Supermarket/Grocery

New York -- Retail sales fell 0.8% in January, more than forecast, amid smaller receipts at gas stations due to plummeting fuel costs and declines at apparel and sporting goods stores, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. It was the second straight month of decline, suggesting consumers still remain cautious when it comes to spending. Sales excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services edged up 0.1%, also less than forecast, after being flat in December.

Wal-Mart Stores is giving a big boost to its Canadian operations even as Target shuts downs its failed Canadian venture.

The sweet smell of barbeque will be in the air of central Florida later this month when Sam’s Club kicks of its fifth annual National BBQ Tour with prizes totaling $500,000 and participation from 700 teams.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market's value message is resonating with shoppers as the chain delivered same store sales growth of 4.5% and record first quarter profits as net income increased to $167 million from $158 million.

The retailer said sales for its first quarter ended Jan. 18 increased 10% to $4.67 billion due to the addition of new selling space and the increased productivity of existing stores reflected in the 4.5% comp increase, which pushed sales per square foot to $990.

Bellevue, Wash. -- Whole Foods Market announced its plans for continued expansion in Western Canada with three new locations: Greater Victoria, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; and Calgary, Alberta.

Dallas -- SRS Real Estate Partners has named Kevin Boyd as senior VP and co-market leader in the Chicago office. Experienced with local, regional, and national retailers, he will focus on tenant representation while jointly leading the Chicago team.

Chicago -- Transwestern’s Chicago office has brokered the sale of The Shops at Flint Creek. Located at 500 N. Hough St. in Barrington, Illinois, the 59,325-sq.-ft. center was developed in 2006 by Hamilton Partners. Next Realty LLC purchased the Heinen’s grocery store-anchored center for an undisclosed amount.

In addition to Heinen’s, tenants include Meatheads, Alexian Brothers Health System, Coldwell Banker, Athletico and Scottrade.

Washington, D.C. -- The JCR Companies has acquired Manokeek Village Shopping Center in Accokeek, Maryland, just 10 minutes from the Washington, D.C. Beltway, for $22 million. The seller was Klaff Realty.

The 90,172-sq.-ft. grocery-anchored shopping center is located at the intersection of Manny and Berry Roads in Prince George’s County.

Anchored by Giant Food, Manokeek Village is more than 90% leased to a lineup of retailers including Starbucks, Wendy’s Advance Auto, SunTrust Bank, and 7-Eleven.

Bentonville, Ark. – Phoenix area consumers have a new option for online grocery shopping, at least for now. According to the Phoenix Business Journal, Wal-Mart is piloting an online grocery service in and around Phoenix.

Mississauga, Canada – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly expanding its Canadian operation, even as chief rival Target is exiting the country after spending $4 billion in an effort to open stores there. According to the Wall Street Journal, Wal-Mart plans to spend $270 million on building 29 new Canadian supercenters and an expanded distribution network to support them.