Retail

WASHINGTON , D.C. -- The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) will add yet another component to the Chicago smorgasbord the FMI Show has become. The trade group said yesterday it plans to co-locate Marketechnics -- the association's merchandising technology event -- with the FMI Show in 2007.

LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- The Hannaford Supermarket and Pharmacy here, which opened earlier this year, will present a grant to the town's school district at 10 a.m., Dec. 16 at the store. The $5,000 grant will help underwrite the cost of new computers and related programs to be used in the district's classrooms.

CHICAGO -- Albertsons Osco drugstore division here is being scrutinized for possible acquisition by two bidders, Deerfield, Ill.-based Walgreen Co. and CVS Corp. of Woonsocket, R.I., which are said to be competing for the nearly 800-unit operation.

COLTON, Calif. -- Stater Bros. Supermarkets here has formed a partnership with Hormel Foods to help provide meals for needy families this holiday season, with donations that will feed 13,248 individuals in need and help provide meals for thousands of families at risk of hunger.

CARLISLE, Pa. -- Giant Food Stores, LLC, based here, has named Tracy Pawelski director of public relations. Pawelski is responsible for promoting Giant Food Stores, Tops Markets, and Martin's Food Markets via corporatewide communications and public relations strategies.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The board of directors of Spartan Stores Inc. here approved its first quarterly dividend payment of 5 cents per share beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

COMMERCE, Calif. -- Extreme value chain 99 Cents Only Stores is going high-tech with the grand opening of its latest store here tomorrow: The popular Apple iPod Nano that holds more than 499 songs will be sold for only 99 cents to the first 9 customers.

NATICK, Mass. -- BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. here said yesterday that Paul McDonough, BJ's e.v.p. and c.f.o. since May 2005, has left the company to return to the insurance industry. Frank Forward, e.v.p., chief administrative officer, has succeeded him as BJ's interim c.f.o.