Supermarket/Grocery

By John H. Douglas, [email protected]

Dirty stores and out of stocks negatively impact the food shopping experience, according to a study by The Retail Feedback Group which showed overall satisfaction with supermarkets at a five year high.

The Retail Feedback Group surveyed 1,200 shoppers in its 2012 U.S. Supermarket Experience Study and determined that supermarkets generate high rates of satisfaction with their shoppers, scoring a 4.47 out of a possible 5.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has launched “Made Easy,” a new and expanded selection of fresh prepared salads and vegetables, which includes 39 varieties of bag salads and kits, micro-steamers, and sliced and diced vegetables.

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop is opening a new store that will include new features that emphasize health and wellness and sustainability, the company said.

Stop & Shop, a division of the U.S. subsidiary of Dutch supermarket operator Ahold, said the Wayland, Mass., store would include nine complementary electric car charging stations, as well as numerous energy-efficient features. The store's grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Fort Lee, N.J. — Supermarkets are facing increased competition from dollar stores, according to a new survey from Perception Research Services International.

WHITING, Ind. — An online consumer survey shows that nearly half of consumers go into brick-and-mortar stores with their smartphones to research items without buying them and then looked for the same item at a lower price online.

The 2,361-adult survey, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of CouponCabin.com between Sept. 18 and 20, found that 43% of smartphone and tablet owners have engaged in the practice, known as "showrooming."

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market has announced two new locations for Manhattan. The company said it plans to open a 39,000-sq.ft. store in the city’s Harlem neighborhood in 2015. The supermarket will be located in the middle of the area’s business district, on 125th Street and Lennox Avenue.

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday morning announced it has named Janel Haugarth to lead its independent business organization, replacing Leon Bergmann, who has decided to leave the company.