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Byline: Christina Veiders E-cigarette vapor product sales continue upward, but food retailers face tobacco marketing obstacles. The food channel rang up impressive dollar and unit gains in the electronic smoking [...]

Byline: Christina Veiders Food purveyors are helping diabetics to cut through the food confusion in stores to find healthy choices. Most grocery chains have made strides as valued resources for [...]

Byline: Christina Veiders Bigger and better retail promotions needed to capture POS purchases. A cash-cow regimen -- shaving -- went south last year for mass-market retailers, including supermarkets. Razors and [...]

Byline: Christina Veiders Retailers that invest in new tobacco segment await the effect of regulations. Wegmans Food Markets Inc. stopped selling highly profitable cigarettes and other tobacco products in 2008, [...]

The slumping economy took its toll on financial results among supermarket companies during the first half of the year, and the outlook for the second half is more of the [...]

COLTON, Calif. -- The chainwide merchandising efforts by Stater Bros. Markets here contributed to a 5.4% sales increase for the 13-week third quarter, ended June 24. The company said the [...]

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Publix Super Markets here said last week Howard M. Jenkins, 50, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, has relinquished his day-to-day management duties and his [...]

EAST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Shaw's Supermarkets here and its Star Market banner stores broke from New England food retailing tradition this past weekend by distributing some 5 million advertising fliers [...]

The General Merchandise Distributors Council is continuing to experience growth in membership and strength, according to new vice president of member affairs and education Jerry Barnes. The organization, which is comprised of wholesalers and regional retailers, is the only one of its kind focused on the grocery business. The organization, as of May 1996, encompasses 750 companies of which 150 are wholesalers/retailers, 250 are health and beauty care suppliers, and 350 are general merchandise producers., COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Jerry Barnes is no stranger to General Merchandise Distributors Council conferences, but this is his first HBC Conference, in progress this week in Orlando, Fla., as [...]

The article focuses on continuities, the ongoing sales motivators that reward shoppers for their patronage, as a driver of traffic at food retailers. Continuities at United Supermarkets in Lubbock, Texas are discussed along with their effect on sales. A continuity of free environment-friendly cookware at Big Y Foods in Springfield, Massachusetts is presented together with the brand from Epoca, Boca Raton, Florida. It discusses building continuity and loyalty at United.

The article presents information on supermarket product sales in the U.S. It refers to product-sales data from Chicago-based SymphonyIRI Group. According to the data, Safeway Inc. has been aggressively seeking to improve its price image in the market relative to its peers. It is informed that Kroger Co. had launched aggressive price reductions earlier and has been able to gain an increased share of traffic during the downturn.

The article focuses on the challenges facing supermarkets on how to apply ethnic marketing to multicultural shoppers in the U.S. Thomas Tseng of New American Dimensions points out that retailers will find it hard to reach ethnic consumers by health and wellness programs. He also warns that if retailers will focus more on their ethnic consumers, there is a possibility that their core consumers will feel alienated.

The article discusses the impact of the recession on consumer behavior in the U.S. According to a report, the recession has forced the consumers to make significant changes in their everyday behaviors. It is stated that the recession has changed the way people shop. Consumers are delaying nonfood purchases due to the recession. Supermarkets that have positioned their nonfood departments as convenience stops for impulse purchases have reportedly lost sales.

The article highlights the findings of a survey on the increasing food costs in the U.S. The survey revealed that food retailers were able to pass their cost increases along to their customers in the form of higher retail prices. However, it estimates that supermarkets will face more food-cost inflation in 2008 than they did in 2007 and cost increases will be difficult for many operators to pass on to their customers.

In this article, the author explores the interest of supermarkets in online marketing in the U.S. According to the author, supermarkets realize online marketing integrated with their overall business strategy is essential to further growing their business and staying competitive. She observes that both large food chains and independent grocery retailers are busy revamping their web sites to cater online marketing.

The article looks at how supermarket operators deal with the increasing health care costs in the U.S. Bill MacAloney, owner of three Jax Markets stores, considered a Health Savings Account as an option for his insured employees. The plan Safeway implemented includes a health reimbursement account that employees use to pay expenses. Econo Food is testing a mandatory health risk assessment program for employees.

The article presents SN's 2006 analysis of the 50 significant groceries, compiled by Information Resources Inc., for the 52-weeks ending May 21, 2006. While the biggest nonfood category, internal analgesics, registered millions of dollars in supermarket sales, SN found five other categories that exceeded $1 billion. The push for health and wellness expressed itself this past year in the growth of foods in portion-controlled packaging and functional foods.

The article focuses on the forecasted growth of big box grocery stores in the U.S. in 2009. Club stores have had a positive effect on the big-store market. It details the states that are slated for the Wal-Mart supercenter expansion. Land development challenges and escalating costs are some of the factors that hinder big-box development in the U.S. INSETS: Big-Box Facts;Getting Past Fatigue;Ultimate Big-Box Retailer.

The article reports on the competition for upscale shoppers among large supermarket chains in the U.S. as of June 2006. Conventional chains like Safeway and A&P are in the meantime reaching for a higher demographic as they fight to differentiate from price-dominant competitors like Wal-Mart Stores. Trip Straub, fourth-generation owner of Straub's, a family-owned chain Saint Louis, Missouri takes pride in stocking hard-to-find items and offering services his rivals do not. At Kowalski's, a nine-store upscale independent in Woodbury, Minnesota, better food is matched with better store equipment, providing a measure of quality its competitors cannot match, said Kris Kowalski, chief operating officer. INSETS: Competing With Whole Foods: MOLLIE STONE'S MARKETS;Affordable Luxuries: STRAUB'S;One Store, Many Sources: ZAGARA'S MARKETPLACE;Making It Authentic: KOWALSKI'S

Focuses on the challenges facing supermarkets in their initiative to achieve a brand identity that can attract consumers in the U.S. Reason for the non-existence of brand-building among supermarkets explained by Neil Stern, senior partner of McMillan/Doolittle; Effectiveness of the rebranding strategy by electronics retailer Best Buy which targeted the specific needs of identified key customer segments; Efforts of Safeway to redesign and remerchandise its perishables departments with a lifestyle format. INSETS: Breathing New Life;Co-Branding Partnerships.

Discusses the results of the online consumer survey commissioned by "Supermarket News" regarding supermarkets in the U.S. Percentage of consumers who were loyal to retailers that offered a good loyalty program; Rate of shopper endorsements received by Wal-Mart supercenters and independent grocers; Rate of respondents who reported shopping at a national grocery chain on a monthly basis.

Focuses on the results of a survey on the state of trading partner relationships in the U.S. food distribution business. Information on the relationship of suppliers and supermarkets in the country; Rate of wholesalers in the industry; Significance of communication and technology improvements in the trading partner relationships.

The article reports on the increase in supermarkets' sales of cookware in the U.S. in 2009. This happened as a result of recession which prompted more shoppers to cook at home. Consumer research firm Mintel reported that the cookware market has shown inflation-adjusted growth of 9.9% from 2004 to 2009. The article elaborates how supermarkets like Spartan Stores Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Wilton Enterprises, benefited from cooking at home during economic downturn.

The article reports on the impact of recession on the sale of personal care products in supermarkets. It is stated that based on IRI sales figures for the 52 weeks ending Jan. 25, 2009, shampoo, hair color, conditioners and styling, hand and body lotions, and bath bubbles/fragrance all declined in sales and units, with bath products down double digits. Health and beauty care categories sold in supermarkets have struggled to capture greater market share from drug and mass.

A review is offered for several food stores in Las Vegas, Nevada including Albertsons-Sav-On, Fresh & Easy Neigborhood Market, and Sunflower Farmers Market.

This article focuses on Food For All, a program, designed to help prevent obesity in elementary school children and is currently running in some Utah school districts. Large chains are also considering supporting the program by raising funds through consumer donations of $1, $3 or $20 at the checkout register, according to Denis R. Zegar, president and chief executive officer of Food For All. The program is the funding mechanism to run the kids' fitness program, and supermarkets can get the program distributed in their local schools. The program is targeted to grade school children, and funded through Food For All donations at supermarkets. INSET: Winning Back Kids.

Focuses on the role of supermarket pharmacists in whole health marketing in the U.S. Findings of the Food Marketing Institute's 2004 Supermarket Pharmacy Survey; Challenges faced by supermarket pharmacies recognized in the study "Leveraging the Connection Between Pharmacy and the Whole Store." INSET: A Plan For Intergration.

The article reports on the growth in sales of emergency contraceptives (EC) in supermarkets in the U.S. Topics discussed include the impact of the approval of EC display on supermarket shelves on retail sales, total sales of family planning products as of September 7, 2014, influence of change in sexual wellness on public health, and results of a survey on the crossover of sexual health products from luxury to mainstream retailers.

The article predicts that sales of lip care products will increase as the weather continues to get colder. According to the author, supermarkets should follow the lead of drug stores and mass merchandisers and use in-aisle signage and displays at checkouts to draw consumers' attention. New York-based beauty company EOS executive vice president Scott Pakula claims that the week before Christmas is the biggest sales week for lip balms because of the weather and because they are given as gifts.

The article implies that food retailers in the U.S. are focusing on exclusive inventory, food/wine pairings and education, in the summertime, with reference to various polls and surveys. Figures from SymphonyIRI Group noted the rise of beer sales during the 52-week period ending June 12, 2011. A consumer poll conducted by AlixPartners LLP indicates that most of the consumers plan to spend the same or more on alcoholic beverages in near future.

The article offers information on the sales of houseware items at retail stores in the U.S. It is mentioned that houseware items had not done well at the sales in the year 2010 as compare to food and grocery items. It is suggested that retailers should focus on cross-merchandising synergistic products and identical sales to increase profits in houseware sales. Also, a list of top 25 supermarkets for houseware sales is presented.

The article implies that the sustainability label attached with the category of household and personal care cleaning wipes, in supermarkets, has promised their growth. According to SymphonyIlRI Group, moist towelettes alone, including baby wipes, sold 233 million units or 769 million dollars at food, drug and mass merchandiser channels for the 52-weeks ending December 26, 2010. Information regarding the environmental impact of wipes, is also presented.

The article presents information on the Category Excellence Awards survey, conducted by the periodical "Supermarket News." It shows that strength of brand was one of the most important factors for selecting winners in the nonfood category. It was found that many suppliers reduced their margin to stay competitive and also invested into consumer promotions. The survey also revealed that voters in the fresh market category focused on qualities like product innovation and brand recognition.

The article focuses on food retailers who are working hard for back-to-school (BTS) selling season. Richard Gunn, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing for K-VA-T Food Stores Inc., says the regional supermarket operator is giving BTS more focus than in past selling seasons due to the competitive nature of retailing today.

The article emphasizes the need for supermarkets in the U.S. to increase their deodorant market share. Jim Wisner, president of Wisner Marketing Group, suggests that supermarkets should merchandise deodorants like they do tomato sauce or any other food product. He suggests to merchandise deodorants against coupon drops to boost business. A range of deodorants launched by various companies in 2009 is also outlined in the article.

The article discusses how supermarket general merchandise businesses in the U.S. are trying to achieve higher margin sales in the current global financial crisis, which is driving shoppers to low-price competitors. Roche Bros. is offering a free delivery, assembly and setup on the sale of its gas grills. Wegmans Food Markets Inc. is promoting its patio furniture with some furniture sets priced just above $1,000. The article informs that consumers are cautious about both prices and quality.

The article discusses the impact of distribution dispute erupted in February 2009 in the publishing industry on supermarkets. Wholesaler Anderson News Corp. has demised as a consequence of rift occurred in the publishing industry. Major supermarket chains as well as regional chains were also affected. K-VA-T Food Stores Inc. has failed to get its magazine allotments. It is evident that the late 2008 economic meltdown has paralyzed the advertising revenue of publications.

The article discusses the factors that make savings on fuel and food remain a critical rallying point for supermarket chains in 2009 in the U.S. Despite an 11-cent jump in the second week of January 2009 of the national average retail price to $1.78 a gallon for regular gasoline, food retailers can expect relatively low gas prices in 2009 compared to the 2007 price escalation to over $4 a gallon.

The article reports on the condition of the fuel rewards programs in several supermarkets in the U.S. Accordingly, the fuel promotions have created more opportunities in order to attract more loyal customers. In addition, there are supermarkets have launched new gas-discount programs including Food Lion's Gas Guzzler Giveaway, Stop & Shop Supermarket's Real Deal promotion, and Sweetbay Supermarket's gas voucher.

The article reports that supermarkets in Salt Lake City, Utah are working harder to break fund-raising records in celebration of the nonprofit organization Children's Miracle Network (CMN). The network's appeal to supermarkets is in its grassroots reach of 170 children's hospitals affiliated with CMN across North America.

The article features Hank Meijer, co-chairman and CEO of Meijer Inc. Meijer is working on some initiatives aimed to establish the company's Higher Standards, Lower Prices, program and to reinforce its position as the preferred mass market retailer in the U.S. Midwest. The firm plans to expand its store base at the rate of 5 to 10 stores per year in the region. The executive is committed to his home state of Michigan and has invested nearly half a billion in the state.

The article focuses on the alignment of health and well-being of the supermarket industry with the health of food shoppers. Tim Hammonds, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) in Arlington, Virginia, said that consumers are more confident in the safety of food from supermarkets as opposed to restaurants. He also mentioned that the consumers' perceptions on healthier food at home are encouraging supermarkets to recapture food-at-home market share lost to restaurants. INSET: FMI Show Registration, Exhibitor Numbers Upfor This Year's Ev...

The article focuses on efforts of U.S. supermarkets to change its brand identity as of May 8, 2006. Traditional supermarkets have countered the discounters and low-price alternatives with their version of price-impact stores. The increase in new concepts from grocery chains is a survival response to the unparalleled competition from different retail sectors. Supermarkets are being forced to ask themselves some fundamental questions about who they are and who their customers are.

Profiles Nancy McDermott, senior vice president of supermarket company Ahold. Contributions of McDermott to the company; Description of his skills according to Bill Graze, president and CEO of Ahold USA; Tools used by the management team to assess savings opportunities.

Discusses the benefits of the growing demand of innovative, quality hair care lines in the U.S. to supermarkets. Information on hair care brands that consistently generate good sales; Factors that contribute to the demand; Importance of targeting the right demographic. INSET: The Specialty Factor.

The article focuses on the results of the study titled "Retail Clinics 2011: Market Assessment, Supplier Sales, Key Players and Trends," published by Kalorama Information. It states that drug stores and mass merchandisers have performed well with clinics than food stores. According to Kalorama, retail health clinics are still in an initial stage of growth, even after more than a decade of development.

In this article the author offers his opinion on healthy food vending for supermarket retailers in the U.S. He opines that emergence of healthy vending is important mainly in schools and workplace so that people can get fresh and healthy foods. Machines should be stocked with bright-colored fruits, vegetables, granola bars, soy drinks, smoothies and yogurt. Traditional supermarkets of the country should start it as it would be profitable.

The article focuses on how supermarkets can generate revenue from housewares in the U.S. Wes Jackson, chief merchandising officer at United Supermarkets, says that if grocery retailers can change buying patterns, they can get profits from housewares. It discusses the promotional campaign announced by United in which shoppers can get items for free from the Thomas Rosenthal stainless line based upon their purchase. It also offers information on a webinar on generating housewares revenue.

The article reports on the challenges faced by supermarkets in the U.S. related to nonfood sales in 2009 and the efforts made by them to overcome the problems.

The article presents information on prospects of hydroponic farming in the supermarket industry. Michael Garry, editor of "Supermarket News," says growing rooftop produce would be the ultimate in local sourcing for supermarkets. According to advocates, supermarkets can reduce their carbon footprint with environmentally sustainable systems-that operate with solar panels and recycled rainwater.