Albertson's

The pumps are churning across the flooded lands of the Gulf Coast. As the deadly waters recede, however, challenges to authorities, residents, and business owners remain at critical levels. The urgency of protecting hurricane victims from disease reached new heights yesterday, as New Orleans officials said that floodwater has been contaminated with E. coli bacteria. Bottled water vendors, including Trinity Springs, and many grocery retailers, have shipped donated bottled water to the affected areas, while relief agencies work diligently to provide safe, clean water.

BOISE, Idaho -- Adding more firepower to its premium store brand mix, Albertsons based here is rolling out Wild Harvest all natural ground beef products in its Philadelphia-based Acme Markets and Chicago-based Jewel-Osco divisions.

FULLERTON, Calif. -- To commemorate its 60th anniversary, Albertson's pharmacy banner Sav-on Drugs and its associates have pledged to donate $60,000 and 60,000 volunteer hours to non-profit organizations in the communities it serves.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The mating of state-run liquor outlets with grocery stores continues in Pennsylvania. The state's Liquor Control Board here recently approved plans to open two new One Stop Shops, which are the full-service wine and spirits stores it has been placing within grocery stores. The two new outlets will be in suburban Philadelphia.

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- After years of attempts at negotiating a solution to rising credit card transaction fees, the Kroger Co. here is leading a group of major chains in taking the issue to the courts, in a bid to force at least one credit card company to answer for its policies.

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons, Inc. said Friday it was making crucial changes in its organizational structure, increasing the responsibilities of certain senior executives designed in order to enhance execution and drive efficiency improvements.

Shrink prevention requires policing, but the solutions must go much deeper into a grocer's operation and culture. Here's a procedural from an expert.

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons, Inc. here said Sue Klug will assume s.v.p./sales and merchandising duties for the chain¿s California food division on May 23.