Business news for Fri, 21 Dec 2007 & with words chain+sales. 5 news.

Walgreen Co. reported a moderately stronger-than-anticipated 5.5 percent increase in fiscal first-quarter earnings, but profit margins narrowed for the Deerfield drugstore chain as growing consumer caution put pressure on non-pharmacy sales.

Reuters - Walgreen Co reported a better-than-expected rise in quarterly profit on Friday as cost controls offset weak sales of flu medications and a recall of cold medicines, sending the drugstore chain's shares up 7 percent.

Walgreen's quarterly profit rose 5.5%, helped by tighter cost controls at the drugstore chain and strong sales of its private-label products.

Drugstore chain Walgreen Co. reported a 5.5 percent gain in first-quarter profits Friday, benefiting from cost cuts and sales of private-label products as consumers sought out low-price goods.

Demand for baby cashmere clothing and iPods has helped John Lewis achieve a further week of record festive sales, the department store chain said yesterday.