Ralphs, Wells Fargo Set Bank Net
cery Co. here and Wells Fargo Bank, San Francisco, are teaming up to create one of the largest in-store bank branch networks in southern California.
The first five Wells Fargo branches will be installed in Ralphs stores by March. Another 45 are slated to open at an undisclosed later date.
A total of 31 Ralphs stores already offer banking services. An additional 82 stores will allocate space for bank branches in the future.
Wells Fargo Bank is one of the state's largest operators of in-store bank branches.
A&P Joins Anti-drug Initiative
MONTVALE, N.J. -- Paper and plastic shopping bags from A&P here will sport antidrug messages beginning this spring.
The move is part of an initiative from Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the New Jersey Governor's Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse. The program involves local retailers, manufacturers and other companies.
A&P will make the bags available at its Waldbaum's, Food Emporium and Super Fresh Food Stores throughout April and May, which are Alcoholism Awareness Month and Drug Awareness Month, respectively, in New Jersey.
Chains in Environmental Push
ALBANY, N.Y. -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is sponsoring a promotional campaign in the state's supermarkets to help consumers make environmentally informed shopping decisions.
Wegmans Food Markets, Rochester, N.Y., and Hannaford Bros.' Shop 'n Save stores are among retailers that have signed onto the program, according to Jim Honan, environmental program specialist for DEC. The campaign, "Make Earth Choices -- Shop to Reduce Waste," includes signs and educational material and concentrates on waste prevention. It seeks to increase recycling efforts and encourages consumers to shop for products with environmentally friendly packaging. Retailers interested can contact DEC at (518) 457-3966.
Ad Group Plans Convention
DURHAM, N.C. -- The Supermarket Ad Association here will hold its third annual convention June 24 to 26 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Seminars on frequent shopper programs, promotions and computer-generated advertisements will be held. There will also be a "Show & Tell" workshop for attendees to discuss the best and worst of their advertising attempts throughout the year.
The cost of the event is $295, not including hotel expenses. For more information, call (919) 544-0950 or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to SAA, 5901 Shamrock Rd., Durham, N.C. 27713.
