NEWS ROUNDUP 1994-03-28 (3)

Bi-Lo to Install Security System

has selected Knogo of Hauppauge, N.Y., to supply electronic article surveillance systems for the chain's 195 stores.

Thirty stores in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina will be equipped immediately. Other installations will be done on a store-by-store basis. Knogo's selection followed a year of field testing.

"Every food retailer is looking for ways to reduce shrinkage," said Gary Preston, Bi-Lo's executive vice president. "Our loss prevention executives and top management decided in 1992 that EAS technology had progressed to the point where it made sense to try it in our stores."

More Chains Accepting Maestro

NEW YORK -- Seven major supermarket chains have added Maestro, MasterCard International's national debit card.

The chains are Bashas' Markets, Chandler, Ariz.; Grand Union Co., Wayne, N.J.; Weis Markets, Sunbury, Pa.; Smith's Food & Drug, Salt Lake City; Hughes Family Markets, Irwindale, Calif.; Nob Hill Foods, Gilroy, Calif., and Bel Air Markets, Sacramento, Calif.

Like bank debit cards, Maestro debits the user's account instead of extending credit and billing the user. But since it is accepted nationally, Maestro holders can use the debit card on vacations and business trips.

"We accept as many payment alternatives as possible to enhance customer service and generate incremental business," said Frank Nicastro, corporate vice president and treasurer at Grand Union.