Nonfoods

BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday its October same-store sales rose a modest 0.5 percent in the U.S., which was below its already lowered expectations, and represented the smallest gain in more than two years.

NATICK, Mass. -- BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. yesterday posted October 2006 sales of $602.6 million, a 2.5 percent rise from the $588.1 million reported in the year-ago period. However, despite a strong showing from some grocery categories, comparable-club sales declined 0.7 percent for the month, including a negative impact from gas sales of 2.5 percent.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Price Chopper Supermarkets here has become the first independently owned retailer to sign on to sell Wild Oats branded natural and organic products. The grocer will carry "hundreds" of the super natural chain's items at all 115 of its stores in six Northeastern states.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Price Chopper Supermarkets here has become the first independently owned retailer to sign on to sell Wild Oats branded natural and organic products. The grocer will carry "hundreds" of the super natural chain's items at all 115 of its stores in six Northeastern states.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - To commemorate the kickoff of November National Diabetes Awareness Month, Spartan Stores here and Old Orchard Brands unveiled an in-store program to highlight the need for effective prevention, detection and treatment of diabetes.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- B&G Foods, Inc. here, a manufacturer and distributor of shelf-stable specialty foods, yesterday said it was promoting Vanessa Maskal to the position of e.v.p. of sales. Maskal will take over from David Burke, who is retiring after a 41-year career in the food and consumer products industries, 16 of them spent with B&G.

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- Price Chopper Supermarkets here has become the first independently owned retailer to sign on to sell Wild Oats branded natural and organic products. The grocer will carry "hundreds" of the super natural chain's items at all 115 of its stores in six Northeastern states.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- B&G Foods, Inc. here, a manufacturer and distributor of shelf-stable specialty foods, yesterday said it was promoting Vanessa Maskal to the position of e.v.p. of sales. Maskal will take over from David Burke, who is retiring after a 41-year career in the food and consumer products industries, 16 of them spent with B&G.