NEWS WATCH: FMI CUTS MIS DEPARTMENT, LAYS OFF SEVEN: REPORT...FRESH FIELDS FOUNDER EYES SUTTON PLACE: REPORT...PENN TRAFFIC TO CLOSE 25 MORE STORES

FMI CUTS MIS DEPARTMENT, LAYS OFF SEVEN: REPORT

here has disbanded its management information services department and laid off seven people to close a budget gap, according to reports. The reports said FMI will now outsource the responsibilities of the MIS department and that it now has completed its initiative to exit the fulfillment side of the association business. FMI representatives were not available for comment.

FRESH FIELDS FOUNDER EYES SUTTON PLACE: REPORT

BETHESDA, Md. -- Mark Ordan, founder of the Fresh Fields natural-foods chain, is pursuing the purchase of Sutton Place Gourmet here, according to published reports. The reports noted that Ordan, who said he expects the sale to close "within a week or two," plans to expand the chain, which currently operates 11 specialty food stores and one restaurant, to other locations in the Northeast. Representatives of Ordan and Sutton Place Gourmet were not available for comment. Founded by Ordan in 1991, Fresh Fields, Rockville, Md., operated 22 stores when it was acquired by Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas, in 1996.

PENN TRAFFIC TO CLOSE 25 MORE STORES

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Penn Traffic Co. here said last week it is seeking permission from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y., to close 25 more stores by the middle of December, in addition to the 16 closings the company announced earlier last month. The 25 stores are primarily in upstate New York and Pennsylvania. Penn Traffic filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May.

IRI PLANS SEMINAR ON OBESITY, WELLNESS ISSUES

PHILADELPHIA -- The consumer packaged goods industry and supermarket retailers face challenges and opportunities that are a result of consumers' concerns about obesity and wellness. These issues are to be the focus of a Leadership Seminar sponsored by Information Resources Inc., Chicago, and St. Joseph's University here Nov. 13 and 14. A daylong series of seminars will provide information on federal and local policies on wellness issues, along with an examination of the legal, marketing, advertising and merchandising implications to retailers and manufacturers. Seminar information is available by calling Sue McConnell at 312-474-2638, or e-mailing her at sue.mcconnell//www.infores.com/public/e-invite/o_w_seminar.html.

DAYMON ASSOCIATES CHANGES NAME TO 'WORLDWIDE'

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Daymon Associates here, the marketer and merchandiser of private-label products through various retail channels, has changed its name to Daymon Worldwide. It continues to be based here. The company said the name change more accurately reflects Daymon's current positioning, as well as its future direction since its operations have expanded to 14 countries outside the United States. "Thirty-three years ago [when the company was launched], we were considered the experts in the private-label field because we had knowledge from all 50 states," said Milt Sender, chairman, Daymon Worldwide. "Now, we understand the business on a worldwide basis."

TOP WAL-MART EXECUTIVE EXPECTED BACK SOON

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Thomas M. Coughlin, vice chairman, Wal-Mart Stores here, is expected to return to work in mid-November after being treated for an arterial blockage, a spokesman for the company told SN last week. Coughlin, who oversees Wal-Mart's retail and online operations, was taken to a local hospital after suffering what some sources had said was a heart attack. "He did not have a heart attack," said Sharon Weber, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman. Coughlin was at a gym here for Wal-Mart employees and their families when the medical condition arose, she said.