Convenience Stores

Sunbury, Pa. -- Weis Markets said it will invest $125 million in its 2012 growth program, a 25% increase compared with 2011.

“Our budget includes two new stores and 18 major remodels,” Weis Markets vice chairman Jonathan Weis said. “In addition, we expect to soon complete the purchase of three Genuardi's units near Philadelphia which we hope to reopen later this summer.”

Ontario, Calif. -- Westwood Financial Corp. has sold Pacific Plaza Shopping Center located at in Ontario, Calif., for $7.4 million.

“This transaction is the latest in our firm’s overall plan to rebalance our portfolio, as the funds generated here will be reinvested in grocery-anchored properties in the Southeast,” said Westwood financial executive VP Joe Dykstra.

Cary, N.C. -- The Pantry announced today that Mark R. Bierley, CFO, has resigned effective May 25, 2012. Bierley has accepted a position near his home in Michigan.

The convenience-store company will begin a search for a new CFO promptly. Berry L. Epley, VP and corporate controller, will assume Bierley’s responsibilities until a successor is named.
 

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway's first quarter net income rose to $81.6 million, from $25.1 million in the year-earlier period. Sales edged up 2.4% to $10 billion, from $9.8 billion last year. Same-store sales were flat.

By Sam Khalilieh, [email protected]

Study after study has concluded that adding doors to medium temperature coolers (MTC) is a great solution for a variety of issues that plague grocery retailers. Whether looking at energy use, operational costs, product safety, or consumer comfort, there is no down side to adding doors. So why do so many overlook this very basic approach? This question has been puzzling me for a long time.

Easton, Pa. -- Purchase, N.Y.-based National Realty & Development has announced the opening of Panera Bread at Northampton Crossings, located in Easton, Pa. Panera occupies a 3,860-sq.-ft. drive-thru space.

PetSmart will open at the center in late spring, with a 12,500-sq.-ft. store. The two new stores join anchor tenants Walmart Supercenter, Kohl’s, Sam’s Club and Regal Cinemas.

Other recent transactions at the center include Staples and Shoe Show lease renewals.
 

Mexico City -- A Wall Street Journal report on Thursday said that the Mexico’s Ministry of Public Functions – the country’s public-sector watchdog – will investigate new-store permits secured by Wal-Mart’s Mexico division, Wal-Mart de Mexico.

The agency is looking for misconduct on the part of federal government employees in granting construction and other permits, according to WSJ.

With 24 million unique visitors during March, Target.com was ranked 47th on the comScore Media Metrix listing of the top 50 U.S. Web properties for March. That’s an improvement from March 2011 when Target didn’t crack the top 50. The only other conventional retailer in the top 50 was 25th ranked Walmart.com with 39 million unique visitors. It was ranked 33rd last year with 31.7 million unique visitors in March.
 

New York -- A Wednesday report by Reuters said that the Mexican federal comptroller’s office has given the go-ahead to open an investigation into allegations that Wal-Mart Mexico bribed officials to expand its business in the country.

"If wrongdoing attributable to federal public officials is detected, the federal government will take action," the office said.
 

By Jason S. Baker