Top Retailers

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Thursday reported a net sales increase of 17.7% to $2.9 billion for the second quarter ended March 2. Comparable stores were up 2.9%.

An extra week in the quarter contributed approximately $189 million in sales. Strong growth in tobacco, food and HBA contributed to a 26.6% lift across consumables, the dollar operator reported. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The increased availability of generics combined with CVS Caremark's generic dispensing rate of 77.4% helped reduce spending on traditional medications by 3.6% for the company's commercial clients, according to its newly released annual insights report, which reviews drug trend and highlights key issues in pharmacy care.

CVS Caremark's GDR is the result of two elements.  First, 2012 marked a high point in the flood of generic launches, with the estimated market value of brands that lost their patents in 2012 exceeding $35 billion. 

TROY, Mich. — Five regional retailers — including mass-merchandisers Meijer and Fred Meyer — are selling a mobile point-of-sale credit card processing system compatible with most smartphones and tablets in their stores.

FAYATTEVILLE, Ark. — The healthcare industry's supply chain may have a few tips and tricks to pick up from the retail industry's supply chain, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Arkansas.

 LOS ANGELES — Walgreens and NBC’s hit weight-loss competition series "The Biggest Loser" on Wednesday joined forces to launch a new web series that follows former contestant Filipe Fa's journey to lose weight and keep it off once and for all.

“The Biggest Loser is changing how American’s view health and wellness, and together we are highlighting Walgreens 'Way to Well Commitment’ by sharing Felipe and Sione's dramatic stories,” stated Megan McCambridge, divisional VP customer relationship marketing for Walgreens.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop is reaffirming its goal to reduce its effects on the environment, particularly in Massachusetts, the company said.

The Ahold USA banner, which operates 131 stores in the state, said it renewed its partnership with the Environmental League of Massachusetts as a member of the ELM Corporate Council and reiterated its commitment to help further the goals of a state law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020 and 85% by 2050. In 2008, the chain announced plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% by 2015.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors at Walgreens on Wednesday declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.5 cents per share, a 22.2% increase over the year ago dividend. The dividend is payable June 12, 2013, to shareholders of record May 21, 2013.

Walgreens has paid a dividend in 322 straight quarters (more than 80 years) and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. Over the last five years, Walgreens annual dividend rate has increased from 38 cents per share to $1.10 per share, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%.

EWING, N.J. — OxiClean, a trademark of Church and Dwight, has launched a new 2-in-1 laundry booster designed to clean tough stains and help protect the intensity of colors.