Supermarket/Grocery

NEW YORK — Consumers are spending more, but doing so in fewer transactions, according to American Express Business Insights’ most recent Business Insights Spend Sights report.

The study, which examines spending patterns across several key categories, U.S. cities and demographic groups, finds that while economic uncertainty continues to dampen overall consumer confidence, a new pattern of less frequent but measurable splurging has become evident among a range of customer groups in several categories.

San Diego -- PriceSmart's same-store sales rose 17.7% in August. Total revenue for the five weeks ended Sept. 4 climbed 21.5% to $148.3 million.

PriceSmart also announced that on August 19, 2011 opened its first warehouse club in Colombia. This warehouse club, located in Barranquilla, brings to 29 the total number of warehouse clubs in operation by the company.

PriceSmart, based in San Diego, had 29 warehouse clubs at August's end. The company runs membership warehouse clubs in Central America and the Caribbean.

Walmart's U.K. subsidiary Asda announced that it has mobilized its grocery site to enable shoppung from a smartphone. 

According to Asda, the new mobile-optimised site offers all of the features on the main Asda.com grocery website – meaning customers can register, shop and amend an existing order or delivery slot up until 10 p.m. the day before their delivery is due.

The new mobile optimised site also includes a mobile store locator, offering maps and directions so customers can find their nearest Asda when they are out and about, the company reported.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Stop & Shop has expanded its A+ School Rewards program and is introducing healthy store tours for kids.

The A+ School Rewards program — which allows customers to designate the points they earn for every dollar spent at Stop & Shop to the school or schools of their choice by registering their Stop & Shop card at StopAndShop.com — increase its contribution to help fund schools with a commitment of $2.5 million.

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. — Walmart is gearing up to open a Neighborhood Market store this month in Midwest City, Okla.

The 40,000-sq.-ft. format will offer customers quick access to low-cost groceries, prescriptions and household products. The store officially will open its doors on Sept. 21.

As previously reported, Walmart president and CEO Bill Simon said that the Neighborhood Market format is being rebranded as Walmart Market.

NEW YORK — The Private Label Manufacturers Association announced that Douglas Merrill will serve as the keynote speaker for the organization's 2011 Private Label Trade Show in November.

Merrill, who served as EVP engineering and chief information officer for Google from 2003 to 2008, will offer attendees perspective on how shoppers and shopping behaviors are changing, and what the coming retail marketplace will look like. The keynote speech will be presented at the annual PLMA Salute to Excellence Breakfast on Nov. 14.

Eden Prairie, Minn. --- Supervalu announced the sale of 107 fuel centers located in the Midwest, Intermountain West and West Coast regions following the acceptance of four separate bids to purchase the centers. The transactions include the majority of fuel centers within the Albertsons, Cub Foods, Hornbacher’s and Jewel-Osco banners.

The Falls, one of Florida’s largest open-air, retail and entertainment destinations featuring Bloomingdale's and Macy's, along with more than 95 stores and restaurants, is rolling out a new retail roster that will include several new stores and dining venues.

The retail surge at The Falls, opening in different phases as of fall 2011, will coincide with numerous exterior upgrades including new entrances and signage, along with interior enhancements featuring a contemporary and chic color palette and new soft seating areas.