ALBERTSON'S WEDDING CAKES WOO CONSUMERS WITH PRICE

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertson's northern California division courted in-store bakery customers this month with a discount promotion on its wedding cake assortment.

Cake Headquarters," and also said, "We invite you to select your most important cake from our delicious assortment at 25% off."

The "25% off" was printed in figures 2 inches high. Under an illustration of three wedding cakes, the ad urged shoppers to "Stop by our fresh bakery section for complete details." Officials at 725-unit Albertson's headquarters here could not be reached for comment.

A store-level source in a Sacramento, Calif., Albertson's unit told SN that the special promotion was launched just this month and will run through August. Although the ad indicated the price is good only until April 23, the source said the special price will be held throughout the wedding season.

The bakery staffer said Albertson's offers two everyday price levels. A three-tiered cake, with 6-inch, 9-inch and 10-inch tiers, is $100.05. It will serve 80 to 90, the source said. A three-tiered cake with 7-inch, 9-inch and 14-inch tiers is $124.20, and will serve 130 to 150.

The cakes are baked from scratch in-store, the source said. Customers have the choice of white, chocolate or carrot cake. Fillings are available in chocolate, custard and raspberry. The bakery staffer suggested butter cream icing because it holds up better than whipped cream.

There is a charge of $15 for delivery and set-up within a 10-mile radius of the store.