Nonfoods

TORONTO -- Mainly due to charges relating to an ongoing restructuring, first quarter earnings at Loblaw Cos., Ltd. here nosedived by CAN $86 million (US $77 million), or 61.4 percent, to CAN $54 million (US $49 million), compared to CAN $140 million (US $126 million) in the year-ago period, the retailer said yesterday.

CARTERET, N.J. -- Pathmark's first "Go Fresh, Go Local" unit, embodying the chain's latest branding and merchandising initiatives, is a prototype that will seed future strategic remodels, several of which are in "the planning process" and should be completed by the end of the year, Pathmark's spokesman, Rich Savner, told Progressive Grocer yesterday.