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Scot Meyer

Kroger’s earnings top expectations

Kroger Co. reported flat sales for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 3, but profits beat expectations. The retailer reported a $736 million profit on sales of $37.1 billion for the three-month period. Kroger noted that identical sales (excluding fuel) decreased 0.

Mixed Forecast for ’24 Retail Sales

Some forecasters see partly cloudy skies ahead for the U.S. economy, which could translate into weaker sales gains for retailers in the coming months. The Conference Board recently upgraded its forecast, saying that it no longer expects a recession this year. But the news is not all good.

Walmart’s carbon cuts should be an exemplar

warfare in Europe and the Middle East, high food prices, and the promise and peril of generative AI among them — have diluted the sense of urgency to address climate change, it’s heartening to see a major private sector initiative, designed to reduce greenhouse gases, come to

Costco’s aura has never been brighter

and, no great surprise, the news is overwhelmingly positive. To begin at the beginning, Craig Jelenik, the retailer’s longtime (and very effective) chief executive officer, has retired, ending an era of unprecedented retail success.

Influential Women: Silvia Azrai Kawas, Walmart

As executive vice president of consumables for Walmart U.S., Silvia Azrai Kawas leads the omni­merchandising strategy and assortment for the company’s Consumables business, including baby, beauty, health and wellness, household essentials, personal care, and pets businesses.

Influential Women: Shweta Bhatia, Dollar General

With more than 20 years in the retail industry, Shweta Bhatia, senior vice president of information technology applications and base engineering, leads Dollar General’s technology development, overseeing the implementation and management of all the retailer’s IT infrastructure systems and platforms.

Influential Women: Tracey Brown, Walgreens

As executive vice president and president of Walgreens Retail and the company’s chief customer officer, Tracey Brown’s mission is clear: to make Walgreens the most convenient health and wellness destination with the most trusted offerings across the health care continuum.

Influential Women: Erin Condon, CVS Health

As chief marketing officer of the Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness business unit, Erin Condon leads the teams that drive the integrated marketing plans and shopper experience in CVS Pharmacy stores. “I have the privilege of being part of the retail leadership team at CVS Health.