SpartanNash Co.

Leading food wholesaler Nash Finch said its third quarter sales growth was cut in half as a result of the government shutdown in September.

Total sales increase 3.5% to $1.56 billion during the period ended October 5, but the rate of growth would have been nearly double without the government shutdown which impacted defense department commissaries that are Nash Finch customers.

Scanbuy, a leading mobile engagement solutions provider, has released its quarterly trend report showing that it processed nearly 24 million mobile barcode and NFC scans in the third quarter this year, demonstrating continuing strong growth in usage and interest by mobile consumers.

Scanbuy’s trend reports analyze the traffic on the ScanLife mobile app. Highlights include:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Higher sales in the retail and distribution segments had a favorable impact on Spartan Stores’ consolidated net sales for the first quarter ended June 22, which increased 1.4% to $612.4 million compared to $603.9 million last. 

Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Spartan Stores and Nash Finch Company on Monday announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Spartan Stores and Nash Finch will combine in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $1.3 billion, including existing net debt at each company.

Nash Finch, which had revenues of about $4.8 billion last year, will become a subsidiary of Spartan Stores, which had revenues of $2.6 billion.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The competitive prospects of Spartan Stores and Nash Finch improved considerably on Monday when the two companies agreed to merge and create an enterprise with 177 stores, 22 distribution centers and annual sales of roughly $7.5 billion.

Huntington Beach, Calif. -- Bruxie announced that it opened its fifth waffle restaurant, with a new unit in Southern California in Huntington Beach on April 23.

Bruxie Gourmet Waffles opened at The Strand on 5th, a collection of shops and restaurants, boutique hotel and office space. Other key retail tenants to the coastal attraction include RA Sushi, Forever 21, Skechers, Active Ride, Rip Curl, Merrilee’s Swimwear, Johnny Rockets, ANGL, and CVS Pharmacy.
 

Edgewater, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that Haven Riverfront Restaurant & Bar will open a 6,500-sq.-ft. location at Edgewater Harbor, in Edgewater, N.J.

The new restaurant, opening in June, becomes the latest eatery to join the dining component at the mixed-use development on Hudson County’s Gold Coast, according to Levin, the exclusive retail leasing agent for the property.

Edgewater, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that T.J. Maxx’s HomeGoods will open a 24,000-sq.-ft. anchor store at Edgewater Harbor, in Edgewater, N.J.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association has made changes to its top staff. Former Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us executive Garth Gasse has joined the association as director of retail operations, asset protection. Lisa LaBruno has been promoted to SVP for retail operations.

San Diego -- StepStone Real Estate Services said it has been awarded the property management contract for The Shops at La Jolla Village, located in La Jolla, Calif.

The 100% leased center is the dominant community retail center in the La Jolla/University Town Center market. The 165,597-sq.-ft. center features more than 40 stores, restaurants and services, including Whole Foods Market, Landmark Theatres, CVS Pharmacy, Aaron Brothers, B.J. Pizza & Brewery, Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Verizon Wireless.