- Gannett News Service reports on a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) study saying that 85 percent of fresh vegetables and 77 percent of fresh fruits consumed in the United States are grown in this country – reflecting what some believe is a level of patriotism in a time of war that is affecting people’s buying habits.
- Signaling the continued fast growth of the dollar store channel, Family Dollar announced yesterday that it opened 44 stores during July and plans to open another 109 this month. During the next fiscal year, which begins on August 29, the company has plans to open more than 300 new stores, though it also plans to close as many as 70.
- In Canada, Loblaw has decided to drop the Loblaws and Zehrs brand names from its Real Canadian Superstores in Ontario, allowing the units to operate and be perceived as stand-alone entities.
The brand names were originally used to ease the opening of the format in Ontario, but now Loblaws apparently feels the job has been done.
- Procter & Gamble Co. announced that it will begin selling its specialty and fair trade coffees through the supermarket chain, expanding beyond the direct marketing channels that it has been using.
Fair trade coffees return more profit to growers in an effort to support a level of sustainable development. P&G said it was making the move because of consumer interest in the segment.
- Seattle-based Metropolitan Market announced yesterday that it will open its fifth and largest store to date, a 37,000-square foot unit, in Federal Way's Dash Point Village Shopping Center on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
The store will include a full-service delicatessen, a bakery with artisan breads and fresh baked pastries, a well-stocked seafood section, farm fresh and organic produce, a meat counter featuring both all natural and aged meats, a large wine selection with on-site expertise, full service floral and housewares departments.
Terry Halverson, president and CEO of Metropolitan Market, pronounced the Dash Point area to be “perfect” for the Metropolitan Market formula.
- KC's View:
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Another reason to move to the Pacific Northwest…Halvorsen’s operation has always been a class act, and we look forward to seeing his new store when we’re next out there.
