Retail

MAULDIN, S.C. -- The produce team at regional chain Bi-Lo here is planning to do something special with the more than $36,000 it raised for United Way during an 8-hour produce sale last September, with assistance from its vendors. The group will build a Habitat for Humanity house named after one of its own: Walter, the fictional "picky produce expert" who stocks fruits and vegetables at Bi-Lo supermarkets.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Nash Finch Co. based here has put longtime industry veteran Alec Covington at the reins as president and chief executive, the company said yesterday.

CINCINNATI -- Kroger here will install TNR (The New Release) Entertainment Corp.'s self-service DVD rental kiosks in 84 locations throughout the metro Dallas area.

CARSON, Calif. -- Bristol Farms here opened its 12th store, in Westchester, Calif., this past weekend. The unit is the first new store in five years for the Albertsons-owned regional chain.

NEW YORK -- As the licensing agent for the world-famous Jelly Belly jelly beans, The Licensing Company North America (TLC) here is connecting the candy's flavors, signature shape, scents, and playful personality with companies in the licensing industry to create more ways to enjoy Jelly Belly.

WASHINGTON -- Wal-Mart said it is altering its health care policy to be more employee-friendly, and is urging other retailers to follow suit.

LOS ANGELES -- Just in time for the peak summer salad season, Sunkist Almond Accents is offering its "Barcelona Culinary Escape" contest and sweepstakes with grand prizes for both retailers and shoppers: an epicurean adventure for two to Barcelona, Spain.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- With the start of hurricane season just weeks away, Food Lion here is working with electric power cooperative EnergyUnited, to help ensure EnergyUnited's line crews and other employees would have adequate personal energy stores for their stomachs, should any weather-related emergencies strike.