NEW FARM FRESH 3-IN-1 UNIT CULTIVATING 'GOOD RESPONSE'

CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Farm Fresh, Norfolk, Va., is "very pleased with customer response" to the recent opening of its fourth three-in-one concept store, a spokesman told SN. The 90,000-square-foot edifice here is the latest under the banner "3 Stores. 1 Roof."

concept was championed by Farm Fresh's former president and chief executive officer, Michael E. Julian, the company's new president and CEO, Ron Johnson, "is very pleased with sales and he is committed to the concept," the spokesman added.

Farm Fresh has opened three other three-in-one stores since 1995: two in Richmond, Va., measuring 88,000 and 90,000 square feet; and one in Roanoke, Va., measuring 76,000 square feet. The Open Air Fresh Market at the new store has a butcher department, produce shop, "Island Catch" seafood department, bakery and "Bun & Bagel" shop. In total, the Fresh Market has about 1,000 stockkeeping units, the company said.

The Rack & Sack section has 18,000 SKUs, including discounted grocery, frozen and dairy items, plus a variety of fine wines, microbrews and specialty foods.

The Drug Store Plus offers 35,000 deep-discounted SKUs, including health and beauty care, a floral shop and a card and gift shop.