LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix honored six of its associates for their community involvement, recognizing them with the Mr. George Community Service Award for outstanding commitment to their communities during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting. The company notes that Publix founder George Jenkins, affectionately known as Mr. George, believed that Publix and its associates should make a difference in their communities. The Mr. George Community Service Award annually recognizes associates who have continued his legacy of service. Since 1995, 153 associates have received this prestigious honor ..read more

IRVING, Texas — The arts & crafts specialty retailer Michaels has announced lower prices on over 5,000 items, offering its customers the opportunity to save on the products they buy most, the company said on Thursday. Lower prices are now in effect across such categories as home décor, art supplies, seasonal items, kids’ projects, wall frames. The retailer — which operates more than 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca — says it aims to keep creativity accessible for as many customers as possible. To that end Michaels has lowered the pri ..read more

SALEM, OR – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is applauding the enactment of Oregon House Bill (HB) 4149. The measure, which was signed into law by Governor Tina Kotek (D), promises to help reduce prescription drug costs and preserve Oregonians’ vital access to pharmacy care by holding pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) accountable. Of note, HB 4149 will provide the state with enforcement authority, requiring PBMs to be licensed by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services beginning January 1, 2025. NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson said: “Enactment of H ..read more

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — Hy-Vee Inc. is in the process of acquiring the Strack & Van Til Food Market chain (also known as Indiana Grocery Group LLC), which has stores throughout Northwest Indiana, the company said on Wednesday. The acquisition will add 22 stores to Hy-Vee’s portfolio of more than 550 retail business units, which includes grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies, restaurants and convenience stores that focus on meal solutions for busy families. “As our company continues to expand into Indiana and the Southeast region, Strack & Van Til’s customer-centric focus and comp ..read more

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is collaborating with celebrity Jessica Simpson’s apparel brand on a new collection of women’s clothing, swimwear and jewelry, including many items designed exclusively for Walmart. “I am so excited to partner with Walmart to bring our collection to a whole new group of dynamic and beautiful customers,” said Jessica Simpson. “Walmart is an incredible one-stop shop and allows us to further expand our mission to help every woman feel her absolute best and most confident in fashion and accessories that are on-trend, while still being classic and affordable.” The Jessic ..read more

WASHINGTON – The Health In Hand Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2024 U.S. Self-Care Marketing Awards. Winners will be announced at the ninth annual Health In Hand Foundation Gala on Nov. 13 at The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. At this year’s Gala, the Health In Hand Foundation will present the 2024 U.S. Self-Care Marketing Awards to recognize the strategic innovation and marketing expertise of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association’s (CHPA) member companies in the over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, consumer medical device, and dietary supplement industries. The call for n ..read more

ARLINGTON, Va. – FMI – The Food Industry Association has named Shelby Furman, Ph.D., as the association’s new director for food and product safety programs. In her role, Furman will be responsible for developing and implementing food and product safety programs as well as directing food protection activities and providing technical expertise for the FMI membership. Shelby Furman Specifically, she will work on issues related to chemical contaminants in food and packaging, with a focus on providing technical expertise for science-based policies to regulate these substances and support for FMI ..read more

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, proudly announces the adoption of two sets of new voluntary guidelines: one focused on the formulation, labeling, and packaging of melatonin-containing dietary supplements marketed for sleep support, and another dedicated to the labeling of gummy dietary supplements. Adopted by CRN’s Board of Directors on March 28, 2024, these guidelines are a testament to CRN’s members’ commitment to establishing responsible marketing practices for the industry ..read more

WASHINGTON – Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Monday shows that retail sales continued to increase in March as tax refunds and job growth put more money in shoppers’ pockets, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “March’s Census Bureau numbers confirm that consumer spending remains steady, underscoring a resilient consumer despite inflationary pressure,” Kleinhenz said. “While sales were mixed, several factors supported retail sales including an early Easter holiday, slightly larger 2023 tax refunds and stronger payroll growth over the last three months. Non ..read more

WASHINGTON – Retail sales grew at a steady pace in March, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today by the National Retail Federation. “As inflation for goods levels off, March’s data demonstrates steady spending by value-focused consumers who continue to benefit from a strong labor market and real wage gains,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “In this highly competitive market, retailers are having to keep prices as low as possible to meet the demand of consumers looking to stretch their family budgets.” Total retail sales, excluding autom ..read more