Supermarket/Grocery

Natural Grocers to open 18 new stores, acquires Nature’s Pantry
Independence, Mo. – Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. plans to open 18 new stores in fiscal 2015. As part of the plan, Natural Grocers has closed its previously announced agreement to acquire natural foods retailer Nature’s Pantry Inc. in Independence, Missouri. The transaction closed on Dec. 7, and Natural Grocers began officially operating as a Natural Grocers store on Dec. 8.
Costco off to great start with Q1 beat
The holiday season started strong at Costco where U.S. same store sales advanced 7 percent during the company’s first quarter ended Nov. 23.

Total company sales during the period increased 7 percent to nearly $26.3 billion from $24.5 billion. Membership income grew slightly slower, advancing 6 percent to $582 million. Same stores sales excluding the effects of the strengthening U.S. dollar and fuel price deflation were 7 percent and U.S. and international locations.

Grandson of Fairway founder steps down

Fairway Market announced that Howard Glickberg, whose grandfather took a fruit and vegetable stand in New York and turned it into a 15-store grocery chain, is retiring.

Glickberg most recently served as vice chair of real estate development for Fairway. He will remain a member of the retailer’s board of directors, Fairway said. He worked with the company for more than 40 years, serving as its CEO until 2011.
Walmart names Judith McKenna COO; Gisel Ruiz appointed EVP of Walmart’s International People Division

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart Stores on Wednesday announced that Judith McKenna has been promoted to COO for Walmart U.S. McKenna succeeds Gisel Ruiz, who has been appointed EVP of Walmart’s International People Division. McKenna will assume her responsibilities immediately and will continue to report directly to Walmart U.S. president and CEO, Greg Foran. Ruiz will also assume her responsibilities immediately and will report to Walmart International president and CEO, David Cheesewright.
Fitch predicts modest sales growth in 2015

NEW YORK - Overall U.S. retail sales (excluding auto) are expected to grow 3%-4% in 2015 although a variety of challenges will continue to constrain the performance of several retailers and retail segments, according to a new Fitch Ratings report. A gradual increase in the U.S. employment rate and real wages along with near-term benefits from lower gas prices will support retail sales growth.
Tech Guest Viewpoint - Proximity Marketing brings Shoppers to Stores

By Alex Romanov, iSign Media The holiday season is a time of family, food, and frenzied shopping. Consumers are bombarded by messages, promotions, discounts, and offers, and retailers have to be smart about how they reach out to their customers. Email blasts or paper coupons just won’t cut it. In this mobile-obsessed era, proximity marketing is a powerful way to break through the noise and bring shoppers into your store.
Food City lets customers do it themselves with self-checkout

Abingdon, Va. – Sometimes the best customer services comes from customers themselves. Food City, K-V-A-T Food Stores Inc. has completed a pilot test of the Fujistsu U-Scan Genesis II self-checkout solution.
New Stater Bros. store features all LED lighting

San Bernardino, California - Stater Bros. will open a store in Covina, California on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. The new “Blue Ribbon” supermarket is the 26th Stater Bros. location in Los Angeles County. It includes many environmentally friendly features, including: • LED lighting throughout the entire store; • New lighting system that uses dimming ballasts, energy efficient lamps and occupancy sensors;
Guest Commentary: New Florida data breach law impacts retail stores

By Luis Salazar and Neha Dagley Watch out, retailers with stores in Florida. The Florida State Legislature has tightened controls over businesses for data security breaches. Effective July 1, 2014, the new Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA) will impact your business and how you handle data breaches. In recent years, data breaches have become commonplace, and have undoubtedly affected the chain-store industry. FIPA: COMPLIANCE AND CONSEQUENCES
House approves bill to help retailers with remodeling costs

New York - The House has passed a long-delayed tax bill that will help retailers remodel their stores and also move a wide range of individuals including welfare recipients and veterans into the workforce. The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 now heads to the Senate. The package includes two key provisions on depreciation that affect retailers who remodel their stores and another that helps with hiring.
Kroger taking on obesity epidemic

Kroger is highlighting its efforts to fight the U.S. obesity epidemic at a nutrition forum in Italy this month.
Dollar General and Dollar Tree trade barbs over Family Dollar

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General Corp. and Dollar Tree engaged in a verbal war on Friday as they both seek to acquire Family Dollar. In a news release, Dollar Tree said Dollar General's bid "may ultimately fail" because the Federal Trade Commission may require it to sell more than the 1,500 stores the retailer has said it is willing to let go of.