Supermarket/Grocery

Lakewood, Colo. -- Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. had a strong first quarter of fiscal 2014, reporting increases in both net income and net sales. Net income rose 31.6% to $2.9 million from about $2.2 million and net sales grew 25.8% to $120.6 million from $95.8 million.

A $14.6 million increase in sales from new stores and a 10.6%, increase in same-store sales drove Natural Grocers’ net sales growth. Looking ahead, the company plans to open a total 15 stores in fiscal year 2014 and expects to remodel two existing stores.

Bad weather and a reduction in food stamps led to weaker-than-expected sales at Walmart and Sam’s Club, which combined with greater-than-expected international expense, prompted an uncharacteristic pre-announcement from the company that fourth quarter profits would be worse than expected.

Jacksonville, Fla. - Shoppers are increasing eating out by actually eating in as they take advantage of ready-to-eat foods and meal solution offerings from grocery stores, quick-serve restaurants, food delivery and take away. A new study from AMG Strategic Advisors, “The Why? Behind the Buy,” shows that Millennials are most likely to use prepared food for meal solutions, but overall, 77% of total U.S. shoppers reported eating out in the past month.

Walmart Supercenters in California benefit communities by supporting additional job creation, small business growth and more robust sales tax revenues, according to a new economic impact report.

The study was conducted by economist Lon Hatamiya of the Hatamiya Group and the results were announced by Walmart, which is sure to cause opponents of the company to question the validity of the results. That said, key findings of the study show the following:

Washington, D.C. -- President Obama in his State of the Union address last night said he plans to sign an executive order increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour for workers on new government contracts and asked Congress to approve the same increase for all workers — and the National Retail Federation is not happy.

NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay issued a response ahead of the president’s address.

Welch's Fruit Snacks have launched Welch's PB&J Snacks, which combines peanut butter and jelly in one treat.

The bite-size snacks have a chewy center made with real fruit, which is surrounded by a peanut butter coating, according to the company. Snackers can choose from four varieties: Concord Grape or Strawberry center and creamy or crunch peanut butter outside.

Minneapolis - Target plans to open a new store in the city of Kahului on the island of Maui in Hawaii, in March 2015. The store will be located as part of the Pu‘unēnē Shopping Center.

This will be the first Target store in Maui.

North Plainfield, N.J. – A majority of store managers (57.3%) said holiday sales met or exceeded their expectations during the 2013 holiday season. However, according to the post-holiday "Retail Sentiments Survey" from retail real estate services firm Levin Management, mid-December was the busiest time according to 26.9% of store manager respondents, followed by the weekend before Christmas with 24.4%.