Fred Meyer Names New VPs; Signs with SmartCare Family Med Centers

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Fred Meyer here said yesterday it has promoted Lynn Gust to e.v.p. of corporate merchandising and advertising, and also named Molly Malone its new s.v.p. and general group director.

Gust is a 36-year veteran of Fred Meyer, which is owned by Cincinnati-based grocery giant The Kroger Co. He began his career as a parcel clerk, and advanced through Fred Meyer's management training program, eventually working his way up to s.v.p. of the food group, which covers all of the company's food merchandising; and also as s.v.p. of operations, overseeing the operation of Fred Meyer's 128 stores.

In her new post, Malone will have responsibility for all divisions of Portland-based Fred Meyer, excluding food, health and beauty, and pharmacy. Malone has been with Fred Meyer for nearly five years, most recently as group v.p. of apparel. She also served as v.p. for housewares, toys, and seasonal for the company.

In other news, Fred Meyer said it is poised to open SmartCare Family Medical Centers inside stores located in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Fred Meyer will initially open Smart Care centers in the Seattle market beginning this fall. "SmartCare Centers will provide our customers with convenient access to basic and preventive healthcare," said Melinda Merrill, director of public affairs for Fred Meyer. "This partnership will help us enhance our service and value to our customers."

SmartCare Centers are staffed by nurse practitioners and certified medical assistants, with a physician on call at all times. The clinics offer care for common ailments such as sore throats, ear infections, and seasonal allergies; as well as basic health services including flu shots and other vaccines, school and employment physicals and cholesterol screenings.

Fred Meyer operates 28 multi-department stores in the Pacific Northwest ranging in size from 130,000 to 200,000 square feet.
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