Top Retailers

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — During the holiday season, 81 area nonprofit organizations received funds from the CVS Caremark Charity Classic at a recently held presentation at CVS Caremark’s headquarters.

As the largest charitable sporting event in Rhode Island that attracts world-class golfers, the tournament donated $1.3 million in 2013 to organizations across Southern New England, bringing the total support since 1999 to more than $17 million.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare and Walgreens on Monday teamed up to launch Sponsorship to Quit, a free online quit-smoking gamification program that smokers can personalize with customized tools and tips during their journey to quit. 

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has opened 120 pickup points for online orders as of the end of 2013, the supermarket operator said Monday.

Ahold, which hopes to triple its online food sales by 2016, said the opening of pickup points in the United States and Europe would be an important part of reaching that goal. Most of the pickup points in the United States are operated under the Stop & Shop, Giant Food of Landover, Md., and Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa., banners. The 120 pickup points compare with only eight a year ago.

ATLANTA — InComm, a leading prepaid product and transaction services company, on Monday announced that six health plans across Arizona and Texas will be providing over-the-counter benefits through Medagate, InComm's healthcare platform. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy announced on Monday the launch of the Family Vitamin Center, a new health hub on CVS.com to help educate customers on the vitamins and supplements that can support their personal health goals.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday reported December sales of $7.2 billion, an increase of 7.2%. Sales in comparable stores increased by 6.1% in December. Calendar day shifts positively impacted total comparable sales by 170 basis points, while generic drug introductions in the last 12 months negatively impacted total comparable sales by 70 basis points. December 2013 had one additional Tuesday and one fewer Saturday compared with December 2012. 

ATHENS, Ga. — A professor at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy has been named the first Rite Aid professor in community pharmacy, the school said.

Beth Phillips, who took the new role on Dec. 1, joined the college's faculty in 2007, and the school said the professorship, its newest, includes a $250,000 endowment for salary support, research and teaching assistance and traveling expenses. Of the school's other endowed professorships, one also is sponsored by Kroger.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is stepping up its flu shot promotions as flu activity increases.

The retail pharmacy chain said Monday that seasonal flu shots were still available at all its stores, and that people who have not received a shot this season should do so as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older.