Large Chains

Washington, D.C. — Supervalu announced that it has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge, which aims to engage building operators nationwide in improving energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. The announcement was made by President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton during a leadership event attended by Craig Herkert, Supervalu CEO and president, this morning in Washington, D.C.

New York City -- Roundy's Supermarkets Inc., which operates 158 supermarkets under several banners in three states, expects to raise $230 million through an initial public stock offering.

The Milwaukee-based Roundy's is currently owned by Chicago private equity firm Willis Stein & Partners. The number of shares to be offered and the price have not yet been determined.

MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P announced that it has reached an agreement with its labor unions that would help the retailer on its path out of bankruptcy.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Kroger posted its 32nd consecutive of same-store sales gains as the grocer continues to grab market share due to a combination of a customer service initiative and value pricing.

Cincinnati -- Kroger Co. on Thursday raised its full-year forecast and also projected earnings growth for its next fiscal year that was ahead of long-term goals even as its profit slipped 2% in the third quarter.

The chain reported profit of $195.9 million profit for the quarter ended Nov. 5, down from $202.2 million a year earlier. Still, its results topped Wall Street expectations.

Kendall Lakes, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that two new merchants have leased space at its Shoppes @ 104 shopping center, in Kendall Lakes, Fla.

Yogurtini has leased 1,400 sq. ft. of retail space, and Great Clips has leased 1,344 sq. ft. The 108,192-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Winn-Dixie, alongside national retailers such as The UPS Store, Subway and GNC.
 

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said that Indian Bazaar has leased 4,480 sq. ft. at Loehmann’s Plaza in Sunnyvale, Calif.

The new grocery store is slated to open in May 2012.

The 113,309-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by CVS/pharmacy alongside national retailers including Safeway, Nail Time and Starbucks.

 

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway said its board of directors increased its stock buyback authorization by $1.0 billion, to $8.0 billion.

The supermarket operator said it had repurchased $6.1 billion of its stock through the end of the third quarter and had about $0.9 billion remaining under the buyback program at that time.

The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date, Safeway said in a statement.
 

PITTSBURGH — Electric vehicle charging stations recently opened at three Pittsburgh-area Giant Eagle stores, the retailer said.

The EV charging stations, made possible by a collaborative effort through a Pennsylvania Department of Energy grant, now are in operation at the chain's Robinson Township, Township of Pine and Monroeville supermarkets.

ST. LOUIS — Supervalu banner Save-A-Lot will open a new 330,000-sq.-ft. food distribution center in Lexington, N.C., on Wednesday.

The distribution center initially will service more than 70 stores within a 150-mile radius, Save-A-Lot noted.

The distribution center, which will employ 35 employees, is part of the company's commitment to expand in the region. Currently, there are nearly 30 Save-A-Lot stores in North Carolina, including one in Lexington; the company plans to open an additional three stores in the state by March 2012.