RETAIL NEWS

DALLAS - MoneyGram and Walmart on Tuesday announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art online money transfer platform that offers customers new features and a streamlined experience when sending money through Walmart.moneygram.com.

Amazon is trying to curtail counterfeit products on its website by requiring sellers to undergo a more rigorous vetting process before listing their products online, according to PYMNTS.com. According to the website, Amazon is now requiring sellers to pay a fee, which can be as high as $1,500, and provide purchase invoices from a handful of manufacturers and distributors before being able to sell the products on its website. (PYMNTS.com)

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.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart has unveiled its annual top toy list, chosen by hundreds of kids.

The list includes many toys that will be exclusive to the retailer. Walmart also announced the return of its popular layaway program, which opens on Sept. 2.