SpartanNash Co.

MINNEAPOLIS - Nash Finch has promoted LeAnne Matthews Stewart to s.v.p., c.f.o., and treasurer from her former post as v.p. and controller.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has unveiled its strategy for store growth for the fiscal year beginning Feb. 1, 2005. The company's current expansion plans are in line with its aggressive growth strategy in recent years.

LOS ANGELES - As part of its strategy to become the nation's leading supplier of low-carb foods and beverages, Sunset Brands, Inc. yesterday announced it has completed the acquisition of Vancouver, Wash.-based Low Carb Creations, Inc., one of the nation's premier low-carb food manufacturers.

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. - Fresh Brands, Inc. has appointed William E. May Jr. as a new independent director. "We are pleased to announce Bill's appointment to our board of directors," Walter G. Winding III, Fresh Brands' independent chairman of the board, said in a statement. "Bill has substantial experience in the supermarket industry and brings us an outside industry perspective and a great deal of practical industry experience. I strongly believe that Bill will be an excellent addition to our board."

MINNEAPOLIS - National food distributor and retailer Nash Finch Company said yesterday that it experienced a $15.6 million net loss for the second quarter ended June 19, due in part to a charge of $24.3 million, or $1.96 a share, from closing 18 of its stores, including three under its now-defunct Avanza banner.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. - Felpausch, a family- and associate-owned retail chain, has rolled out its new concept store, Zucca's by Felpausch.

Small retailers can reap big sales by paying more attention to their produce departments.

MINNEAPOLIS - National food retailer and distributor Nash Finch Co. said yesterday that the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota has dismissed with prejudice the securities class action filed against the company and some of its executive officers in June 2003, which consolidated eight separate class actions previously filed in late 2002 and early 2003.