Walmart

Despite the gloom of the recession that enveloped the nation last year, with its impact still being felt, U.S. consumers haven’t given up on chocolate, even as they cut back on other frills and took steps to curtail spending in virtually every way possible.

While there are recent signs that the U.S. economy has righted itself and is on a path to recovery, the road ahead faces significant headwinds that will make a true reversal protracted.

Wegmans Food Markets and Costco, Inc. have been chosen the best grocery retailers in a consumer survey conducted by global customer intelligence solutions company Market Force Information, Inc.

Retailers must improve the usability of their mobile Web sites if they want more consumers to use them, according to a new study from San Mateo, Calif.-based mobile and Internet research firm Keynote Competitive Research.

In a bid to give more autonomy to executives in regional markets, reinvigorate growth and leverage its global scale to reduce costs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is realigning its U.S. operations by aligning its three operating divisions.

In the wake of hiring an independent marketing firm to perform in-store demonstrations at its Sam’s Clubs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will cut 11,200 jobs at the division, according to published reports.

Although some experts are forecasting that national brands will rebound as the recession eases this year, a retail analyst expects store brands to keep gaining market share, the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s PLMA e-Scanner newsletter reported.

U.S.-based store brands are benefiting big time from the current economic downturn. As consumers continue to turn to better prices and value, retailers have clearly stepped up their game by enhancing their brands’ overall product quality and by adding strong marketing muscle behind store-brand initiatives.