Supermarket/Grocery

Los Angeles -- Supermarket retailer Arden Group reported Wednesday that the company earned $3.5 million in the quarter ended Oct. 2, compared with net income of $4.7 million in the year-ago period.

The parent of Southern California supermarket chain Gelson's Markets cited economic conditions and competition for the profit decline.

Revenue decreased 3% to $100.3 million. Same-store sales fell 3.3%.
 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores announced Wednesday that it has promoted Jeff Davis to the position of senior VP and treasurer, effective Dec. 1.

In his new role, Davis will assume responsibility for treasury operations, capital markets, investor relations and risk management. Davis succeeds Charles Holley, who has been named to the position of executive VP and CFO, also effective Dec. 1.

Montvale, N.J. -- Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. said late Tuesday it will sell six Pathmark stores for $89.8 million. The company said it has entered into an agreement with Winstanley Enterprises LLC, which will acquire six Pathmark stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

CEO Sam Martin said the deal is part of the company's turnaround strategy. Last month, after announcing its second-quarter loss had doubled from a year earlier, the company said its turnaround plan, including cutting costs, would help improve business.

New York City -- A report circulated Wednesday said that BJ's Wholesale Club may be close to hiring an adviser to explore strategic alternatives.

According to the New York Post, which cited an unnamed source, one alternative could be a sale to a private equity firm.