Independents

ST. LOUIS — Six percent more men are doing the primary grocery shopping for their families versus five years ago, according to results of a new survey by Schnucks.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets on Monday announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase three Pennsylvania-based Genuardi's stores from Safeway.

"We're extremely pleased to be adding these stores to our store base," Weis Markets president and CEO David Hepfinger said. "We look forward to serving these communities as the lead local merchant as we have in 33 counties throughout central, eastern and Northeastern Pennsylvania. We will also be reaching out to the associates of these stores to discuss employment with our company."

LAS VEGAS — Supervalu on Monday announced that its new Essential Everyday private-label brand — to include more than 2,400 products by early 2013 — now is available in select independent retail locations.

“Early results have shown that Essential Everyday is performing very well at our 1,100 Supervalu-owned stores, and we believe that our independent retailers will see a positive customer response as well," stated Leon Bergmann, president of Supervalu's independent business.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. said Monday that it has agreed to sell three of its Genuardi's stores in Pennsylvania to grocery chain Weis Markets. The deal follows on the heels of Safeway’s sale of 16 Genuardi’s stores to Giant Food Stores.

The three stores are located in Doylestown, Norristown, and Conshohocken. Safeway said it will continue to operate the group until the transaction closes. No firm date has been announced.

Sunbury, Pa. -- Weis Markets reported Monday that net income for the year ended Dec. 31 increased 10.7% to $75.6 million. Sales for the period rose 5% to $2.8 billion, and same-store sales increased 4.2%.

In the fourth quarter, the grocer saw an even stronger performance, as net income surged 37%, sales rose 11.4% and comps increased 4.8%.
 

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market announced that two regional presidents, David Lannon and Ken Meyer, have been promoted to executive VPs of operations, joining the executive leadership team. The company's 12 regional presidents will report to them.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market Inc. reported Wednesday that profit for the first quarter rose a better-than-expected 33% to $118.3 million amid increased customer visits and higher prices on select items. On a follow-up conference call with analysts, the chain revealed it has 69 new stores in development, or 2.4 million square feet, in development.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Food Marketing Institute on Monday honored three supermarket executives for their achievements in the industry during FMI’s Midwinter Executive Conference here, the association announced.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Bottom Dollar Food announced grand opening dates for its first 14 stores in the greater Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, markets, with its first seven stores opening on Jan. 26. Seven additional stores will open on Feb. 9.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway announced that Tom Keller, president of the company's Vons Division, will retire after more than 40 years of  service in the food industry, effective Feb. 1.

Gary Rocheleau, currently VP, retail merchandising execution, will lead Vons on an interim basis.