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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Sainsbury’s Goes Fishing
Sainsbury’s announced that, within seven years, it would only sell wild fish caught in “sustainable” fisheries. The Independent reports Sainsbury’s “commitment is significant in view of mounting alarm at the…
McDonald’s Makes Newman’s Its Own
In another move to recast its image, McDonald’s is rolling out a premium line of salads served with Newman’s Own dressings. McDonald’s move has some believing the company may be…
Walgreens Votes No on War Toys
Walgreens is pulling Easter baskets containing war toys and soldiers from its shelves, which “include troops in battle dress, assault rifles, planes, tanks and other toys, along with traditional candies.”…
Canadian Rx Service Sets Up Shop in US
American senior citizens will soon have access to lower-priced Canadian pharmaceuticals at prescription service offices opening in the US. By the end of the month, Best Canadian Prescription Service expects…
Ahold Uses Chains as Collateral for Loan
The nervousness of financial institutions has forced Ahold to put several company-owned chains, BI-LO, Giant Food and Stop & Shop, and Albert Heijn, up for collateral to secure a $2.91…
Fred’s February Fantastic
Fred’s has reported company sales including franchised locations increased 19% (company owned stores 20%) and comparable store performance was up 6.2% for February over last year’s results. What makes Fred’s…
The Sponge is Back
Canada has granted approval for the Today Sponge contraceptive to be sold in that country. The Associated Press reports that “sponges, priced at the U.S. equivalent of about $2.90 each,…
ACNielsen Releases Channel Blurring Results
ACNielsen released findings from its latest Channel Blurring study that show a continuing trend of consumers shifting shopping trips away from supermarkets to supercenters, dollar stores and warehouse clubs…
Coke’s Good Deed Does Not Go Unpunished
Coca-Cola Foundation’s $1 million grant to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has drawn criticism by health advocacy groups. The grant is to promote dental education and research. What…
Wanted: Club Seeks Women for Special Relationship
BJ’s Wholesale Club announced yesterday that it is seeking to capture a greater share of retail purchases made by women by concentrating its attention on those categories most attractive to…
Are Slotting Fees History?
The recent disclosure of accounting irregularities involving promotional monies paid to retailers such as Ahold may benefit the industry and consumers over the long run, say some industry observers. “This…
Service, What Service
A survey from Zagat says New York is “the best place in the world to shop” but it could be a lot better if sales people would just smile a…
Kroger Combines KMAs
Kroger has announced plans to combine its Michigan and Columbus, Ohio divisions in an effort “to reduce operating costs, improve administrative efficiencies, and invest additional capital in the core grocery…
Spartan Stores Names Sturken President and CEO
Spartan Stores has named Craig Sturken, president and chief executive officer to replace James Meyers who will continue to serve as the company’s chairman. What are your thoughts on Spartan’s…
H-E-B Grows and Grows
When rankings of the best-run supermarket operators in the US are committed to a list, the name of H-E-B usually appears at or near the top. The same may soon…
Hansen Resigns from Fleming
Fleming announced that Mark Hansen resigned as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer effective immediately. How will the Mr. Hansen’s time at Fleming be remembered? What type of leader…
McDonald’s Goes Healthier in UK Not US
McDonald’s has come under intense and well-publicized pressure from consumer and health organizations to offer more healthy food choices on its menu. In the UK, the company plans to begin…
Letter Alleges Wrongdoing at Ahold
An anonymous letter sent to Dutch government officials signed by “A very concerned person involved” alleges Ahold’s problems may be more widespread than U.S. Foodservice overstating earnings. If you were…
Sales Off Target
Target’s same-store sales have been off for four consecutive quarters and some are beginning to wonder if the company should change its strategy for differentiation in the retailing marketplace. Does…
Limited Assortment, Unlimited Potential
Chains such as Save-A-Lot and Aldi are using a simple formula to grow sales. Offer a limited selection of private label foods in high demand categories at prices up to…
Dollar Stores Roar
Sal Carollo, an owner of Dollar General Stores in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, says his stores appeal to a wide range of consumers. “We’ve always had a mix of Neiman…
