PUBLIX'S Q2 PROFITS UP, COMPS DOWN
LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets here said net earnings improved by 1.7% on a 2.7% sales gain for the second quarter. However, comparable-store sales decreased by 2.6%. Publix's stock, which is not publicly traded and available only to directors and employees, increased by 50 cents a share to $16.05. “Although the economy continues to be weak, I'm pleased with the improvement in our operating results and stock price,” Ed Crenshaw, chief executive officer, said in a statement. “I congratulate our associates for continuing to deliver premier customer service.” For the quarter, Publix earned $300.8 million, or 38 cents per share, on sales of $5.9 billion.
OHIO KROGER WORKERS AGREE ON DEAL
CINCINNATI — Kroger here said that it had reached a tentative contract agreement with workers at 30 Dayton, Ohio-area stores represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 75. The union will present the agreement to members in a ratification vote Aug. 12. Kroger and the union extended their existing agreement several times during the course of negotiations. According to Local 75, terms of the proposed contract are consistent with the deal between Kroger and Cincinnati workers reached in 2007.
WEIS MARKETS EXTENDS ‘PRICE FREEZE’
SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets here said it was implementing a third round of “price freeze” extended discounts. The program provides lower everyday pricing on items in all store departments that will last at least until Oct. 28. Weis began its price freeze program early this year and has since saved its shoppers $11 million, Weis officials said.
UNIONS TO COMBINE WAL-MART GROUPS
WASHINGTON — United Food and Commercial Workers and the Service Employees International Union have agreed to combine their respective organizations seeking to organize workers at Wal-Mart Stores. The groups have agreed to combine as WakeUpWalMart, the name under which the UFCW-backed group has gone since 2005. Wal-Mart Watch was also founded in 2005, by the SEIU. In a statement, the groups said the combined organizations would unite more activists and provide a stronger organization to support passage of labor-friendly legislation.
C&S PLANS TO EXPAND ES3 FACILITY
YORK, Pa. — ES3 will be adding a 705,000-square-foot tower to its existing warehousing and distribution center here, the company said last week. ES3 is a sister company to C&S Wholesale Grocers, Keene, N.H., providing logistics and delivery services for product manufacturers and retailers. The $200 million project will add 650 jobs.
MARSH RESCINDS FACEBOOK OFFER
INDIANAPOLIS — Marsh Supermarkets here has stopped accepting coupons it had offered on the Facebook social networking site, stating that the offer was distributed in an unauthorized manner. “Due to the vast numbers of inappropriately transmitted and replicated copies of this offer, we will no longer be able to accept these coupons in our stores,” the company said on its Facebook page. The coupon, posted last Tuesday, offered “fans” on the Facebook site a coupon for $10 off on an order of $10 or more. It was to have run through Aug. 8 but was rescinded July 31.
