Center Store

Weekend transaction settlements, pharmaceutical foot-dragging, and late shipments are Capitol Hill's hot buttons for retailers.

CHICAGO - In less then 10 years, America's 1,500 private label food manufacturers could consolidate to a field of no more than 20 as they respond to the demands of large-scale food retailers, according to a new report by Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance LLC.

WASHINGTON - The world's largest association of food, beverage and consumer product companies has completed its merger with the Association of Sales & Marketing Companies, in the culmination of the organizations' two-year association.

New products, line extensions, indulgent ingredients, and packaging innovations are turning the cookie category into even more of a powerhouse.

A slow economy, growing national chains, and a dire need for differentiation have retail executives looking favorably on store brands.

PHILADELPHIA - Responding to customer criticism and a decline in its market share, regional chain Genuardi's has launched an advertising campaign to apologize for changes made in its stores after Safeway Inc. acquired the company 21 months ago, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Retailers see the growing natural and organic meats category as a way to boost sales and slow customer defections to specialty stores.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - Leading office products retailer Office Depot Inc. on Thursday said it plans to open shops inside some Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. stores.