Target, Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Discount retailer Target Corp. here said that as part of its intensifying battle against chief rival Wal-Mart, it plans to expand its food offerings. The 1,239-unit discounter said it will incorporate larger food sections into most of its stores which, when the project is complete, will have as much as 50 percent more space for food than is now typical.

CHICAGO -- In an effort to entice grocers to build stores in inner-city neighborhoods, city officials here said they are willing to offer tax incentives and job-training to grease the skids.

Cookies - trans fats + whole grains = $$

NEW YORK -- Bi-Lo/Bruno's, Pathmark, and Target are among the retailers preparing to celebrate Black History Month in February, via a variety of educational events and promotions.

DAYVILLE, Conn. -- As part of its strategic initiative to enhance management depth and capitalize on growth opportunities, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), based here, said yesterday that v.p. of distribution Michael D. Beaudry had been appointed president of the eastern region, effective immediately. In his new role Beaudry reports directly to United Natural Foods e.v.p. and c.o.o. Richard Antonelli, and guides day-to-day operations and customer support for the company's eastern region.

GRAND RAPIDS Mich. -- Meijer Inc. here is among the finalists for two gold awards, in the Retail Advertising & Marketing Association's (RAMA) 2006 Retail Award for Creativity innovation and excellence (RACie).

Some are painfully obvious, others will blindside you. But nontraditional competition means much more than Wal-Mart, and each grocer must decide which suspects most bear watching.

MINNEAPOLIS -- In a bid to connect with its customers through technology, Target Corp. here is now offering to send cell phone text messages to SuperTarget shoppers who register on the retailer's Web site, according to published reports. The service started two weeks ago.