EQUITY RETAIL BLOG

Kroger to purchase Harris Teeter supermarkets

Cincinnati-based Kroger has agreed to purchase North Carolina-based Harris Teeter for $2.5 billion, or $49.38 per share plus the assumption of $100 million in debt. Kroger is the largest traditional grocery chain in the U.S. with approximately 2,500 supermarkets in 31 states. According to reports, Kroger likes Harris Teeter’s strong position in growing markets, like […]

Walmart Neighborhood Market fastest growing U.S. supermarket

A report from Chainlinks Retail Advisors recently listed what they believe to be the 10 fastest growing supermarkets (excluding warehouse clubs) in the U.S. They are listed here along with the number of new stores planned for the next year: Walmart Neighborhood Market: 95 – 115 Aldi: 80 – 100 Save-A-Lot: 60 Whole Foods: 50 […]

Pathmark closing three South Jersey stores

Several reports yesterday confirmed that A&P officials told employees that the company was closing Pathmark stores in Cherry Hill, Camden and Edgewater Park in 60 days. The closings will leave Ventnor as home to the only Pathmark in New Jersey. A&P closed Super Fresh stores in Westmont, Marlton and Plainsboro earlier this year. The closing […]

ShopRite, Giant dominate Delaware Valley and Philadelphia market share

The annual Market Study issue, published by Jeff Metzger and friends at Food Trade News, came out last week and reported that ShopRite remained the supermarket leader in the 15-county Delaware Valley market, while Giant took over as the leader in the eight-county Philadelphia market. “Other merchants may have opened more stores, made acretive acquisitions […]

Whole Foods, Costco project in doubt as Lehigh County rejects financing deal

The excitement generated last month from the announcement that Whole Foods was planning to join Costco and Target in the Goldenberg Group’s proposed development in Lower Macungie, PA has waned considerably since Lehigh County commissioners rejected tax financing for the project last week. The tax increment financing (TIF) proposal would have allowed up to $7 […]

Walmart Neighborhood Market may accelerate its rollout

Earlier this month Walmart CEO Bill Simon said the company could accelerate the rollout of its Neighborhood Market grocery stores. According to Simon, Walmart had plans to open 80-100 Neighborhood Market stores this year and next, but that number could increase as returns on newly built stores approach those of its supercenter format. “Neighborhood Market […]

Amazon planning major online grocery expansion

Earlier this month Reuters reported that Amazon is planning a major expansion of its online grocery service. According to the report, the expanded service will start in California and then possibly expand into 20 urban markets. And according to Globe Street, a national supermarket analyst says Amazon could be targeting 40 markets. Amazon is no stranger […]

BJ's opens 200th store, still way behind Costco and Sam's Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club opened its 200th store last week in Fayetteville, NC, which prompted me to see how many stores Costco and Sam’s Club have. Here’s a quick comparison: BJ’s – 200 stores in 15 states Costco – 627 total stores; 449 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, 85 in Canada and 93 in other countries Sam’s Club – about […]

Whole Foods' inner city concept opens in Detroit

Whole Foods opened a 21,000 square foot store in Detroit last week that features lower prices and a larger selection of private-label items as compared to its standard stores, and frozen and prepackaged foods designed to appeal to budget-conscious shoppers. The store opening follows classes that the company has been offering in Detroit community centers […]

Whole Foods agrees to join Costco and Target in Lower Macungie

A representative from the Goldenberg Group announced last week that Whole Foods plans to join Costco and Target at the proposed Hamilton Crossings Shopping Center in Lower Macungie (Lehigh County). The 63-acre site of the proposed center is located between Hamilton Blvd. and the Route 222 Bypass. The developers, which include the Goldenberg Group and […]