Personnel Updates
• Bluemercury Inc. (29) announced that Marla and Barry Beck, its founders, will transition from the company.
• CVS Health (207) has recently hired Adam Pellegrini as Senior VP of Transformation Consumer Health Products.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (106) has named Francesco Tinto as Global CIO and Senior VP.
Financial Focus
• Fred’s Inc. has filed for bankruptcy.
Industry Insight
• Madison Reed announced plans to franchise its stores under a joint venture with Franworth, a franchise consulting firm. The company expects to have close to 100 company-owned stores and 500 franchises in four years.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. announced that Honest Beauty products will soon be available in 750 Walgreens stores across the nation and through its website.
• Walmart Stores Inc. has opened its first Walmart Health center attached to a remodeled Walmart Supercenter in Dallas, GA. It offers basic health care and diagnostic services in partnership with local providers.
Real Estate
• Fred’s Inc. has begun liquidation sales at its stores, which it said are expected to close by the end of October.
Technology News
• Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. announced it is introducing Sparked, a lifelike online store based on virtual reality technology.
• Vitamin Shoppe Industries is launching Only Me, a personalized online assessment that delivers a custom assortment of vitamin and supplements to participating subscribers each month.
• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. has announced a new partnership with Google’s sister company Wing and its Alphabet drone delivery service as part of a new pilot program.
