News

Retailers report June sales
New York -- Although the list of retailers reporting monthly sales has grown considerably slim over the past few years, a handful are still going public with the metric.

Costco Wholesale Corp. announced on Thursday that its same-store sales fell 1% in June, following a 1% drop in its most recent quarter (ended May 1), which was the chain’s first quarterly drop since 2009.
Specialty pharmacy bumps Fred's sales
Fred's Inc. says the expansion of its specialty pharmacy business helped drive an increase in sales in June.

Fred's total sales for the period ended July 4 increased 12% to $212.9 million from $190.8 million in June 2014. Excluding $7.4 million from last year's June sales for 56 subsequently closed locations, total sales increased 16% for the month. Same store sales for the month increased 1.6% compared with a decrease of 0.6% in the same period last year.

Ex-Walgreens CFO joining ConAgra board

A former chief financial officer of Walgreens is joining the board of directors at ConAgra Foods as the company deals with the interest of activist investors.
Lowe's earns accolades for disaster relief

Lowe's is getting some recognition for its efforts to aid communities with money, supplies and manpower in times of disaster.
At Home finds new home in Louisiana

At Home is accelerating its pace in its race to operate 100 stores by opening its first store in the state of Louisiana.

The retailer is opening a 90,000 square foot store in Kenner, La., on July 9.

Following the store opening, the Kenner location will have a grand opening ribbon-cutting July 14 at 9 a.m. with the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and onsite giveaways for customers and a radio remote on July 18.
On heels of strong Q3, Walgreens officially has new CEO

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens Boots Alliance appears to be just getting started. The company posted third-quarter EPS of $1.02 for the period ended May 31, which was 15 cents better than analyst estimates of 87 cents. However, revenue for the quarter came in at $28.8 billion, up 48.4%, against consensus estimates of $29.6 billion. Domestic operations were up 5.3% to $20.4 billion.
Careland Pharmacy, Brooklyn, New York

Careland Pharmacy is a new drug store that mixes a contemporary look with playful references with an old-fashioned service philosophy.

Located on the ground floor of a landmarked building, Carleland offers prescription and over-the-counter medications, along with toiletries, beauty supplies, toys, and stationery. With a tagline of “We take care seriously,” the pharmacy also offers free home delivery, vision testing, pharmaceutical compounding and flavoring services. There is a drop-off box for prescriptions on the exterior for on-the-go customers.
Target debuts connected home showroom

Target Corp. is putting a spotlight on how the “Internet of Things“(IoT) will transform consumers’ homes and lives.
Conn’s taps West Marine exec as CFO

New York -- Every retailer needs a good CFO and that’s especially true at Conn’s where the company’s business model requires balancing the need to grow sales against the charge off risk associated with extending credit to subprime customers.

Conn’s, the 90-store retailer of furniture, bedding, appliances and consumer electronics, named Thomas Moran CFO on July 9. He replaces Mark Haley, Conn’s chief accounting officer, who had filled the position on an interim basis since last December.
More good news for Stein Mart

Just months after being named the nation's best department store by USA Today, Stein Mart is reporting a big jump in same store sales for June.

The Florida-based retailer reported total sales for the five-week period ended July 4 of $121.7 million, a 7.5% increase over total sales of $113.2 million for the five-week period ended July 5, 2014. Same store sales for the five-week period ended July 4 increased 5.8% from June 2014.