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Commentary and Discussion From the Retail Community
Old Consumers Learn New Tricks
The findings of a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology says that people become more agreeable and conscientious as they grow older…
FMI Seeks Organic Growth
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the Organic Trade Association (OTA) have announced the All Things Organic Conference and Show will co-locate with the FMI Show in Chicago next year…
Lowe’s Just Says No to Under 21s
Lowe’s, the home improvement retailer, has backtracked somewhat on a sales ban of inhalants to anyone under 21 in its stores, reports the Charlotte Observer. The retailer’s policy originally restricted…
Interesting and Confusing Results for Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart’s chief executive, Lee Scott, in a conference call with analysts yesterday described the company’s recent fiscal quarter as “one of the most interesting and, in some ways, confusing” in…
Supervalu Named Retailer of the Year
Grocery Headquarters has named Supervalu Retail Company of the Year in its May issue. Jeff Noddle, chairman, president and CEO of the wholesaler/retailer told the trade publication, “We think…
U.S. Foodservice Chief Resigns
Jim Miller has stepped down from the top position at the U.S. Foodservice division of Ahold. Mr. Miller, founder and chief executive, U.S. Foodservice has been taking heat over the…
Deflation American Style
Last week the Fed chairman expressed concern about the possibility of an economy in deflation and his remarks have been a subject of debate among economists. Some say industries, particularly…
The Future of Grocery Wholesaling
Neil Stern, editor, Retail Watch told the Pioneer Press, “Wal-Mart has been rumored for years that it was going to get into the food distribution business and would use McLane…
Water Wars
The competition for share of the bottled water market is intense and may become even more so over the summer as beverage giants such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Nestle try…
Target Limits Eligibility for Benefits
Target has announced it will drop paid vacation and health care benefits for employees working 20 hours a week or less in its stores. Target spokeswoman Carolyn Brookter said the…
What Does It Take to Lead?
What does it take to be a leader in food retailing today? Mark Hamstra of Supermarket News recounts a Super Session at the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show in his…
HHS Secretary Thompson Talks Tough
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson plans to single out fast feeders as well as food and beverage companies that are doing the best and worst jobs of addressing…
Convenience Store Chains for Sale
Clark Retail Enterprises, owner of White Hen, Minit Mart, Wareco and On The Go convenience stores, is for sale. The company filed for Chapter 11 protection last year. Who do…
Cigarette Taxes Help the Mob
Lorillard Tobacco launched an ad campaign on Wednesday in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania claiming higher taxes on cigarettes is putting money into the pockets of gangsters. The three states…
Lawyers Looking To Fry Burger Chains Over Fat
A Reuters report says the burger chains can expect to fend off more lawsuits about their products’ role in the growing obesity rate in the US. Litigants are now…
Canada Rx Cheaper and Guaranteed Too
The Washington Post is reporting in today’s edition, “The Canadian government has officially said that it will be responsible for the safety and quality of the large and growing flow…
Mr. Coffee Goes Into Coffee Business
Mr. Coffee is branching out from manufacturing coffee makers to selling its own brand of coffee. “We think it’s a natural extension,” said Alejandro Pena, vice president of global marketing…
Which Comes First, Operations or Marketing?
John Malmo writes on GoMemphis.com, “It is traditional in most companies that the operating division is the lead dog on the sled and that other divisions function in supporting roles.”…
Blum Tries to Light Fire Under BK
Brad Blum, the new chief executive officer at Burger King, has a long menu of things that need fixing at the chain. Nearly 20% of the chain’s franchise operators are…
Kmart Posts Help Wanted Signs
Kmart emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection yesterday with many questions about its future still unresolved. The retailer named Edward Lampert as chairman of the board. It still needs, however,…
Unilever in Child Labor Controversy
A report published by the India Committee of the Netherlands claims Unilever buys hybrid cotton seeds from farmers who are using children as young as six years old as their…
