FOOD TOWN RUNS A 95-CENT SALE AS PROMOTIONAL PUSH INTO 1995

BOB BAUER

HOUSTON -- Customers at the Food Town stores here had no trouble making the shift from 1994 to 1995, thanks to a "Big 95 Cent Sale" at the three-store independent.

The sale, which ran from Dec. 28 to Jan. 3, featured items from every department in the store. Grocery items included six-packs of Pepsi, Nabisco Saltines, Imperial sugar and Nestle's Morsels, all at 95 cents. Rave Revue microwave popcorn, Green Giant vegetables and Ranch Style beans were four for 95 cents.

Although sales figures were not yet available, Ross Lewis, president of Food Town, said he was encouraged by what he saw. The company plans to run a similar sale in the future. "The customers went for everything we had in the ad. Everything moved," Lewis said.

Quantities of some items were limited, with added purchases allowed at higher prices. The sugar, for example, was limited to four bags at 95 cents, with additional bags selling for $1.44.

Nongrocery items included Olson's butter, Parkay spread and Carl's pork roll sausage at 95 cents. Ground beef and brisket were offered at 95 cents a pound, while Tyson/Holly Farms skinless/boneless breast fillets were priced at $1.95 per pound.

Food Town, in business since April 1994, has three stores that range in size from 28,000 to 40,000 square feet.