News

Minneapolis -- Supervalu announced plans to eliminate about 1,100 positions nationwide, or about 3% of its national workforce. The reductions include both current positions and open jobs that will not be filled.

The news comes less than a week after Supervalu completed the sale of five of its grocery banners, including Albertson’s and Shaws/Star Markets. The company said the sale of the five chains means that the remaining business will need "significantly fewer" corporate and store support roles and functions.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Kellogg Company displayed the benefits of a strong customer-loyalty program with a presentation of its Kellogg's Family Rewards program, developed by the company Aimia, at the Loyalty Expo in Orlando, Florida.

Best Buy, Costco, Petco and four other retailers were among a group of 145 companies identified as the World’s Most Ethical companies by Ethisphere.

New York -- Saks Fifth Avenue announced Monday that John Cruz has been named SVP and director of the New York City flagship store, effective April 29.

Cruz currently serves as VP and general manager of the company’s Beverly Hills store. He has worked at the NYC store before – as general manager 2005-2007 and VP and GM 2007-2010.

Cruz replaces Suzanne Stemper-Johnson, who is leaving Saks to pursue other interests.

Feed The Children, PepsiCo and Walmart partnered with Central Union Mission in Washington, D.C. this week to distribute two tractor-trailers full of food and essentials to help 800 area children and families in need.

PepsiCo, a longtime Feed The Children partner, donated Frito-Lay brand snacks, Quaker brand products and Pepsi brand beverages while Walmart, with the assistance of its suppliers, provided a loaf of bread and a five pound bag of apples and oranges to each of the 800 families.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday announced the planned retirement of VP and pension investment officer, Rich Manka. His retirement is effective July 15.

"Throughout his career, Rich has been a trusted member of Kroger's leadership team," stated Mike Schlotman, Kroger's CFO. "Pension plan trustees and participants alike have benefited from his vast knowledge and influence on investment strategies and plan designs. We thank Rich for his contributions to our company and industry and wish him the very best."

Who needs a bank? Walmart and American Express have added a host of capabilities to the Bluebird financial service product they introduced last year as an alternative to debit and checking accounts.

New York -- American Express and Wal-Mart Stores announced Tuesday that they are expanding their reloadable prepaid card program, Bluebird, to include direct-deposit capabilities for government checks.

By Tim Callan, [email protected]

Westlake Ace Hardware is showing off a new, fresh design at its location in Bolivar, Missouri. The 17,845-sq.-ft. store has an organic and modern feel, with a wood and metal façade and polished concrete floors. Garage-style doors (kept open, weather permitting) and skylights allow natural light into the space. The format works to encourage browsing and helps make Westlake a preferred destination for project needs. (Westlake was designed by JGA, Southfield, Mich.)