RETAIL NEWS

SAN FRANCISCO -- Target is teaming up with an organic tampon company to bring women across the country a healthy tampon with modern packaging and accessories to fit any lifestyle.

CINCINNATI - In celebration of Kroger's 29-year history of providing the Kentucky Derby's annual Garland of Roses, the company released a new video Friday that showcases the 'Journey of the Roses' – from a Rainforest Alliance-certified grower in Bogota, Columbia to the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs– and highlights the humanity and passion embedded in every step along the way.

WASHINGTON - U.S. adult obesity rates decreased in four states (Minnesota, Montana, New York and Ohio), increased in two (Kansas and Kentucky) and remained stable in the rest, between 2014 and 2015, according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America, a report from the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This marks the first time in the past decade that any states have experienced decreases – aside from a decline in Washington, D.C. in 2010.

Instacart, the grocery-ordering app, is getting creative about picking, packing and delivering food on-demand. According to TechCrunch, the company’s people and technology show that the San Francisco startup has changed grocery stores for good. (TechCrunch)

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco reported a 2% increase in same store sales for August and net sales of $8.9 billion.

The comp increase excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and deflation in gasoline prices. The company recorded comps growth of 2% and 4% across its U.S. and Canadian locations, respectively, while it had flat comps at other international outlets.

For the 16-week fourth quarter, the company reported net sales of $35.7 billion, an increase of 2% from $35 billion in the fourth quarter last year, which ended Aug. 30, 2015.

TEMPLE, Texas - McLane Company announced Thursday it has been chosen as the main distributor for Fred’s Pharmacy. With more than 650 locations across the Southeastern part of the United States, this new service agreement allows McLane’s nationwide reach and expertise to consolidate the work of Fred’s 60-plus previous distributors.

The multi-year contract, beginning in October, includes distribution of key product categories tailored specifically to fit the needs of Fred’s unique format of a discount retailer and pharmacy.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Meijer is working with Shipt to launch home grocery delivery service in Detroit and southeastern Michigan.

Because most Meijer stores are open 24 hours a day, Shipt deliveries will be available at some Meijer locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of certain holidays once the service launches in the Detroit area.