Target, Inc.

WASHINGTON -- Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. finished first in customer service among food and drug retailers in a new survey of nearly 9,000 consumers.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Despite higher revenues, Target Corp. here said it recorded an 18 percent slip in earnings for the third quarter. Food played a role in sales gains for the period, however.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Earth Fare continues to spread its own version of supernatural marketing in the South. Just weeks after the debut of its first Charlotte location, the chain said yesterday it plans a second Charlotte location in the South Park section, and added it will also open a second store in its home town here.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- D&W Food Centers Inc. here is eliminating 150 jobs in an effort to remain competitive. The staff cuts amount to about 10 percent of the regional grocer's workforce, and include positions at the executive level and corporate facilities, as well as in 20 retail locations in West Michigan that are owned by the Robert Woodrick family.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Upscale discounter Target Corp. here celebrated its greatest amount of grand openings ever this weekend, with 60 new Target stores cropping up literally from coast to coast.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target Corp. here reported same-store sales were up 5.6 percent in September, which bettered Wall Street's expectations for the chain. Food was one of the major categories credited with the positive performance for the month.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Mass merchandiser Target Corp. here said Tuesday evening that Gerald Storch, its vice chairman, has left the company, effective immediately. The company did not give a reason for Storch's departure.

SEATTLE -- The governor-proclaimed Washington Wine Month drove $4.6 million in wine sales in the Western Washington and Spokane markets during the month of August, representing a 28 percent increase over August 2004 sales.