News Briefs

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The Kroger Co. has settled a lawsuit filed by C&S Wholesale Grocers earlier this year.

C&S sued the supermarket giant in March, following Kroger’s failed $24.6 acquisition of Albertsons. C&S was in line to acquire nearly 600 Kroger and Albertsons stores, distribution centers and other assets as part of a divestiture plan. C&S claimed that it was owed a $125 million termination fee after the deal fell through. (In June, the company said it would acquire SpartanNash in a deal valued at $1.77 billion.)

In a short statement on Monday, Kroger, citing a Delaware Superior Court filing, said that all claims contained in the litigation have been resolved. It provided no other details, saying terms of the settlement are confidential.

"We are pleased to resolve the claims from C&S, and we look forward to a friendly relationship with them going forward," said Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO of Kroger. "Kroger remains focused on serving our customers and running great stores across the U.S."

Poag Development Group has added new talent to its senior leadership team.

The retail real estate developer has named David Zelman as senior VP of development. Zelman will guide design and construction efforts across Poag's portfolio, “translating strategic vision into retail environments that emphasize comfort, convenience, and community connection," said the company.

Before joining Poag, Zelman served as VP of architecture and design at The Cordish Companies, where he oversaw the development of casinos, dining concepts, and live entertainment venues for more than eight and a half years. His career also includes leadership roles at FRCH Design Worldwide and contributions to theme park design initiatives.

Zelman is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He maintains National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation, and is certified in historic preservation.

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“Dave brings a unique blend of creativity and technical leadership that will strengthen our commitment to delivering meaningful, detail-driven retail environments,” said Joshua Poag, president and CEO of Poag Development Group. “His expertise complements our mission to create places people are drawn to – again and again.”

(Image courtesy of Poag Development Group.)

The nation's largest independent owner of Gold Crown Hallmark stores is expanding its footprint.

Norman’s Hallmark has acquired 22 new locations in Maryland, with stores in Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, Columbia, Frederick and Rockville. The milestone acquisition is the largest in employee-owned Norman’s Hallmark’s history, and includes stores formerly owned by another Hallmark Gold Crown retailer. 

The company says the expansion is a testament to its tactical growth in select target markets.

“Every Norman’s Hallmark store is an engaging, one-stop destination where shoppers will find quality brands, and the perfect cards and gifts for any milestone or occasion,” said Howard Henschel, CEO of Norman’s Hallmark. “At our latest store additions, customers will see the same friendly faces providing the same great service they have come to expect. We are excited to expand Norman’s presence in Maryland and continue our legacy of bringing Hallmark Gold Crown stores to consumers and communities.”

Norman’s offers a complete line of Hallmark products, cards for every occasion and keepsake ornaments, along with a diverse merchandise selection for gift giving and the home that includes fashion apparel and accessories, books, stationery, games, home décor, specialty candy and gourmet foods. The company carries namebrands like Warmies, Vera Bradley, Yankee Candle, Life is Good, Scout Bags, Willow Tree, Tervis, Wockenfuss Homemade Candies and more.

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Norman’s Hallmark operates more than 100 locations and maintains an e-commerce presence.

Wakefern Food Corp. is expanding its portfolio.

Wakefern, the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative, has entered into an agreement to acquire New York City supermarket chain Morton Williams, which runs 17 stores in the metropolitan area, with 15 in Manhattan, one in the Bronx and one in Jersey City, N.J. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Wakefern will retain the Morton Williams name. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wakefern, the acquired stores will have an emphasis on fresh prepared foods, produce and Wakefern’s private label brands.

Morton Williams was founded in 1952 by brothers Joe and Irving Sloan. Joe’s sons, Morton and William, expanded the business to supermarkets in the New York City area, and in the 1970s began opening “reimagined” supermarkets under the Morton Williams name with kitchens, chefs and a focus on fresh prepared foods. The business is currently led by the third generation of Sloan members.

The Food Partners, headquartered in Washington, D.C., served as financial and strategic advisor to Wakefern during the transaction.

Wakefern members includes more than 360 grocery stores in nine states across a variety of banners that include ShopRite, Price Rite, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market.

Consumer Cellular is doubling down on its retail footprint.

The company, which describes itself as the first wireless provider “unapologetically built for Americans 50+,” recently opened its 50th store, in Boardman, Ohio. Consumer Cellular, which opened its first company-owned store in November of 2022, has targeted reaching 100 locations by 2026. The company's real estate focus is on strip centers with easy ingress/egress.

Consumer Cellular stores offer shoppers hands-on shopping and in-person support, along with free coffee and snacks. Customers can also participate in learning sessions on phone functions and features, popular apps and more.

The company’s expansion comes as tier 1” wireless providers reduced the total number of retail outlets by nearly 1,000 locations from May 2022 through May 2024, according to industry analysis from IQ Metrix and Wave 7 Research.

“More than 4 million subscribers trust us for simple, affordable plans and top phone brands, with great coverage and award-winning customer support,” said Ed Evans, CEO of Consumer Cellular. “We’re building on the popularity of the award-winning, person-to-person support we provide through our 100% U.S.-based customer call centers, by bringing a friendly, helpful, in-person customer experience to neighborhoods throughout the U.S.”

Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., Consumer Cellular ranked #1 in network coverage and customer satisfaction among wireless carriers by American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).