Winter Holidays

BOISE, Idaho - Albertson's, Inc. said yesterday it has set a goal of raising a record $1 million in cash and product donations this holiday season for donation to more than 75 food banks across the country.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Price Chopper, a 42-store banner of Associated Wholesale Grocers, is reporting tremendous response to its 'KC's Heroes' program to send "comfort items" items to troops from the Kansas City metro area who are serving in Iraq. As Price Chopper matches all donations item for item, the more than two tons of items so far collected translates to over four tons total.

CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. and Kraft Foods have contributed $550,000 to help feed hungry families in communities served by the grocer, thanks to the help of shoppers across the country.

Schnucks always finds space for strong in-and-out video programs.

MILWAUKEE - Roundy's, Inc. said last week it has started selling gift cards for popular national retailers, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, and other businesses at its Pick 'n Save, Copps Food Center, and Rainbow Foods supermarkets in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Shares of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. declined in pre-market trading today following the company's reduction of its November sales forecast, raising doubts of a huge holiday shopping season, according to published reports.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. reported a 12 percent decline in profit and only a slight increase in same-store sales for the third quarter.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - Many U.S. consumers say they are short on cash this holiday season, which could point to a holiday selling period that's moderate at best, according to a new study from ACNielsen, a provider of consumer and marketplace information.