Supermarket/Grocery

In addition to a John Fleming sighting in Minneapolis, Walmart alums John Menzer and Craig Herkert made news of their own this week.

Menzer resigned as CEO of Michaels following a stroke he suffered back in April, while Herkert was let go from his CEO role at Supervalu following a string of poor results.

Matthews, N.C. -- Harris Teeter plans to expand its presence in existing markets, the company said in its third-quarter earnings release.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Harris Teeter plans to expand its presence in existing markets, the company said in its third-quarter earnings release.

Armonk, N.Y. -- Hypermarket chain Real, part of Metro Group, worked with IBM to launch a new electronic coupon system throughout its 320 German stores. This first-of-a-kind digital coupon system, developed with IBM Research scientists, enables consumers to use their mobile phones to find and redeem e-coupons as they shop in stores. It delivers a convenient and personalized service to shoppers, even if they left their paper coupons at home.

New York -- Costco Wholesale Corp. set the July same-store sales pace when it reported Wednesday a better-than-expected gain of 5%, and other discounters answered Thursday with similar positive results.

Barnegat, N.J. -- North Plainfield, N.J.-based Levin Management Corp. said that Big Lots is slated to open a new anchor store at Bayshore Plaza in Barnegat, N.J., in August.

The 31,612-sq.-ft. store will fill a space formerly occupied by A&P.

Additional tenants include McDonald’s, AT&T Wireless, Barnegat Pharmacy, and a mix of local restaurants and services.

Levin serves as leasing and managing agent for Bayshore Plaza.
 

No company gave more money and products to charity in 2011 than Walmart, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual ranking.

The publication put Walmart at the top of its list of the 10 most charitable companies, indicating that the company donated $342 million in cash and $616 million in products last year. That is the equivalent of 4.1% of the company’s 2010 pretax profits.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that Calla Lily Salon recently opened a 1,529-sq.-ft. hair salon at Plymouth Meeting (Pa.) Mall.

Charming Charlie opened at the mall in July.

Plymouth Meeting Mall is anchored by Macy’s, Boscov’s, and Whole Foods Market and Café.