Large Chains

SALISBURY, N.C. — New stores, higher retail inflation and positive calendar impact drove sales up for Delhaize America, the U.S. sector of the Delhaize Group, during the second quarter ended June 30.

The division, which operates such banners as Food Lion, Hannaford and Bottom Dollar Food, reported that revenues rose 4.3% to $4.9 billion, while comparable-store sales increased 1.6%. Operating profit, however, dropped 2.7% to $205 million.

New York City -- Safeway is embarking on an extensive renovation project to build or extensively revamp 13 stores in the Bay Area, the Sacramento Bee reported.

The company is moving into three former Mervyn's department stores at shopping centers in Pleasant Hill, Campbell and Petaluma.

To read the story, go to sacbee.com/2011/08/03/3814684/safeway-to-revamp-build-stores.html
 

Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club continue to produce solid sales growth aided by high gas prices, shoppers desire to save money and their ability to pass through food price inflations.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart announced that through its Acres for America program it is donating $500,000 to help protect, conserve and restore fragile urban ecosystems in Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. 

New York  City -- The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) has asked U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y., for a second extension of its deadline to submit an exclusive plan of reorganization to its creditors.

The supermarket operator is looking for an extension to Jan. 16, 2012, from a previous deadline of Dec. 31, 2011. In court papers, it said the extension  would provide it with "the very best opportunity for a successful exit from Chapter 11."
 

APOPKA, Fla. – Winn-Dixie announced the opening of the first of several remodeled stores in Central Florida Wednesday as the company looks to reposition itself as the grocery destination in the area.

The store, located in Errol Plaza, is one of 17 planned store remodels. The company expects to invest approximately $5.5 million per store.

Apopka, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie said it has opened its fourth new-format grocery store, this one in Central Florida, on Wednesday, as part of its rollout of an enhanced neighborhood market concept.

The newest store, located in Errol Plaza, is one of 17 planned store remodels. The company expects to invest approximately $5.5 million per store.

New York City -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, the U.S. division of Tesco, has joined the growing number of retailers opening smaller-format stores. The grocery store operator plans to test a new concept, called Fresh & Easy Express, in San Pedro, Calif.

Fresh & Easy’s new format will be in the 4,000 sq. ft. range, compared with its typical 10,000-sq.-ft. footprint.

For more, go to freshneasybuzz.blogspot.com/
 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores announced that it expects to report net sales of approximately $6.9 billion compared with $7 billion for the prior fiscal year (which included an extra week), reflecting a 0.1% decrease in identical-store sales. Net loss from continuing operations is expected to be approximately $30 million or 54 cents per diluted share, compared with net income from continuing operations of $37 million or 67 cents per diluted share for fiscal 2010. 

LAKELAND, Fla. — Investors will wish even harder that Publix would go public, now that the company has reported strong quarterly results and a jump in its private stock price.

Publix, which is not publicly-traded company, said that its stock price rose from $21.65 per share to $22.05 per share, effective Aug. 1. The stock is only available to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.