Nonfoods

STELLARTON, N.S. -- Sobeys, Inc. here yesterday reported net earnings $48.2 million (US $40.5 million), for its first quarter ended Aug. 6, 4.2 percent better then earnings of $46.6 million (US $39.2 million) posted for the year-ago period.

BOISE, Idaho -- While Albertsons' net earnings rose for the second quarter, it still remained below company estimates, leading to a drop in share price of just over 1 percent. But the retailer, which recently put itself up for sale, reaffirmed its guidance for the year, and its determination to keep improving, nonetheless.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart and Sam's Club are making a nationwide case for diabetes screenings, by hosting screening and public education events at almost 4,000 stores on Sept 24.

UNITED KINGDOM -- In a move that U.S. retailers may likely copy, Wal-Mart-owned Asda in the United Kingdom said it is removing salt from its entire range of canned vegetables. As a result, customers will consume 168 metric tons less salt each year.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. -- Organic to Go (OTG) an all-natural fast casual organic cafe, catering retailer, and delivery grocery company based here, said yesterday that in addition to the three retail stores it recently launched in Los Angeles, it plans to open three locations in Orange County in early autumn. OTG offers consumers prepared sandwiches, salads, soups, and entrees.

The pumps are churning across the flooded lands of the Gulf Coast. As the deadly waters recede, however, challenges to authorities, residents, and business owners remain at critical levels. The urgency of protecting hurricane victims from disease reached new heights yesterday, as New Orleans officials said that floodwater has been contaminated with E. coli bacteria. Bottled water vendors, including Trinity Springs, and many grocery retailers, have shipped donated bottled water to the affected areas, while relief agencies work diligently to provide safe, clean water.

SETPEMBER 6, 2005 -- One week after Hurricane Katrina's fury was unleashed on the Gulf Coast region -- leaving thousands homeless, hungry, and worse -- retailers continue looking for ways to help. Several companies late last week were sending truckloads -- and even planeloads -- of product to local relief agencies and needy refugees, while many more are jumping in to collect customer donations for American Red Cross and other organizations.

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island has become the first state in the Union to launch a collection and recycling program for plastic grocery bags, and supermarkets are prominent players in the initiative. The program, known as "ReStore" and introduced at the start of Labor Day weekend, is free for both consumers and the 61 stores around the state that feature the effort's blue collection barrels.