News

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Robert Ingle, the founder and CEO of regional supermarket chain Ingles Markets, died March 6, the company announced Monday. He was 77.

The company's board of directors said Ingle will be succeeded by his son, Robert Ingle II, who has been Ingles chairman of the board since 2004.

Ingle, who founded the business in 1963, served as CEO since the company was incorporated in 1965, as well as president from 1965 until 1982.

Ingles Markets operates 203 supermarkets across six southeastern states.

New York City -- The Conference Board’s Employment Trends Index, released Monday, increased in February for the fifth consecutive month.

According to the Conference Board, the index now stands at 101.7, up from January’s revised figure of 100.1. The index is up over 8% from a year ago.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Monday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates said that import cargo volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to be up 11% in March, as compared with the same month last year.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's is adding Dacor to its appliance mix in select Lowe's stores and offering Dacor for special order from the rest.

Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Dacor makes luxury kitchen appliances. Two of the standout products offered through Lowe's are the Renaissance 36-in. Gas Cooktop and the Renaissance 30-in. Single Wall Oven. 

New York City -- J.Crew Group said Monday its $3 billion deal to be taken private by two investment firms is complete.