RETAIL NEWS

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Profit rose 1.7% and comparable sales increased 2% at Costco during the fourth quarter.

The club retailer said net income for the fourth quarter ended Aug. 28 was $779 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, compared to $767 million, or $1.73 per diluted share, last year. Net income for the fiscal year was $2.35 billion, or $5.33 per diluted share, compared to $2.38 billion, or $5.37 per diluted share, last year. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Health on Thursday announced it has expanded access to the opioid overdose-reversal drug naloxone in Alabama, Alaska, Illinois, Missouri and West Virginia, allowing CVS Pharmacy patients to access the medication without an individual prescription.  

In total, CVS Pharmacy patients in 36 states now have increased access to the opioid overdose-reversal drug.  

SEATTLE -- Bartell Drugs and Oberto Beef Jerky are joining forces to raise money for Seattle Children's in support of its mission to prevent, treat and eliminate pediatric diseases.

This is the second year the locally-based, family-owned companies have joined forces to raise money for the nationally acclaimed hospital. Last year, $24,500 was collected from the chain’s 64 Puget Sound locations.

WATERLOO, Ontario -- The maker of chat platform Kik is launching a beauty category for its bot shop, which makes shopping more social on Kik.

The beauty category joins existing categories such as Fashion, Entertainment, New and Noteworthy, Lifestyle, and Games. The new category includes a mix of branded and brand-agnostic "concierge" bots, and users can now include multiple bots in chats with friends for a better overall shopping experience. 

SAN FRANCISCO -- Sephora is launching a series of complimentary, specialized in-store beauty classes developed to help inspire confidence in participants facing major life transitions.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, more than 85 Sephora stores around the United States will partner with non-profit organizations in their local communities to offer a supportive environment where participants can have fun as they learn tips for creating a professional beauty look for entry back into the workforce.

NEW YORK - With the number of U.S. clinics located within retail locations exceeding 2,000, they have become an important target for in vitro diagnostic products and point-of-care testing, Kalorama Information reported Wednesday.

CHICAGO -- Consumers are spreading their dollars across more channels and store formats, and retailers must not only keep current customers but also make them loyal in order to drive growth.