Walmart

The troubles of toy category killers may be a break for supermarket operators -- if they play the game well.

The flavored malt beverage category slowed down in 2004, but for supermarkets it's still a great draw to the beer aisle.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Publix is keeping its shoppers satisfied in terms of quality, service, and price, while Wal-Mart supercenters may have some work to do when it comes to those first two measures, according to the University of Michigan's latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), released today.

With everybody trying to get ethnic at retail, supermarkets have to fight harder than ever to stake their claim.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- PromoWorks, LLC, a leading provider of in-store sampling and retail-entertainment events and promotions, has launched what it says is the first national demonstrator identification and performance tracking system in the industry.

NEW YORK -- Smart Supplier to Wal-Mart, a new VNU Business Media Web site dedicated to covering the marketing, merchandising, logistics, technology, and supply chain strategies of the world's largest retailer, has launched. The subscription-based site, www.vnusmartsupplier.com, offers a complete archive of Wal-Mart-related news and analysis from VNU Business Media's leading business-to-business magazine and Web site brands, including Progressive Grocer and Convenience Store News; original reporting and insight from Smart Supplier's award-winning retail editors; and exclusive consumer research and product sales data from leading research firms, including ACNielsen.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. ¿ Wal-Mart Canada here said yesterday it plans to close one of its two unionized stores in Quebec this spring, citing economic reasons.

LOVELAND, Colo. -- Workers in the auto service department at the Wal-Mart here will vote Friday, Feb. 25 on whether they want to be represented by a union.