Large Chains

New York City -- Union leaders on Monday said they reached a tentative agreement with The Vons Cos. Ralphs Grocery Co.; and Albertsons, to head off the threat of a strike in Southern California by more than 60,000 workers, the Associated Press reported.

The union said the agreement, which still must be approved by the rank and file, would protect workers' health policies.

Los Angeles -- The union representing many of the 62,000 workers at Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons supermarkets in Southern California has issued a required 72-hour notice of its plan to cancel its extended contract, Reuters reported. The move that could pave the way for a strike.

TORONTO — Safeway and Wegman’s Food Markets ranked highest across all customer service elements, according to a survey by Empathica.

Empathica, a customer experience management solution-provider, polled more than 16,000 consumers, and found that operations and merchandise were the two most important elements in grocery shopping versus other elements such as promotions, people and technology.

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. said Thursday that its board of directors has approved a $1 billion share repurchase program.

The new program replaces an existing authorization that has about $213 million remaining. The authorization is expected to be used over the next 12 months, according to Kroger.
 

Fairhope, Ala. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Fairhope, Ala., to two new tenants.

Fairhope Cosmetic Dentistry leased 2,000 sq. ft. of medical office space and opened in August. Additionally, Roy Rose Jewelry has leased 2,000 sq. ft. of retail space and is slated to open in the middle of September.

The 84,740-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Publix Super Market alongside national retailers such as Merle Norman and Iberia Bank.
 

Carlisle, Pa. -- Ahold USA said Tuesday it has appointed former Walmart executive Anthony Hucker to head its Landover, Md.-based Giant Food division.

Ahold, the U.S. subsidiary of Netherlands-based Royal Ahold, said Hucker has been named division president of Giant-Landover, effective Oct. 3, replacing interim president Don Sussman who will assume the role of executive VP supply chain for Ahold USA.

Hucker most recently served at Walmart as corporate VP and head of the Walmart Express division.
 

Northborough, Mass. -- BJ's Wholesale Club said Tuesday it has opened its newest Massachusetts Club location at Northborough Crossing 6102 Shops Way in Northborough, Mass.

The 120,000-sq-ft. store replaces a 23-year-old BJ's Wholesale Club nearby and adds services such as a gas station, full-service delicatessen, enhanced tire center and integrated liquor shop.
 

ITASCA, Ill. — Supervalu's Jewel-Osco chain announced that it will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with its fourth annual VIP reception to honor the culture and significant achievements of the Hispanic community. The signature event, "Sabor de la Herencia Hispana," will be held Sept. 14, at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, from 6 to 9 p.m.  

Charlotte, N.C. -- CNL Crosland Commercial Real Estate announced the upcoming opening of The Country’s Best Yogurt (TCBY) at two Charlotte N.C. shopping centers – Town Center Plaza (2,100 sq. ft.) and Quail Corners (1,700 sq. ft.).

The stores will open their doors this winter.

TCBY has six self-serve stores in the Charlotte area, all owned by Samuel Batt. The Quail Corners’ location represents the first tenant announcement for the under-redevelopment center, which is anchored by Harris Teeter and Rite Aid. 

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets earlier this week named Regina Tator as its director of private brands.

Tator succeeds Bruno Garisto, who was recently named VP center store sales and merchandising. Tator will oversee the product development and sales and marketing for the company’s 6,300 private-brand products, including center store, healthy and beauty care, and perishable private products.