Distribution

Kroger is expanding its presence in one of the nation’s most competitive retail markets.

The grocery retailer plans to open five new Marketplace stores and expand the size of three existing locations in North Texas in the next two years — a capital investment of $150 million. The company also plans to open multiple fuel centers and remodel existing properties. The growth initiative will create more than 1,700 full- and part-time career opportunities that offer competitive pay, healthcare plans, retirement options, product discounts and other incentives.

Deerfield, Ill. – Walgreen Co. has completed its acquisition of certain assets of Kerr Drug’s retail drugstores and specialty pharmacy business. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Dallas -- During the next 24 months, Kroger will invest $150 million in North Texas to build five new Marketplace stores and to expand three locations, along with opening multiple fuel centers and remodeling existing properties. The growth initiative will create more than 1,700 full- and part-time career opportunities that offer competitive pay, healthcare plans, retirement options, product discounts and other incentives.

The five year old Green Works brand from Clorox is facing new competition on the natural products front following the launch of Walmart’s Great Value Naturals cleaning products.

Walmart said the introduction of Great Value Naturals furthers its commitment to making eco-friendly products more accessible and affordable and will be available in more than 2,000 stores and online.

Clorox introduced its Green Works brand in early 2008 and the line was prominently featured in Walmart promotional vehicles at the time.

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Meijer will open a 190,000-sq.-ft. supercenter in Danville, Ill., on Nov. 7, the sixth new Meijer store to open this year.

The family-owned retailer, which opened its first store in 1934, now has 204 stores throughout the Midwest.

Conshocken, Pa. – Ikea plans to nearly double the solar array completed in April atop its Perryville, Md., distribution center, the state’s largest such solar energy system. Installation of the new panels will begin in November with completion expected in 2014.

Granite Gold’s nationwide distribution expanded with the addition of Shaw’s Supermarkets in the Northeast and Stater Bros. Markets in Southern California.

Shaw’s Supermarkets, which has more than 120 stores throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, now carries Granite Gold Daily Cleaner and Granite Gold Polish.

Englewood, Colo. -- Blockbuster L.L.C., will end its retail and by mail DVD distribution operations by early January 2014. The company will close its approximately 300 remaining U.S.-based retail stores, as well as its distribution centers.