SOBEYS PLANS NEW QUEBEC DC
STELLARTON, Nova Scotia — Sobeys here said it would begin construction of a new automated distribution center in Terrebonne, Quebec. The 415,000-square-foot center, which would use the same state-of-the-art technology debuted at Sobeys' distribution center in Vaughn, Ontario, is scheduled to open in early 2013, the retailer said, and would consolidate all of Sobeys' dry grocery distribution in the province. The Vaughn facility, opened last year, utilizes an automated picking and assembly system developed by Witron Logistik that improves selection accuracy and allows for customized deliveries at the store level. As part of the Quebec consolidation, Sobeys said it would close one distribution center, convert another to a cross-docking facility and “refocus the mandates” of its three other distribution centers in Quebec. Those changes are expected to occur in early 2013.
FESTIVAL TO BUY 2 QUILLIN'S STORES
ONALASKA, Wis. — Skogen's Festival Foods here has agreed to purchase two Quillin's stores in LaCrosse, Wis., the companies said. Skogen's said it would close one Quillin's store in April so as to build a larger Festival location nearby. The other location would switch from the Quillin's name to the Festival banner in April. Quillin's, based in LaCrosse, said it would continue to operate the five stores not sold to Festival. Festival operates 17 stores in Wisconsin.
WEIS MARKETS LAUNCHES MOBILE SITE
SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets last week announced the launch of a mobile version of weismarkets.com, offering customers access to its weekly circular, online ordering options for gift cards and party platters, prescription refills and a new Healthy Living section. The mobile version of the Weis website offers smartphone users improved access and is optimized for fast browsing and downloading, the retailer said. Shoppers using the mobile site can access localized versions of the Weis sales flier, sign up for email specials and online coupons, and develop shopping lists tailored to specific health or dietary needs.
ALDI SETS FEB. 18 FOR NYC ENTRY
BATAVIA, Ill. — Aldi's first store in New York City is expected to open Feb. 18, the retailer said. The store, located in the Rego Park section of Queens, has been in the planning stages for more than two years. The opening will be one of an expected 80 to 100 new store openings for Aldi in the U.S. this year, a published report said.
MEIJER DEBUTS NEW GROCERY WEBSITE
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer Inc. has launched a new e-commerce site offering a range of dry grocery and HBC items for postal delivery. The new site, MeijerDoorstepGrocer.com, is the retailer's first effort to sell non-bulk groceries online and is also the retailer's first foray into international online sales. The site offers more than 5,000 items, including national- and Meijer-brand grocery and beverage products, baby supplies, pet food, cleaning supplies, laundry products, health food and HBC items. More than 3,000 of the items are available as individual-size products, while the rest are available as multi-pack or bulk items. Shipping costs a minimum of $7.95, with the price scaled up based on the size of the order. International delivery carries an additional charge. For a limited time, Meijer is offering a 10% discount for orders exceeding $100.
