News

New York -- Department store retailers reported strong sales in January as shoppers responded positively to post-holiday clearance events.  

Overall, the 20 retailers reporting January comps saw an average rise of 5.1%, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers, which beat the mall trade group’s 3% forecasted rise.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club will offer free heart health screenings at 563 of its stores on Saturday, the club retailer said.

The screenings, taking place at stores with pharmacies, will include tests valued at up to $100 for glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and vision screenings.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark executives expressed optimism Wednesday morning as the company posted record fourth-quarter results, raised its 2013 guidance and continues to work to leverage its distinctive business model to help people on their path to better health amid a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Duluth, Ga. -- NCR announced it has completed its acquisition of Retalix Ltd., a leading global provider of retail software and services.

Zillow has launched an iPad app and a Web site focused on the home improvement marketplace to provide inspiration, price transparency and lead generation for contractors.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has promoted Jeff Burt, formerly group VP perishables, merchandising and procurement, to president of the company's Central division. Kroger's Central Division operates 136 food stores primarily in Indiana and Illinois.

Mr. Burt, 50, has been group vice president of perishables merchandising and procurement since 2010. He succeeds Bob Moeder, who recently announced his plans to retire this spring.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart and Mother Nature Network are inviting people to use Twitter to express their green ideas for the chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card.

New York -- CVS Caremark Corp. bought Drogaria Onofre, a 44-store drug store based in San Paulo, Brazil, last week, Reuters reported. It marks the first time CVS has expanded outside the United States.
 
"We view Brazil as an attractive market given that healthcare and pharmacy are expected to grow double digits for the next decade," CVS CEO Larry Merlo told Reuters. "It's still a highly-fragmented market, so we see nice opportunity to grow the business over time."