Here We Go Again

As another year readies to close, Store Brands once again brings you selected highlights from some of the biggest news stories impacting retailers and their store brands. Read on for our channel-by-channel coverage of industry happenings taking place between November 2014 and late October 2015.

Grocery/supermarket channel

In November 2014, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Brampton, Ontario, said it successfully achieved its pledge to remove all artificial flavors and colors from its more than 4,000 President’s Choice products. Loblaw also engaged top chefs and foodies from across Canada to create globally inspired twists on one of the most traditional holiday foods: the turkey. The recipes incorporated a number of Loblaw’s store brand products, the retailer said, and a President’s Choice Free From Whole Turkey as a base.

That same month, El Segundo, Calif.-based Fresh & Easy announced the addition of Wild Oats Organic brand take-and-bake pizzas, wraps and refrigerated soups and entrées to its exclusive product assortment.

Food Lion, Salisbury, N.C., said it would be working with its customers during the holiday season across more than 1,100 stores through Dec. 23 to help solve hunger through its Food Lion Feeds “Holidays Without Hunger” campaign. During the campaign, customers could purchase and donate a specially marked food box — containing products under Food Lion’s my essentials brand — for $5, or make a cash donation at checkout, Food Lion stated. Food boxes were donated directly to a local hunger relief food bank or agency, while cash donations benefited Feeding America and its network of local food banks.

Also in November, Food Lion’s parent company, Delhaize Group, Brussels, said it signed an agreement to sell Bottom Dollar Food’s 66 stores for approximately $15 million to ALDI Inc., Batavia, Ill.

November also found several retailers announcing new banner formats.

The Golub Corp., Schenectady, N.Y., said it would unveil Market 32 — a banner that will change food shopping for its customers by modernizing its Price Chopper stores and offering new services and products. Market 32 stores would begin rolling out across the chain’s six-state footprint in spring of 2015, the retailer said.

And Loblaw said it was testing a new hard discount chain that caters to value-conscious consumers, according to a Nov. 12 article on the Global News’ website. Under the banner name “BOX,” the stores would sell only a limited assortment of household essentials, primarily under Loblaw’s store brands, as a way of keeping prices as low as possible.

According to a Nov. 25 article on The Produce News website, Key Food Co-operative, New York, also introduced a new banner to its supermarket family: Food Universe. The banner will be present in a variety of locations and will range in size and product offerings, depending on the individual neighborhood it serves.

Also in November, Food Lion saw progress in its store remodeling efforts, announcing the completion of remodels of 45 stores in the greater Greenville, New Bern and Jacksonville, N.C., market to offer customers a new “easy, fresh and affordable” shopping experience.

November brought news on the retail leadership front, too. Metro Inc., Montreal, said Réal Raymond would become chairman of its board after the annual shareholders meeting, scheduled for Jan. 27, 2015, subject to his re-election as a director. He succeeds Pierre Lessard, who retired from the board. Additionally, Metro said Paul Gobeil, vice chairman since 1990, would retire from the board.

That same month, ALDI said it made a structural adjustment to its senior leadership organization to support its expansion. Jason Hart, president of ALDI U.S., was promoted to CEO, effective April 1, 2015, and supported by Chuck Youngstrom and David Behm, who would continue their roles as co-presidents.

December brought with it a flurry of new products.

On its Facebook page, San Antonio-based H-E-B announced the introduction of two limited-edition peppermint-flavored store brand products: Texas-made H-E-B Pure Cane Sugar Candy Cane Soda and a fresh-baked Candy Cane Crème Cake.

And The Fresh Market, Greensboro, N.C., said it brought back several holiday-themed store brand candies and snacks created to be “the perfect stocking-size present for everyone” on shoppers’ lists.

December found Martin’s Super Markets, South Bend, Ind., announcing the launch of Martin’s Signature Specialty Popcorn, produced daily in the new Martin’s Specialty Popcorn Shoppe of its Granger, Ind., store. The popcorn is made from Indiana-grown corn.

Wegmans Food Markets Inc., Rochester, N.Y., meanwhile, announced the debut two exclusive French cheeses in select Wegmans stores: Bourbon-Washed Pie d’Angloys and Cremeux de Bourgogne. The one-of-a-kind cheeses are ripened in Wegmans Cheese Caves for a flavor and texture that “cannot be matched on this side of the Atlantic,” the retailer stated. The Wegmans Cheese Caves opened in 2014 and are said to be hightech versions of Europe’s famed cheese caves.

Matthews, N.C.-based Harris Teeter got into the contest spirt in December, announcing that consumers could share pictures of their favorite store brand products, using the hashtag #myhtbrands, for a chance to win one of several Harris Teeter gift cards. Consumers could use the hashtag on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or upload photos directly to www.myhtbrands.com.

On the remodeling front, Fresh & Easy said it was launching its “smarter market” concept with seven remodeled stores opening in Las Vegas on Dec. 5 and 6, and with 17 more remodeled stores opening throughout December. The remodels were said to incorporate a new “Fresh To Go” hot food bar; a more open, modern feel and layout; and a revamped product selection.

In acquisition news, Haggen Inc., based in Bellingham, Wash., said it entered into an agreement to acquire 146 stores as part of the divestment process brought about by the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) review of the merger between Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons and Safeway Inc., Pleasanton, Calif. With this acquisition, subject to FTC approval, Haggen said it would expand from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies, and from a Pacific Northwest company with locations in Oregon and Washington to a major regional grocery chain with locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona.

Also in December, Fairway Market, New York, announced the retirement of Howard Glickberg, former CEO and then vice chairman of real estate development. Glickberg is widely credited with transforming his grandfather’s fruit and vegetable stand into the grocery chain it is today, the retailer said. He will remain on the company’s board of directors.

That same month, The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, said David Dillon would retire as chairman on Dec. 31, after 38 years of service. Dillon led the Kroger leadership team’s development of the company’s successful Customer 1st Strategy. The Kroger board of directors elected Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s CEO, to the additional post of chairman, commencing on Jan. 1, 2015.

Several retailers launched notable new products along with the New Year in January.

In the January edition of its Inspirations magazine, The Fresh Market said it was introducing direct-trade coffees under its namesake brand. The first offering in the line was The Fresh Market Direct Trade Nicaragua El Diablo Reserve.

Springfield, Mass.-based Big Y Foods, meanwhile, and its Table & Vine flagship fine wine, spirits, beer and specialty foods location located in West Springfield, Mass., announced the launch of an exclusive line of craft beers. Made in collaboration with Berkshire Brewing Co. of South Deerfield, Mass., the brews are named after well-known area landmarks and sell in 22-ounce bomber bottles at all Table & Vine locations in Massachusetts and Big Y locations in Connecticut.

Also in January, Wegmans announced the introduction of its Wholesum Bars via its Winter 2015 Menu magazine. The gluten-free bars are sold under the Wegmans Food You Feel Good About store brand and are made without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or GMO ingredients. They come in six varieties.

And on its Facebook page in January, ALDI introduced a new brand of coffee called Barissimo. The brand’s line is said to be made from 100 percent premium Arabica beans. The coffee line includes single-serve, ground and ready-to-drink formats.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn Dixie Stores Inc. announced a store brand soda contest in January called “Add 2 the New Chek list.” The retailer asked its customers to submit suggestions for the next flavor of Chek soda. Consumers could visit their local BI-LO, Harveys or Winn-Dixie store to try the finalists’ flavors and vote online for their favorite, the retailer said. The grand prize winner was to receive a 2015 MINI Cooper and a year’s supply of Chek soda, awarded as a $1,000 gift card.

On its Facebook page in January, H-E-B also announced a contest — called “Name this Salsa.” Customers were asked to submit possible names for H-E-B’s newest store brand salsa for a chance to win a $5,000 H-E-B gift card. To help shoppers with creating a name, H-E-B provided some basic information: The salsa is made in Texas, medium-hot, and a blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices and cilantro.

That same month, the Florida Times-Union reported on its website that Randall Onstead, president and CEO of Bi-Lo Holdings, would step down from his position at the Jacksonville, Fla.-based company on March 5. His successor had been chosen but was not to be announced at the time.

And The Fresh Market said Craig Carlock, president and CEO, and a member of the board of directors, left the company and resigned as a member of the board. The board appointed Sean Crane, executive vice president and chief operating officer, as interim CEO.

February brought with it a wealth of news on the store brand packaging design front.

Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market said it teamed up with The World of Eric Carle, the award-winning brand based on works by the acclaimed children’s author and illustrator, to create a series of store brand cereal boxes featuring games for children and Carle’s signature artwork, including the beloved The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Unified Grocers said it teamed up with San Francisco-based Murray Brand Communications to redesign and refresh the Springfield packaging, to make it relevant to today’s consumers and to attract new shoppers to the brand.

And Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Supervalu Inc. unveiled a refreshed brand positioning, logo and packaging graphics for its Wild Harvest brand of natural and organic foods and beverages. Accompanying the unveiling was a fully integrated marketing campaign titled “Eat Free. Go Wild.”

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Super Markets Inc. sweetened up February with the launch of 10 flavors of Publix Premium Indulgent Yogurt. According to the retailer’s website, the flavors include French Vanilla with Honey Almond Granola, Mint with Peppermint Cups, Key Lime Pie with Graham Cookie Pieces, Strawberry Shortcake with Cookie Bits, and more.

That same month saw Haggen beginning the process of acquiring 146 stores as part of the divestment process brought about by the FTC’s review of the Albertsons and Safeway merger. The FTC approved the divesture on Jan. 27, and the merger of Albertsons and Safeway was completed on Jan. 30, 2015. Haggen said it would take ownership of the first Albertsons store in Monroe, Wash., on Feb. 12.

As the month of March roared in, Stop & Shop, Giant and other banners of Carlisle, Pa.-based Ahold USA announced the introduction of World Menu, an exclusive line of “internationally inspired cuisine.” The frozen multi-serve line comprises dishes from various countries, including Thailand (Tom Yum Kung Soup), Italy (Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni), China (Shanghai Inspired Sesame Stir Fry) and more.

Also in March, Safeway and Oakton, Calif.-based nonprofit organization Fair Trade USA announced a partnership to launch Fair Trade Certified seafood in the North American market. Beginning with wild-capture tuna from small-scale fishermen in Indonesia, this program is said to be the first of its kind to address both social and environmental responsibility in fishing communities across the globe, Fair Trade USA noted.

And Loblaw said it had begun to sell smaller misshapen produce at its Real Canadian Superstore and select no frills locations in Ontario and select Maxi stores in Quebec under the no name Naturally Imperfect program. Starting with apples and potatoes, the produce costs up to 30 percent less than traditional produce options found in store.

That same month, Fresh & Easy announced the launch of a line of frozen breakfast sandwiches under its fresh&easy Breakfast To Go brand. Made fresh daily, the sandwiches microwave in one minute, the retailer said.

In other Fresh & Easy news, the retailer issued a statement following reports that it would close as many as 50 stores. It said it had spent the past 18 months transforming itself into a business that focuses on delivering a new vision of “modern convenience.” The company said it had put itself in a better position to rationalize its store base and divest locations that no longer meet the criteria of Fresh & Easy’s model of modern convenience.

In a statement released by Save Mart Supermarkets, Modesto, Calif., the Piccinini family announced the passing of Robert “Bob” Piccinini, chairman of Save Mart Supermarkets. Piccinini purchased Save Mart from the Piccinini and Tocco families in 1985 after working his way through the ranks in the company.

In April, via its What’s Cooking blog, Jewel-Osco, an Albertsons banner, announced the addition of the O Organics and Open Nature brands to its selection of organic and naturally sourced products. Originally owned by Safeway — which merged with Albertsons — the brands were scheduled to roll out on April 22.

And on its Facebook page the same month, Mariano’s Fresh Market, a banner of Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc., said it began selling Naturally Smart eggs on March 26. The eggs, available exclusively in Mariano’s stores, feature unique printed codes that allow consumers to track their origin.

Product of the Year Canada, meanwhile, said it named Metro the recipient of the 2015 Product of the Year Canada award in the frozen dessert category for its Irresistibles La Collezione Mango Sorbet collection of single-serve frozen desserts. Imported from Italy, the product comprises three varieties — one with mango coulis, one with cherry coulis and one with strawberry coulis.

In corporate news, Lund Food Holdings, Edina, Minn., said was combining its separate Lunds and Byerlys banners under one unified name: Lunds & Byerlys. The rebranding was to begin April 30 at the Woodbury, Minn., store, with a grand reopening event.

And Kroger said it planned to acquire the seven-store Hiller’s Markets chain in the Detroit metropolitan area. The stores would become part of Kroger’s Michigan division, and would be rebranded as Kroger stores following the transaction’s closing.

On the personnel front, Boise, Idaho-based AB Acquisition LLC, parent company of Albertsons, announced that Bob Miller, the company’s current executive chairman, would assume the additional role of CEO of Albertsons, effective immediately. Robert Edwards, who had been appointed CEO at the Safeway-Albertson’s transaction close, was to continue on with the company as vice chairman.

And Sunbury, Pa.-based Weis Markets Inc. said in April that Chairman Robert Weis would not stand for re-election to its board of directors at the company’s annual meeting of shareholders, scheduled to be held on April 23. Weis indicated that his decision was motivated by his desire to focus on his health, the retailer noted.

Weis Markets also said it promoted Maria Panko to director of marketing and private brands. Panko, who worked as senior private brands manager prior to her promotion, will oversee the company’s marketing programs, including loyalty marketing, digital and social media, and retain her private brand responsibilities.

Ahold USA celebrated the warming weather in May by launching a line of exclusive products inspired by the sweet lemon flavor of Limoncello. The retailer said the products would be available for a limited time starting May 15.

That same month, Mary Ellen Burris, Wegmans’ senior vice president, consumer affairs, announced the introduction of Wegmans brand marinated meats with real bourbon on the retailer’s Fresh Stories blog. Available in pork tenderloin, beef sirloin steak tip and boneless chicken cutlet varieties, the lean refrigerated meats — which are lower in sodium than many marinated meats — are said to be smoky-tasting, but not too sweet.

Also in May on the Fresh Stories blog, Mark Fromm, seafood category merchant for Wegmans, announced the launch of Wegmans Food You Feel Good About frozen wild-caught seafood burgers. The burgers come in four varieties — Cilantro Lime Wild-Caught Ahi Tuna Burgers, Teriyaki Wild-Caught Ahi Tuna Burgers, Lightly Seasoned Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon Burgers and Lightly Seasoned Wild-Caught Mahi-Mahi Burgers.

West Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley’s Supermarkets said in May that it partnered with Harris Ranch Beef to provide its customers with co-branded California Grown USDA Choice Beef, locally raised and grown.

May also saw Monrovia, Calif.-based Trader Joe’s announcing its “Strut Your Stuffed” contest, in which consumers were invited to submit recipes for “stuffed” dishes incorporating store brand products as ingredients for a chance to win prizes.

Kansas City, Kan.-based Associated Wholesale Grocers also was in giveaway mode, announcing its Fresh Essentials Giveaway sweepstakes on the Facebook page for its Best Choice brand. To enter, consumers simply submitted their name and e-mail address for a chance to receive $50 worth of Best Choice private brand products.

Reporting on his company’s fiscal 2015 second-quarter earnings, John Mackey, co-CEO of Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market, said in May that the retailer would be launching a new “uniquely branded store concept unlike anything that currently exists in the marketplace.” The stores will offer high-quality foods at value prices and will feature a modern streamlined design, innovative technology and a curated selection of products, the retailer said, and will be geared toward millennial shoppers.

And Winn-Dixie announced that its parent company, Bi-Lo Holdings — which also owns the BI-LO and Harveys banners — changed its name to Southeastern Grocers. According to Winn-Dixie, the change is said to symbolize that all three banners are part of a unified family with a common aim to do the best they can for all their customers.

Delhaize Group, meanwhile, confirmed in May that it entered into preliminary discussions with Zaandam, the Netherlands-based Royal Ahold N.V. to explore the opportunity of combining the two companies.

In June, Whole Foods Market announced the launch of Criterion Collection wines to satisfy consumers’ thirst for wine knowledge. The retailer said it would introduce a total of eight wines throughout 2015, all priced affordably and selected by Whole Foods Market experts, including a master sommelier. Whole Foods Market also announced the name of its new banner geared toward millennials: “365 by Whole Foods Market.” The stores are slated to begin opening in 2016.

That same month, Giant Food LLC, a banner of Ahold USA, said Restaurant: Impossible celebrity Chef Robert Irvine was launching his new food line exclusively at Giant Food. The products include reduced-calorie cheesecake, all-natural crab cakes, Fit Crunch protein bars, multigrain pizzas and oven-roasted wings. The food line is said to feature products that are easy to prepare for families on the go, with simple ingredients that everyone can pronounce.

On the non-food side, Loblaw said Life Brand and President’s Choice household, beauty and cosmetic products will no longer be formulated using triclosan, phthalates or micro beads by the end of 2018.

ALDI said in June that it would launch its first stores in Southern California in March 2016, with the expectation of opening approximately 25 stores before July 2016.

European limited-assortment discounter Lidl, meanwhile, said it was establishing its U.S. corporate headquarters in Arlington County, Va., and would open a regional headquarters and distribution center facility in Spotsylvania County, Va. The move is part of Lidl’s preparations to expand into the United States market.

Significant merger news also came in June, when Delhaize Group and Koninklijke Ahold N.V. announced their entry into an agreement to merge. The combined company will be named Ahold Delhaize and is expected to serve more than 50 million customers every week in the United States and Europe from its 6,500 stores. The transaction between the international retailer conglomerates is expected to be completed in mid-2016.

And Kroger said it named Fred Morganthall, then president of Harris Teeter, senior vice president of Kroger’s retail divisions. Rod Antolock, currently Harris Teeter’s executive vice president, replaced Morganthall as president of Kroger’s Harris Teeter banner.

In July, Fresh & Easy introduced six new private label wines under the I Love CA brand. The line, from Californian vineyards, comprises three white wines and three red wines.

Via an e-mail campaign, Publix introduced Publix Fresh Seafood Cook-in-Bag dinners. Customers first choose from any of the retailer’s fresh fish and then choose a sauce: Caribbean Mango Sauce with orzo, spinach and bell peppers; Mediterranean Sauce with pearl couscous, Kalamata olives and feta cheese; or one of two other sauces. Publix employees then assemble the fish and the sauce in a special cooking bag. This French cooking method is called “en papillote” and helps to get the ingredients moist and extra flavorful, Publix said.

Whole Foods Market said in July that its Houston-based Whole Foods Market Brewing Co., the first craft brewery in a grocery store, would begin distribution of its first draft beer in two phases, starting with the Greater Houston area and followed by the launch of statewide distribution in Texas. The first beer for Houston distribution was the Post Oak Pale Ale.

Albertsons, the second-largest supermarket operator following its recent $9 billion merger with Safeway early this year, filed for an initial public offering in July.

Also in July, A&P said it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in five years.

And Supervalu said it was exploring separation of its Save-A-Lot business and that as part of that process, it had begun preparations to allow a possible spin-off of Save-A-Lot into a standalone publicly traded company.

July saw some retailers expanding — and others divesting of stores.

K-VA-T Food Stores Inc., Abingdon, Va., and Southeastern Grocers said they entered into an agreement under which K-VA-T would acquire 29 BI-LO stores located in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Northwest Georgia from Southeastern Grocers. K-VA-T intends to operate all of the stores under the Food City banner.

Meanwhile, Overwaitea Food Group, Langley, British Columbia, said it would be expanding into Saskatchewan and Manitoba with seven Save-On-Foods stores. The company plans to open the first of the seven stores in Saskatchewan in spring 2016.

And Loblaw announced a restructuring plan that calls for the closure of 52 unprofitable stores during 12 months. The closures include a wide range of banners and formats.

In addition, a July 29 Orange County Register article noted that Fresh & Easy confirmed it would be closing 14 stores. The stores were described by Brendan Wonnacott, company spokesman, as “underperforming locations.” The closings followed 55 other Fresh & Easy closures earlier in the year and left the chain with fewer than 100 store locations.

In personnel news, Kroger announced that Mike Ellis, its president and chief operating officer, retired. Ellis was vice president of Fred Meyer’s food group before joining Kroger as a senior officer in 2004.

The Golub Corp., parent company of Price Chopper Supermarkets, Market 32 and Market Bistro, said Scott Grimmett was named president and chief operating officer — the first non-Golub in the company’s history to hold the title.

In August, Supervalu said that 100 percent of the shell eggs sold under its Wild Harvest brand would be cage-free by year end. Earlier in 2015, the brand introduced an 18-count cage-free egg, as well as a free-range, Non-GMO Project-Verified 12-count egg product.

And BrightFarms, New York, said it partnered with Roundy’s to supply local produce exclusively to Roundy’s stores, breaking ground on the 160,000-square-foot BrightFarms Chicagoland Greenhouse in Rochelle, Ill. Slated for completion in early 2016, the greenhouse will provide more than a million pounds of produce annually for Roundy’s stores.

Giant Food, meanwhile, said it would be offering more than 50 private brand seasonal pumpkin products in both the non-perishable and fresh departments. The products became available in all stores on Aug. 28, for a limited time only.

Also in August, Haggen said it would be closing or selling a number of stores “to continue to improve its business and strengthen its competitive position.” Most of the stores being closed or sold were acquired as part of the transaction in which Albertsons and Safeway divested 146 stores.

That same month, Sobeys Inc., Stellarton, Nova Scotia, announced the grand opening of Chalo! FreshCo in Brampton, Ontario, the retailer’s first South Asian-focused discount grocery store.

And as part of its established leadership succession plan, Sprouts Farmers Market Inc., Phoenix, announced a number of leadership changes. Doug Sanders, the company’s then president, CEO and member of the board of directors, was appointed executive chairman of the board. Amin Maredia, chief financial officer, replaced Sanders as CEO, and Jim Nielsen, chief operating officer, assumed the position of president and chief operating officer.

Associated Wholesale Grocers said in August that its board of directors selected David Smith to succeed Jerry Garland as president and CEO, beginning in January 2016. Smith is currently the executive vice president of operations for the company.

September marked the introduction of a number of new private brand lines.

Parsippany, N.J.-based Kings Food Markets announced the introduction of the Kings brand line of food products. The store brand covers a number of product categories ranging from frozen pizzas and fresh pasta and sauces to gourmet frozen side dishes and premium coffee.

And Keasbey, N.J.-based ShopRite said it introduced a store brand line of super-premium Italian gelato and sorbet in July. The line offers customers 12 flavors of Italian-imported gelato, including Pistachio, Caramel Sea Salt, Double Chocolate, Eggnog and more, as well as two flavors of sorbet.

Food Lion, meanwhile, said it redesigned its private label packaging under the Food Lion brand, making the items easy to find, easy to trust and easy on the budget. Updated package designs include nutritional information added to the front panel to make it easier for shoppers to use. To celebrate the redesign, Food Lion gave its shoppers 25 cents back for every private brand item they purchased, up to $10, through the grocer’s “Quarter Back” promotion.

Sobeys, meanwhile, announced the launch of the Seafood Steamer, available at Sobeys’ seafood service counters. The Seafood Steamer is a take on the classic French en papillote cooking method, Sobeys said, where fish is steamed in a parchment paper pouch. Customers simply choose their favorite fish or seafood and seasoned butter at the Sobeys seafood counter; the seafood is then sealed in an oven-safe ready-to-cook bag.

And while reporting on his company’s fiscal 2015 second-quarter earnings, Rodney McMullen, CEO of Kroger, said Kroger would be launching an “entirely new” private brand called Hemisfares at the end of September. Every Hemisfares product is imported directly to Kroger stores from whichever country and region that product is originally found.

On the non-foods side, Nicole Wegman, senior vice president of perishable merchandising for Wegmans, announced via the Fresh Stories blog the debut of the USDA-certified Wegmans Organic Hand & Body collection, which includes washes, lotions and creams.

And Haggen announced in September plans to shed more stores. The company said it planned to exit the Pacific Southwest market and realign its operations around 37 core stores and one standalone pharmacy in the Pacific Northwest as part of the Chapter 11 process.

The Fresh Market, meanwhile, said its board of directors named veteran food retail executive Richard Anicetti president and CEO of the company, effective Sept. 1. He also was elected to the company’s board of directors. Anicetti joins The Fresh Market with more than 30 years of experience across all key retail functions at Hannaford Brothers Co. and Food Lion.

In October, ALDI said it removed certified synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils and added MSG from all of its exclusive-brand food products.

And Cub Foods, a Stillwater, Minn.-based banner of Supervalu announced via its Facebook page that Supervalu’s Culinary Circle brand had been redesigned. An image posted on the Cub Foods Facebook page shows that the brand now features black packaging with the brand logo updated to be in a silver circle.

October also saw West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee inviting consumers to help celebrate its 85th anniversary by entering for a chance to win an at-home visit from the Hy-Vee Brand Wagon and receive $100 for every Hy-Vee brand product found in their homes (up to $8,500).

The Chicago-based Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), meanwhile, said it presented a donation of $245,000 to Wounded Warrior Project as part of its fifth-annual IGA exclusive-brand donation initiative. This donation pushed IGA’s five-year contribution to well over $1 million.

October saw a continuation of unfortunate circumstances for Fresh & Easy. According to a Los Angeles Times article, spokesman Brendan Wonnacott said the chain is starting “the process for an organized wind-down.” It will begin to liquidate and close stores. State-mandated WARN Act layoff notices already were sent out to about 3,000 employees.

Meanwhile, an Oct. 22 Produce News article said Key Food Stores Co-Operative will purchase 23 new stores from A&P. The purchase would bring Key Food up to 212 stores and would preserve approximately 1,800 jobs for A&P employees. Key Food said it expects to complete the purchase of all 23 stores by mid-November.

Speaking of A&P, an Oct. 23 online post from North Jersey Media Group, Woodland Park, N.J., said the retailer is looking to capitalize on some of its own banner and private brand names as it liquidates its businesses as part of the bankruptcy process. Hilco Streambank, a division of the liquidation company that is working with A&P to dispose of its assets, said A&P is seeking bids for six store names — A&P, Pathmark, Waldbaums, Food Basics, SuperFresh and Best Cellars — and eight private brand names.

Also in October, Supervalu said Sam Duncan informed the company’s board of directors of his intention to retire as president and CEO on Feb. 29, 2016, following the end of the company’s fiscal year.

And as part of a long-term leadership strategy, Tops Markets LLC, Williamsville, N.Y., said it appointed John Persons president and COO. Frank Curci will continue to serve as Tops’ CEO and board chairman.

And Robert Weis, the former chairman of Weis Markets, passed away at the age of 96, the retailer said.

Drugstore channel

In December 2014, Walgreen Co., Deerfield, Ill., said that Greg Wasson, president and CEO, informed the company’s board of directors that he would retire shortly after the close of the Alliance Boots transaction’s second step.

That second step was completed in January when Walgreen Co. and Alliance Boots GmbH, Bern, Switzerland, formed Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA). The merger, launched in 2012, was meant to create “the world’s first global pharmacy-led health and wellbeing enterprise.” Walgreens is a wholly owned banner of the new company.

February was a month of new product launches. For instance, Walgreens and Maesa, a New York-based manufacturer of beauty products for retailers’ store brands, announced the launch of Circa, a line of color cosmetics exclusively available at Walgreens stores. Developed in partnership with actress Eva Mendes, the assortment is designed to appeal to the varying needs of a multicultural market, with shades that work across the lightest and darkest of skin tones.

A short time later, Walgreens said celebrated manicurist and color mixologist Nonie Creme launched Nonie Creme Colour Prevails, an exclusive beauty line of makeup and nail care products.

For its part, Camp Hill, Pa.-based Rite Aid Corp. launched the Receutics Active Skin Repair line of dermatologically tested over-the-counter skincare products in February. Developed exclusively for Rite Aid, the 10-SKU line provides affordable, effective treatment for many common skincare conditions, including acne and eczema, and helps promote the skin’s own repair and renewal processes.

Also in February, Rite Aid and Envision Pharmaceutical Services (EnvisionRx), Twinsburg, Ohio, announced that they entered into a definitive agreement under which Rite Aid would acquire EnvisionRx.

Then in early March, Rite Aid announced its inaugural Innovation Challenge, a nationwide search for product ideas that would improve the health and wellbeing of Rite Aid shoppers. Any winning health and wellness ideas would be designed, developed and patented and sold exclusively at Ride Aid stores and www.riteaid.com.

In early April, WBA announced the election of US Foods President and CEO John Lederer to its board of directors. Soon after, WBA said it would close about 200 U.S. stores by the end of fiscal 2017. During WBA’s quarter-two 2015 conference call, Alex Gourlay, executive vice president, said that the number of stores closing represents about 2 percent of the retailer’s estate and that the retailer would be opening up about 200 stores during the same time period.

CVS/pharmacy, part of Woonsocket, R.I.-based CVS Health, chose April to run its “Fill Your Bag” promotional event, helping shoppers save on their favorite store brand products and select exclusive product lines. To participate, members of the retailer’s ExtraCare program simply scanned their cards at the ExtraCare Coupon Center and received a 30 percent off coupon each week, with a limit of one coupon per week.

May brought an exciting announcement from Seattle-based Bartell Drugs. The retailer announced that it created a new private brand to celebrate 125 years as a family-owned drugstore chain. Called Emerald & Spruce, the brand is said to reflect how customers view Bartell Drugs: approachable, unexpected, trusted and, most of all, authentic. The new brand’s name takes a cue from local surroundings, evoking the landscape and spirit of the Pacific Northwest and its “vibrant, eclectic blend of people.”

Also in May, CVS/pharmacy announced the launch of CVS/pharmacy Hospital Series wound-care products. Previously, these types of wound-care options were available only at hospitals and select specialty medical stores.

With June came a big announcement from CVS Health and Minneapolis-based Target Corp. They announced their entry into a definitive agreement whereby CVS Health would acquire Target’s pharmacy and clinic businesses for approximately $1.9 billion. CVS Health said it would operate the more than 1,660 pharmacies across 47 states through a store-within-a-store format, branded as CVS/pharmacy. In addition, a CVS/pharmacy location will be included in all new Target stores that offer pharmacy services. Target’s nearly 80 clinic locations will be rebranded as MinuteClinic, and CVS Health will open up to 20 new clinics in Target stores within three years of the close of the transaction.

In addition, CVS Health and Target said they plan to develop five to 10 small flexible-format stores over a two-year period following the deal close, each of which will be branded as TargetExpress and include a CVS/pharmacy.

In July, WBA said its board of directors named Stefano Pessina CEO. Pessina had been serving as acting CEO since January; he will continue to report to James Skinner, the company’s executive chairman.

And in August, Rite Aid promoted Ken Martindale from president and chief operating officer to the newly created position of CEO of Rite Aid stores. Martindale reports to John Standley, Rite Aid’s chairman and CEO, and retains his role as president.

Finally, in late October, WBA and Rite Aid said they entered into a definitive agreement under which WBA would acquire Rite Aid. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2016.

Mass merchandise channel

In November 2014, Fred’s Inc., Memphis, Tenn., announced that its board of directors promoted Jerry Shore to CEO. Prior to his promotion, Shore served as Fred’s executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer.

And Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer Inc. made an exciting announcement in November. According to a Nov. 8 Journal Sentinel article, Meijer said it plans to open four stores in Wisconsin in 2015 and three stores in 2016. The first Wisconsin stores will be in Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, Grafton and Kenosha. This will be the first time in 20 years that the retailer expanded into a new state. At the time, Meijer operated stores in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky.

Moving forward into January 2015, Target Corp., Minneapolis, said it planned to discontinue operating stores in Canada through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Target Canada Co. Target Canada at the time had 133 stores across the country and employed approximately 17,600 people.

And in late January, Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart said it partnered with Trident Seafoods Corp., Seattle, to offer more wild-caught Alaskan seafood to its customers in select stores in Alaska and Washington. “The Alaskan” brand is a new seafood brand created by Trident Seafoods that launched exclusively in Walmart stores.

In February, Target used its blog, A Bullseye View, to introduce a variety of new products. It began by introducing four exclusive brands of natural hair-care products, including ATTITUDE, a Canadian line for adults and kids; Renpure, a line made with natural ingredients such as Argan oil and coconut; SoCozy, the house line of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, Manhattan’s premier children’s hair salon; and SoapBox. The company behind the Soapbox brand donates a month’s supply of clean water to a community in need around the world for every product purchased.

Also in February, Target said it added ORLY Color AMP’D, an exclusive collection of 36 long-lasting nail lacquers. ORLY Color AMP’D is a professional nail care brand founded by Jeff Pink, inventor of the French manicure. The flexible color and sealcoat enable guests to achieve a salon-quality manicure at home in two easy steps, with no ultraviolet light required, and the smudge-fixing formula self-corrects minor dings and dents for a manicure that lasts more than a week.

Then in March, Target said it introduced two exclusive limited-edition beauty collections made in collaboration with beauty care guru Sonia Kashuk: Sahara Sunset and The Art of Beauty. Sahara Sunset is a luxe range of cosmetics inspired by the Saharan sunset. The Art of Beauty is a limited-edition collection of art-inspired beauty tools, accessories and cosmetic bags.

Also in March, Target announced an enhanced return policy covering all of its 32 own and exclusive brands, extending the return window to one year from the date of purchase. The retailer rolled out a one-year return guarantee for guests using its baby, college or wedding gift registry, too. This new policy is an adjustment from the previous 90-day limit. And guests who make purchases using Target’s REDcard receive an additional 30 days to make returns or exchanges.

In April, Target Canada Co. said it completed its inventory liquidation efforts and closed the last of its 133 Canadian retail stores to the public on April 12.

That same month, during a “strategic update” conference call for U.S. Walmart stores, Greg Foran, CEO of Walmart U.S., said that Walmart would be renewing its focus on its store brand products.

“While we are the largest private label player in the U.S., we can and should do more,” he said. “Our customers love it, and it delivers on our promise, but we’re not fulfilling our mission of ‘save money and live better’ if we don’t provide a more competitive price offering in some private label areas. We’ll sensibly lean into this opportunity, but never compromise on quality.”

Then in May, Mississauga, Ontario-based Walmart Canada agreed to acquire one distribution center, 12 store leases and one owned property formerly held by Target Canada for an aggregate of approximately CA$165 million. The retailer said it planned to hire approximately 3,400 new associates in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

Fast forward to July, when Target said it wanted to help guests celebrate their roots with Local Pride by Todd Snyder, a new collaboration featuring city-specific merchandise designed to celebrate hometown pride. Local Pride by Todd Snyder will feature everything from t-shirts and baseball caps to pint glasses, phone cases and locally relevant products. The collection’s first stop was Boston, with curated items that include Cape Cod potato chips, Beantown favorite marshmallow fluff, t-shirts featuring local baseball legend Carl “Yaz” Yastrzemski, and more.

August also was a busy month for exclusive product introductions at Target stores. The retailer partnered with Sonia Kashuk to debut a new skincare collection. The range is said to highlight the cornerstone of a good skincare routine, with luxurious cleansers, an exfoliating toner and a detoxifying mask, each formulated with innovative ingredients to deliver effective results.

Target and Sonia Kashuk also partnered that month (the ninth year in a row for the partnership) to offer an exclusive makeup brush set to raise money in support of the fight against breast cancer. The newly redesigned Proudly Pink Five-Piece Purse Brush Set will be available year-round, with 15 percent of the purchase price benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Target said.

Target then paired up with Andre Walker, Oprah’s hairstylist, to bring consumers an exclusive line of ethnic haircare products called Andre Walker Hair: The Gold System. The Gold System is a range of products for curly and textured locks.

In early September, Walmart said it launched the Pioneer Woman line of cookware, dinnerware, drinkware, bakeware and more. The exclusive line was created through a partnership with the star of the Food Network’s The Pioneer Woman show, Ree Drummond.

That same month, Meijer introduced its new better-for-you private brand. True Goodness by Meijer offers products that are free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. The brand replaces the Meijer Naturals and Meijer Organics brands and covers a wide range of food products.

“Everyone deserves to eat real food that’s real good,” the retailer stated. “True Goodness by Meijer brings you the taste and quality you want, without anything you don’t, so you don’t have to sacrifice flavor, value or nutrition to make smart choices for your family.”

A short time later, in October, Meijer said it appointed Rick Keyes as president. Keyes joined the company 26 years ago as a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio.

Club channel

In November 2014, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Westborough, Mass., said it named David Atkins vice president of own brands, a new position at the company. Atkins is responsible for brand strategy, marketing, analysis and further development of the Berkley Jensen and Wellsley Farms brands, which were recently redefined to span the total non-food and food portfolio.

Fast forward to April 2015, when Issaquah, Wash.-based Costco Wholesale Corp. announced in The Costco Connection that it switched from par-baked breads in the bakery to made-from-scratch breads. The Costco bakery introduced its new scratch bread program with Country French, Cranberry Walnut and Honey Multigrain boules. At times, Raisin Walnut boules are rotated into the assortment in place of the Cranberry Walnut product. The breads with “mix-ins” or inclusions use store brand products such as Kirkland Signature Walnuts, Kirkland Signature Honey and Kirkland Signature Olive Oil, the retailer said.

In the May issue of The Costco Connection, Costco revealed that unusual weather in Spain and Italy in 2014 reduced olive oil yields up to 40 percent compared to prior years. Therefore, Costco looked to other sources for its Kirkland Signature extravirgin olive oils. This resulted in several new olive oil products for members during the summer.

Meanwhile, Smart & Final, Commerce, Calif., announced two store brand contests during the month of May. One was its second annual “First Street Frozen Treat Cowdown,” which invited consumers to vote for their favorite First Street brand frozen treat for a chance to win a gift card. To enter, consumers had to comment on any daily contest-related Facebook posts. The other was its “Our Brands & Your Pics Photo Contest,” which invited fans to submit pictures of their favorite Smart & Final exclusive-brand product via the retailer’s Facebook page. Customers then voted for their favorite submissions. One grand-prize winner won a $1,000 Smart & Final gift card, and 10 runnerups won a $200 Smart & Final gift card.

At the beginning of September, BJ’s Wholesale Club said it appointed Christopher Baldwin president and chief operating officer. In his new role, Baldwin oversees merchandising, logistics, membership, marketing, and club operations. He also joined the retailer’s board of directors.

Dollar store channel

In November 2014, Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based Dollar General Corp. announced that it extended its offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Family Dollar Stores Inc., Matthews, N.C., for $80 per share in cash from Oct. 31 to Dec. 31.

Then In January 2015, Dollar General again extended its tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Family Dollar Stores to Jan. 30.

Dollar General also announced in January that Rick Dreiling would continue as chairman and CEO through Jan. 29, 2016, or upon appointment of a successor.

At this same time, Family Dollar said that its stockholders voted to approve the proposed merger with Dollar Tree Inc., Chesapeake, Va. Based on the preliminary count, approximately 84 million shares were voted in favor of the merger proposal.

In early April, Dollar Tree said that as part of its merger with Family Dollar, the FTC identified 340 stores, 40 more stores than the original estimate, for divestiture, representing approximately $47.4 million of operating income.

At the end of May, Dollar General said its board of directors promoted Todd Vasos, chief operating officer, to the position of CEO and elected him to the board. Vasos succeeded Rick Dreiling, chairman and CEO.

Then in June, Dollar General said its stores would begin to carry a variety of new store brand products. Under the Clover Valley brand, Dollar General began offering sour cream & onion-flavored potato chips, pineapple coconut water, and several varieties of nuts and seeds, including barbecue-flavored sunflower kernels, roasted and salted whole cashews, roasted and salted peanuts, honey roasted peanuts, roasted and unsalted peanuts, and mixed nuts containing less than 50 percent peanuts.

The retailer also said it introduced three varieties of candy under its Sweet Smiles brand. They include gummy strawberries, gummy cola bottles and sour fruit slices.

In early July, Dollar Tree said it completed its acquisition of Family Dollar.

“This is a transformational opportunity for our business to offer broader, more compelling merchandise assortments, with greater values, to a wider array of customers,” stated Bob Sasser, CEO. “This acquisition will extend our reach to low-income customers, while strengthening and diversifying our footprint.”

Also in July, Dollar Tree said it named Michael Witynski chief operating officer. Witynski is responsible for operations related to Dollar Tree-bannered stores in the United States, real estate for Dollar Tree-bannered stores in the United States and all retail operations and real estate in Canada.

Convenience store channel

In November 2014, Alimentation Couche-Tard, Laval, Quebec, an operator of convenience stores in North America and Europe, said it began testing sales of its private label coffee program during the summer in Sherbrooke, Quebec, and would expand the program to 20 locations in two different Canadian test markets in the coming months. The Canadian rollout of the Simply Great coffee program came after a successful rollout in Europe. The program in Europe boosted coffee sales in participating stores by more than 10 percent, the retailer said.

Also in November, Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. launched a line of over-the-counter (OTC) medications under its 7-Select brand. The products fall into five major categories: pain relief, cold/flu/allergy, gastrointestinal, cough/throat and sleep aids. Allegan, Mich.-based Perrigo supplies the products, the retailer said.

In December, The Pantry Inc., Cary, N.C., inked a merger agreement with Alimentation Couche-Tard. Under the terms of the deal, Couche-Tard acquired The Pantry in an all-cash transaction.

Then in January 2015, 7-Eleven introduced two premium better-for-you snack bars under a new private label brand: 7-Select GO!Smart. Each fruit and nut bar is drizzled with yogurt and contains fewer than 200 calories. The bars are available in Cranberry Cashew and Pistachio and Mixed Berries varieties.

In March, four months after announcing a merger agreement, The Pantry and Alimentation Couche-Tard said they competed their merger. Alimentation Couche-Tard now operates 7,800 stores in North America.

In early April, 7-Eleven Inc. said it introduced two melt sandwiches: the Italian Melt and the Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt. The new sandwiches are made fresh daily in local kitchens. They are toasted to go in store for each purchaser, typically taking less than a minute to toast.

Developing the sandwiches was an involved process that took almost a year, during which 7-Eleven researched, sourced, tested and, if necessary, refined ingredients, recipes and packaging types to improve taste and quality. According to Kelly Buckley, 7-Eleven’s vice president of fresh food innovation, the retailer evaluated 20 bread options — measuring 1,000 different buns — created 75 prospective sauces, tested multiple cheese varieties for “meltability” and built 50 sandwich varieties to find “that perfect recipe.”

To celebrate its anniversary on April 16, Wawa Inc., Wawa, Pa., gave away more than 1.5 million cups of any-size coffee chain-wide. The giveaway joined other initiatives, including celebrations throughout Wawa’s six-state operating area, the awarding of $1 million in Wawa Foundation grants, and more.

And in May, 7-Eleven said it agreed to acquire Tedeschi Food Shops Inc.’s approximately 182 convenience stores in the greater Boston area and in New Hampshire.

June was a busy month for new product introductions. 7-Eleven introduced 7-Select GO!Yum Premium Popcorn and 7-Select GO!Yum Premium Ice Cream. The store brand popcorn offers customers a variety of gluten-free flavors such as Sriracha, Bacon Ranch and Jalapeno Cheddar. The popcorn does not contain preservatives and is said to be air-popped. Meanwhile, 7-Select GO!Yum Premium Ice Cream is available in flavors such as Banana Cream Pie, Toasted S’mores and Double Cookie Dough. The ice cream is sold in pints.

That same month, 7-Eleven said it introduced the Faygo Rock & Rye Slurpee drink, the second Slurpee flavor inspired by one of the most popular flavors of Michigan’s Faygo Beverages Inc., a regional “pop” company. The new Slurpee flavor is available at approximately 300 7-Eleven stores in Michigan and Ohio.

In early July, 7-Eleven announced a week of freebies for customers at participating 7-Eleven stores. Dubbed 7Rewards Week, the event kicked off with 7-Eleven Day on Saturday, July 11. Customers received a free small Slurpee between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

From July 12 through July 18, customers received a store brand freebie — a 7-Select item under $2 — every time they purchased a coffee, Chillers Iced Coffee, Slurpee or Big Gulp item and scanned their 7-Eleven app.

In August 2015, 7-Eleven closed on the acquisition of approximately 180 Tedeschi Food Shops. 7-Eleven said it made job offers to employees working at the stores and most non-store personnel of Tedeschi Food Shops.

Then in late September, 7-Eleven said it launched its own brand of coffee for single-serve brewing systems. The single-serve brew cups are available in two package sizes: an eight-pack for $3.99 and a two-pack for 99 cents.

The larger packs are available in three of 7-Eleven’s most popular blends, including Exclusive Blend, 100% Colombian and seasonal Pumpkin Spice. The two-pack varieties are available in 7-Eleven’s Exclusive Blend and Pumpkin Spice flavors. All varieties of 7-Eleven’s single-serve coffee are made from the same 100 percent Arabica beans as the brewed coffee available in its stores, 7-Eleven said.

Other channels

In December 2014, Seattle-based e-commerce company Amazon.com Inc. announced the launch of Amazon Elements, a private brand line of premium everyday essentials with transparent origins. Exclusively available to Amazon Prime members, the line offered an “unprecedented level of information” that explained where and when items were made, why each ingredient was included, each ingredient’s origin and more — all at customers’ fingerprints from the time they start their shopping experience to the point of delivery. Plus, each Amazon Elements package had a unique code that could be scanned using Amazon.com’s mobile shopping app to track its specific ingredients and their origins, its date and place of manufacture, date of delivery, “best by” date and more. The first products to the line were Amazon Elements diapers and baby wipes.

But just one month later, in an e-mail to subscribers of its Amazon Elements Soft & Cozy Diapers, Amazon.com said it pulled the diapers temporarily from its selection to make improvements based on early customer feedback. The retailer stopped all current subscriptions to the diapers and, as a thank-you gift to subscribers, applied a $25 promotional credit to subscribers’ accounts.