Albertson's

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. - With its recent acquisition of Shaw's and Star Markets behind it, Boise, Idaho-based Albertson's Inc. has begun layoffs at the Shaw's corporate office in West Bridgewater, Mass., according to local reports.

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. - When Albertsons announced last week it would acquire Shaw's Supermarkets in a stock purchase deal expected to take place in the next 30 to 45 days, both analysts and leaders of the labor union that represents about one-third of Shaw's work force were caught off guard, according to the Providence Journal in Rhode Island.

BELLEVUE, Wash. - Bellevue, Wash.-based Coinstar Inc. has announced a new multi-year agreement with Albertsons Inc., its second largest customer, representing approximately 13 percent of the company's revenue in 2003.

BOISE, Idaho - Albertsons Inc. on Friday announced major changes in its senior leadership ranks and organization structure, including new programs to promote customer service, quality and new format development.

SAN FRANCISCO - Talks between representatives from the union and supermarket companies involved in a four-month strike and lockout in California extended into an 11th day on Saturday, marking the longest stretch of bargaining since the dispute began, Reuters reports.

Improved quality, line extensions, product innovation, and high margins crown private label as the dairy aisle's royalty.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. on Thursday announced Jim Thatcher as division manager of SaveRite Grocery Warehouse Inc., effective immediately. Thatcher will report to John Sheehan, senior v.p. of operations.

LOS ANGELES - The United Food and Commercial Workers union said Friday that it is sending "hundreds" of striking Southern California grocery workers to Safeway stores in Northern California to disrupt business, according to a Dow Jones newswires report.