Supermarket/Grocery

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Higher sales in the retail and distribution segments had a favorable impact on Spartan Stores’ consolidated net sales for the first quarter ended June 22, which increased 1.4% to $612.4 million compared to $603.9 million last. 

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix has raised its private stock from $26.90 per share to $27.55 per share following a 5% sales increase for the first half of 2013 to $14.5 billion, compared to the first half of 2013. Comparable-store sales for the first half of 2013 increased 3%.

Less than a year after Walmart International named Lev Khasis to the role of president and CEO of new formats, the former Russian retail executive is heading back to his homeland to lead a financial institution.

Plymouth Meeting, Pa. — Smashburger plans to open a 2,700-sq.-ft. eatery at Plymouth Meeting Mall this fall. As of now, Smashburger has 187 corporate and franchised restaurants across the country.

Anchored by Macy’s, Boscov’s and Whole Foods Market and Café, the mall features more than 100 specialty retailers and a long list of destination restaurants like Benihana, Bertucci’s, California Pizza Kitchen, Chipotle Mexican Grill and others.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has appointed former Jewel-Osco executive Nick Bertram as its SVP store strategy and execution.

At Jewel-Osco, Bertram oversaw operations across Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. He was also SVP of Supervalu and worked in executive positions at Walmart in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. His new position at Ahold USA will be based out of the company's Carlisle, Pa., headquarters. 

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has appointed Nick Bertram as its senior VP store strategy and execution, the supermarket operator said Thursday.

Bertram previoulsy worked for Jewel-Osco, where he oversaw operations across Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. He was also senior VP of Supervalu and worked in executive positions at Walmart in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. His new position at Ahold USA will be based out of the company's Carlisle, Pa., headquarters.

Austin, Texas -- Whole Foods Market reported that its net income in the third quarter increased 21% to $142 million, better than analysts had expected. The company also sounded a bullish note about expansion.

Walter Robb, co-CEO, Whole Foods, said the company continues to gain market share and still sees the potential for 1,000 stores in the United States alone. It currently operates 355 U.S. locations.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market sees demand for 1,000 new stores in the U.S. and thinks Canada and the U.K. hold great promise as well, based on its sales increase of 12% to $3.1 billion for the third quarter ended July 7, from $2.7 billion for the same year-ago period.