Healthcare

PELHAM, N.Y. -- The abandonment of tobacco volume by upscale grocers continues. DeCicco Markets, an operator of six gourmet supermarkets in the New York counties above New York City, is the latest grocer to declare it will stop selling cigarettes, following in the footsteps of better-known retailers Wegmans, also based in New York, and California's Andronico's.

ASHVILLE, N.C. -- Earth Fare here celebrated Valentine's Day with a three-day Wine & Chocolate Festival in stores that paired wines and chocolates. The 13-store chain held the festival from Feb. 8-10, featuring recipes, chocolate samples, and wine tastings.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Erie County health commissioner Dr. Anthony J. Billittier said yesterday that customers of the Wegmans at 5275 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, N.Y., near Buffalo, N.Y., were potentially exposed to hepatitis A through a produce handler at the store who was diagnosed with the infection.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Erie County health commissioner Dr. Anthony J. Billittier said yesterday that customers of the Wegmans at 5275 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, N.Y., near Buffalo, N.Y., were potentially exposed to hepatitis A through a produce handler at the store who was diagnosed with the infection.

PELHAM, N.Y. -- The abandonment of tobacco volume by upscale grocers continues. DeCicco Markets, an operator of six gourmet supermarkets in the New York counties above New York City, is the latest grocer to declare it will stop selling cigarettes, following in the footsteps of better-known retailers Wegmans, also based in New York, and California's Andronico's.

NEW YORK -- Despite lower content levels, sales for all "sodium content" (low-, no- and reduced-sodium or -salt) foods and beverages will continue to gain in popularity, according to a new report from Packaged Facts here. The market intelligence publisher estimates that traditional supermarkets, with at least $2 million in annual sales, accounted for 75 percent of all sodium content claim foods and beverages last year.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart said yesterday that its first co-branded in-store clinics will open in Atlanta, Little Rock, and Dallas under "The Clinic at Wal-Mart" brand. These clinics -- the first of which is expected to open in April -- will be connected to their communities via local hospitals.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart said yesterday that its first co-branded in-store clinics will open in Atlanta, Little Rock, and Dallas under "The Clinic at Wal-Mart" brand. These clinics -- the first of which is expected to open in April -- will be connected to their communities via local hospitals.