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Retail News Breaks Archives Trian Fund Management LP, the investment arm of financier Nelson Peltz, has acquired a 6.6% stake, or more than 8.7 million shares, in Family Dollar Stores Inc. Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. has completed the installation of solar panels on eight stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. The project is part of the grocer’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 20% between 2008 and 2015. Dollar General Corp. will open its 9,000th store Saturday in Fountain Run, Ken., returning to the state in which it began operations in 1955. Giant Eagle Inc. has begun offering five common prescription drugs for type 2 diabetes free to customers in its northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania market areas. Two new forecasts take somewhat different views of how the back-to-school season may fare this year. Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. has made its Illinois debut in this Chicago suburb with a new banner, Mariano’s Fresh Market. As part of its ongoing efforts to promote health and wellness, Wegmans Food Markets has created what it calls "eat well, live well stations" that display a selection of fresh, nutritious foods near the pharmacy area of its supermarkets. Canadian consumers are increasingly choosing to shop at discount retailers and low-price warehouse stores, although well-established retailers with strong brands and their own loyalty strategies continue to be well-represented, according to a recent study on customer loyalty factors carried out by the research firm Colloquy. Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. said that Rich Wilson, president and chief executive officer, will join the company’s board of directors effective immediately. Meijer Inc. and Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market are each expanding their offerings of locally produced foods. Delhaize America has begun a promotion that gives consumers a chance to win prizes of up to $250,000 for shopping any of its supermarkets. Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. plans to close 30 underperforming stores, consolidate its operating regions and eliminate some jobs in a bid to cut costs. Sam's Club next month plans to hold an open house for members and potential new customers to showcase the savings it offers for everyday needs for home and work, and throughout key back-to-school departments, including electronics. On the same day it reported plunging first-quarter sales and earnings, Supervalu Inc. announced that chief financial officer Pam Knous plans to leave the company. Family Dollar Inc. has reached a deal with Western Union that will let shoppers send domestic or global money transfers from its stores. The service, goCASHSM, will be available at any of the small-format discounter's 6,500 locations. Kroger Co. has established an online hub where consumers can access manufacturer coupons, as well as its own offers, in one place. Disappointing sales earlier this summer have prompted worries about what retailers can expect the rest of the year, including the all-important back-to-school and Christmas shopping seasons. Some chains are not taking any chances, not even waiting until summer is over before launching holiday promotions.
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