Walmart

NEW YORK -- If you think Wal-Mart's big now, just wait until 2010, when the retailing giant is expected to reach the half-trillion mark. Those were the cautionary words spoken here yesterday by Al Meyers, s.v.p., business development for Retail Forward, Inc., during the consultancy's conference, "Retailing 2010: Five Years Survived, Five Left to Thrive."

Because of packaging's ability to enhance perishables, fresh suppliers are cooking up clever solutions to address the needs of today's consumers and supermarket operators.

The consumer focus on nutrition and convenience has spurred the growth of the yogurt market.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- When the bar's set high, it's a long way down. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.'s net sales for the first quarter ended April 30 were $70.9 billion, an increase of 9.5 percent over the first quarter of fiscal 2005, and net income for the quarter was $2.5 billion, a rise of 13.6 percent from $2.2 billion in the year-ago period.

WOODLAND, Calif. -- Nugget Markets Inc. told the city of Vallejo that it will drop its plans to open a supermarket there unless the city bans Wal-Mart Supercenters.

CHICAGO -- Wal-Mart continues to be seen by other retailers as their primary market challenges in the next decade, according to a study conducted by Capgemini U.S. LLC, a global consultant on technology and outsourcing, at the Food Marketing Institute convention.

SAINT-ETIENNE, France -- Casino Guichard Perrachon & Cie SA, the second-biggest supermarket company in France after Carrefour, has increased its stake in Brazil-based Cia. Brasileira de Distribuicao Grupo Pao de Acucar (CBD) to 34. 3 percent from 27.4 percent by paying approximately $587 million to share control of that country's top grocer, according to published reports. Casino's stake will eventually grow to 39 percent of CBD without any further payment by the French retailer.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- With Wal-Mart looking to expand its supercenter concept into northern California, locally based Raley's launched a new everyday low price (EDLP) strategy yesterday on a significant selection of products in its 125 Raley's, Bel Air Markets, and Nob Hill Foods stores.