Independents

SALISBURY, N.C. — Network growth and higher retail inflation prompted growth in both revenues and comparable-store sales for Delhaize America, the U.S. division of Delhaize Group, for the third quarter ended Sept. 30.

Revenues realized a gain of 3.5% to $4.9 billion, compared with the year-ago period, while comparable-store sales jumped 1.9%. Delhaize, however, acknowledged that due to the economic environment and the decrease of consumer confidence, particularly in the southeastern United States, volume trends were down from the previous quarter.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Discount grocer Bottom Dollar Food is hiring more than 800 associates over the next several months to begin to prepare for store openings next year, the company announced Wednesday.

"We look forward to expanding in Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, next year, and bringing new jobs to these areas," stated Bottom Dollar Food president Meg Ham. Bottom Dollar Food is expected to open 14 stores in early 2012. 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores reported Monday a loss of $24.1 million in the fiscal first quarter, compared with a loss of $76.8 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 3.1% to $1.59 billion, from $1.54 billion last year, helped by success from its gas-related reward program. Sales just missed Wall Street’s expected $1.6 billion in revenue.

Same-store sales rose 3.3%. During the quarter, the company opened two additional transformational remodeled stores that Winn-Dixie continues to monitor for additional roll-out.

Salisbury, N.C. -- Food Lion said Tuesday that two of its stores in Fayetteville, N.C., have been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certifications by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The green grocery stores feature a number of environmentally friendly construction and energy-efficient services, including an on-site recycling center, an educational kiosk and preferred parking for carpool vehicles.

NEW YORK — Supermarket chain Stop & Shop will work with Foodshare to sponsor events at its stores in Hartford, Conn., to help qualifying residents access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit.

About 70% of Connecticut residents who qualify for SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, actually receive the benefit, Stop & Shop said. This is because of such issues as language barriers, lack of transportation or lack of knowledge of the program.

Springfield, N.J. -- Village Super Market, which operates 28 supermarkets under the Shop Rite name in the Northeast, reported Thursday that net income for the fourth quarter was $8.8 million, an increase of 14% after backing out the extra week in last year’s fourth quarter.

Without the adjustment, net income fell from $8.9 million a year earlier.

Revenue rose nearly 1% to $345 million from $342.7 million. After excluding the extra week, revenue increased nearly 8%. Same-store sales rose nearly 8% excluding the extra week.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Supervalu announced that it has committed $1 million to sponsor 1,542 youth sports teams in markets where its Acme, Albertsons, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Jewel-Osco and Shaws/Star Market stores operate. 

Elkridge, Md. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that it has leased retail space in Elkridge, Md., at Elkridge Corners shopping center to Green Valley Markets. 

A Baltimore-based grocery wholesaler/retailer founded in 1915, B. Green & Company is opening its third retail location and its first new full-service neighborhood supermarket concept Green Valley Markets in a 39,571-sq.-ft. space. Interior and exterior store improvements will begin this month. The store opening date is still to be finalized.

Orlando, Fla. -- Crossman & Co. said Friday it has negotiated three lease agreements totaling 4,955 sq. ft. at shopping centers in Largo and Marco Island, Fla.

Sage’s West Bay Bistro leased 2,023 sq. ft. for five years at Pinellas Shopping Center, in Largo. At the West Bay Village Town Centre, in Largo, La Chic salon and spa leased 1,632 sq. ft. for three years. And, Harrison negotiated a new lease at the Shops of Marco, in Marco Island, along with Sapphire Dry Cleaners for 1,300 sq. ft.
 

New Orleans -- Covington, La.-based Stirling Properties announced that The Fresh Market is coming to New Orleans. The retailer will lease the 24,000 sq.-ft., two-story building on St. Charles Avenue, in the city’s Garden District, which was previously occupied by Borders. 

This location will be The Fresh Market’s fourth in Louisiana with stores already in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Mandeville.