Mass Market Retailers articles from September 2004

Mass Market Retailers archives from September 2004

Grocers for sale.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... GROCERS FOR SALE: Several bids have been received to buy Bi-Lo Inc., an Ahold NV grocery unit, according to William Blair & Co, LLC. Ahold retained the firm to sell Bi-Lo and another U.S. business--Bruno's Supermarkets Inc. William Blair did...

More target items.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... MORE TARGET ITEMS: Target Corp. is expanding two private label offerings. The premium Archer Farms line will be increased to include 1,900 items, while the Market Pantry collection will grow to about 1,000 items. In addition, the selections in...

Second bloom unit.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... SECOND BLOOM UNIT: Food Lion LLC has opened the second of five planned Bloom stores in Charlotte, N .C. The special outlets were developed to offer competitive prices and the freshest produce, and to eliminate many shopping hassles, the...

Closures at Ralphs.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... CLOSURES AT RALPHS: Ralphs Grocery Co. is closing five California units, for failing to generate enough sales to cover their costs. The stores are in Fresno, Clovis, Long Beach, Moreno Valley and Los Angeles. Ralphs also has canceled plans to...

New Shopko stores.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW SHOPKO STORES: ShopKo Stores Inc. has increased the number of ShopKo Express stores it will initially operate from three to four. One of the units will be a remodel of a drug store the company recently purchased.

Penn Traffic set to exit Chap. 11.
September 6, 2004... SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Penn Traffic Co. has filed its plan of reorganization with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The company had filed for Chapter 11 protection in May 2003 to facilitate a...

Wal-Mart, others feel the impact of Charley.(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... SARASOTA, Fla. -- Hurricane Charley, which cut through Florida last month, has left economic as well as physical devastation in its wake. Florida officials say the storm killed 25 people and caused an estimated $7.4 billion in insured...

Winn-Dixie is trying.(Spotlight)
September 6, 2004... JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Industry analysts responded skeptically when executives of Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. maintained a moderately upbeat note after the chain posted a net loss for the 2004 fiscal year. Management also announced new strategic...

Rx to be star of new Rite Aid prototype.(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... BALTIMORE -- Rite Aid Corp. president and chief executive officer Mary Sammons recently showed off a new store prototype designed to showcase the pharmacy and improve the overall shopping experience for consumers. "It's easy for customers...

Costco denies discrimination.(News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Costco Wholesale Corp. has been sued by an assistant manager who alleges the company routinely bypasses women in cases involving store managerial positions. "We strongly disagree with the claim we discriminate against any...

Seattle supermarket strike averted.(News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... SEATTLE -- Grocers in this city avoided a strike against their units by reaching an agreement with local members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) union in mid-August. The union had threatened to strike unless a new...

Kmart scales down Home Depot deal.(News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... TROY, Mich. -- Kmart Holding Corp. and Home Depot Inc. have finalized their store-transaction deal. Under the pact Kmart will sell 18 units to Home Depot for $271 million in cash. Under the original deal announced several months ago, Kmart...

Scoreboard.(Money News)
September 6, 2004... SCOREBOARD Net Net-to- RETAILERS Quarter Dollar % Income % Sales Ended Sales Change (Loss) Change Ratio Big Lots (1)...

Family dollar announces quarterly cash dividend.(Money News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... FAMILY DOLLAR ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY CASH DIVIDEND: The board of directors of Family Dollar Stores Inc. has declared a regular cash dividend on the company's common stock of 8.5 cents per share, payable October 15, 2004, to shareholders of record...

Cash dividend declared by longs drug stores.(Money News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... CASH DIVIDEND DECLARED BY LONGS DRUG STORES: Longs Drug Stores Corp. has announced a quarterly cash dividend on common shares of 14 cents per share, payable October 11, 2004, to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 31.

Biggest gainers.(Money)(Illustration)
September 6, 2004... BIGGEST GAINERS Change Close vs. % Stock 08/20/04 08/06/04 Change Wild Oats 9.00 +1.53 +20.5 BJ's 25.22 +3.89 ...

Biggest losers.(Money)(Illustration)
September 6, 2004... BIGGEST LOSERS Change Close vs. % Stock 08/20/04 08/06/04 Change Winn-Dixie 5.84 -0.29 -4.7 Sysco 31.85 -1.40 ...

Most active.(Money)(Illustration)
September 6, 2004... MOST ACTIVE Vol (000) As a % Change vs. 1 Wk. Ended of Total 1 Wk. Ended Stock 08/20/04 Shares 08/06/04 Sysco 30,394 4.5 +251.0 Kmart 36,168...

All indicators positive at target.(Money)
September 6, 2004... MINNEAPOLIS -- While a gain on the sale of its department store subsidiary quadrupled Target Corp.'s second quarter net earnings, robust sales and margin growth drove a double-digit gain in income from ongoing operations. Net income from...

Wal-Mart 'on track'.(Spotlight)
September 6, 2004... BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Despite sales that fell short of plan, net income for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. grew by double digits in the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2005, surpassing analysts' forecasts in the process. At the same time Lee...

A&P sees quarterly loss widen.(Money)(Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company Inc.)
September 6, 2004... MONTVALE, N.J. -- A&P saw its red ink from ongoing lines double during the 16 weeks ended June 16, even with an improvement at the top line. The retailer's loss from continuing operations swelled to $41.5 million during the first quarter...

Weis earnings decrease 1% despite 2.6% sales gain.(Money)
September 6, 2004... SUNBURY, Pa. -- Pressured by rising employee health care costs and a loss on the sale of an asset, net income slipped at Wets Markets Inc. during the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The bottom line for the 13 weeks ended June 26 was off 1%...

Target faces best problem possible.(Opinion)
September 6, 2004... Target Corp. finds itself in an enviable position. Having finally shed the department store operations that were a distraction from its core business, the discounter is flourishing. Even in an unsettled economic environment, Target...

Regional player goes national.(Opinion)
September 6, 2004... The chain drug store business, whose lines have been redrawn time and again by mergers and acquisitions, is about to be reconfigured anew, in ways the industry has never before seen. Specifically, Brooks Pharmacy, the 333-store U.S. unit of...

Room for improvement online.(Opinion)
September 6, 2004... SAN MATEO, Calif. -- Some mass market retailers need to improve the quality of their customers' online experiences if they want to boost sales from their web sites, according to a study conducted by Vividence, a market research firm. The...

Seiyu cuts deficit.(Global News)(Seiyu Limited)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... SEIYU CUTS DEFICIT: The Japanese supermarket chain Seiyu Ltd., which is 37.8% owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., posted a smaller first half toss than last year. The improvement was mainly due to reduced costs, the company says. Seiyu has also...

Lidl to try TV ads.(Global News)(Television)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... LIDL TO TRY TV ADS: The German discounter Lidl is said to be preparing to advertise its stores on television, If so, it would be the first hard discounter in Germany to move beyond print and use television as an advertising medium. Lidl, the...

H&M hits milestone.(Global News)(Hennes and Mauritz)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... H&M HITS MILESTONE: Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), the rapidly growing Swedish apparel retailer, recently opened its 1,000th store. The milestone outlet is in Boulogne-sur-Mer in northwestern France. H&M plans to open a total of 140 outlets this year,...

Korean sales weak.(Global News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... KOREAN SALES WEAK: South Korea's weak consumer spending has hit department stores and hypermarkets the hardest, according to figures from the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Shopper visits to department stores are down by 28.6% versus...

Woolworths predicts 10% to 15% profit gain in fiscal '05.(Global)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... SYDNEY -- Woolworths Ltd. expects to report a 10% to 15% increase in earnings for its current fiscal year, which ends June 2005. The projection came on the heels of Woolworths' release of its results for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2004....

Eye on Greece, Greek retailing.(Spotlight)
September 6, 2004... ATHENS -- Greece: The home of the Olympics, but what about retail? The Olympics were first conceived in Greece, reborn there in 1896 and welcomed home to Athens in 2004. The Olympics and its Eurozone entry are the two great hopes for Greek...

Retail sales in Britain drop 0.4%.(Global)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... LONDON -- British retail sales recently declined for the first time in more than a year, prompting concerns that higher interest rates are hurting consumer spending. The Bank of England has raised its rates five times since November in a...

Sainsbury buys 114 Jacksons units.(Global)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... LONDON -- J. Sainsbury PLC has acquired Jacksons Stores Ltd. in a move that will expand its presence in the convenience store market while boosting its presence in northern England. Jacksons operates 114 stores across Yorkshire and the...

Daiei feels pressure to take help.(Global)
September 6, 2004... TOKYO -- Daiei Inc., Japan's largest retailer, faces increased pressure to accept government turnaround help. The company recently sent its creditor banks--to which it owes about $9.8 billion--a new restructuring plan as part of a bid to...

It is getting easier to enter retail in China.(Global)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... BEIJING -- New regulations governing retailing in China are not aimed at discouraging foreign companies, according to government officials. The new rules are due to go into effect on October 1, as part of China's move to open up its retail...

Antiaging skin care.(Merchandising News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... ANTIAGING SKIN CARE: La Dove Inc. has launched its Wrinkle Control System of antiaging skin care products, including a multiactive toning cleanser and an instantly lifting eye gel. All products in the system contain the proprietary ingredient...

Two lice treatments.(Merchandising News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... TWO LICE TREATMENTS: Del Pharmaceuticals Inc., a division of Del Laboratories Inc., has introduced Pronto Plus Lice Killing Hair & Scalp Masque, and Pronto Plus Lice Killing Warm Oil Treatment & Conditioner. They sell for $10 each. Del...

Two Brainy Baby DVDs.(Merchandising News)(Digital Versatile Disc)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... TWO BRAINY BABY DVDs: The Brainy Baby Co. has released two new titles in the Brainy Baby DVD series--Brainy Baby Peek-A-Boo and Brainy Baby Laugh & Learn--selling for a suggested $19.95 each. Recommended for babies ages 6 months to 36 months,...

Palmer's facial wipes.(Merchandising News)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... PALMER'S FACIAL WIPES: E.T. Browne Drug Co. has launched Palmer's Skin Success Eventone Brightening facial wipes. The premoistened cloths are formulated to brighten skin, minimize dark spots and even out skin tone. Packaged in a click-open tub...

Film processing by store format.(Merchandising)(Illustration)
September 6, 2004... Film Processing by Store Format 12 months ended 12 months ended May '03 May '03 Supermarket 11.6% 10.8% Discount store 38.2% 38.8%...

Electronics go mass.(Spotlight)
September 6, 2004... COLUMBUS -- Discounters and warehouse club operator: are gaining ground in the consumer electronics arena, putting intense competitive pressure or specialty chains. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. ranks as the No. 2 consumer electronics retailer in...

CVS touts new twist in cameras.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... WOONSOCKET, R.I. -- CVS Corp. has launched a onetime-use digital camera that allows consumers to preview pictures on a color screen. The chain says the camera is the first disposable to offer picture preview capability, allowing consumers...

Online sales continue to rise.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Online retail sales in the United States will double over the next six years to total $316 billion in 2010, according to a new report from Forrester Research Inc. "Significant behavioral changes by consumers and...

Albertsons ups online service.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... SALT LAKE CITY -- Albertsons Inc. has brought its online grocery shopping service here, allowing visitors to the Albertsons.com web site to get groceries delivered to 60 Salt Lake City area zip codes. The move expands the company's online...

The need is there, now for the sales ...(Foot Care)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- The foot care business these days is really a tale of two categories that are performing in very different ways. While the treatments segment is generating top-line growth, sales of devices continue to be sluggish despite a host of...

Diabetes care.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- The problems of individuals with diabetes have created a distinct niche in the foot care category, and a number of suppliers have responded with specialized products. For example, Aetna Felt Corp., a private label manufacture,...

Beware fungi at gyms, nail salons.(Merchandising)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- The ongoing occurrence of such conditions as athlete's foot and the toenail fungus infection onychomycosis--both of which are caused by the same fungus--are helping drive sales growth in the foot care treatment segment. And, while...

Devices suffer at hands of uneducated consumers.(Merchandising)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Suppliers in the foot devices category agree that one of the problems the segment has faced is inadequate household penetration. And they are developing a variety of solutions intended to jump-start the business. "The long-term...

PL gains outpace national brands.(Merchandising)(Private Label)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Although national brands play a major role in foot care, private label products continue to play an increasing role in the category. In both the devices and medications segments, for example, store brand items outsold all but...

'Off-shelf activity drives growth'.(Foot Care)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Merchandising foot care might seem to be a simple matter; however, it depends on which part of the business is involved. Some treatment suppliers, for example, see the category as a planned-purchase destination with minimal need...

Beautiful feet require much attention, care.(Merchandising)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- The foot care category is receiving a boost from a number of products that shade into beauty care. The reasons include fashion as well as health trends. The occurrence of toenail fungus, onychomycosis, is increasing, doctors...

Mass retailers vary their tactics.(Merchandising; soap)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- make consumers abundantly aware of their cleansing and specialty bath offerings, discounters are positioning strategically throughout their H&BA sections. A Northeastern Kmart Corp. store is a prime example of this...

Relax, enjoy--and get clean.(Personal Soaps & Bath)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Although soaps and specialty bath items are not doing well overall, current lifestyle trends coupled with initiatives by retailers and suppliers may lead to a category turnaround. One of those trends is referred to as...

Media can play a helpful role in educating children.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... WASHINGTON -- A nationwide survey of parents with children under the age of 15 indicates that various media play a very significant role in educating children about good hygiene. The National Cleaning Survey, commissioned by the Soap and...

New formulations, promos hype sales.(Merchandising)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Retailers and suppliers are engaged in several efforts to revitalize the sales of bar soaps and maintain their position as the No. 1 segment in the soaps category. They include offering special deals and providing products with...

Supers fare best, PL leads in liquid soap.(Personal Soaps & Bath)(Private label)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Private label liquid hand soaps continue to do well, despite competition from major national brands. For example, sales and unit volume of the private label products in food, drug and discount outlets (excluding Wal-Mart Stores...

Women want quality rather than price.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Women seeking spa-type relaxing experiences in their own homes make up a significant market for mass market retailers that offer specialty bath products. "The experience of shopping in a specialty bath boutique in a mall or...

There's a huge untapped market.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... WASHINGTON -- If a recent study provides a fair indication, there remains considerable untapped sales potential for hand sanitizers and personal hand soaps. According to a survey sponsored by the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) and...

Youngsters have wealth of choices.(Merchandising)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- To spur sales of children's bath products, suppliers are developing items that appeal to youngsters as well as to their parents. For example, Canus Vermont LLC's Li'l Goats Milk children's line, which was launched in 2003, has...

MMR/Information Resources Inc. Health & Beauty Aids Report.(Special Report)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- This year's MMR/Information Resources Inc. Health and Beauty Aids Report shows the challenges mass retailers are facing in these important product categories. (Dollar and unit sales and performance statistics for each category...

Fresh Brands choice.(People News)(William May Jr. appointed)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... FRESH BRANDS CHOICE: Fresh Brands Inc. has named William May Jr. as a new independent director. He currently serves as executive vice president/chief operating officer of Too Inc. He has held numerous executive positions in the supermarket...

New sears position.(People News)(Sears, Roebuck and Co. has appointed Luis Padilla )(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... NEW SEARS POSITION: Sears, Roebuck and Co. has appointed Luis Padilla to the newly created post of president of merchandising. In his new position he will lead and integrate all merchandising and marketing activities across the company's broad...

Ettore takes post.(People News)(Joseph Ettore joined Management Capital LLC )(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... ETTORE TAKES POST: Joseph Ettore, the former chief executive officer of Ames Department Stores Inc., has joined Management Capital LLC in the advisory capacity of senior executive. The Providence, R.I.-based investment firm specializes in...

Conde Nast Media VP.(People News)(Suzanne Grimes appointed)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... CONDE NAST MEDIA VP: Conde Nast Media Group has named Suzanne Grimes vice president. From April 2001 to April 2004 she served as vice president and publisher of Glamour magazine. Prior to that she was vice president and publisher of Allure....

Kimberly-Clark exec.(People News)(Don Quigley appointed)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... KIMBERLY-CLARK EXEC: Kimberly-Clark Corp. has named Don Quigley president of North American customer development. Quigley succeeds Bruce Paynter, who has been named president of Kimberly-Clark's newly formed North American Baby Care business,...

Gentry is Tabbed Sr. VP of store operations at ShopKo.(People)(Larry Gentry promoted at ShopKo Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... GREENBAY, Wis. -- ShopKo Stores Inc. has promoted Larry Gentry to senior vice president of store operations for the company's 140-unit ShopKo division. He replaces Dan Bolstad, who left the company for personal reasons. In his new post...

Fostering 'workforce evolution'.(People; retail personnel)
September 6, 2004... NEW YORK -- Retailers are under tremendous pressure to differentiate themselves in the eyes of customers and reinvigorate the shopping experience--now. In response, nearly all top-tier retailers are pursuing at least one of the following...

99 Cent Stuff names Gordon VP.(People)(Jerry Wayne Gordon Jr.)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Single-price retailer 99 Cent Stuff, which just opened its 14th store, has named Jerry Wayne Gordon Jr. vice president of operations. Gordon comes to 99 Cent Stuff with more than 20 years of discount retailing...

Desmond is Supervalu VP, real estate.(People)(Matthew Desmond)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu Inc. has named Matthew Desmond corporate vice president of real estate. He also has been elected to the company's board of directors. In the newly created position at Supervalu, Desmond is in charge of all of...

Exec-level promotions at Noritsu.(People)(executive shuffling at Noritsu America Corp.)(Brief Article)
September 6, 2004... BUENA PARK, Calif. -- Noritsu America Corp. has announced changes in its sales organization that officials say are meant to enhance customer service levels while positioning the company to better respond to changes in the photofinishing...

Target's custom fit.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... Target Corp. plans to let customers order customized clothing online. The new service, called "Target to a T," allows shoppers to submit their measurements, as well as their preferred fit, color and style, when ordering certain store brand...

PriceSmart program.(program ro improve financial structure)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... PriceSmart Inc., a San Diego-based retailer that operates membership warehouse outlets in Central America, the Caribbean and Asia, has announced a program meant to improve the company's financial structure. The company says the financial...

Winn-Dixie plant sale.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has sold its Dixie Packers manufacturing facility in Madison County, Fla., to Smithfield Packing Co. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the agreement does call for Smithfield to continue to provide the...

New card at Costco.(Costco Wholesale Corp.)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... American Express Co. has introduced a new cash-back card with Costco Wholesale Corp. It offers 3% back on restaurant purchases, 2% back on travel spending and 1% back on other purchases.

Consumer confidence falls again.
September 20, 2004... NEW YORK -- Retail sales were disappointing for the third consecutive month in August, which saw consumer confidence plummet. Slower job creation and escalating fuel prices were singled out as key factors in the poor showing on both counts. ...

Grocers Supply purchases Fiesta.(Grocers Supply Company Inc.)(Fiesta Mart Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... HOUSTON--The 50-unit Fiesta Mart Inc. has been acquired by its long-term supplier--Grocers Supply Co. Inc. Fiesta's sales are estimated at $1 billion a year. The grocer, which was founded in 1972, operates stores in Houston as well as...

'Christmas will come'.(Spotlight)
September 20, 2004... NEW YORK -- Despite a challenging business environment that depressed sales in August, War-Mart Stores Inc. expects to end the year with a strong holiday season. Speaking at the annual Goldman Sachs global retailing industry conference in...

Florida gets one-two punch.(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... TAMPA, Fla. -- Still reeling from the pounding administered by Hurricane Charley, Florida absorbed more punishment as Hurricane Frances moved deliberately and devastatingly across the state. Analysts estimate that the combined damage from the...

A slimmer Target has emerged.(News)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... MINNEAPOLIS -- Target Corp. has completed the sale of its 257-unit Mervyn's subsidiary to an investment group, including Sun Capital Partners Inc., Cerberus Capital Management LP and Lubert-Adler and Klaff Partners LP. Target has also completed...

99 cents unveils units amid celebrations.(News)(99 cents Only Stores )(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... COMMERCE, Calif. -- 99 cents Only Stores has opened three new stores, raising the number of units it operates in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada to 212. So far this year the company has opened 28 outlets. One of the new stores is in...

Albertsons under fire for overtime practices.(News)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... SAN FRANCISCO -- The California Supreme Court has approved class-action status for a suit accusing Say-on Drugs Inc. --an Albertsons Inc. unit--of illegally denying overtime pay to some of its employees. In reaching the decision, the court...

Kmart, Sears change terms of deal.(News)(Brief Article)
September 20, 2004... TROY, Mich. -- Kmart Holding Corp. and Sears, Roebuck and Co. have revised their deal galling for Sears to purchase 54 Kmart stores. Now Kmart will sell 45 stores to Sears for a total of $524.5 million, subject to customary closing...

Correction.(News)(Correction Notice)
September 20, 2004... * The September 6 issue of MMR incorrectly stated the number of ShopKo Express drug stores slated to open. Three units, one a remodel, will open in fiscal 2004. * In the same issue MMR misstated Matthew Desmond's new position at Supervalu...

Scoreboard.(Money News)(Annual sales report of the retail trades)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 20, 2004... SCOREBOARD Quarter Dollar % RETAILERS Ended Sales Change Albertsons (1) 07/29 10.2 bil +13.7 Dollar Genera1 (2) 07/30 1.84 bil +11.2...