Research & Analysis

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - WireSpring Technologies, a developer of software and technology for interactive kiosks and digital signage systems, today announced that iFuel, LLC has completed the deployment of the first iFuel-enabled fueling station at the Jubilee Supermarket in Evanston, Wyo.

SALISBURY, N.C. - Food Lion, a subsidiary of Delhaize America, today opened the first of five Bloom pilot stores planned for 2004. The store, called, "Bloom, A Food Lion Market," is designed to test the new Bloom concept, aimed at providing a simple, uncomplicated, and hassle-free shopping experience.

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Safeway c.e.o. Steven Burd has retained his position as chairman, beating back a months-long pension fund proxy challenge at the supermarket chain's annual shareholders meeting yesterday.

LONDON - High-end retailer Fortnum & Mason announced yesterday that it will open its first overseas stores, according to published reports. The well-known company, which supplies the Queen Elizabeth II's foodstuffs, will stock 250 typically British items in two new stores in Japan.

DETROIT - Organized labor in Michigan has begun a coordinated major campaign against Wal-Mart, which plans rapid growth in the state, The Detroit News reports.

LOS ANGELES - A man has been indicted on charges that he attempted to extort money from the Ralphs supermarket chain by threatening to place contaminated baby food products on store shelves, authorities announced yesterday, according to AP.

WASHINGTON, D.C. and NEWARK, Del. - The United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association (United) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) announced today that the two associations will work together, in concert with other produce industry stakeholders, to develop a produce industry food safety initiative that best serves the needs of the industry and the government.

TROY, Mich., and BURBANK, Calif. - Kmart Holding Corp. and the WB Television Network today announced an exclusive integrated marketing campaign to launch five new Kmart back-to-school fall apparel collections and the WB's new season of shows. This marketing partnership is the first of its kind in which a major retail brand is working with a television network to jointly leverage their respective assets for cross-promotional purposes.