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Issue 03-25-2024

Easter spending to top $22 billion

Consumers are expected to spend about $22.4 billion on food, clothing and gifts to celebrate Easter, which falls on March 31 this year. That’s according to the annual survey conducted by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

ALDI to add 800 stores over five years

ALDI, a retailer already known for its rapid growth, has unveiled plans to increase its store count by 800 locations across the country by the end of 2028. The ambitious five-year expansion plan involves opening new stores and converting existing ones.

Senators press for PBM reform at NACDS Event

Retail pharmacy’s drive to secure enactment of meaningful PBM reform received a boost earlier this month when the leaders of the Senate Finance Committee spoke at a press briefing on Capitol Hill during NACDS RxImpact Day. Sens. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) and Mike Crapo (R., Ind.

Q2 gains reported by Costco

Costco Wholesale Corp. posted net sales growth of 5.7% for its second quarter as more members visited its warehouse clubs and spent more per trip. Traffic was up 4.3% in the United States and 5.3% companywide, Costco reported on March 7. Net income in the period through February 18 was $1.

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.