Top Retailers

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is stocking Easter and spring supplies at its stores in anticipation of the holiday and season, the retail pharmacy chain said Monday.

The 4,623-store chain said items at its stores included chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, SweeTarts, Ducks & Bunnies, Cadbury Eggs and other candy brands, as well as baskets and other accessories.

In addition, the company is selling such gardening supplies as planters, figurines, bird feeders, wind chimes and outdoor fountains and lighting, including solar-powered devices.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — The Environmental Protection Agency has given Sears Holdings a 2013 Energy Star Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award, the company said Monday.

Sears Holdings, which operates Kmart, said its efforts to promote sustainability and energy efficiency would be recognized at a ceremony in Washington on March 26.

The company has been an Energy Star partner since 1998.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Target Corp. is opening 17 new stores in Canada's Ontario province Tuesday and four more on March 28, the mass merchandise retailer said Monday.

Target said the soft openings follow the launch of three pilot stores and will allow the company to engage in volume testing ahead of their April grand opening. The company plans to open 124 stores across Canada this year.

FORT WORTH, Texas — In a SEC filing, RadioShack last week confirmed it had recruited Michael De Fazio, one of the architects behind Duane Reade's new store formats, to help the small-box specialty retailer recapture some of its lost retail pizzazz. 

As SVP store concepts, De Fazio joins a team that includes Troy Risch, who came to RadioShack from Target as EVP operations in December, and Huey Long, formerly of Wal-Mart and now RadioShack EVP strategy and consumer insights who also signed with RadioShack in December. 

AMSTERDAM — Dutch supermarket operator Royal Ahold has repurchased nearly 1 million shares as part of its $647.3 million share-buyback program, the company said Monday.

Ahold said the 960,596 shares were repurchased at an average price of $14.91, for a total of $14.33 million.

The company announced the share-buyback program in late February. Ahold operates the Stop & Shop, Giant-Carlisle and Giant-Landover supermarket banners and the Peapod online grocery service in the United States.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Monday introduced several updates to its mobile app, most notably the ability to print from Instagram, as well as upload more than five pictures simultaneously for in-store prints. 

“We know that many people enjoy customizing their photos to reflect the uniqueness of each shot,” stated Jasbir Patel, senior director and general merchandise manager, photo and e-commerce, Walgreens. “Aligning our QuickPrints technology to Instagram helps our customers make those digital images come to life in print form.” 

CHICAGO — Chicago State University’s College of Pharmacy has announced that CVS Caremark has donated $250,000 for the development of the CVS Caremark Student Center and Technology Laboratory.

“This donation will help to improve the College’s physical space and technological resources, which greatly enhances student success within the College of Pharmacy. To say thank you is an understatement,” stated Dean Miriam Mobley Smith with the College of Pharmacy.

NEW YORK — Jim Cramer on Wednesday shared his bullishness on CVS Caremark stock with viewers during the “Lightening Round” portion of his "Mad Money" investment advice program on CNBC.

When asked by a caller whether she should buy CVS Caremark stock, Cramer enthusiastically replied, “I think that’s a great idea. Buy. Buy. Buy!”