Supermarket/Grocery

Retailers upset with “harmful” NLRB ruling
Arlington, VA - Retailers on Friday criticized the National Labor Relations Board decision that gave the go-ahead to new laws to expedite the union election process. The amendments, to go into effect April 14, provide for electronic filing and transmission of election petitions and other documents; eliminates or reduces unnecessary litigation; and allows parties to consolidate election-related appeals to the board into a single appeals process, the NLRB said in a statement.
Overheard: ICSC-New York conference
New York City - The International Council of Shopping Centers set new attendance records at its New York National Deal Making Conference, moved for the first time to the Javits Convention Center, held December 8 and 9, and keynoted by Donald Trump. The two-day event at the new location nearly doubled the size of the space from prior years, and drew more than 400 exhibiting companies and 9,600 attendees, representing a new attendance record and a 26% increase compared to the 2013 event.

Phillips Edison acquires Kroger-anchored center near Atlanta

Cincinnati - Phillips Edison Grocery Center REIT II announced the acquisition of Spivey Junction, an 81,475-sq.-ft. grocery store-anchored shopping center in Stockbridge, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Spivey Junction is anchored by Kroger, and features a fuel center. Other national and regional tenants at the center include Great Clips, Workout Anytime, Domino's Pizza, Subway, Goodwill and Miracle Ear.
Kroger chairman retires, CEO Rodney McMullen to assume additional role

CINCINNATI — David Dillon, who led Kroger's development of the company's successful Customer 1st Strategy, will retire as chairman of the board on Dec. 31 after 38 years of service. As expected, the Kroger Board of Directors on Thursday elected Rodney McMullen, Kroger's CEO, to the additional post of chairman, commencing Jan. 1, 2015. McMullen has served on the board of directors since 2003.
NRF: November retail sales rise 0.6%

Washington, D.C. – Retail sales showed slow but steady growth during November 2014. According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales, not including automobiles, gasoline stations or restaurants, increased 0.6% seasonally-adjusted from October and 3.2% unadjusted from November 2013. The increases were in line with NRF’s holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 4.1% from 2013.
MasterCard Advisors: Cheaper gas means more presents

Purchase, N.Y. – A decline in the price of gasoline may be leading to a larger haul for many many people on Christmas morning. According to the latest MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, total retail sales without the automotive and gasoline sectors were up 3.6% in November 2014, reinforcing the dramatic decline in gasoline prices.
Kroger chairman Dillon steps down

Longtime Kroger executive and current chairman David Dillon is retiring Dec. 31 after 38 years with the company. Dillon, 63, will be replaced as chairman by Rodney McMullen, who also succeeded Dillon as CEO at the start of 2014, the company said. McMullen has served on the board since 2003.
McKenna joins Foran to drive Walmart’s U.S. growth

The globalization of Walmart’s domestic operations continued this week with the appointment of Judith McKenna to the role of chief operating office for Walmart U.S.
Hear what Walmart’s new COO has to say

Timing is everything. The Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce had already secured Judith McKenna as a speaker for an upcoming event when she was given a major promotion this week.
McKinsey veteran to join Kroger board

Kroger announced that Nora A. Aufreter has been elected to the company's board of directors.
Publix tops J.D. Power survey for fifth consecutive year

LAKELAND, Fla.- For the fifth consecutive year, Publix Pharmacy is the highest-ranking pharmacy in overall satisfaction in the supermarket segment according to J.D. Power & Associate Satisfaction Survey, a customer satisfaction benchmark study that provides pharmacy-specific performance comparisons among brick and mortar pharmacies.
Tech Guest Viewpoint - Loyalty programs: Time to sign up for retailers

By Shannon Warner, Cognizant Technology Solutions Talk about a gap: 62% of shoppers say loyalty program membership is beneficial, but only 26% consider retailers’ programs worth joining.