Progressive Grocer's Top 20 Stories of 2015 - #11-12

#11 - Haggen Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Owes Unified Grocers $14.8 million

Published Sept. 9, 2015 - John Clougher, Haggen's CEO, said the decision  – which many observers described as all but inevitable following a spate of escalating turmoil – "will allow us to continue to serve our customers and communities while providing Haggen with a process to realign our operations to be positioned for the future." Clougher's statement went on to note that the filing is "the best way for Haggen to preserve value for all stakeholders." Read More

#12 - Family Dollar, Dollar Tree Merger Leads to 300-Plus Store Closings

FTC is nearing end of merger review process

Published April 13, 2015 - As part of the FTC's review, 340 stores have been tapped for divestiture. Dollar Tree expects all or almost all of the stores to be divested to be Family Dollar locations. The shops represent about $47.4 million of operating income, the news outlet reported.The retailer said it is making progress with potential buyers for the locations and has received multiple indications of interest. Each of the potential suitors intends to operate these divested locations as dollar stores to address the FTC's concerns. Read More

Check out #13-14 on PG's top story list.