rap with Jeff Green, Chain Store Age columnist Green examines the early uptick in medical users in retail centers and questions why the trend has apparently stalled.

Click here to read Green's column.