Research & Analysis

Spartan Stores Inc. on Thursday reported financial results for its fiscal 2002 second quarter, which ended September 15, 2001. Sales increased 7.5 percent to $841.1 million from $782.3 million for fiscal 2001's 12-week second quarter.

Acirca Inc., maker of Walnut Acres ready-to-eat organic soup, announced on Thursday it has acquired ShariAnn's Organics, the second largest ready-to-eat certified organic soup company in the United States.

McLane Company Inc., a Temple, Texas-based grocery and food distributor, and Marsh Supermarkets Inc, a leading regional grocery chain, announced on Friday the completion of McLane Company's acquisition of the assets of Convenience Store Distributing Company (CSDC), including the company's Richmond, Indiana distribution center.

Starbucks Coffee International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company, has signed a joint-venture agreement with two leading retail companies in Madrid and Barcelona to enter the Spanish market.

Albertson's Inc. announced that Kathy J. Herbert, 48, has been named Executive Vice President - Human Resources, reporting directly to Larry Johnston, Chairman and CEO.

The Worldwide Retail Exchange (WWRE) on Thursday announced the commercial launch of the WWRE Collaborative Planner, version 2.0, to all 58 Exchange members and their trading partners.

QRS Corporation, provider of global sourcing and supply chain management solutions for the retail industry, on Friday announced the availability of a new service for the grocery industry.

Coinstar Inc. on Thursday announced the appointment of David Cole as its new chief executive officer. Cole brings more than 30 years of leadership, operations, and sales management experience to Coinstar.