Trading Partners

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation is hoping to dispel fears that merchants are expected to surcharge customers for using a credit card as theoretically allowed under a controversial proposed lawsuit settlement with Visa and MasterCard being debated in the courts.

WASHINGTON  — The Grocery Manufacturers Association has promoted Sean McBride to EVP communications and membership services, effective Jan. 1. The announcement was made by GMA president and CEO Pamela Bailey. McBride previously served as senior vice president of communications and marketing.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is offering its customers the ability to earn reward points redeemable at participating Exxon or Mobil gas stations.

"Safeway listens to its shoppers, and we understand the importance of stretching grocery dollars," said Mir Aamir, president of customer loyalty and digital technologies at Safeway. "By teaming up with ExxonMobil, we're able to thank our customers with a loyalty program that makes two frequent and critical purchases lead to real savings."

OMAHA, Neb. & ST. LOUIS — ConAgra Foods has completed its acquisition of Ralcorp Holdings. ConAgra Foods agreed to acquire Ralcorp on Nov. 26, 2012, for $90.00 in cash per share of Ralcorp common stock. The closing of the transaction follows the approval of the acquisition by Ralcorp’s shareholders on January 29, and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — The Ikea Foundation, with the help of its customers and employees, have donated $12 million to UNICEF and Save the Children for projects that will help create opportunities for children to have access to a quality education.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Chief Super Market, an Ohio-based grocery chain, has selected Spartan Stores, a regional grocery distributor and retailer, as its primary wholesale grocery supplier.

Chief operates 12 stores in Northwest and West Central Ohio under the Chief and Rays banners. Spartan Stores stated that it will assume distribution to all of Chief’s banners for grocery, dairy, frozen, bakery and other products in March.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) added five industry executives to its board of directors during its semi-annual meeting on Jan. 28 in Los Angeles, Calif. Also as a part of the meeting, Walmart president and CEO Bill Simon was re-elected to the board. Executives joining the board are elected to serve two-year terms. 

Joining the RILA board of directors are:

Suppliers to Walmart are facing a new zero tolerance policy that will require adherence to stricter compliance measures and potentially add new costs.