Supermarket/Grocery

Fresh & Easy testing 'smart stores'
Fresh & Easy, the former Tesco-owned grocery format, is testing a dramatically new look at seven-plus stores in the Las Vegas market.

The stores have been remodeled with a more modern feel and layout and a greater emphasis on ready meal solutions, with such features as a “Fresh to Go” hot food bar, a pizza oven, a coffee bar and made-to-order sandwiches. There's also a revamped product selection with lower fixtures and a more abundant selection of fresh food.
Meijer cooks up help for food pantries
Meijer is responding to a need from food pantries for nutrition education resources by publishing a cookbook that features recipes using ingredients frequently found in food pantries.

The retailer has distributed English and Spanish versions of Simply Cook to its food bank and pantry partners across the Midwest. During the holiday season, food banks see a tremendous increase in demand of free meals per day.

Jennifer in need of cheer at Big Lots

Big Lots hypothetical core customer Jennifer isn’t feeling so cheerful this holiday season as the nation’s leading closeout retailer is eyeing a low single digit fourth quarter comp increase.
Survey: Walgreens, CVS among “Best Retailers to Work With”

NEW YORK — Chain Store age sister publication Retailing Today has released the findings of its first "Best Retailers to Work With" research report. The exclusive research report examines suppliers’ perceptions of the retail industry in areas such as innovation, collaboration, digital readiness, expectations of trading partners and reputational factors.
Fresh & Easy testing new store concept

Las Vegas - Fresh & Easy, the former Tesco-owned grocery format, is testing a dramatically new look at seven plus stores in the Las Vegas market. The stores have been remodeled with a more modern feel and layout and a greater emphasis on ready meal solutions, with such features as a “Fresh To Go” hot food bar, a pizza over, a coffee bar and made-to-order sandwiches. A revamped product selection with lower fixtures and a more abundant selection of fresh food.
Walgreens names Claire’s, Wal-Mart vet as merchandising head

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreen Co. has named Linda Filler as president of retail products and chief merchandising officer, effective Jan. 1. Filler will be responsible for the vision, leadership, strategic direction and performance of all Walgreens merchandising activities.
Veteran merchant named CMO at Walgreens

Walgreens named former Sam’s Club head merchant Linda Filler to the role of president of retail products and chief merchandising officer.

The hire is a positive development for Walgreens given Filler’s diverse background and accomplishments in a consumer packaged goods industry where many are more likely to recognize her by the maiden named Linda Hefner.
Walgreens names new CMO

Walgreens Walgreens has named Linda Filler as president of retail products and chief merchandising officer effective Jan. 1.

Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson said: “With the addition of Linda, our retail products division will be well-positioned to join with Alliance Boots to deliver the unique combination of products and services that will set apart our future combined company.”
Kroger extends comp streak with 5.6% gain

Momentum continues to build at Kroger where the company elevated expectations for its fourth quarter performance after a better than expected showing in the third quarter.
Chicago City Council approves $13 minimum wage

New York - The City Council of Chiago has approved a boost in the minimum wage, gradually raising it to $13 an hour by 2019. The vote was pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces a reelection vote in February.

The plan raises Illinois' $8.25 rate – which is $1 higher than the federal rate – in small increments. It will get raised to $10 next year, and then increase by amounts of of 50 cents and $1. City officials estimate more than 400,000 Chicago workers will benefit.
Watch out Starbucks—Martha Stewart to open a cofffe shop

NEW YORK - Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart plans to open a coffee shop in New York.

A spokeswoman for Martha Stewart confirmed Wednesday that plans are in place for the company to open a New York coffee shop. She declined to offer more details, such as when it will open.

The shop will be located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, the Associated Press reported, in the same building where Stewart’s company— Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.—is based holds the company's headquarters.
Strong Holiday Season Likely for Retailers

By Bruce Schanzer and Jennifer Bitterman