Save-A-Lot

Industry executives turn to compact continuing education programs for new insights and opportunities.

MINNEAPOLIS - Supervalu Inc. on Thursday reported record results for the 13-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, which ended Feb. 28. The company reported net sales of $5.0 billion compared to $4.6 billion last year, net earnings of $95.6 million compared to $63.9 million last year, and record diluted earnings per share of $0.70 compared to $0.48 last year.

Undaunted by today's intense competition, a number of creative independent operators are thriving on their innovation and their imagination.

Today's intense business climate raises the profiles of both strong and weak competitors. Here's a look at how some food retailers fared last year.

To avoid being drowned by Wal-Mart's ever-rising tide, independents should heed the advice of industry expert Paul Adams.

ST. LOUIS -- Save-A-Lot's director of government and community relations, Wendy Ardagna, today joins Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.; Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y.; Rep. Nancy Johnson, R-Conn.; and other panelists for a discussion about the critical role parents play in helping their children make good decisions in adolescence about love, sex, and relationships.

Wal-Mart came to dominate the market's grocery business in just a few years. Some local retailers were overrun, but consumers have yet to be overwhelmed.

MINNEAPOLIS - Citing progress in difficult times, Supervalu Inc. on Thursday reported that its fourth-quarter profit nearly doubled.