Supermarket/Grocery

Santiago, Chile -- A report by Santiago newspaper Estrategia said that Wal-Mart Stores is considering opening banks in Chile and Argentina.

The report, circulated by Bloomberg, said that Wal-Mart completed a study into banking services in Argentina. In Chile, Wal-Mart operates the Presto credit card, which it acquired in the takeover of supermarket chain Distribucion y Servicio D&S SA in 2009.

AMSTERDAM — Former Ahold senior executive Albert Heijn, who helped lead the overhaul of the Dutch-based supermarket giant in the 1960s and 1970s, died peacefully last week at his home in the United Kingdom, the company announced. He was 83.

LOS ANGELES — Looking to offer a greener option for users of Styrofoam and noncompostable insulated cups, Repurpose Compostables has launched a new insulated hot cup that is 100% compostable.

One Cup requires no sleeve, uses 65% less carbon dioxide than a traditional cup and can be composted in 90 days, the company said. The insulated cups also feature Ingeo-based lining, which eliminates the need for "double cupping," to assure the beverage, and not the drinker's hands, stay hot.

New York City -- The shareholders of South African Massmart chain have overwhelmingly accepted Wal-Mart's offer to buy 51% of their company, the chief executive said Monday, paving the way for Wal-Mart to enter Africa.

Massmart said the proposal was approved by 97% of shareholders who voted Monday -- 75% approval had been needed. Wal-Mart offered 148 rand (about $20) per share in a 17 billion rand (about $2 billion) deal.

The deal will have to be approved by South Africa's anti-monopoly regulators.

Dow Jones this morning reported that South African retailer and Walmart takeover target Massmart Holdings has given assurances it will continue to honor all agreements with labor unions and local labor laws if the buyout goes through. That’s what Walmart and Massmart have been saying since the deal was announced last year but they have to keep saying it because union activists are everywhere in the world.

MONTVALE, N.J. - A&P announced that sales for the third quarter were $1.8 billion versus $2 billion in last fiscal year’s third quarter. Comparable-store sales decreased 4.9%. The company reported that loss from continuing operations was $181 million versus last year’s third quarter reported loss from continuing operations of $502 million.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Safeway announced that it has formed a fund to aid the victims of the recent shooting that occurred in one of its Tucson stores.

The company launched the fund with an initial contribution of $100,000 from the Safeway Foundation, and encourages in-store contributions from Safeway customers and community members in the company’s Arizona stores.

Brandon, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Brandon, Fla., at Bloomingdale Square to Pet Supermarket.     

Pet Supermarket has leased 9,000 sq. ft., bringing the center to 96% leased. The pet supply retailer is slated to open in first quarter 2011.

The 267,736-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by a 92,681-sq.-ft. Wal-Mart, Bealls and Publix, plus other retailers such as Dollar Tree, Hallmark, RadioShack and Bank of America.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased retail space in Jacksonville, Fla., at Shoppes at Bartram Park to Jacksonville Running Co.

Specializing in the sale of running footwear and apparel, Jacksonville Running Co. has leased 1,600 sq. ft., bringing the center to 94% leased.

The tenant is slated to open for business in the spring.

The 119,376-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Publix alongside The UPS Store, Massage Envy, Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Panera Bread.

West Pottsgrove, Pa. -- Plymouth Meeting, Pa.-based Fameco Real Estate, L.P. said that  Carmike Cinemas has signed a lease for an approximately 46,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art multi-screen movie theater to be located in the  Upland Square Shopping Center, in West Pottsgrove, Pa.