Supermarket/Grocery

New York -- Ahold USA, a division of Netherlands-based Royal Ahold, said six newly built stores had received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The locations include four stores in the Stop & Shop New England and New York Metro divisions, one in the Giant-Landover division and one in the Giant-Carlisle division.

New York -- Store development and facilities professionals from some of the nation’s biggest retail and restaurant chains gathered in Dallas, Texas, to attend Chain Store Age’s 49th annual SPECS Conference, March 17-20, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.   

PLEASANTON, Calif. — The Safeway Foundation has launched its annual April fundraising campaign to benefit Easter Seals, Special Olympics and a range of organizations that help people with disabilities live fuller, more independent lives.

The company's Support for People with Disabilities campaign, along with other fundraising activities, have contributed more than $140 million to Easter Seals, Special Olympics and an array of organizations that assist people with special needs.  

NEW YORK -- Whole Foods Market has partnered with Gotham Greens to build the nation’s first commercial- scale greenhouse farm integrated within a supermarket. The 20,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse, which is currently under construction on the roof of the forthcoming Whole Foods Market store in Gowanus, Brooklyn, is scheduled to open in late 2013.

New York -- Whole Foods Market announced that Gotham Greens will be its operating partner in the nation’s first commercial- scale greenhouse farm integrated within a supermarket. The 20,000-sq.-ft. greenhouse, which is currently under construction on the roof of the forthcoming Whole Foods Market store in Gowanus, Brooklyn, is scheduled to open in late 2013.

MAITLAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets is supporting the March of Dimees with a new fundraising campaign taking place April 6 through the 27.

The cutout campaign coincides with March for Babies, the March of Dimes signature event, which occurs on April 27 in most areas. Associates will sell the cutouts at the checkout and ask customers to sign their name or the name of a baby they love, creating an impressive in-store display.

Burlington, Mass. -- KeyPoint Partners said it has added three Massachusetts retail properties to its portfolio that include property management and leasing assignments.

The firm has been awarded property management contracts for 1080 Route 28, South Yarmouth and 978 Boylston Street, Newton; and property management and leasing contracts for Treble Cove Plaza, Billerica. Marathon Realty awarded the contract.

New York -- British grocery giant Tesco is moving closer to selling off its U.S. Fresh & Easy division, with Tesco CEO Philip Clarke traveling to the United States next week to try and strike a deal, according to a report in the British newspaper, The Telegraph.

Tesco has held discussions with Trader Joe’s and others about selling Fresh & Easy, but a break-up of the business is considered the most likely option, the report said. Other options include closing the business and selling off assets.