Newswatch 2009-03-02 (1)

SUPERVALU BUNDLES SERVICES AS ‘ISM’

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu said last week that it has united professional services for its independent retailers under a new platform known as Independent Sales and Marketing. ISM, which will have its own logo in the form of an apple, brings together dozens of existing programs, including business services such as scheduling and tax forms; development services such as market analysis, architectural design and equipment procurement; marketing services including consumer research and advertising; and sales and merchandising services such as promotions and layouts, the company said. “This reinvestment in professional services affirms that Supervalu is positioned to be the choice for independents looking to grow their business in today's competitive and dynamic environment,” Bill Chew, executive vice president of Supervalu's Midwest/Southeast division, said in a statement.

ROUNDY'S SIGNS FOR 2 CHICAGO SITES

CHICAGO — Roundy's signed leases to open two new stores here last week. Capri Capital Partners here confirmed that the Milwaukee-based retailer has signed a lease at Metropolis, a mixed-use project under construction in the Bronzeville area. Also last week, reports said Roundy's signed a lease to build a 55,000-square-foot grocery store in the Lakeshore East development. A Roundy's spokeswoman last month told SN the retailer still had plans to enter Chicago despite having to abandon plans for one previously announced location due to a developer default. Roundy's announced plans to expand to Chicago two years ago.

STOP & SHOP OFFERS 5%-OFF BASKET

QUINCY, Mass. — In a sign of intensifying price competition in Northeast markets, Stop & Shop here is offering some customers coupons that will take 5% off their total purchase price. The offering, sent by mail to some cardholders last week, includes four coupons good for one week each through March 19. The offer excludes certain items including postage, Western Union, gasoline, alcohol and tobacco. The mailing also includes weekly coupons offering certain items for free with purchase and a Stop & Shop card.

SEARS TO CLOSE 24 MORE LOCATIONS

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings here last week said it would close another 24 locations — about half of them Kmart stores — by the end of May, following the previously announced closure of 28 locations last year. The latest round of closures includes 12 Kmarts, one Super K, seven Sears Grand/Essentials and four traditional Sears stores. The closures include five in Florida, four in Ohio, three in Indiana, two each in Pennsylvania and Alabama, and one each in Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee, Nebraska, North Carolina, Kansas, Wisconsin and California.

MAXI, UNION IN LABOR AGREEMENT

MONTREAL — A four-month labor dispute affecting some Maxi stores in Quebec was ending last week after Provigo — the division of Loblaw Cos. that runs the stores here — and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 503 agreed in principle to a new deal. However, two of the 12 stores affected by the strike will not reopen, the retailer said. Workers at the 10 other stores affected by the strike were voting separately on a proposed contract agreed to by union leaders and Provigo and were expected to return to work shortly, they said last week.