Large Chains

MINNEAPOLIS — There were three takeaways to come out of Supervalu’s third-quarter analyst call Tuesday morning: the deep discount banner Save-A-Lot will be the most significant catalyst for growth going forward; Supervalu aggressively is addressing pricing issues that have had consumers who are more accustomed to the “hi” in the grocer’s "hi-lo" pricing strategy shopping elsewhere; and while traditional Supervalu banners ACME, Shaw’s and even Jewel-Osco do not have a “For Sale” sign on their respective front lawns, a

NEW YORK — Fujitsu on Monday unveiled its latest checkout technology at the National Retail Federation trade show.

According to the company, the new technology boasts reduced time on lines and a customer-friendly checkout experience. Fujitsu also said that supermarket giant Kroger currently is evaluating the new technology in a limited number of its stores to boost the retailer's Advanced Checkout areas.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Grocer Food City has inked a partnership with the University of Tennessee Medical Center to expand the Healthy Living Kitchen — a move that is expected to result in a significantly greater reach for Healthy Living Kitchen programs and educational efforts at schools, community events and Food City supermarkets throughout the region.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu has named Janel Haugarth EVP merchandising and logistics. She will replace Steve Jungmann, formerly EVP merchandising, who is leaving the company effective immediately, the company reported.

In her new role, Haugarth will be responsible for all merchandising activities across the company’s traditional retail and independent retail businesses. The move consolidates the leadership of all of the company’s merchandising activities, with the exception of Save-A-Lot, under the leadership of a single EVP, Supervalu noted.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Winn-Dixie Stores announced that Laurence Appel, who joined Winn-Dixie in 2002 and formerly served as general counsel, corporate secretary and SVP human resources, has been named SVP retail operations. Appel replaces Frank Eckstein, who has retired from his current role but will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until the end of fiscal year 2011. 

West Bridgewater, Mass. -- Shaw's Supermarkets has announced that it will close five unprofitable stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island by the middle of next month.

The company said in a statement that it decided "only after careful evaluation" to close the stores. The Massachusetts stores are in New Bedford, Stoneham and Revere. The Rhode Island locations are in Johnston, and on Bald Hill Road in Warwick.

The stores will be closed by Feb. 17.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Fameco Real Estate, L.P. said that Patel Bazaar and Spice Kitchen have signed leases for 6,900 sq. ft. along the 422 Corridor in Montgomery County, Pa.

Patel Bazaar, an Indian grocery store, has signed a 4,900-sq.-ft. lease at Jefferson Plaza Shopping Center in West Norriton Township. The grand opening is scheduled for January 14. Spice Kitchen, an Indian restaurant, has signed a lease for 2,000 sq. ft. at the Park Ridge Shopping Center in Trooper. The center is anchored by Acme. Spice Kitchen opened its doors several weeks ago.

London -- A Tuesday report by the Financial Times said that Andy Bond, former CEO of Asda, has left his post of part-time chairman of the United Kingdom’s second biggest supermarket by market share, a position that he has held for less than a year.

The report also said that Bond will leave Walmart as well, which owns Asda, once its $2.4 billion deal to acquire a majority stake in South Africa’s Massmart is complete around the end of March.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Winn-Dixie Stores announced it launched a smartphone application that will help customers find their closest Winn-Dixie, allow them to view the weekly circular and sales for that specific store, and create and manage shopping lists that both sync with computers and can be shared with other users. The app for Apple’s iPhone and Android smart phones is available as a free download through Apple Inc.’s iTunes, the Android Market or through links on Winn-Dixie’s website at http://www.winndixie.com/Mobile/apps.%3C/p%3E

SUNBURY, Pa. - Weis Markets has announced that it has lowered the prices on 2,400 staple items, and that it will freeze the prices of these products for 90 days through April 2.