Center Store

BOULDER, Colo. -- Natural and organic foods chain Wild Oats Markets, Inc. here is gearing up to enter the Tampa, Fla. market with its latest prototype, which offers its signature perishables, an extensive organic and natural product selection, and energy-conserving equipment. The 37,000-square-foot store, located in Walters Crossing at 1548 N. Dale Mabry Highway (Dale Mabry at I-275), above a Target store, will open April 5.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A convenience store from Altoona, Pa.-based c-store innovator Sheetz will be included in a new six-acre retail development at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), according to The News & Observer. The project will reportedly be the airport authority's first venture into retail development outside the terminal complex.

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Cash will be one of the greens available at the Raley's supermarket that will celebrate its grand opening later this month.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Wegmans Food Markets here and Palo Alto, Calif.-based Bon Appétit Management Co., a foodservice company noted for its sustainable sourcing practices, said yesterday at the Boston Seafood Show that they have adopted new purchasing policies for farmed king salmon that meets strict health and environmental criteria. The policies were developed with New York-based Environmental Defense, an environmental advocacy organization.

PITTSBURGH -- In keeping with its plans to expand in central Ohio, Giant Eagle, based here, is opening a minimum of three stores in the region, according to a published report.

SCHENECTADY, NY -- Price Chopper Supermarkets here is marking its 10th anniversary in Connecticut by throwing two-week parties at its locations in the Nutmeg State. Storewide anniversary festivities, which began yesterday, include customer appreciation coupons; contests; prizes; activities for the kids, such as free press-on tattoos and balloons; and finger foods from stores' pizza, deli and specialty, stations.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. -- In a move to strengthen its merchandising efforts, discount chain Dollar General is realigning its merchandising function, placing it under two general merchandise managers who will report to Beryl J. Buley, division president of merchandising, marketing, and supply chain.

WASHINGTON -- The 2006 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show, to be held May 7 to May 9 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, promises to present attendees with a wealth of activities, according to the industry trade group.