Supermarket/Grocery

Report: The Fresh Market is on the auction block

The Fresh Market is being viewed as a takeover target with recent media reports indicating that some of the biggest names in the grocery game are interested in the company.

Reuters reports thatKroger is in the second round of an auction process for Fresh Market that has also attracted other companies and private equity firms. Apollo Global Management, KKR & Co and TPG Capital are among the buyout firms participating in the auction.
Report: Whole Foods Market considering tattoo parlors in new chain
Shoppers at Whole Foods Market’s new 365 chain might be able to get a tattoo while they stock up on organic kale smoothies and non-GMO dog food.

In an interview on Bloomberg TV, Whole Foods CEO Walter Robb says the 365 format is going to try some tactics outside of the traditional supermarket playbook, including setting up tattoo parlors in the stores.

Hannaford accelerating store pick-up

The Hannaford grocery chain is expanding its online shopping service at a rapid pace and recently hit a significant milestone.

The Maine-based retailer recently opened its 25th location with Hannaford To Go. The service is the first of its kind in many regions. After piloting the program successfully in several stores, Hannaford opened 11 additional locations in the past year. The company plans to pursue an aggressive rollout schedule in 2016 as well, based on the success of the program and its popularity with customers.
IHL: Do retailers have their heads in the clouds?

When it comes to systems infrastructure, retailers are moving in a particular direction.

According to a new study from IHL Group, “Total Retail SaaS Market,” 26% of all retail spending on software in 2016 in North America will be cloud-based. This includes 60% of retailers’ e-commerce spend and 53% of their BI/analytics and sales/marketing software spend will be on cloud-based systems.
Divaris’ Washington, D.C. team completes five leases

Washington, D.C. -- Gerald S. Divaris, chairman and CEO of Divaris Real Estate, announced the company negotiated five leases totaling 17,469 sq. ft. of commercial space in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., market.

Wash ‘N Dry - leased 5,792 sq. ft. of retail space at Ashdale Plaza located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Retailers at the center include: Family Dollar, Popeye’s, Wells Fargo, Goodwill and Davita. The landlord, A.R. Kronstadt Realty Investors, was represented by DRE’s Susan McGee.
Food Lion recognizes store manager of the year

Food Lion's focus on employee excellence was on display this week when the grocery chain recognized some of its exemplary managers with awards.
Whole Foods reveals more 365 locations

While Whole Foods continues to work on the performance of its flagship stores, the company disclosed new locations and expressed confidence in its 365 format even though the first unit is scheduled to open until May.
Whole Foods reveals more locations for new 365 store format

While Whole Foods Market continues to work on the performance of its flagship stores, the company disclosed new locations and expressed confidence in its new store concept, “365 by Whole Foods Market,” even though the first location is not scheduled to open until May.
NRF issues optimistic forecast for 2016 retail sales growth

Retail industry sales will grow an estimated 3.1% in 2016, outpacing the 10 year industry average, as economic headwinds diminish, according to a forecast released by the National Retail Federation.

The NRF sales forecast of 3.1% excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants and exceeds the 10 year growth rate of 2.7%. Non-store retail sales are forecast to growth between 6% and 9%.
Westwood Financial appoints 20-year veteran as CFO

Los Angeles -- Westwood Financial Corp. appointed Jeanne Lazar as CFO. Lazar joins the company with more than 20 years of diverse commercial real estate finance experience. As CFO, Lazar will oversee all finance and accounting functions, including portfolio performance review and the development of financial and operational strategies.

“I’m honored to join Westwood Financial Corp. and look forward to working with the team to further the company’s goals to grow and expand in the grocery-anchored retail space,” said Lazar.
Shop Companies sells 100% leased center in Texas

Cross Roads, Texas -- Shop Companies Investment Sales announced the sale of Crossroads Crossing a 14,680 sq. ft. shopping center located in Cross Roads, Texas.

Crossroads Crossing at the time of closing was 100% leased. The tenant mix includes: Domino’s, State Farm, January’s Salon, Cornerstone Dental and Villa Grande Mexican Restaurant among others. Just east of a newly opened Wal-Mart Supercenter.
Breakout Retail Award winners revelead

Retailing Today sister publication Chain Store age announced the winners of its first annual Breakout Retailer Awards, which honors emerging retail/restaurant concepts that are innovative in their segment and show strong potential for growth.