RETAIL NEWS

NRF: April retail sales bloomed despite higher prices
NRF’s calculation of retail sales, which excludes automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants, showed April sales were up 0.9% seasonally adjusted from March and up 6.4% unadjusted year over year.
Higher costs weigh down Target’s Q1
Target had lower-than-expected sales in discretionary categories, as well as costs related to freight, supply chain disruptions, and increased compensation and headcount in its distribution centers.

Aetna recognizes Sacramento Covered, Sacramento Self-Help Housing with Community Heart awards, donations
The funding will help individuals experiencing homelessness address barriers to safe and affordable housing.
Wakefern to utilize artificial intelligence in employee training
Wakefern is leveraging the Axonify digital training platform to extract key learning points for review and generate reinforcement questions and answers for its employees.
Walmart reports mixed Q1 results
Walmart's first-quarter revenue, for the period ending April 30, was $141.6 billion, an increase of 2.4%.
Walgreens makes 2 key leadership appointments
Anita Patel is joining Walgreens in the newly created role of vice president, pharmacy services development. Rina Shah will serve in a newly created role of vice president, pharmacy of the future and healthcare segments.
Walmart touts career paths for people at all stages of life
Approximately 75% of Walmart's U.S. salaried store, club and supply chain management started their careers in hourly positions, the company said.
Walgreens’ brand vitamins, supplements earn UL Verified Mark
The UL Verified Mark confirms the ingredients are as stated on the nutritional or supplemental facts panel shown on the product's label.
H-E-B opens primary care clinics in Austin, Texas
The first location in Austin, Texas offers one-stop food, health care, physical therapy and nutrition services.
Hy-Vee signs Statement of Support for Nation’s Guard, Reserve
The mission of the Statement of Support program is to increase employer support of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military.
Wegmans opens Carlyle-Alexandria, Va. store
Wegmans has opened its 14th store in Virginia, bringing the retailer’s total store count to 107.
Walgreens Boots Alliance sells 6M shares of AmerisourceBergen
After the sale, Walgreens Boots Alliance's ownership of AmerisourceBergen’s common stock has decreased from approximately 28.1% to approximately 25.2%.
Walmart launches Mental Health First Aid training program
The Mental Health First Aid training program teaches associates how to identify, understand and respond to people who are struggling with mental health challenges.
Ahold Delhaize increased market shares across key markets in Q1
The company reported group net sales increased 8.3% and net sales were up 3.6% as food-at-home consumption remained resilient.

News and information on retail pharmacy chains, including chain drug stores, mass merchants, supermarkets and independent pharmacies.