Supermarket & Grocery Industry News

CHICAGO -- The supermarket industry continues to fall behind others in management diversity, according to a white paper issued by Network of Executive Women here.

NEW YORK -- Smart Supplier to Wal-Mart, a new VNU Business Media Web site dedicated to covering the marketing, merchandising, logistics, technology, and supply chain strategies of the world's largest retailer, has launched. The subscription-based site, www.vnusmartsupplier.com, offers a complete archive of Wal-Mart-related news and analysis from VNU Business Media's leading business-to-business magazine and Web site brands, including Progressive Grocer and Convenience Store News; original reporting and insight from Smart Supplier's award-winning retail editors; and exclusive consumer research and product sales data from leading research firms, including ACNielsen.

SPRINGDALE, Ark. -- Harps Food Stores, Inc. plans to implement new centralized pricing, sales, and profitability reporting software for its 48 stores under the Harps Food Stores and Price Cutter Food Warehouse banners.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Senate Committee on Business and Professions, chaired by Sen. Liz Figueroa (D-Alameda and Santa Clara counties), will hold an informational hearing today on slotting fees in the grocery industry. The hearing is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon in Room 112 of the State Capitol.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu, Inc. said yesterday that it had completed its cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Milwaukee-based Total Logistics, Inc., a national provider of integrated third-party logistics services and manufacturer of refrigeration systems. The tender offer began Jan. 7 and expired at midnight EST on Feb. 4.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Equity One, Inc., a real estate investment trust that acquires, renovates, develops, and manages neighborhood and community shopping centers, has completed the sale of a retail center in North Ellenton, Fla., anchored by Publix and Kmart, for $14.9 million.

BARRINGTON, Ill. -- Willard Bishop Consulting is conducting a total store "super study" with three geographically dispersed supermarket chains ¿ Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, Matthews, N.C.-based Harris Teeter, and West Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley's -- which company officials say will provide new insights into specific performance of the entire store.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Nash Finch Co. yesterday said it will expand its service to commissaries at five additional bases in two additional states, Colorado and Wyoming, effective April 1, 2005.