Research & Analysis

PEWAUKEE, Wis. - Roundy's here today said first-quarter retail sales for the period ended April 3, 2004 reached $717.8 million, an increase of 56.1 percent from the $459.7 million reported for 2003's first quarter.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. - Zocor, the cholesterol-lowering drug from Merck & Co. based here has been approved for over-the-counter use in the U.K., allowing British consumers to buy it without a prescription. According to reports, industry experts believe that may set the stage for Zocor eventually being sold over-the-counter in the United States.

CARTERET, N.J. - Pathmark Stores here is cutting its first-quarter and full-year profit estimates because of food inflation, troubled promotional programs, and increased medical costs, according to an article in today's Newark Star-Ledger.

SEATTLE - Seattle-area independent grocer Top Food & Drug has reached an interim agreement with more than 800 of its workers, in which the employees will continue working under their current contract until a new deal emerges from negotiations involving Safeway, Albertsons, QFC and Fred Meyer.

ZAANDAM, The Netherlands - Ahold reported a larger than expected 11 percent decline in first-quarter sales as a result of divestments and the U.S. dollar's drop against the euro.

COMPTON, Calif. - Arden Group Inc., parent company of Gelson's Markets, said its first-quarter earnings more than tripled as it gained customers during the California supermarket strike and lockout, reports the Los Angeles Times.

PLOVER, Wis. - A steering committee representing independent food brokers has met to officially form a new division of the National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS).

WASHINGTON - Ahold-owned Giant Food of Landover, Md. laid off 270 administrative employees last week in another effort to consolidate operations with Quincy, Mass.-based sister company Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., a spokesman told the Washington Post.