Mass Market Retailers articles from December 2008

Mass Market Retailers archives from December 2008

Aldi eyes Dallas area.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 15, 2008... ALDI EYES DALLAS AREA: Discount grocer Aldi Group has confirmed eight of the 25 locations it plans to open in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in the spring of 2010. The initial sites will include two in Dallas, two in Garland and one each in the...

Penn Traffic pares.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 15, 2008... PENN TRAFFIC PARES: Penn Traffic Co. is shuttering its two stores in Oswego, N.Y., and Lebanon, N.H. The company will sell the store assets to Golub Corp.'s Price Chopper chain, which will operate stores in both locations.

Murale in Montreal.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 15, 2008... MURALE IN MONTREAL: Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. has opened its second Murale upscale beauty boutique in Place Ville Marie in Montreal, the first in that city. The flagship unit opened in Ottawa in November. The company plans to open between five...

Hannaford RX plan.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 15, 2008... HANNAFORD RX PLAN: Hannaford Supermarkets has partnered with HealthTrans, a health care management solutions company, to introduce a community-based pharmacy benefits plan. The program is designed specifically for employers in Maine, New...

Beahm adds O-T.Cs.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
December 15, 2008... BEAHM ADDS O-T.Cs: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has realigned part of its Health and Wellness division, giving responsibility for all merchandising of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and optical to Paul Beahm, senior vice president and...

New ceos ready, set.(SPOTLIGHT)
December 15, 2008... NEW YORK -- New leadership is in store for the world's two largest retailers. Carrefour SA has tapped senior Nestle SA executive Lars Olofsson to serve as its new chief executive officer. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., meanwhile, has named Mike Duke,...

Retail sales picture deteriorates.(NEWS)
December 15, 2008... NEW YORK -- November was a month most retailers will want to forget, as a weak economy and a late Thanksgiving that trimmed the number of shopping days combined to produce the weakest sales growth in 30 years. According to TNS Retail...

BJ's names Sen chief executive.
December 15, 2008... NATICK, Mass. -- Laura Sen has been elected chief executive officer of BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. by the company's board of directors. Currently president and chief operating officer, Sen will become CEO February 1. She will retain the title...

Kroger wary about end of year.(NEWS)
December 15, 2008... CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. posted strong sales growth for its 2008 third quarter but said a charge related to Hurricane Ike nipped earnings. The supermarket retailer also gave a cautious outlook for the fourth quarter, which rattled investors and...

Safeway 'positioned to improve momentum'.(NEWS)
December 15, 2008... PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. says it will aggressively cut costs and lower prices in 2009. During its annual investors meeting earlier this month, the company said it expects to earn between $2.34 and $2.44 per share in 2009....

Fred's president adds CEO title.(NEWS)
December 15, 2008... MEMPHIS -- Fred's Inc. president Bruce Efird has been promoted to chief executive officer, effective February 1. Efird, 49, will succeed Michael Hayes, 67, who will continue as chairman. The company says the move is part of a management...

Whole foods asks court to block action by FTC.(NEWS)
December 15, 2008... WASHINGTON -- Whole Foods Market Inc. has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court here against the Federal Trade Commission, claiming that the agency should not be allowed to conduct a trial over the company's acquisition of its rival, Wild Oats...

Scoreboard.(MONEY NEWS)(Statistical table)
December 15, 2008... SCOREBOARD Quarter Dollar % RETAILERS ended Sales Change BJ'S (1) 11/02 2.5 bil +13.1 Dollar Tree 11/01 1.1 bil +11.6 Fred's 11/01...

Shareholders approve rite aid reverse stock split.(MONEY NEWS)
December 15, 2008... SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE RITE AID REVERSE STOCK SPLIT: Shareholders have given the O.K. to a reverse split of Rite Aid Corp.'s common stock at a split ratio of 1-for-10, 1-for-15 or 1-for-20, to be selected by the drug store chain's board of...

Discounters.(MONEY)
December 15, 2008... DISCOUNTERS Current Previous Close Close % 12/1/08 11/13/08 Change Discounter BJ's 34.19 36.75 - 6.97 Costco...

Drug stores.(MONEY)
December 15, 2008... DRUG STORES Current Previous Close Close % Drug Store 12/1/08 11/13/08 Change Amerisource 29.88 30.29 - 1.35 Cardinal Health (1)...

Supermarkets.(MONEY)
December 15, 2008... SUPERMARKETS Current Previous Close Close % Supermarket 12/1/08 11/13/08 Change A&P 4.20 4.64 - 9.48 Delhaize ...

Target net off 23.8% in quarter.(SPOTLIGHT)
December 15, 2008... MINNEAPOLIS -- With sales at its core retail business faltering and bad-debt write-offs mounting in its credit card unit, net income for the third quarter plunged nearly 24% at Target Corp. Although the performance exceeded Wall Street's...

Strong results make Wal-Mart optimistic.(MONEY)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- With its core domestic division continuing to outperform competitors and most of the retail industry in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. posted earnings-per-share growth that beat Wall Street's...

BJ's bucks negative retail trend.(MONEY)
December 15, 2008... NATICK, Mass. -- In what's shaping up as the most dismal year for retailers in recent memory, BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. continues to stake out its place among the industry's handful of bright lights. The nation's third-largest warehouse...

Outlook revised upward.(MONEY)
December 15, 2008... NATICK, Mass.--With the strong third quarter performance behind it, BJ's Wholesale Club now expects to report fiscal 2008 net income of $131 million to $135 million, or $2.20 to $2.30 per diluted share. This represents an increase from previous...

Delhaize posts gains in U.S.(MONEY)(Financial report)
December 15, 2008... SALISBURY, N.C. -- The Delhaize Group's United States operations rang up single-digit increases in sales and operating profits for the third quarter of 2008. The Belgium-based parent of Food Lion, Hannaford Bros. and Sweetbay saw operating...

Guidance on profits moderated.(MONEY)(Financial report)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- In an economy that has most retailers struggling, Wal-Mart posted another impressive outing in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. But while management expressed confidence in a vital fourth quarter holiday selling season, it...

Duane Reade operating results continue to improve.(MONEY)(Financial report)
December 15, 2008... NEW YORK -- Drug store chain Duane Reade Inc. saw increased total sales and same-store sales along with some improved operating results for its third quarter. The privately owned company generated a nearly 10% gain in adjusted FIFO EBITDA...

Credit card operation's EBIT drops.(MONEY)
December 15, 2008... MINNEAPOLIS -- Revenue from Target's credit card business grew 6.8% to $526 million in the third quarter, but the bad-debt provision ballooned 142.6% to $314 million, hiking total expenses 72.7% to $431 million. Consequently, segment...

PL initiative shows FMI's back on track.(OPINION)
December 15, 2008... The Food Marketing Institute's stepped-up involvement in the private label sector could not come at a more propitious moment for its members--or the consumers they serve. The program, which was unveiled last month, is intended to foster...

Retail experience a requirement.(OPINION)
December 15, 2008... Among the lessons the retail trade has had particular difficulty mastering is this one: If you're looking to fill a senior-level position at retail, especially if that position requires no specialized knowledge, you'd probably do well to hire a...

Survey finds shoppers are relucant to spend.(OPINION)
December 15, 2008... CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A number of factors are contributing to the bleak outlook for holiday sales this year, according to a recent survey. Job worries are one big issue. The 2008 Christmas Survey from America's Research Group/UBS found that...

Income before special items surges at sears Canada.(GLOBAL)
December 15, 2008... TORONTO -- Sears Canada Inc. saw improved sales and operating results in its third quarter. Sales for the 13 weeks ended November 1,2008, rose 5.5% to $1.44 billion (Canadian) from $1.37 billion for the 13 weeks ended September 29, 2007...

D&S set to enter Peru.(GLOBAL NEWS)
December 15, 2008... D&S SET TO ENTER PERU: D&S, Chile's largest domestic supermarket operator, has unveiled plans to open stores in neighboring Peru in 2009. Chief executive officer Enrique Ostale says the company aims to exchange its traditional supermarket...

Personalized cards.(GLOBAL NEWS)
December 15, 2008... PERSONALIZED CARDS: Sears Canada Inc. has begun a program that lets customers add a customized photo and message to gift cards they purchase online. The cards are being offered in $10, $25, $50, $100 and $250 denominations.

Index lowest since '98.(GLOBAL NEWS)(Brief article)
December 15, 2008... INDEX LOWEST SINCE '98: The International Chamber of Commerce and Ifo Institute's world economic climate index has dropped for the fifth consecutive quarter, hitting its lowest level since 1998. In the fourth quarter the index declined 13.4...

Cencosud ceo resigns.(GLOBAL NEWS)(Laurence Golborne)(Brief article)
December 15, 2008... CENCOSUD CEO RESIGNS: Laurence Golborne, chief executive officer of the Chilean retail group Cencosud, resigned earlier this month. The company says Golborne expressed a desire to "seek new personal challenges." Chief financial officer Daniel...

New format in France.(GLOBAL NEWS)
December 15, 2008... NEW FORMAT IN FRANCE: Carrefour SA plans to launch a new chain of convenience stores in villages and small towns across France. The stores will be called Carrefour Contact. A similar chain, dubbed Carrefour City, also is being considered for...

Merger plans get O.K.(GLOBAL NEWS)
December 15, 2008... MERGER PLANS GET O.K.: Germany's competition authority has approved the plans of retailers Edeka Group and Tengelmann AG to merge their Netto and Plus discount operations on January 1. The merged chain will include about 3,800 stores. All but...

Canadian supers.(SPOTLIGHT)
December 15, 2008... TORONTO -- Addressing a financial audience at Scotia Capital's recent analyst conference, executives from Canada's three largest grocery chains were remarkably sanguine about what the future holds for their companies. Loblaw Cos. chief...

Tesco 'maintains solid progress'.(GLOBAL)
December 15, 2008... CHESHUNT, England -- Tesco posted double-digit sales gains for the third quarter, although a tough economy did slow growth in its home market. Company sales for the 13 weeks ended November 22 increased 11.7%, and Tesco's overseas...

Ahold reports 11% rise in operating earnings.(GLOBAL)(Financial report)
December 15, 2008... AMSTERDAM -- Food retailer Ahold NV posted healthy gains in sales and operating income for its third quarter, with robust results from its U.S. and European units. Total revenue came in at 5.8 billion euros ($3.8 billion), up 3.9% year...

World retail congress slated for May.(GLOBAL)(Conference news)(Brief article)
December 15, 2008... BARCELONA, Spain -- Doing business amid the global economic downturn will be the central theme at next year's World Retail Congress conference, to be held here May 6 through May 8. To help retailers tackle the economic challenges impacting...

Discount grocery format expected to extend reach.(GLOBAL)
December 15, 2008... LONDON -- Small-format discount grocery stores have seen rapid growth in Western and Central European markets. The greatest boost for the format's future popularity would probably come from the likelihood of an extended global economic...

Sobeys, Loblaws get greener.(GLOBAL)
December 15, 2008... TORONTO -- Two of Ontario's largest supermarket operators have laid out plans to reduce the number of plastic shopping bags entering the waste stream. Loblaw Cos. says it will stop offering complimentary plastic bags on April 22--Earth Day...

Dr. Fresh buys Binaca, Tek, Dentax oral care brands.(SUPPLY SIDE)
December 15, 2008... BUENA PARK, Calif. -- Dr. Fresh Inc. has acquired the Binaca, Tek and Dentax brands of oral care products from Ascendia Brands. Executives say the addition of the brands provides a perfect complement to Dr. Fresh's growing lineup of...

FUMI pursehook item.(SUPPLY SIDE NEWS)(Brief article)
December 15, 2008... FUMI PURSEHOOK ITEM: PurseHook LLC has launched the purse accessory FUMI (Fashionable, Unique, Multipurpose, Innovative), a product that provides a way to store a purse in public. FUMI serves as a purse hook as well as a bracelet. Available in...

Jack Link's snacks.(SUPPLY SIDE NEWS)
December 15, 2008... JACK LINK'S SNACKS: Jack Link's has introduced its Jerky, Tender Cuts and Nuggets in 50-calorie portion control packs. In addition, the company has launched four new flavors to its line of snack food items: Sweet & Spicy Thai beef jerky,...

Luggage protection.(SUPPLY SIDE NEWS)
December 15, 2008... LUGGAGE PROTECTION: Luggage Protect Travel and Storage has introduced vinyl plastic covers to protect luggage during travel and while it is being stored at home. The covers slip over luggage and remain securely in place with two Velcro straps....

Kushyfoot cushions.(SUPPLY SIDE NEWS)(Doris International Inc.)(Brief article)
December 15, 2008... KUSHYFOOT CUSHIONS: Doris International Inc. has launched shoe cushions available in full sole (3435) and toe pad (3454) versions. They come with toe prints and adhesive backs for extra stability and can be slipped into any kind of shoe or...

Blistex fights aging.(SUPPLY SIDE NEWS)
December 15, 2008... BLISTEX FIGHTS AGING: Blistex Inc. has rolled out Blistex Deep Renewal, a lip balm that is designed to help prevent the signs of aging by providing enhanced moisturizing, a reduction in deep and fine lines on the lips, and a lasting improvement...

HP, staples team up.(SPOTLIGHT)
December 15, 2008... PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) has expanded its print cartridge return and recycling program through a partnership with office supplies retailer Staples Inc. The program will be expanded to include additional retail chains next...

Revaleskin by Stiefel expanded.(SUPPLY SIDE)
December 15, 2008... CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Stiefel Laboratories Inc. has added three new items to its Revaleskin skin care line. "Demand for the core Revaleskin skin care system has been overwhelming, and we are pleased to bring to market additional quality...

Dunnan Edell, president of CCA Industries Inc., presents a check for $92,143.25 to Marcia Stein, chief executive officer of the Young Survival Coalition (YSC).(SUPPLY SIDE)
December 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Dunnan Edell, president of CCA Industries Inc., presents a check for $92,143.25 to Marcia Stein, chief executive officer of the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). The funds were generated by CCA's Nutra Nail...

Health-Tech, P&G Partner.(SUPPLY SIDE)
December 15, 2008... BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- Health-Tech Inc. (HTI) has teamed up with Procter & Gamble Co. to market new Scope Portable Breath Fresheners. "HTI has a long and successful history manufacturing, marketing and distributing portable breath...

Top-selling mass market categories.(Statistical table)
December 15, 2008... Top-Selling Mass Market Categories * For the 52 weeks ended November 2, 2008 TOTAL FDM FDM EXCLUDING EXCLUD. ...

Dean names exec vp.(PEOPLE NEWS)
December 15, 2008... DEAN NAMES EXEC VP: Dean Foods Co. has promoted Greg McKelvey to the newly created position of executive vice president and chief strategy and transformation officer. McKelvey will continue to develop the company's strategic planning processes...

NutraCea taps CFO.(PEOPLE NEWS)(Olga Hernandez-Longan)(Brief article)
December 15, 2008... NUTRACEA TAPS CFO: NutraCea has appointed Olga Hernandez-Longan chief financial officer. Meanwhile, Todd Crow, according to his previously announced intentions, has retired as CFO, but will remain available in a consulting and advisory...

Imperial sugar moves.(PEOPLE NEWS)
December 15, 2008... IMPERIAL SUGAR MOVES: Imperial Sugar Co. has announced two senior-level appointments. George Muller has been named vice president of administration. Muller, who previously served as chief operating officer, is currently responsible for...

Blistex appointment.(PEOPLE NEWS)
December 15, 2008... BLISTEX APPOINTMENT:. Blistex Inc. has named Kevin Brunory senior director of national accounts and business development. His responsibilities include managing the national accounts team. Brunory brings to the position 17 years of sales and...

AFFI interim president.(PEOPLE NEWS)
December 15, 2008... AFFI INTERIM PRESIDENT: The American Frozen Food Institute has appointed Robert Garfield interim president following the resignation of Leslie Sarasin. The AFFI board of directors has formed a search committee to recruit candidates for...

NACDS succession.(SPOTLIGHT)
December 15, 2008... NEW YORK -- Andy Giancamilli, chief executive officer of Snyders Drug Stores and CEO of Katz Group North America, this month began his tenure as chairman of the board of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Giancamilli had served...

Martindale takes post at Rite Aid.(PEOPLE)
December 15, 2008... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. has appointed Ken Martindale senior executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and logistics. In his new position Martindale will be responsible for category management, merchandising, marketing,...

At Duane Reade SVP is named.(PEOPLE)
December 15, 2008... NEW YORK -- Frank Scorpiniti has been named senior vice president of pharmacy at Duane Reade Inc. A 13-year pharmacy veteran, Scorpiniti joined Duane Reade from Long Drug Stores Inc., where he served as vice president of pharmacy...

Three join sears management.(PEOPLE)
December 15, 2008... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.--Sears Holdings Corp. has made three appointments in various business units. Scott Freidheim has joined as executive vice president of operating and support businesses and as a member of the internal holding company...

Winn-Dixie promotes two executives.(PEOPLE)
December 15, 2008... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has made executive appointments in its retail operations and development departments. Cheryl Forehand has been promoted to regional vice president, responsible for overseeing day-to-day and...

7 who made a difference.(PEOPLE)
December 15, 2008... Earlier this month MMR honored seven executives selected by its editors for having made a difference to their companies or organizations in 2008. Six of the seven are pictured with their awards on this page: Joe Grady, vice president and...

Mike Duke's appointment to succeed Lee Scott as Wal-Mart CEO.(HEARD AROUND)
December 15, 2008... * Mike Duke's appointment to succeed Lee Scott as Wal-Mart CEO has been with applause from both outside and within the company.

Wal-Mart and Costco are emerging as the retail darlings.(HEARD AROUND)
December 15, 2008... * Wal-Mart and Costco are emerging as the retail darlings during This most dismal of holiday selling seasons.

Meetings shows.(TOPICS)(Calendar)
December 15, 2008... JANUARY 2009 11-14--NRF: Retail's BIG Show, Annual Convention, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City. 11.15--ECRM: Cosmetics, Fragrance and Bath, Hyatt Regency DFW, Dallas. 11-15--ECRM: Retail Pharmacy Branded...

FMI will help foster PL boom.(SPOTLIGHT)
December 15, 2008... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Food Marketing Institute has launched a major initiative to promote private brand development in the supermarket industry. The goal of the program is to bring together retailers of all scales with store brand manufacturers...

Economic problems spur retail crime.(TOPICS)
December 15, 2008... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The weak economy is prompting more crime against retailers, a survey has found. The Current Crime Trends Survey, from the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), concludes that crimes of opportunity, as well as more...

Import volume continues to slide.(TOPICS)
December 15, 2008... WASHINGTON -- Evidence of the difficult holiday season retailers are facing this year can be found in the reduced volume of merchandise being imported. Year-over-year cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports fell for the...

Small format grocery debuts.(TOPICS)
December 15, 2008... EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Some of the latest work of Supervalu Inc.'s Design Services Group (DSG) subsidiary is on display at The Market, an innovative new supermarket that opened recently in Plymouth, Mass. The 14,000-square-foot store is...

New dimension added to digital marketing.(TOPICS)
December 15, 2008... LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. -- As in-store communication has become increasingly important, more and more mass market retailers have begun to deploy electronic media, including digital signage, kiosks and touchscreens. Such systems generally serve...

Wal-Mart thrives by staying true to roots.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has never seemed so relevant as it has during this time of economic turmoil. Proof of the renewed consumer interest in Wal-Mart's low prices and its "Save Money, Live...

Scott is getting ready to pass the torch to Duke.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Lee Scott is stepping down as president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart, effective February 1. He will be succeeded by Mike Duke, who will also take a seat on the board of directors. The change in leadership...

In touch times, shoppers turn to Wal-Mart.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- While the current economic environment has many retailers on the ropes, Wal-Mart is finding that its value offer is resonating with increasing numbers of shoppers, and not only the most hard-pressed. This autumn has...

Level of store experience raised.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- When Eduardo Castro-Wright took over as president and chief executive officer of the Walmart U.S. division in 2005 he unveiled a three-year strategy that was intended to drive growth as well as improve the company's return...

'The customer has faith in us'.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- While Wal-Mart has clearly been benefiting from the pressures felt by lower- and lower-middle income consumers, the retailer's success this year has not been driven entirely by that demographic. In early September,...

Merchants ensure that categories 'win, play or show'.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is transforming its merchandising as part of its brand promise to enable consumers to save money and live better. The process began three years ago with the analysis and identification of the retailer's...

Signs point to happy holidays.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Although many retailers faced this year's holiday season with understandable gloom, that was not the mood at Wal-Mart, where a quiet confidence prevailed. "My guess is, and I've been in this for 30 years, that...

SKU rationalization pays dividends.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- In its effort to hone its product assortments, Wal-Mart has carried out a SKU-rationalization program to make its stores easier to shop and more productive. The program was initiated two years ago in apparel and...

Efficiency figures big in new store formats.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart became the largest retailer in the world by mastering big-box retailing. But in the 21st century, the company increasingly is looking to smaller formats for continued growth. Not that many years ago Wal-Mart...

Success in apparel contingent on too brands, pl, price.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart's apparel business is well positioned for an environment where low prices are very much in fashion. Maintaining a clear price leadership position is a key priority for Wal-Mart, according to senior vice...

Home department in midst of a renaissance.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart's efforts to remake its home department by changing store layouts and emphasizing higher-quality goods at lower prices are paying off. In May the retailer reported same-store sales gains in its home department...

Dining-in trend kick-starts sales.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- One trend that has been important for growth in the home category has been consumers eating more of their meals at home. The trend predates the current economic crisis, which has given consumers additional reasons to...

CD exclusives create new value.(WAL*MART: RIGHT FOR THE TIMES)
December 15, 2008... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- As part of its varied efforts to drive traffic to its stores, Wal-Mart recently wooed rock fans with an exclusive promotion involving the rock band AC/DC. "Black Ice," AC/DC's first new album in eight years, is being...