Research Topic

CHICAGO — It seems that private-label brands are getting a sterling reputation among shoppers.

According to new research by Mintel, consumers have taken notice of private-label companies' "better-for-you" products and attractive packaging, as 44% of grocery shoppers believe store-brand products are of better quality today than they were five years ago. What's more, 39% of respondents said they would recommend purchasing a store-brand product.

North Plainfield, N.J. -- A survey released Friday by Levin Management Corp. said that he majority of shopping center tenants are optimistic about the year ahead.

According to the real estate firm’s pre- and post-holiday survey of Northeastern retailers, 61.5% of respondents were positive about 2011, and 52.2% of respondents said holiday sales topped or equaled 2009

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- HomeGoods reported that according its survey of how people live in their homes, 47% of Americans have not updated their home decor in the last five years and 9% haven't updated their decor in more than 10 years.  As for style, Americans say the overall look of their homes is traditional (44%), followed by modern (22%), eclectic (13%), country (10%) and global (2%).

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands -- Ahold reported that net sales for its U.S. division increased 6% to $5.6 billion for the fourth quarter. Identical-store sales for the quarter increased 1.9%(0.9% excluding gasoline), and comparable sales were up 2.1%.

For the full year the company reported net sales of $23.5 billion increased b y  5.1% when compared to the adjusted full year 2009 sales. Identical sales were up 1.5% (0.4% excluding gasoline).

Lexington, N.C. -- Grocery retailer Save-A-Lot announced Thursday it will break ground on a new 325,000-sq.-ft. food distribution center in Lexington, N.C.

The center is expected to open by December 2011. It is the result of collaboration with the state of North Carolina and its One North Carolina Fund, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Davidson County and the City of Lexington.

WASHINGTON — Retailers are ready to expand again, and likely will do so as the economy picks up, according to a new survey conducted by the charitable arm of the National Retail Federation and KPMG.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Thursday by the Labor Department said that U.S. claims for initial jobless benefits last week posted their biggest decline in nearly a year.

The drop erased the holiday-related spike, and illustrated that a healthier labor market remains intact.

Dublin, Ohio -- Wendy's/Arby's Group said Thursday it plans to sell off its struggling Arby's quick-serve chain to focus on the Wendy's hamburger business.

The two fast-food chains were combined when Triarc Cos., Arby's parent, bought Wendy's for $2.2 billion in 2008 to create the third-largest publicly held fast-food chain.

Arby's generated about 30% of the company's sales in its third quarter.

At least one analyst feels the sale could bring in $400 million to $600 million.