Large Chains

New York -- H. E. Butt Grocery Co. plans to spend about $100 million to expand, remodel and relocate several of its stores in Austin, Texas, during 2012, the  Austin American-Statesman reported. The move is part of a larger, statewide expansion and price-cutting campaign. 

Salisbury, N.C. -- Bottom Dollar Food will open an additional seven stores in the greater Pittsburgh and Youngstown, Ohio, markets on Feb. 9

The discount grocer opened its first seven stores in the greater Pittsburgh area on Jan. 26.
 

Chelmsford, Mass. -- Workforce management solution-provider Kronos Inc. said Tuesday that Wokingham, U.K.-based Sainsbury’s has selected the Kronos solution to control labor costs and improve workforce productivity.

The Kronos solution will manage the time and attendance and scheduling of more than 150,000 associates in more than1,000 locations across the United Kingdom.

Prior to selecting Kronos, Sainsbury’s managed time and attendance and scheduling through a blend of manual and partially automated processes.

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.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway Inc. named Lori Raya as president of its Vons division.

In her most recent position as senior VP, Main Meal, Raya had responsibility for the company's largest portfolio of center-store business units including ingredients, beverages and snacks.

Bowie, Md. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space to three new tenants at Bowie Plaza, located in Bowie, Md.

Opening its fifth gym in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore market, Fitness 4 Less is relocating to 21,750 sq. ft. in Bowie Plaza. Peeper’s Family Eye Care leased 2,400 sq. ft. of retail space, and Dunkin’ Donuts, offering a drive-thru option, leased 1,600 sq. ft. of space.

All three businesses are slated to open in spring 2012.

West Bridgewater, Mass. -- Shaw’s Supermarkets has reopened its store in Ludlow, Vt. The store had been closed after being severely damaged by flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene.

In addition to repairing the damage from the flooding, Shaw’s invested additional resources to remodel the store, including expanding the store to 19,000 sq. ft., upgrading equipment and adding to offerings in several key categories.

Walmart opened its second supercenter in Chicago this week, and the only thing missing from the press release announcing the new store was a quote from President Obama praising the company as a job creator.

Instead, Walmart had to settle for some kind words from Chicago mayor and former Obama chief of staff Rohm Emanuel.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer announced Friday the appointment of J.K. Symancyk to the newly created role of COO for the company, along with the addition of Peter Whitsett to the Meijer team as EVP merchandising and marketing.

New York City -- French retailer Carrefour is in advanced talks to replace its CEO, according to The New York Times.

The board of the company is talking with Georges Plassat to replace its current CEO, Lars Olofsson, the report said. Plassat is chief executive of Vivarte, the Paris-based owner of retail clothing chains and shoe stores including Kookai, Chevignon and Naf Naf.