Nonfoods

WASHINGTON -- The board of directors of the Food Products Association (FPA) and the executive committee of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) said Friday that they have agreed in principle to merge the two organizations as of Jan. 1, 2007.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. here has reportedly signed a lease to anchor the expansion of the Village at Waugh Chapel in Gambrills, Md. in Anne Arundel County. The 140,000-square-foot store is scheduled to open in 2009, when it will be able to cater to a large influx of people moving to the area as part of the expansion of Pentagon agencies at Fort George G. Meade.

For grocers willing to make the commitment, homespun state-sponsored agricultural marketing programs can rack up good will and good sales.

Marketing strategies are simultaneously becoming more high-tech and customer-focused, which might be the perfect formula to reach 21st century shoppers.

Supervalu's Design Services Group crafts an award-winning design for Highland Park Market's newest store.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway here will help the government test at the point-of-purchase a science-based, nutrient density concept to improve consumer understanding and overall dietary patterns.

Fed up with out-of-control interchange fees, retailers are fighting back with concerted legal and educational tactics -- and, in some cases, proactive offensives on their own.

Following are some of the general merchandise items retailers can expect to see at the FMI Show this month in Chicago.