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It seemed like a good idea, but while many retail chains are still expanding the walk-in clinics inside their stores, The Wall Street Journal reports that four companies that operate the clinics have already closed 69 clinics in 15 states. Still the current number is way up, over 950 such clinics right now compared to 125 three years ago.
Sam’s Club will give a free year membership (valued at $35-40) plus a $40 gift card to people who buy one of a number of products, such as B.F. Goodrich tires, Serta mattresses, or some electronics. The offer runs through the end of the month.
General Motors, Ford, and Toyota will not match Chrysler’s plan to subsidize gas as a new sales incentive, according to the Associated Press.
Ford will have 6-speed automatic transmissions in almost all its vehicles by 2012, a change designed to improve fuel efficiency.
Teaming with Texas-based Fusion Mobile, Meijer is launching its own brand of prepaid wireless phones and phone cards at the 181 stores in its 5-state footprint. Retailing Today says Meijer is the first major retailer to offer its own branded prepaid cell phone service.
Inflation will help major package goods makers post good numbers. Unilever reported revenue that beat its forecast for the first time in six years, noting increase prices for items like Dove soap, Hellmann’s mayonnaise, and Lipton tea.
Papa John’s reported a 34% drop in first quarter net income on a $5.2 million loss related to its franchisee-owned cheese purchasing company. Systemwide same-store sales increased 1.7% — a 2.6-percent increase at company stores and a 1.4% bump at franchised locations.
Chicago-based Reserve Brands has obtained the exclusive license to market Eagle Snacks. The products haven’t been on the market since Eagle was purchased from Anheuser-Busch by P & G in 1996. Reserve Brands plans to bring the snacks back to the market later this year.
There had been some thought that the gambling business might be recession-proof, but recent numbers show the casino companies may also be feeling the economy. Although MGM Mirage, the world’s second-largest casino company, took an extra hit in business because of the fire at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, the company reported a 30% loss in quarterly profit, with both casino revenue and hotel revenue falling at most properties.
Energizer Holdings is moving media planning and buying for its Playtex unit from MediaCom to WPP sibling Mediaedge:cia. That shop already handles the media for both Energizer batteries and the Schick-Wilkinson division.
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