Winter Holidays

This year's flu continues to be Texas big, according to the Walgreens Flu Index released Wednesday, as the top 10 communities experiencing the greatest amount of flu incidence were all located in the Lone Star State for the week ended Jan. 6.

Iowa, Idaho and Arkansas rank behind Texas in terms of flu activity. And Montana, Idaho and Iowa ranked highest among states experiencing flu activity gains.

The retailer said it now expects 2017 will be the fourth consecutive year in which its digital sales grow more than 25%.

Steel yourself for a strong cough/cold and flu season. Because before the ball even had a chance to drop in Times Square on Dec. 31, the 2017/2018 flu season is already being touted as the strongest on record since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, 5.8% of patient visits reported through the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network were due to influenza-like illness.

A “solid” holiday shopping season won’t offset looming job cuts and store closings at Macy’s

There may have been plenty of cough and cold products in the Christmas stockings of residents in the Lone Star State, as Texas markets continue to top the Walgreens Flu Index list for flu activity, the Deerfield, Ill.-based chain announced Wednesday morning. As many as nine of the top 10 markets exhibiting flu activity were in Texas, though flu incidence may be gaining traction across the nation as gains in flu activity were recorded from San Diego to Lafeyette, La.

Retailers have plenty to cheer at the beginning of the new year.

Holiday sales increased 4.9% in 2017, setting a new record for dollars spent, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. It was the largest year-over-year increase since 2011. Online shopping saw large gains of 18.1% compared to 2016, boosted by a late-season rally. (The SpendingPulse report details holiday shopping from Nov.1 through Dec. 24 and covers retail sales across all payment types.)

One Brands on Tuesday launched their newest flavor, Red Velvet Cake online and in specialty stores nationwide.

Stamford, Conn.-based Henkel embraced the season of giving by announcing their participation in NBC’s Today Show Toy Drive for the sixth consecutive year. The company which includes Dial, Persil, Purex and Snuggle within its portfolio, donated a total of more than $1 million in laundry and beauty care products to a variety of charities across the United States.

Within its six years of participation, Henkel also has donated a cumulative of $3 million in products, the company said.