Large Chains

The Kroger Co. is preparing to break ground on its newest distribution center.   The grocer is investing $60 million in the 674,000-sq.-ft. depot, which will primarily be used to replenish Kroger’s direct-to-store distribution centers across the eastern half of the country, according to the Northern Kentucky Tribune.  

A new retailer aimed at Hispanic customers is expanding its footprint in South Florida.    Fresco y Más on March 8 opened five stores in Miami, and Hialeah, Florida, bringing its total store count to 11 locations. The banner is the latest concept from Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie.  

Brixmor Property Group has purchased Arborland Center, a 404,000-sq.-ft. center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for $102 million. The center is anchored by Kroger and Nordstrom Rack and is situated between the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.

Ahold Delhaize’s Food Lion and Hannaford U.S. supermarkets had both strong fiscal fourth quarters and for fiscal 2016, the company stated in an earnings report. Volume growth was particularly strong, more than offsetting the impact of inflation on sales.   Underlying operating margins improved, driven by the “Easy, Fresh & Affordable” strategic initiative and synergies, said Ahold Delhaize.  

Privately-owned, family-operated Meijer announced plans to invest more than $375 million in new and remodeled stores in 2017 across its six-state footprint.    The investment includes the construction of seven new Meijer supercenters and 22 remodel projects. While Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin will each welcome new Meijer supercenters later this year, dozens of other Meijer stores have begun or will soon begin remodel projects to enhance the customer shopping experience.  

The asset disposition company A&G Realty has entered into a joint venture with a supermarket real estate veteran with the business proposition that better data analysis will help retailers be more proactive in managing real estate portfolios.  

Publix Supermarkets’ sales and profit rose in the fourth quarter amid continued expansion.      Publix’s net earnings for the fourth quarter rose 4.5% to $544.5 million, from $521.1 million in the year-ago period.   Sales rose 11.1% to $9.1 billion. (The additional week in the fourth quarter of 2016 increased sales by 7.4%.) Same-store sales increased 2.2%.  

Food Lion continues to roll out its updated store design to new markets.    The chain announced a $178 million investment in its stores in the greater Greensboro, N.C., market, which includes remodeling 93 stores. The remodels,  part of Food Lion’s "Easy, Fresh and Affordable...You Can Count on Food Lion Every Day!" initiative, include a new design that is easier to navigate and shop so customers can get in and out of the store quickly, new registers and enhanced service.   

Raley’s has given COO Keith Knopf the additional title of president.   Raleys owner & CEO, Michael Teel announced the promotion of Knopf, who joined the company nearly two years ago, around the time Teel took majority ownership of the company. Teel will continue to direct the development of Raley’s overall strategic plan.  

Google Home is giving Amazon’s Echo a run for its (shopping) money.   On Thursday, Google announced that shoppers can use Google Home to order everyday basics from Google Express retailers, including Costco, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens, PetSmart, Bed Bath & Beyond and others, reported GeekWire.