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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
ACNielsen Releases Channel Blurring Results
ACNielsen released findings from its latest Channel Blurring study that show a continuing trend of consumers shifting shopping trips away from supermarkets to supercenters, dollar stores and warehouse clubs…
Coke’s Good Deed Does Not Go Unpunished
Coca-Cola Foundation’s $1 million grant to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has drawn criticism by health advocacy groups. The grant is to promote dental education and research. What…
Wanted: Club Seeks Women for Special Relationship
BJ’s Wholesale Club announced yesterday that it is seeking to capture a greater share of retail purchases made by women by concentrating its attention on those categories most attractive to…
Are Slotting Fees History?
The recent disclosure of accounting irregularities involving promotional monies paid to retailers such as Ahold may benefit the industry and consumers over the long run, say some industry observers. “This…
Service, What Service
A survey from Zagat says New York is “the best place in the world to shop” but it could be a lot better if sales people would just smile a…
Kroger Combines KMAs
Kroger has announced plans to combine its Michigan and Columbus, Ohio divisions in an effort “to reduce operating costs, improve administrative efficiencies, and invest additional capital in the core grocery…
Spartan Stores Names Sturken President and CEO
Spartan Stores has named Craig Sturken, president and chief executive officer to replace James Meyers who will continue to serve as the company’s chairman. What are your thoughts on Spartan’s…
H-E-B Grows and Grows
When rankings of the best-run supermarket operators in the US are committed to a list, the name of H-E-B usually appears at or near the top. The same may soon…
Hansen Resigns from Fleming
Fleming announced that Mark Hansen resigned as the company’s chairman and chief executive officer effective immediately. How will the Mr. Hansen’s time at Fleming be remembered? What type of leader…
McDonald’s Goes Healthier in UK Not US
McDonald’s has come under intense and well-publicized pressure from consumer and health organizations to offer more healthy food choices on its menu. In the UK, the company plans to begin…
Letter Alleges Wrongdoing at Ahold
An anonymous letter sent to Dutch government officials signed by “A very concerned person involved” alleges Ahold’s problems may be more widespread than U.S. Foodservice overstating earnings. If you were…
Sales Off Target
Target’s same-store sales have been off for four consecutive quarters and some are beginning to wonder if the company should change its strategy for differentiation in the retailing marketplace. Does…
Limited Assortment, Unlimited Potential
Chains such as Save-A-Lot and Aldi are using a simple formula to grow sales. Offer a limited selection of private label foods in high demand categories at prices up to…
Dollar Stores Roar
Sal Carollo, an owner of Dollar General Stores in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, says his stores appeal to a wide range of consumers. “We’ve always had a mix of Neiman…
Longs Falls Short on Profits
Longs Drug Stores’ profits fell $6.4 million for the latest quarter versus the year ago period. The company said higher operational costs, asset charges and a still weak economy all…
Retailer’s Patriotism Questioned for Selling French Wine
Steve Silver, owner of Pearson’s Wine in Washington, D.C., claims a customer recently accused him of being unpatriotic because his store sells French wine. Should retailers stop selling products manufactured…
Grand Jury Indicts Former Kmart Execs
A federal grand jury charged two former Kmart executives with securities fraud, making false statements and conspiracy for allegedly lying to company auditors about a $42 million payment from American…
Consumers Depressed
Consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since 1993 according to the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index. The prospect of war in Iraq, the rising cost of energy, job…
Ahold’s Woes Grow
Ahold’s troubles continue to grow over its U.S. Foodservice division’s overstatement of earnings. Click for a top line from around the net. Are the accounting problems that have affected…
New Products: Coke’s Remix and Pepsi’s LiveWire
Coke plans to launch its tropical flavored Sprite Remix in the spring. Pepsi plans to target its new orange-flavored Mountain Dew, LiveWire, to the brand’s teen and young adult consumer…
Marketechnics Report: 2002 is Dead, Long Live 2003
The feel from the show floor at the Marketechnics Show in Dallas this week is that things in technology are getting better… SLOWLY. Ron Margulis gives his impression of the…
