Large Chains

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $7.87 billion for the month of July, the four weeks ended August 4, an increase of 7% from $7.36 billion during the similar period last year.

For the 48 weeks ended August 4, the company reported net sales of $94.91 billion, an increase of 8% from $87.7 billion during the similar period last year.

Quincy, Mass. -- Grocer Stop & Shop said it will close its six Stop & Shop banners and three gas stations in New Hampshire by Sept. 21, marking the chain’s exit from the state.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart is considering entering the bidding for Hong Kong-based grocery chain ParknShop, Reuters reports. Wal-Mart is currently exploring options to enter the initial bidding process for ParknShop, which closes Aug. 16.

ParknShop is owned by Hutchison Whampoa Ltd., which in turn is owned by Li Ka-shing, reputedly the wealthiest man in Asia. The chain may be valued as high as $4 billion.

Wal-Mart, which has not commented publicly, said last year it would open 100 new stores in China by 2015.

Walmart may make a bid for 345 store Hong Kong supermarket chain known as ParknShop that is owned by Hutchison Whampoa, according to a Reuters report that cited people familiar with the matter.

Walmart is often linked to international retailers as a potential acquirer and according to the Reuters report it is among eight potential suitors for ParknShop who have until August 16 to submit preliminary offers.

Itasca, Ill. -- Jewel-Osco has appointed Scott Hays as VP operations for the Chicagoland supermarket chain.

Most recently a district manager with Albertsons LLC’s Southern division, Hays will lead the operations team to support Jewel-Osco’s marketing and merchandising initiatives, including the company’s upcoming remodels and opening their five newly acquired Dominick’s locations.

NEW YORK — Soupman Inc., the parent company of The Original SoupMan, is about to see "the soup that made 'Seinfeld' famous" hit shelves at nearly 500 Walmart stores. 

The brand's soups, which are already sold in more than 4,000 supermarkets nationwide, include the classic soups that made the company famous: lobster bisque, chicken noodle, lentil and tomato bisque. 

Lakeland, Fla. -- Publix Super Markets on Friday announced it will enter the Asheville and Cary markets in North Carolina.

The supermarket operator will open a 49,000-sq.-ft store in Asheville, complete with a drive-thru pharmacy, in 2015.

The 49,000-sq.-ft. Cary store is tentatively planned for late 2014.
Publix previously announced its first three North Carolina locations, opening one in Ballantyne in early 2014 and two in the greater Charlotte area, which is slated for a late 2014 opening date.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has appointed Nick Bertram as its senior VP store strategy and execution, the supermarket operator said Thursday.

Bertram previoulsy worked for Jewel-Osco, where he oversaw operations across Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. He was also senior VP of Supervalu and worked in executive positions at Walmart in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. His new position at Ahold USA will be based out of the company's Carlisle, Pa., headquarters.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has appointed former Jewel-Osco executive Nick Bertram as its SVP store strategy and execution.

At Jewel-Osco, Bertram oversaw operations across Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. He was also SVP of Supervalu and worked in executive positions at Walmart in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. His new position at Ahold USA will be based out of the company's Carlisle, Pa., headquarters. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Higher sales in the retail and distribution segments had a favorable impact on Spartan Stores’ consolidated net sales for the first quarter ended June 22, which increased 1.4% to $612.4 million compared to $603.9 million last.