Large Chains

The $11 billion purchase of Belgium-based supermarket operator Delhaize Group by Netherlands-based grocery conglomerate Ahold is coming closer.   The two companies both announced they expect the deal, approved by the shareholders of both companies in March 2016, to go through before the end of July 2016, subject to regulatory approval by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).   

Bob Mariano, CEO of the Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. division of The Kroger Co., will retire effective Sept. 1, 2016.   After retiring, Mariano will serve as strategic adviser to Kroger and Roundy's for two years. Don Rosanova, president of Mariano's, and Michael Marx, president of Roundy's Supermarkets Wisconsin, will continue to serve in their current roles leading the two supermarket divisions.  

Stater Bros. Markets is decreasing electricity output this summer.   The San Bernadino, California-based regional supermarket chain is voluntarily reducing lighting energy use by 50% in all 168 Stater Bros. locations during the summer months. This reduction will decrease electricity use by 425,000 kWh per month, which is the equivalent of powering 470 homes per month. It also reduces the possibility of rotating outages during the summer.  

Walmart has reportedly begun deployment of shelf-stocking carts designed to improve the produce shopping experience.   According to Reuters, the retailer has so far implemented what it calls “quality carts” at 500 U.S. stores, with plans to have them available at almost all locations in the U.S. by the end of the third quarter.   

A veteran grocery store brand in the Dallas market will soon be history.   Houston-based Fiesta Mart announced Thursday it is acquiring 11 Minyard Food Stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area from RLS Supermarkets. The Minyard stores will transition to the Fiesta brand over the next several month     Fiesta is a specialty grocery retailer known for its international offerings that cater to diverse communities. With the Minyard acquisition, Fiesta will now operate 70 stores across Texas.

Supervalu Inc. will serve as primary wholesaler for Indianapolis-based Marsh Supermarkets.   Supervalu has entered into a long-term supply agreement with, and will also provide some professional services to Marsh, which operates approximately 70 Marsh Supermarkets and O’Malia Food Markets stores across Indiana and Ohio. Marsh also operates 38 pharmacy locations.  

Walgreens Boots Alliance reported climbing sales and profits in a generally successful third quarter of fiscal 2016.  

Mom’s Organic Market is extending its renewable energy portfolio.    The family owned and operated Maryland-based chain has begun purchasing all power from a designated solar farm in Kingsville, Maryland., bundled with national solar renewable energy credits.   This 1.5-megawatt DC system is projected to output 2,124,000 kilowatts per year. Mom’s will purchase the entire system's output for the next 20 years.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering new regulations that could it make it difficult for smaller stores to accept food stamps.  

Sobeys Inc. has named a former Home Depot executive as the Canadian retailer's chief merchandising officer. Lyne Castonguay will oversee all aspects of Sobeys go-to-market strategy, with responsibility for category management, marketing, data insights, research, procurement, private label and merchandising as well as the company's digital strategy.