Charles Genuardi, one of five brothers who ran family business, passes away at 102
Charles Genuardi, the oldest of the five Genuardi brothers who ran the family grocery business until 1990 when they transferred control to the next generation, died last Friday at the age of 102. The family business traces back to 1920, when Charles’ parents, Gaspare and Josephine, grew vegetables on a small farm in Norristown and […]
PA to shut down failing wine kiosk program
As I reported a few weeks ago, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s (PLCB’s) wine kiosk experiment was not going well (Hurricanes increase wine sales, not kiosks). And now it appears the program is done. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported yesterday that the PLCB is shutting down the wine kiosk program due to a financial dispute with […]
Wegmans wins top customer service honor
According to a survey of more than 16,000 consumers who ranked grocery stores on various aspects of their customer service, Wegmans had the highest overall score of all U.S. grocery stores. Safeway was tops on the list among Canadian grocery stores. In the U.S., Trader Joe’s, Publix, Harris Teeter and Whole Foods also received high […]
Redner’s Market to open in former Super Fresh space
Redner’s Market has begun hiring for its new location at the Shops at Lionville Station in Chester Springs, PA, formerly the home of a Super Fresh supermarket. The new store is scheduled to open on November 2. Although Redner’s is known as a “no-frills” warehouse market, this new, full-service store will offer bakery, deli, seafood, […]
Fitness centers increasing their presence in shopping centers
CoStar reported that fitness centers, health clubs and gyms accounted for 8.8% of new leases signed so far this year by retail chains in the U.S., according to a story yesterday in The Wall Street Journal. At this point last year health clubs and gyms accounted for 7.9% of new leases by retail chains. U.S. […]
Survey says rental rates to spur more retail store openings
According to a survey of 100 retail chains by CB Richard Ellis, 59% of U.S. retailers plan to open more stores due to the attractive rental rates currently available. The survey also found that nearly all the retailers (94%) have been able to negotiate tenant improvements in their leases, including financial contributions from the landlord, […]
Fitch report keen on supermarkets, ShopRite named retailer of the year
According to a report from Fitch Ratings, supermarkets appear to be stabilizing after several tough years, thanks in large part to higher food prices. For the last few years, supermarkets have cut prices and increased promotions to combat increased competition from dollar stores and discounters. However, top grocery chains like Safeway, Supervalu and Kroger are […]
The Fresh Market reports profits and growth
Earlier this week, The Fresh Market reported strong sales and profits for the 13-week period ending July 31. Net income for the company during the period was $10.5 million, and sales totaled $259.5 million. With comparable store sales up 4.6%, it was their seventh consecutive quarter of 4%-plus comps. In addition to income and sales […]
Hurricanes increase wine sales, not kiosks
Before we get to the hurricane, let’s talk about the wine kiosks… According to a special performance audit by PA Attorney General Jack Wagner, the Liquor Control Board’s wine kiosk program has fallen short of established goals. Currently there are 22 kiosks operating in supermarkets owned by Giant Eagle, Giant Food Stores, ShopRite, The Fresh […]
Whole Foods opens first membership-only wellness club
Back in February we learned that Whole Foods was planning to open Wellness Clubs in select stores. Last week, USA Today reported that the first club opened in Dedham, MA, and additional sites are coming soon at Whole Foods locations in Princeton, Manhattan (Tribeca), Chicago and Oakland. The membership-only clubs will cost $45 per month plus […]