Center Store

FISHERS, N.Y. -- The New York Apple Association is lovin' it. On the heels of McDonald's Corp.'s recent debut of a new Fruit 'n Walnut Salad featuring fresh apple slices, the New York Apple Association based here was among those in the produce industry to high-five the move.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. ¿ The May 8 episode of ABC's hit show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will have special meaning for Price Chopper, based here: The regional 43-store grocer with locations in Kansas and Missouri was closely involved in helping a local family's dream of a better place to live come true.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Whole Foods Market, Inc. reported a leap in sales of 20 percent, to $1.1 billion, for the 12-week quarter ended April 10. The health food supermarket chain attributed the increase, which was the company's first 12-week quarter to surpass $1 billion in sales, to 13 percent weighted average year-over-year square footage growth and comparable-store sales growth of 11.6 percent.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- With Wal-Mart looking to expand its supercenter concept into northern California, locally based Raley's launched a new everyday low price (EDLP) strategy yesterday on a significant selection of products in its 125 Raley's, Bel Air Markets, and Nob Hill Foods stores.

LANDOVER, Md. -- The management of Stop & Shop and Giant Food have announced several major changes that will take place at Giant for the remainder of 2005 and 2006, including selling Giant's headquarters here, and selling or closing several manufacturing operations and distribution centers, which will impact about 500 jobs.

CHICAGO -- The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) recognized the winners of its 2005 Retailer Choice Awards during a special ceremony at the annual FMI Show this week.

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Joseph R. Heinen, who helped run the regional 15-store Heinen's Fine Foods supermarket chain begun by his father, died April 30 at his home here at the age of 70, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. He suffered from a chronic respiratory illness.

CHICAGO -- American consumers continue to seek value in their weekly grocery shopping, "value" means something different for each shopper group and even individual shopper, according to the new Food Marketing Institute report, "U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends, 2005."