![Kroger-Albertsons merger put on hold by a Colorado judge](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/krogeralbertsons-merger.jpeg)
![Acosta Group's evolution: an interview with Brian Wynne following Crossmark acquisition](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/ACOSTA-GROUP-LOGO.jpg)
![Shekhar named VP of beauty at Walmart](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/Vinima-Shekhar-Walmart-1.jpg)
![WBA appoints Dr. William Shrank to board](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/wba-logo-5.jpg)
WBA appoints Dr. William Shrank to board
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) today announced the appointment of Dr. William Shrank to the company’s board of directors. Dr. Shrank is globally recognized for his leadership and expertise in health care strategy, policy and population health.
![LeBlanc named merchandising VP for beauty, personal care at CVS](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/cvs-exterior-4.jpg)
LeBlanc named merchandising VP for beauty, personal care at CVS
Michelle LeBlanc was appointed vice president of merchandising for beauty, personal care and Hispanic Center of Excellence (CoE) by CVS Health.
![Expect Short-Term Hype but Huge Long-Term Value From AI](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/Jason-Reiser-Featured-8.jpg)
![Target’s AI Deployment Will Be a Game Changer](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/jeff-woldt-headshot2.jpg)
Target’s AI Deployment Will Be a Game Changer
Target is going all in on generative AI. Last month, the retailer unveiled plans to equip employees at its almost 2,000 stores across the country with Store Companion, a chatbot driven by GenAI.
![Older Consumers Worth Wooing](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/Scot-Meyer-Headshot.jpg)
Older Consumers Worth Wooing
Retailers and CPG companies focus their marketing efforts mainly on younger consumers, who they see as critical to their future growth. Fair enough. But older customers have a lot of money to spend.
![McMillon aims for a higher peak](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/1693432362004.jpg)
McMillon aims for a higher peak
Complacency is the enemy of excellence. Doug McMillon delivered that message to a gathering of some 14,000 colleagues that marked the culmination of Walmart’s annual Associates Week.
![Albertsons sales edge up in Q1](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/Albertsons-Store.jpg)
![NRF’s Kleinhenz: Economy is in ‘critical moment’](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/NRF-logo-12.jpg)
NRF’s Kleinhenz: Economy is in ‘critical moment’
WASHINGTON – As inflation continues to ease and the Federal Reserve ponders when to lower interest rates, the nation is in a “critical moment” of waiting to see what will happen next, according to National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.
![Kroger’s Q1 earnings beat expectations](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/kroger-exterior-3.jpg)
Kroger’s Q1 earnings beat expectations
Kroger Co. posted first-quarter earnings that topped expectations.
![Circana: Retail sales show signs of stabilization](/content/images/size/w1304/format/webp/2024/07/circana-logo-6.jpeg)
Circana: Retail sales show signs of stabilization
In May 2024, U.S. retail sales, including both discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG), changed very little compared to last year’s performance.