Research & Analysis

The paper goods aisle absorbs consumers with innovation, catchy graphics, and new products, despite competition from other classes, and a pending price hike.

Following a successful pilot, United Supermarkets rolls ahead with a knowledge-based computer-automated ordering system.

BOISE, Idaho - Albertsons, Inc. said today that it has completed the acquisition of JS USA Holdings, Inc., which runs 204 Shaw's and Star Markets stores in New England. As a result of the acquisition, Albertsons now has more than 2,500 stores in 37 states, and 230,000 associates.

NEW YORK - Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. posted a lower quarterly profit yesterday on mediocre sales, and the Jacksonville, Fla.-based grocery chain announced it will streamline its operations by closing 156 stores, a strategy which will affect 10 percent of its work force, according to Reuters.

CHICAGO - IGA yesterday announced that Patrick Sylvester has been named editor-at-large of the IGA Grocergram and director of marketing events. The organization also announced it has retained Jerry Pinney, president of Chicago-based consulting firm Jerry Pinney & Associates, for the position of international coordinator.

BEIJING - Europe's biggest fresh food supermarket operator, Champion, introduced a new form of business here yesterday with the opening of its first Asian outlet, according to China Daily.

PORTLAND, Ore. - To help supermarkets offer an interactive resource on food, nutrition, and recipes in-store, Healthnotes, Inc. (HNI) today announced the launch of the Foodnotes EasyAnswers Touchscreen kiosk.

COLTON, Calif. - Stater Bros. Markets is donating 1,000 tickets to military personnel for the upcoming NASCAR races at the California Speedway in Fontana, Calif. The donation includes tickets for the "Stater Bros. 300" NASCAR Race on May 1, as well as the "Auto Club 500" NASCAR Race on May 2.