Supermarket/Grocery

ARLINGTON, Va. The Retail Industry Leaders Association has announced the addition of long-time Capitol Hill veteran Doug Thompson as VP government affairs.

Thompson has spent the last 21 years as an aide to Congressman John Tanner (D-TN), serving as Legislative Director for the past 17 years.

CINCINNATI - Kroger announced that Jeffrey Burt has been promoted to group VP perishables merchandising and procurement.

Burt previously served as VP deli/bakery merchandising and procurement for the company, a position he has held since 2004.  Prior to that, Burt held leadership roles at QFC, the Kroger division based in Seattle.  He began his career with Kroger in 1986 as a management trainee.

Between 30 and 40 small format Walmart stores are slated to open next year, Walmart US president and CEO Bill Simon told investors at the company’s 17th annual analysts’ meeting on Wednesday.

Simon’s presentation at the meeting was highly anticipated as it was his first appearance at the event in the capacity of president and CEO, a role he assumed in late June, and due to the fact there was considerable speculation in advance of the event about Walmart’s plans for smaller stores.