Supermarket/Grocery

Report: Plenty of good options for filling vacated department store spaces
As department stores trim their portfolios, the nation’s malls are being transformed.
Analysis: Amazon’s growth, success will continue to come at expense of bottom line
Although Amazon's sales advanced by a respectable 23% over the quarter (do link to our story yesterday), the pace of growth at the online behemoth remains much slower than it was over most of the prior fiscal year. Some of this is the result of a less favorable exchange rate diluting contributions from the international business. However, some is also down to a more challenging demand environment in North America which has limited spending uplifts on products within Amazon's core territory.

Regional supermarket chain sees more growth ahead

After growing its store base through an acquisition last year, Weis Markets is investing $90 million in its growth in 2017. The budget includes new stores and remodels of existing locations. It also calls for supply chain improvements and continued information technology upgrades.
Amazon blows past earnings forecasts

Amazon on Thursday posted its eight straight quarter of net profitability, fueled by growth in e-commerce sales and its lucrative cloud service platform, Amazon Web Services. Amazon easily topped earning expectations for its first quarter, ended March 31, reporting $1.48 per share, above the $1.12 Wall Street expected. Net income rose to $724 million from $513 million in the year-ago period.
Costco to give rare payout

In an action that reflects its strong performance, Costco Wholesale Corp. is about to return some $3.1 billion to investors. The retailer announced a special cash dividend on Costco common stock of $7.00 per share, payable May 26, 2017, to shareholders. The dividend is in addition to a 5 cent increase of the company’s quarterly cash dividend to 50 cents a share.
Fresh Market to anchor South Carolina Center

Fresh Market will open its second location in South Carolina’s capital region in the growing upscale suburb of Lexington.
Albertsons makes exec appointment

Albertsons Cos. on Monday appointed the president of its Jewel-Osco division, Mike Withers as executive VP, retail operations, Albertsons. Withers will lead the company's East Region operations, while current executive VP, retail operations Susan Morris will lead the West Region. Jim Perkins, executive VP, retail operations Special Projects, is focused on targeted initiatives to accelerate growth. All three executives will continue to report to Wayne Denningham, president and COO, ALbertsons.
Two million-sq.-ft. project on board for North Carolina
Washington Spotlight: Retail Operators on the Ropes

As Congress reconvenes after the Easter recess, retail operators have a tremendous amount at stake. The industry is in an unprecedented state of strife with major legacy brands announcing large scale closures.
Change in ownership at Edible Arrangements

The founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements has bought back equity ownership of the company. Tariq Farid announced Monday that he has completed a buyback of equity of the company, which had been held by private equity firm L Catterton, Greenwich, Connecticut. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Mixed results for value retailer in Q4

99 Cents Only Stores turned in a strong sales performance for its fourth quarter, even as its net loss grew amid rising expenses. The retailer reported a net loss of $20.9 million for the quarter, versus a net loss of $18.4 million in the year ago period. Net sales increased 6.7% to $552.5 million, while same-store sales rose 6.4%. Average ticket gained 4.4% and customer traffic increased 1.9%. Operating loss was $6.5 million versus $2.7 million in the period a year prior.
Albertsons adds new exec position

Albertsons Companies has appointed Wayne Denningham, currently executive VP and COO, to the new role of president and COO for Albertsons Companies. Denningham will continue to lead store operations with added oversight of marketing & merchandising, supply chain, manufacturing, and integration, all of which will continue under their current leadership.