Convenience Stores

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it has named Michael Donnelly SVP merchandising. Donnelly has been president of the company's Ralphs Grocery Company division, based in Los Angeles, Calif., since August 2007.

In his new position, Donnelly will lead all merchandising and procurement for Kroger.  

New York City -- Even in today’s digital world, a store’s physical appearance matters -- and it does so significantly, according to market research firm Morpace’s latest Omnibus survey. The study shows that consumers form an opinion of a business based on physical presence, which heavily influences their decision whether or not to shop at a location.

Washington, D.C.  -- Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas were identified as the cities most problematic with regard to organized retail crime (ORC) rings, according to the National Retail Federation’s seventh annual Organized Retail Crime survey. Of the 129 retail companies, 94.5% reported having been the victim of organized retail crime in the past 12 months, up 6% over last year.

The cities most problematic for ORC rings were:

New York City -- Kroger Co. reported double-digit jumps in first-quarter revenue and net income, as the chain's fuel stations and loyalty discounts helped draw more frequent shoppers.

Kroger said net income rose to $432.3 million, up nearly 16% from $373.3 million, or 58 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 11% to $27.5 billion. Same-sales rose 4.6%, excluding fuel sales.

Kroger has steadily expanded its gas business, now with more than 1,000 store gas stations at its nearly 2,500 stores.
 

New York City -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel met with executives from six grocery chains, including Walgreen Co. Wal-Mart Stores and Aldi about eliminating food “deserts” in six Chicago neighborhoods, the Associated Press reported.

Emanuel showed a detailed map of Chicago food deserts and made business cases to the grocery executives for specific properties in each food desert area. He said 450,000 Chicagoan's don't have access to fresh food.

Phoenix -- Los Angeles-based Karlin Real Estate said it has acquired through foreclosure two Phoenix-area shopping centers totaling nearly 220,000 sq. ft.

The move follows the firm's purchase of a non-performing loan portfolio with an aggregate unpaid principal of approximately $65.5 million.

The Boulevard at Surprise Pointe is a 201,223-sq.-ft. lifestyle center in Surprise, Ariz., anchored by a Walgreens and UltraStar Cinemas.

Tukwila, Wash. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Tukwila, Wash., at Southcenter Plaza to Jos. A. Bank.

Jos. A. Bank has leased 4,075 sq. ft., bringing the center to 97% leased, and is currently open for business.

The 170,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a 112,000-sq.-ft. Target alongside national retailers such as Performance Bicycle, Super Cuts, Starbucks, Burger King and Quiznos.