SpartanNash Co.

Nash Finch Co. will take an approximately $70 million charge in fiscal 2009 to lower the value of its retail business on its balance sheet.

As part of its ongoing distribution network optimization efforts, Spartan Stores, Inc. will consolidate its distribution centers in the company’s Grand Rapids, Mich., home base, which could result in the planned closure of a dry grocery warehouse in Plymouth, Mich., by the end of March and the transfer of 138 union jobs.

Nash Finch Co. has sealed a deal to acquire a 400,000-square-foot distribution facility in Columbus, Ga., for its distribution business serving military commissaries and exchanges that the Minneapolis-based food distributor said represents a $20 million investment in the first three years of operation.

Michigan-area food pantries will be getting an early Christmas present, thanks to a partnership between D&W Fresh Market, VG’s, Plumb’s, Tom’s and Oleson’s and its poultry supplier, Miller Poultry, which will distribute 20,000 pounds of frozen chicken drumsticks this week.

In a bid to help arm its corporate-owned retail associates and independent retailers with innovative ideas and aggressive attitudes amid a challenging and competitive economic cycle, Spartan Stores recently hosted two events aimed at enhancing consumers’ shopping experience and driving sales and profitability.

A lawsuit settlement and greater sales from its military segment helped Nash Finch nearly triple its third-quarter profits alongside a 15 percent gain in sales during the 16-week period ended Oct. 10, 2009.

Spartan Stores, Inc.’s earnings declined 2 percent in the 12-week second quarter ended Sept. 12, 2009 to $10.4 million, or 47 cents a share, down from $10.6 million, or 48 cents a share, while sales fell to $610 million from $627 million a year earlier.

As the latest grocery company to launch a program to help consumers make informed choices at the supermarket shelf, Spartan Stores has rolled out a new color-coded labeling system for its multi-banner supermarkets.