AFS Consolidates Retail Divisions

MARK HAMSTRA

SALT LAKE CITY - Associated Food Stores here said Tuesday that it has consolidated its company-owned stores under a new division called Associated Retail Organization.

The move combines the cooperative's Associated Fresh Market division, which operates the former Albertsons stores that AFS acquired in 2009, with Associated Retail Stores, which operates the company's Macey's, Dan's, Lin's and Dick's Market banners.

Also, David Rice was named senior vice president of AFS retail operations, which includes Member Retail Services and Associated Retail Organization. Troy Thomas will be vice president over the consolidated corporate stores.

"This consolidation will strengthen and secure our position in the market by helping us streamline our processes," Rice said in a statement.

The company, which generated sales of about $2 billion in the most recent fiscal year — primarily through its 300-member distribution cooperative — is seeking to reverse a loss of $6.5 million it posted for the year.

Additional positions within the consolidated organization include: Darin Pierce, senior division manager of Macey's; John Harris, South Division manager; Denny Kendall, North Division manager; Steve Holm, Center Store director; and Jan Whitely, perishable director.

The company said additional changes will be finalized in mid-November.

AFS also said two positions within Associated Retail Stores had become vacant when Dave Wirthlin, president of Associated Retail Stores, and Steve Reich, vice president of marketing for Associated Retail Stores, announced they will be leaving the company to seek other opportunities.

"We wish Dave and Steve success in their new endeavors. They are both long-term team members who have made contributions to the company during their tenure with Associated," said Neal Berube, who was recently named president and chief executive officer at AFS.