Audio/Visual (AV)

Clamping down on retail losses should be everybody's business.

AUSTIN, Tex. -- As the seasonal flavors of the summer harvest become increasingly accessible, Whole Foods Market based here launched a campaign to publicize locally grown fruits and vegetables brought directly to its stores from the field.

CARTERET, N.J. -- Pathmark Stores, Inc. here said yesterday that it is testing a new visual scanning solution that runs on advanced visual pattern recognition software, to help reduce losses tied to items at the bottom of shopping carts that can get overlooked by cashiers. The pilot includes three stores, and will continue through the summer, the chain said.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Shoppers in hurricane-prone states know just how quickly things can take a turn for the worse. Thanks to the Wal-Mart Television Network, Wal-Mart shoppers in the Southeast will now know exactly what the weather is doing throughout their shopping trip, right up until the time they check out.

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Shaw's Supermarkets here is installing 15-inch video monitors at checkout counters, in addition to 42-inch plasma TV screens, at 93 Shaw's and Star Market stores in the Boston area, as part of a chainwide media network, according to a report in the city's Herald newspaper.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Buy For Less, a regional grocery chain with locations throughout central Oklahoma, plans to install point-of-purchase coupon dispensing and in-store advertising solutions in all 10 of its locations.

HOUSTON -- A robber who has struck at least three supermarkets here has been disguising himself by wearing a mask of former President George H.W. Bush, according to published reports.

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons, Inc. said here yesterday that it is implementing a new media system in its stores as a way to improve the shopping experience.