EXECUTIVE CHANGES 1995-02-27 (2)

Penn Traffic Names Nonfood VP

affic Co. here named Ronald E. Flowers vice president of nonfood merchandising, a new position, earlier this month.

Flowers was vice president of nonfood merchandising for Penn Traffic's Ohio-based Big Bear division.

"The creation of this new corporate-wide position recognizes the substantial growth opportunity for our sales of general merchandise and health and beauty care products," said Gary D. Hirsch, chairman of Penn Traffic. He said Flowers had 39 years of experience at Big Bear Stores, the last 11 involved with nonfood.

Hirsch added Penn Traffic's nonfood business should grow as the company continues "to increase the nonfood variety in our traditional supermarkets and roll out additional 'Plus' format stores throughout our markets."

"Plus" format stores contain expanded nonfood and fresh merchandise in 65,000- to 140,000-square-foot facilities, Hirsch said. Penn Traffic operates 282 supermarkets in Pennsylvania, upstate New York, Ohio and West Virginia under a variety of banners. The company also operates wholesale distribution businesses serving 126 licensed franchises and 116 independent operators and a discount general merchandise business with 15 stores.