Supermarket/Grocery

Retailers’ growth plans in the United States are up 40% over last year’s levels, according to ChainLinks' Retail Advisors Spring 2011 National Retail Report. The report, which details trends impacting retail commercial real estate in more than 40 of the nation’s top markets, credits the surge in expansion to two key factors: the return of optimism within the retail sector; and the desire to expand quickly now -- before retail fundamentals improve enough for rents to start climbing again.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company announced that, along with its sister Ahold USA supermarkets, $100,000 will be donated to the American Red Cross Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund to support disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Additionally, through Sunday, April 3, Stop & Shop said it will be collecting donations in all stores for the victims of the natural disasters in Japan on behalf of the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- Rubbermaid has introduced a new line of glass food storage products to its Easy Find Lids line. 

According to the company, the Easy Find Lids storage system, allows for easier storage because lids attach to each other and to the bottom of containers for storage, so the right lid is always at hand. Graduated sizes neatly nest within each other to save space.

The glass products are oven-safe up to 425 degrees, feature Flex & Seal leak-proof lids and are square shaped to maximize space.

New York City -- Information on Tuesday confirmed that private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners LP is considering an offer to acquire BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Leonard Green, which already as a 9.3% ownership stake in the wholesale club operator, said in an SEC filing that it is examining confidential information provided by BJ's as it evaluates an offer.

BJ's revealed in February that it was considering selling itself.

BOSTON — Beers that were highlighted in Samuel Adams' annual homebrew contest last year now are available in a six-pack.

The company said that the 2011 Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest - Category 23 Variety six-pack has hit store shelves. The variety pack includes two bottles each of Richard Roper's Friar Hop Ale, Rodney Kibzey's Blackened Hops, and Caitlin DeClercq's Honey B's Lavender Wheat, which all were named winners in Samuel Adams LongShot American Homebrew Contest in 2010.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market announced that it has expanded its Gourmet range with a line of specially handcrafted frozen artisan pizzas from Italy, selling for $3.99. 

Johannesburg, South Africa -- A Tuesday report by Bloomberg said that hearings on a Wal-Mart Stores bid to acquire control of Massmart Holdings Ltd. will be adjourned to May 9, following an earlier announcement on Tuesday that the hearings would proceed this week.

After announcing that it will hear evidence from labor unions and Wal-Mart and Massmart this week and from the government on May 9 and May 10, South Africa’s Competition Tribunal now say the hearing has been adjourned to May 9.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. has entered an agreement to purchase two stores from Albertsons in Lake Elsinore and Hesperia.

Stater Bros. said it expects to take possession of the locations from Albertsons, a Supervalu subsidiary, in mid-May. The California-based supermarket chain also said that the stores would receive several upgrades, including wider aisles, expanded and new full-service departments and energy-efficient refrigeration, skylights and recycling centers.