Pilot Pen G2 Edge

Issue 02-21-2011

Chains eye options

NEW YORK — The ranks of publicly owned mass market retailers may soon be reduced by two. In recent weeks both BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. and Big Lots Inc., have seen their stock prices surge on reports that their managements are exploring possible sales of the companies. The ranks of publicly owned mass market retailers

January sales provide reason for optimism

NEW YORK — The weather outside was frightful, but sales inside were — if not delightful — encouraging. The weather outside was frightful, but sales inside were — if not delightful — encouraging. Retailers posted solid volume in January, sustaining the momentum from the fourth quarter of 2010 despite frequent snow, sleet and freezing rain

Whole Foods ups outlook for full year

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market Inc. raised its full-year earnings guidance after reporting strong results for its first fiscal quarter. Whole Foods Market Inc. raised its full-year earnings guidance after reporting strong results for its first fiscal quarter. "Identical-store sales increased 9.1%, our highest result in four years," said co-chief executive officer Walter Robb

Metro to make big push in China, India

DÜSSELDORF — Metro AG, Germany’s largest retailer, is looking primarily to China and India for growth over the next five years. Metro AG, Germany’s largest retailer, is looking primarily to China and India for growth over the next five years. In an interview in New Delhi, chief executive officer Eckhard Cordes said that China and

Wegmans’ pharmacies tout wellness message

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — “Eat well, live well” is the core philosophy that underlies Wegmans Food Markets Inc.’s health and wellness strategy. “Eat well, live well” is the core philosophy that underlies Wegmans Food Markets Inc.’s health and wellness strategy. The chain is effectively tapping into the natural synergies between its pharmacies and its food offerings

Opportunity for all

PHOENIX — Supermarket operators have done a good job of using their stores’ perimeter departments to generate excitement and build traffic. Supermarket operators have done a good job of using their stores’ perimeter departments to generate excitement and build traffic. Grocery retailers have not done as well with the center of the store, though, according

Safeway faces consumer suit

PLEASANTON, Calif. — An advocacy group is backing a lawsuit filed by two consumers against Safeway Inc., charging that the retailer should have used its loyalty card information to contact them when products they bought were recalled. An advocacy group is backing a lawsuit filed by two consumers against Safeway Inc., charging that the retailer

Walmart adopts new priorities

Where Walmart is the subject, neutrality doesn’t exist. Industry people either like the retailer or dislike it. Observers either admire the company or are dismissive of it. Competitors respect the retailer’s strategies or are disdainful of them. Where Walmart is the subject, neutrality doesn’t exist. Industry people either like the retailer or dislike it. Observers

Rising commodity costs a formidable challenge

Just as mass market retailers and their suppliers are beginning to see some signs that, despite the discouraging employment picture and uneven economic recovery, many consumers are starting to spend more freely, the specter of rising commodity prices threatens to stop the momentum. Just as mass market retailers and their suppliers are beginning to see