Mass Market Retailers articles from January 2007

Mass Market Retailers archives from January 2007

Ahold unit on blocks.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Koninklijke Ahold N.V.)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... AHOLD UNIT ON BLOCKS: Ahold NV has said it will begin taking bids this month for U.S. Foodservice. The company has not said when it hopes to sell the division.

Dollar General sale.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... DOLLAR GENERAL SALE: As part of its intention to move away from its traditional pack-away strategy, Dollar General Corp. had one of its biggest seasonal clearance sales ever the week after Christmas. Starting December 26, the company offered...

Darragh is Katz vp.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Denise Darragh appointed at Katz Group Canada Ltd. )(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... DARRAGH IS KATZ VP: Katz Group Canada Ltd. has named Denise Darragh vice president of marketing and advertising. Darragh has more than 20 years of experience in retail and consumer goods marketing, previously holding such positions as vice...

Ralphs to sell units.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(DeLano Retail Partners)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... RALPHS TO SELL UNITS: Ralphs Grocery Co. has reached an agreement to sell eight Cala Foods and Bell Markets units in the San Francisco area to DeLano Retail Partners. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Kroger service cited.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... KROGER SERVICE CITED: Respondents to a recent National Retail Federation/American Express poll chose Kroger Co. as the mass market retailer with the best service. Rounding out the top five on the list were Supervalu Inc.'s Cub Foods and Shop 'n...

MMR names Ryan, Crawford Execs of Year.(MMR Executives of the Year)(Tom Ryan and Mac Crawford)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... NEW YORK -- Truly visionary actions--actions that bring about fundamental change and improvement not only within an industry but in society as well--are rare. For that reason it was an easy decision for the editors of MMR to honor Tom Ryan of...

Francis honored as top marketer.(MMR Marketer of the Year)(Michael Francis)
January 8, 2007... MINNEAPOLIS -- The Target brand is everywhere. To call it prominent would be to understate its presence. To say that it is effective would be to offer faint praise to a banner that has changed the way retailers go to market. Perhaps the best...

Express Scripts makes play for Caremark.(NEWS)
January 8, 2007... NEW YORK -- The unsolicited offer for Caremark Rx Inc. from rival pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) Express Scripts Inc. could lead CVS Corp. to raise its bid for Caremark and initiate a bidding war, say analysts. Express Scripts last month...

Mass retail holiday sales *.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Mass Retail Holiday Sales * 2006 2005 2004 2003 Discount Stores Total sales: +5.5% +5.9% +5.3% +5.7% Same-store Sales: +3.3% +3.7% +2.7% +3.3% ...

Holidays lackluster at retail.(NEWS)
January 8, 2007... NEW YORK -- It was another somewhat disappointing holiday shopping season for America's mass market retailers. The discount, chain drug and supermarket classes of trade all managed to post sales gains versus last year, but those increases...

Momentum builds at Safeway.(NEWS)
January 8, 2007... PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. has said that its earnings may top Wall Street expectations in 2007, even as it plans to spend $1.7 billion to open 25 new units and remodel 275 others. In a meeting with analysts and investors last month...

Tesco is gearing up for 300 stores in U.S.(NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... LONDON -- Tesco PLC is looking at 300 sites for small grocery stores in southern California, Las Vegas and Phoenix. The British-based retailer says it is prepared to spend as much as $2 billion over five years to support its launch into the...

Eventful '06 sets stage for change in retail Rx.(News Analysis)(Industry overview)
January 8, 2007... The year that just ended will go down as one of the most memorable in the annals of chain drug retailing and the larger community pharmacy sector of which it is the central component. Major developments on diverse fronts have the potential to...

Rite Aid targets weight control.(NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. rang in the New Year with a free, month-long weight-management program in all of its stores. On January 1 the company launched the Rite Weigh Challenge weight-loss program, a Rite Weigh planner and access to...

Supervalu increases earnings projection.(NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu Inc. says its fiscal 2007 earnings will be between $2.32 and $2.43 per share versus a previous prediction of $2.18 to $2.41 a share. "Our earnings per share for the year remain on track as we continue to implement...

Listing withdrawal.(WAL-MART NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... LISTING WITHDRAWAL: Wal-Mart says it will voluntarily withdraw the listing of its common stock on NYSE Acra Equities Inc., formerly the Pacific Exchange. The company's common stock will, however, continue to be listed on the New York Stock...

Stores have impact.(WAL-MART NEWS)(Economic Planning Corp.)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... STORES HAVE IMPACT: A recent survey by the Chico (Calif.) Economic Planning Corp. (CEPCO) shows that business leaders believe Wal-Mart Supercenters have had a positive impact on their communities. The survey found that 95% of those polled say a...

Operation Christmas.(WAL-MART NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... OPERATION CHRISTMAS: As part of its $500,000 donation to Operation Homefront to support military families during the holiday season, Wal-Mart and Sam's Club donated more than 100 laptop computers to injured servicemen and servicewomen. The...

Energy-saving bulbs.(WAL-MART NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... ENERGY-SAVING BULBS: Wal-Mart has set a goal for itself to sell 100 million low-energy light bulbs this year. If successful the retailer would double the number of such bulbs in use in the United States. Low-energy bulbs use about 75% less...

Wal-Mart back to square one.(NEWS)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)
January 8, 2007... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. became the biggest story in the advertising industry last month, dismissing its senior vice president of marketing communications and putting its $580 million advertising account back up for bid. ...

Whole Foods tests in-store spa concept.
January 8, 2007... DALLAS -- Already having established itself as a destination of choice for health-conscious shoppers, Whole Foods Market Inc. is attempting to expand on that reputation by launching its first spa within a food store. "Refresh--The Everyday...

Future course of Value City weighed.(NEWS)(Retail Ventures Inc)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Retail Ventures Inc. (RVI) is exploring strategic alternatives for its Value City Department Stores, including a possible sale of the division. To that end, RVI has retained Financo Inc. and CIBC World Markets Corp. as...

Costco recasts offer on generics scripts.(Costco Wholesale Corp)
January 8, 2007... ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. has halted a program in which it filled prescriptions at $4 for a 30-day supply of generic drugs, but a new initiative by the wholesale club operator features an offer of 100 pills for $10. The...

Schnuck realigns exec team.(appointments)(Schnuck Markets Inc)
January 8, 2007... ST. LOUIS -- Schnuck Markets Inc. has made a number of executive changes. Scott Schnuck has been named chairman of the company, while his brother Todd Schnuck has been named president of the family-owned chain. Craig Schnuck has...

'A powerful force for change in Rx' emerges.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... NEW YORK -- The November 1 announcement that CVS Corp. and Caremark Rx Inc. were planning a merger of equals stunned the retail pharmacy industry and Wall Street. In every sense the deal will be a blockbuster if it is completed. The two...

CVS committed to leading change in health care.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(mergers and acquisitions)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- The year 2006 was a big one for CVS. The company began the 12 months with almost 5,500 stores, giving it particularly strong market positions in the East and the South, including Texas. The acquisition of 703 drug stores...

Making multiple initiatives work.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- While some individuals shrink from challenges, CVS executive vice president of merchandising and marketing Chris Bodine relishes them. For example, when the chain acquired 1,268 Eckerd drug stores two years ago, Bodine...

Assimilation seen at its best at CVS.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS subscribes to the concept of team effort. That strategy has repeatedly resulted in team victories. A prime example of how cooperation and collaboration have led to success is what the retailer achieved with its...

Technology, used right, works wonders.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS' replenishment systems have undergone significant investments in the last year, resulting in significant improvements throughout the chain's in-stock capabilities as well as a major reduction in expenses, according to...

As confidence in PL grows, so do sales.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Value remains a significant driver of consumables at CVS, which is a primary reason why the chain has reaped success with its private label food and beverages, according to divisional merchandise manager for consumables Mike...

CVS stores put it all together.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... At CVS in-store merchandising, design and layout work together to make the chain's outlets both easy and pleasant to shop. The approach is evident in all components of the store environment--from end-caps designed to drive impulse sales with...

Making sure stores make the right impression.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Entering a store that is less than pleasing to the eye, customers will quickly turn around and go elsewhere. So CVS vice president of visual merchandising Ken Roberts is well aware of the importance of achieving the right...

CVS succeeds in creating distinct identity.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- A dynamic, swiftly changing industry and CVS' own rapid growth have meant a succession of challenges for the chain's marketing department, which has surmounted them all as it continues to build the CVS brand. The...

Chain connects with customers via ExtraCare.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Of all of CVS' merchandising strengths, ExtraCare is perhaps the one that its competitors most envy. The frequent-shopper program, which debuted in 2001, is focused on giving relevant value to consumers, says Helena...

CVS is a force in beauty care.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- With women accounting for the clear majority of CVS shoppers, the retailer makes certain to pamper them in every way possible--and having a beauty department second to none is of prime importance. "The beauty department...

Being best is the goal in O-T-Cs.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(nonprescription drugs)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- While the need for prescription medication can occur at any hour of the day or night, the need for O-T-C drugs can often be just as pressing, and CVS responds to that reality with its extended hour and 24-hour stores. ...

Exclusive lines add luster to hair care.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- When it comes to hair care CVS does not limit itself to the leading national brands. In fact, exclusive brands are what attract a large number of beauty shoppers to the retailer's hair care shelves. One of the first of...

CVS carves distinctive niche in chain drug industry.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(Company overview)
January 8, 2007... 1963 The first CVS outlet, selling health and beauty aids, is founded in Lowell, Mass., by brothers Stanley and Sidney Goldstein and partner Ralph Hoagland. CVS stands for ConsumerValue Stores. 1964 The chain grows to 17 outlets....

CVS helps seniors navigate way through Medicare Part D.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Besides addressing the multiple health care needs of patients, CVS pharmacists spent much of 2006 addressing the questions and concerns that thousands of senior citizens brought them concerning the Medicare Part D...

Chain bullish on in-store clinics.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- MinuteClinic, a unit of CVS, surpassed the 100-clinic milestone last fall, and the profitable enterprise continues to chart a course of expansion throughout the nation. For example, three MinuteClinic health care centers...

Cooperation with payers grows.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS has built a strong working relationship with the managed care arena, bucking a pattern throughout some of the retail pharmacy industry. "Overall, managed care organizations want to hear from us so they can...

GM is constantly reinvented: CVS is a viable option for shoppers looking to buy a variety of products.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(general merchandise)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- As the North American chain drug store has evolved over the past decade, general merchandise has become a more important part of every retailer's mix. At CVS that has meant adding a wider assortment of products and from...

CVS brands are hard hitters.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Exclusive brands have become an extremely important part of CVS' mix, executives at the drug chain say. Over the past few years CVS has expanded its private label offerings in almost every category and, in many cases,...

'Less is more' works in food and beverages.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- With more than 6,200 stores across the country, CVS has become one of the first choices for time-constrained consumers looking for food and beverages. "We like to think that food and beverages can play a major role in...

Complete photo department makes a strong statement.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- Few front-end categories are as vital to drug stores these days as photoprocessing. And to succeed in the photo business, executives at CVS say, it is essential for a drug chain not only to be fully digital but to ensure...

Caremark a standard-setter in pharmaceutical services.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... NASHVILLE -- Its planned merger with Caremark Rx Inc. will, if approved, combine CVS Corp. with the second-largest pharmacy-services company in the country. Moreover, as the two companies' chief executive officers pointed out to analysts when...

Merger to meld two strong firms.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(mergers and acquisitions )
January 8, 2007... NASHVILLE -- Much of the potential for innovation that lies in a merger of Caremark and CVS Corp. stems from the two companies' financial strength. Both bring to the combination excellent earnings performances and free cash generation that will...

Specialty Rx is the new frontier.(NEWS/EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR)(mergers and acquisitions )(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... NASHVILLE -- Perhaps more than any other aspect of its business, the specialty pharmacy segment of Caremark provides the company with a position on the cutting edge of health care. If the planned merger with CVS is completed the combination...

Target's advertising savvy.(NEWS/MARKETER OF THE YEAR)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... Clever, colorful and eye-catching advertising has been a Target hallmark for years. The retailer's creative messages, which have turned the Target buff's-eye into a trendy icon, help it reinforce its image as a shopping destination for those...

No end in sight to target growth.(NEWS/MARKETER OF THE YEAR)(financial report)(Financial report)
January 8, 2007... MINNEAPOLIS -- Target will ring up nearly $100 billion in sales in 2010, Retail Forward Inc. predicts in a new report on the retailer. The market research and consulting firm notes that that would mean Target will essentially double in size...

Bright nights holiday gift to New York.(NEWS/MARKETER OF THE YEAR)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... NEW YORK -- Target has cultivated an image that is hip and fashion-forward, so it's not surprising that the company has a strong brand presence in Manhattan, even if it still has no permanent stores on the island. One of the latest...

Success of discounter to have ripple effects.(NEWS/MARKETER OF THE YEAR)
January 8, 2007... MINNEAPOLIS -- Target's projected five-year growth spurt should mean heightened competitive pressure for some rival retailers and new opportunities for some suppliers. That is the view of the market research and consulting firm Retail...

Albertsons reaches the end of the road, sells assets.(NEWS: 2006 in Review)
January 8, 2007... BOISE, Idaho -- The year 2006 Was remarkable if for no other reason than that the nation's second-largest supermarket operator, Albertsons Inc., self-destructed, selling its assets to a consortium of buyers for $17.4 billion in cash, stock and...

Rite aid beefs up with acquisition.(Brooks Eckerd Pharmacy)
January 8, 2007... CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. solidified its position as one of the nation's top drug chains in August with its announcement of plans to acquire the Jean Coutu Group's Brooks Eckerd Pharmacy subsidiary. The $3.4 billion deal calls for...

Ahold strives to get back on track.
January 8, 2007... AMSTERDAM -- In November Ahold NV unveiled the latest step in its recovery program since an accounting scandal in 2003 drove the global retailer to the brink of bankruptcy. In the United States the company continued its divestiture of...

Winn-Dixie puts house in order under Chap. 11.(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A much leaner Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. emerged from bankruptcy in November after 21 difficult months of trying to put its finances and operations in order. The troubled supermarket chain had operated 920 stores in eight...

Tesco sets the stage for American debut.(planning to open stores in the U.S. in 2007)
January 8, 2007... LOS ANGELES -- Britain's Tesco PLC made news in the United States in 2006 by moving ahead with its plans for 2007. Tesco officials said in December that the company was looking at about 300 sites in southern California, Las Vegas and...

Wal-Mart takes on Rx pricing.(generic prescription drugs )
January 8, 2007... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- With its move to offer $4 generic prescription drugs last September, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. sent a clear signal to its competitors that the pharmacy counter was not off limits regarding its policy of cutting prices to the...

Pharmacies adapt to Medicare Part D.(NEWS: 2006 in Review)
January 8, 2007... NEW YORK -- Last year saw the Medicare prescription benefit, also known as Medicare Part D, go into effect. It was the biggest change in Medicare since the program's launch in 1965. About 41 million Americans became eligible for...

Dollar General shakes things up.(NEWS: 2006 in Review)
January 8, 2007... GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- Late in 2006 Dollar General Corp. undertook sweeping changes that involved a new president and store closings as well as a fresh approach to inventory management. David Bere was named the company's new president and...

CVS reinvents the drug chain.(NEWS: 2006 in Review)(mergers and acquisitions)
January 8, 2007... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp.'s announcement in November that it planned to merge with Caremark Rx Inc. was just the latest move in a year characterized by deals that extended the chain's reach into new markets and new businesses. The...

Scoreboard.(MONEY: NEWS)(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... SCOREBOARD Quarter Dollar % RETAILERS Ended Sales Change Costco (1) 11/26 14.15 bil +9.4 Dollar General (2) 11/03 2.21...

Accelerated Dollar Tree share repurchase.(MONEY NEWS)
January 8, 2007... ACCELERATED DOLLAR TREE SHARE REPURCHASE: Dollar Tree Stores Inc. has entered into two agreements with Goldman, Sachs & Co. to accelerate the repurchase of about $100 million of its common shares. The chain will acquire the shares under a $500...

Jean Coutu files judgment for notes transfer.(MONEY NEWS)(Jean Coutu Group)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... JEAN COUTU FILES JUDGMENT FOR NOTES TRANSFER: The Jean Coutu Group has filed a declaratory judgment action in United States district court to obtain a definitive resolution of its intended transfer of $850 million of 8.5% senior subordinated...

Winn-Dixie distributes stock.(MONEY NEWS)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... WINN-DIXIE DISTRIBUTES STOCK: Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has made the initial distribution of new common stock to prepetition unsecured creditors entitled to receive it under the chain's reorganization plan. The new stock will trade under the...

Tuesday morning revises guidance.(MONEY NEWS)(Tuesday Morning Corp.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... TUESDAY MORNING REVISES GUIDANCE: Tuesday Morning Corp. revised its guidance for its fiscal year ended December 31,2006. Earnings are expected to be 78 cents to 84 cents per diluted share, inclusive of an estimated 6 cents to 7 cents per share...

Outlook elevated for J.C. Penney.(MONEY NEWS)(J.C. Penney Corporation Inc.)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... OUTLOOK ELEVATED FOR J.C. PENNEY: Moody's Investors Service has raised its outlook on J.C. Penney Co, to "positive" from "stable," in anticipation of improved financial performance. The change reflects expectations that "Penney's merchandising...

Biggest gainers.(MONEY)(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... BIGGEST GAINERS Close Change % Stock 12/8/06 vs. 11/24/06 Change RiteAid 5.11 +0.61 +13.6 RetailVentures ...

Biggest losers.(MONEY)(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... BIGGEST LOSERS Close Change % Stock 12/08/06 vs. 11/24/06 Change Saks 17.40 -2.93 -14.4 Wild Oats ...

Most active.(MONEY)(Statistical table)
January 8, 2007... MOST ACTIVE Vol. (000) As a % Change vs. 1 Wk. Ended of Total 1 Wk. Ended Stock 12/08/06 Shares 11/24/06 Pathmark ...

Kroger initiatives paving off.(financial report)(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... CINCINNATI -- Net profit rose nearly 16% during the third quarter at Kroger Co., as the company's various programs continued to drive same-store sales growth. The solid results prompted management to raise its earnings target for fiscal 2006,...

Onetime item results in Dollar General loss.(financial report)(Financial report)
January 8, 2007... GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. swung to a loss in the third quarter following a substantial charge for previously announced merchandising changes and store closings. In late November the nation's largest dollar store operator...

Investments buoy sears results.(financial report)(Financial report)
January 8, 2007... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- With over half of its earnings emanating from investment income, Sears Holdings Corp. saw net profits more than triple during the third quarter of fiscal 2006--fueling speculation that the cash-rich retailer is on the...

Costco profits advance 9.8% on 9.3% sales gain.(Costco Wholesale Corp financial report)(Financial report)
January 8, 2007... ISSAQUAH, Wash.--Both revenues and net income grew at a high-single-digit pace during the first quarter of fiscal 2007 at Costco Wholesale Corp., with bottom-line results exceeding Wall Street's projections. Net income for the 12 weeks...

Dollar Tree lives up to expectations.(Dollar Tree Stores Inc financial report)(Financial report)
January 8, 2007... CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Double-digit sales growth and a lower tax rate helped drive a single-digit increase in net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 at Dollar Tree Stores Inc. The results met analysts' expectations, and management's...

Ingles flourishes as it drives sales, keeps expenses down.(Ingles Markets Inc financial report)(Financial report)
January 8, 2007... ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Ingles Markets Inc. racked up strong, double-digit gains in sales and earnings for the quarter and fiscal year ended September 30. Net income for the 53-week year vaulted 60.3% to a record $42.6 million on a 14.9% increase in...

Pathmark reduces loss by 68.3% in third qtr.(financial report)(Pathmark Stores Inc)(Financial report)
January 8, 2007... CARTERET, N.J. -- Although sales remained stagnant, Pathmark Stores Inc. managed to cut its third quarter bottom-line loss and beat Wall Street's expectations on strengthened gross margins and strong efforts to control expenses. The...

... And where it's trying to go.(sustainable growth, retail trade forecast)(Column)
January 8, 2007... This is an exciting and challenging time for the Coles Group. We have just marked the successful completion of our five-year turnaround journey and are now moving to implement a new strategy that will take us from turnaround to sustainable...

Coles: where it is exactly ...(Coles Group's management)(Viewpoint essay)
January 8, 2007... These are difficult days for John Fletcher. The beleaguered chief executive officer of the recently renamed Coles Group (a name change necessitated by last year's divestiture of the retailer's Myer department store chain; for the previous 21...

Wal-Mart's culture under pressure.(Julie Roehm and Mark Goodman resign)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. tries to change its image)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- The sudden departure of two executives from Wal-Mart Stores Inc.--vice president of advertising Julie Roehm, who was dismissed for violation of company policies; and Mark Goodman, head of marketing for Sam's Club, who left...

Sobeys earnings rise as same-store sales advance 2.4%.(GLOBAL)(Financial report)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... TORONTO -- Benefiting from increased sales, Sobeys Inc. has reported a slightly higher second quarter profit. Operating under the Sobeys, IGA and Price Choppers banners, the food retailer earned $47.2 million (Canadian), or 72 cents a...

A&P workers o.k. pact.(GLOBAL NEWS)(A&P Canada Co.)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... A&P WORKERS O.K. PACT: Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers locals 175 and 633 have ratified a three-year agreement with Metro Inc.'s A&P Canada Co. subsidiary. The deal covers more than 10,000 employees at 78 A&P, Dominion and...

Toys 'R' Us in China.(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... TOYS 'R' US IN CHINA: Toys 'R' Us Inc. opened its first store in mainland China last month. The unit, which is in a mall in the heart of Shanghai's financial district, is being run by the Hong Kong-based trading company Li & Fung Retailing,...

Koreans eye India.(GLOBAL NEWS)(Lotte Mart)(Brief article)
January 8, 2007... KOREANS EYE INDIA: Lotte Mart, South Korea's third-largest discount chain, has said it is exploring the possibility of entering India. The Seoul-based company that some say played a role in elbowing Wal-Mart Stores Inc. out of South Korea...