Supermarket/Grocery

Los Angeles -- A Tuesday report by CNN Money, citing a regulatory filing, said that private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners is raising $5 billion for its sixth private equity fund.

Leonard Green’s current retail portfolio includes Sports Authority, Neiman Marcus and Whole Foods, with plans underway to add BJ's Wholesale Club to its holdings.

According to the report, the SEC filing does not confirm that the firm has closed on any money as of yet.
 

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway announced that Dr. Kent Bradley has joined the company as chief medical officer, a newly created position focused on further enhancing and building Safeway's reputation as a healthcare innovator. He joins Safeway after a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, where he earned the rank of Colonel and served in a wide of range assignments.

STELLARTON, NS  and MINNEAPOLIS — Details for Target's entry into Canada continue to fall into place as the retailer announced last week a long-term wholesale distribution agreement with Sobeys Inc.

Beginning in early 2013, Sobeys will supply Target’s food and grocery requirements for frozen, dairy, and dry grocery products, inclusive of both national brand and Target’s private label brands.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has appointed Kent Bradley as its new chief medical officer.

In his new role, Bradley will be responsible for developing and guiding the company's extensive portfolio of health care programs including its employee and consumer wellness and prevention activities. Additionally, Bradley also will assist Safeway's Safeway Health subsidiary on a range of business initiatives, the company said. He will report to Safeway EVP and Safeway Health president Larree Renda.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has committed $3 million in donations for local breast cancer initiatives across the country to support National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, the grocer announced Monday.

"We are honored that so many of our courageous associates are willing to share their experiences as breast cancer survivors," stated David Dillon, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Their inspirational stories educate and encourage others to better care for each other and their own health."

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — New research from Nielsen shows consumers will be practical and focused on value during the upcoming holiday season, which bodes well for Target as one on the nation’s leading toy retailers and top destination for gift givers.

In the December 2007 issue of Chain Store Age, I wrote about an historic structure on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, long-occupied by House of Bultman Funeral Home that was undergoing an extensive redevelopment to accommodate the first Borders bookstore in Orleans Parish.