Consumer Affairs & Relations

By Giles Sutton and Mark Wuller, [email protected], [email protected]

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Net sales and net income for Ingles Markets realized a 4% and 38% increase, respectively, during the second quarter ended March 26, the retailer announced Friday.

Ingles reported that second-quarter net sales rose $33.4 million to $870.4 million, while second-quarter net income increased from $5.6 million to $7.7 million.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Publix Super Markets announced that it has established a program to offer its customers and associates a way to directly assist those areas in the South affected by recent tornadoes and severe weather. Customers may donate any amount by adding it to their grocery totals when checking out at Publix registers. Collected money will be channeled through the American Red Cross and designated specifically for the Southern Storms disaster relief efforts. The program will continue for a few weeks, based on customer response.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot Foundation announced that it has created a $1 million weather impact fund to aid relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts in response to the recent storms throughout the Southeast and Midwest United States, and in expectation of continuing violent storms throughout the spring season.

In case you missed it because you were too busy putting away the noisemakers or watching college football, the first day of 2011 was not just another New Year’s Day. It was a significant generational milestone: The first members of the Baby Boom generation turned 65.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores announced that beginning April 30, guests in any of its 484 store locations throughout its operating area can help their neighbors affected by the tornadoes and severe storms that swept across the South this week by simply donating through the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program.

Asheville, N.C. — Net sales and net income for Ingles Markets realized a 4% and 38% increase, respectively, during the second quarter ended March 26, the retailer announced Friday.

Ingles reported that second-quarter net sales rose $33.4 million to $870.4 million, while second-quarter net income increased from $5.6 million to $7.7 million.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that through its charitable arm, the Walmart Foundation, it is committing $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support emergency relief efforts following the recent Southern storms, Midwest floods and Texas wildfires.