Customer satisfaction improved for a third consecutive year for retail, according to a report released by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The retail sector overall gained 1.7 percent to an ACSI benchmark of 77.9, boosted by higher customer satisfaction with specialty retail stores, supermarkets, drug stores and gasoline service stations. A fourth traditional retail […]
Category: Store News
Posted in, Independent Store News, West
Completion Of Arden Deal May Lead To Gelson’s Expansion
Arden Group, parent of Gelson’s Markets, an operator of 17 full-service specialty grocery stores in Southern California, has completed its previously announced acquisition by TPG, a leading global private investment firm. The merger agreement was approved by the company’s board of directors in December. Under the terms of the agreement, Arden Group’s shareholders will receive […]
Posted in, Corporate Store News, National
Safeway Confirms Talks About Possible Sale Of Company
Safeway said Wednesday afternoon that it is in discussions concerning a possible sale of the company. “Although the discussions are ongoing, the company has not reached an agreement on a transaction, and there can be no assurance that these discussions will lead to an agreement or a completed transaction,” the company said during a fourth […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, West
Northgate González Wins Unified’s Ben Schwartz Visionary Award
Anaheim, Calif.-based Northgate González Markets, which operates 38 supermarkets in Southern California, was the recipient of the 2014 “Ben Schwartz Retail Grocery Visionary Award” from Unified Grocers at a special awards dinner Tuesday at Tamayo Restaurant in Los Angeles. This is the ninth year that Unified has presented the award to an outstanding independent retailer. […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, National
IGA Pauses To Celebrate, Then Turns Focus To Future
The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) Global Rally was held Feb. 7-11 in conjunction with the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show in Las Vegas for the second time this year. NGA had a record turnout for its show, and IGA was close to one as well. “It makes sense,” said Mark Batenic, CEO of IGA Inc. […]
Posted in, National, Store News
Food Retailers Recognized For Community Outreach, Charitable Initiatives
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) presented its 2013 Community Outreach Awards to six honorees. The awards recognize the creative, charitable programs established and carried out by food retailers to enhance the lives of those in the communities they serve. “These programs, and all those submitted, serve as vivid reminders that the longstanding tradition of the […]
Posted in, Independent Store News, Midwest
Buehler’s Fresh Foods Names Director Of Communications
Deb Wilcox has been named director of communications at Buehler’s Fresh Foods in Wooster, Ohio. Wilcox started in Buehler’s advertising department in March 1983 working on ad layout and has served as director of marketing since 1991. As director of communications, Wilcox will be responsible for community, government and consumer relations, décor and branding of […]
Posted in, Southeast, Store News
Whole Foods Inks Leases For Stores In Georgia, Alabama
Whole Foods Market has signed leases for stores in Kennesaw, Ga., and Huntsville, Ala. Both stores are expected to open in 2016. The Kennesaw store will be located in a mixed-use development at the corner of Barrett Parkway and U.S. 41/Cobb Parkway. The newest store in Georgia for the natural and organic foods supermarket will […]