Wendy future of retail top

Bruce Efird

Fred’s drives transition to pharmacy-led model

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred’s Inc. is expediting its transformation into a convenience- and pharmacy-centric retailer amid intense competition in its core general merchandise market and a surge in pharmaceutical price inflation, particularly generic drugs. In reporting second-quarter results Thursday, Fred’s chief executive officer Bruce Efird said the discount GM chain plans to close 60 underperforming

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