Corporate Governance

The nation’s leading natural and organic grocer proved its doubters wrong with a better than expected fourth quarter earnings report, a rosy outlook for the coming year and dedication to a long-term growth strategy.

ALDI is accelerating its growth and dramatically increasing its presence in the Northeast with the acquisition of 66 Bottom Dollar Food stores from Delhaize Group.

Delhaize said it reached an agreement to sell its 66 Bottom Dollar stores in the greater Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets for $15 million and associated lease liabilities. Delhaize said it would take an asset impairment charge of $180 million in conjunction with the sale.

Sam’s Club has joined the ranks of other retailers this holiday season with a pre-Black Friday-themed promotion occurring mid-month.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, Sam’s Club will host a one-day-only Holiday Savings Celebration featuring Black Friday pricing on featured technology, toys, apparel, jewelry and home goods items. Starting at 7 a.m. and exclusive to Sam’s Club members, families can fill their baskets in-club or online with top holiday picks while getting ahead of the typical Black Friday frenzy, according to Sam’s Club.

Archer Daniels Midland Company has appointed Juan R. Luciano the next CEO and also has elected him to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately.  Luciano previously served as company’s president and COO responsible for leading and running the company’s global operations.

Luciano succeeds Patricia Woertz, who will continue in the role of ADM’s chairman of the board and is expected to retire in May 2016.

The Houston suburb of Richmond is home to Sam’s Club’s 80th location in Texas following the opening of a new unit there on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Sam’s Club now operates 20 clubs in the sprawling Houston market and the 80 clubs the retailer operates in Texas account for more than 12% of the 643 Sam’s Clubs in operation nationwide as of September 30.

Robert Bacchi, Choice Logistics’ SVP of information systems has been named the company’s EVP and chief information officer. Bacchi will continue to report to Michael Katz, CEO of Choice.

Robert Bacchi, Choice Logistics’ SVP of information systems has been named the company’s EVP and chief information officer.  Bacchi will continue to report to Michael Katz, CEO of Choice.

Walmart and Sam’s Club suppliers are in for a holiday treat of sorts when Sam’s Club hosts an upcoming meeting of the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce.

For the first time ever, the chamber’s Walstreet Speaker Series will be held in the expansive auditorium at Sam’s Club home office in Bentonville, Ark., with Walmart’s EVP of merchandising operations Scott Huff serving as the guest speaker.

Shopko has launched an exclusive online optical line, Asher & Ivy, which the company says combines hipster attitude with a bit of “geek chic.”

“The Asher & Ivy exclusive eyewear collection is trend-forward, fresh and fun,” said Don Bye, vp of Shopko Optical Services.  “We are thrilled to introduce this new brand on our enhanced website.”  

Asher & Ivy Eyewear is available exclusively online, however, the eyeglasses can also be shipped to any local Shopko Eyecare Center.