Retail

AB Acquisition LLC, which operates Albertson’s LLC and New Albertson’s Inc., has appointed Rick Navarro, who had been the company’s CFO since its inception in 2006, as chief administrative officer. Succeeding Navarro as the company’s CFO is former Nash Finch executive Robert Dimond.

In his new role, Navarro will oversee the IT, legal, business development, human resources and public affairs functions.

New York -- Bi-Lo Holdings and Delhaize Group have received approval from the Federal Trade Commission to proceed with the transaction in which Bi-Lo Holdings will acquire substantially all of the stores in Delhaize’s Sweetbay, Harveys and Reid’s supermarket chains. As part of the deal, Bi-Lo agreed to divest 12 Delhaize America stores in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, and Delhaize Group agreed to retain two stores that were initially part of the deal.

Houston - Concerned Pantry Shareholders (CPS), a group led by JCP Investment Management LLC and Lone Star Value Management LLC, together a significant shareholder of The Pantry Inc. has sent an open letter to the shareholders of The Pantry. The letter highlights what CPS terms the prolonged underperformance at The Pantry and the critical need for significant change in the company's board of directors.

Bi-Lo Holdings and Delhaize Group have received approval from the Federal Trade Commission to proceed with the transaction in which Bi-Lo Holdings will acquire substantially all of the stores in the Sweetbay, Harveys and Reid’s supermarket chains from Delhaize.

New York -- The future looks bright for retail stores. That’s the conclusion of a new report by the International Council of Shopping Centers. The report, set to be released in May during ICSC’s RECon Conference, finds that population growth in the United States is now outpacing the addition of retail space by three-and-a-half times.

“As a result, shopping space per capita, which peaked in 2009 at 24.2 square feet, now stands at 23.7. This correction will make way for demand in new retail space once again,” the report said.

Mexico City – Wal-Mart de Mexico reportedly plans to increase business investment 7% during fiscal 2014 as it shifts focus from opening new stores to remodeling existing stores. According to Reuters, Wal-Mart de Mexico will spend about $1.1 billion in fiscal 2014, while increasing total floor space by about 5%.

Kroger has promoted Dennis Gibson to president of the QFC division. He succeeds Joe Fey, who was named president of Kroger's Mid-Atlantic division in January.

Gibson has been serving as VP merchandising in Kroger's Columbus division.

Chicago — Two new Whole Foods Market grocery stores will be coming to Shops on Main and Hinsdale Lake Commons, according to Regency Centers, the owner of both centers.