Nonfoods

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Building on what it said was an already strong store brand wine program, Sam's Club here said it was expanding its selection of private brand wines this month with two new reds, to 370 warehouse club locations spanning 40 states.The two red wines comprising the rollout are Elder Vine Shiraz, Australia 2002 (approx. $12); and Bodega Jario Rioja Reserva Rioja, Spain 1998 (approx. $13).

SPOKANE, Wash. -- At a time when San Francisco and some other cities are considering imposing fees on grocery bags to cut down on pollution from bag waste, Yoke's Fresh Markets here is set to become the first grocery chain in the nation to offer 100 percent degradable plastic bags that the company says are just as strong as nondegradable bags and can still be reused.

NEW YORK -- While many of the banners under Boise, Idaho-based grocer Albertson's umbrella may feel like local grocers to shoppers, it is the unified action taking place behind the scenes that will sharpen the retail conglomerates competitive edge in coming years, Felicia Thornton, the company's e.v.p. and c.f.o. told attendees at the Banc of America Securities 2005 Consumer Conference yesterday.

NEW YORK -- Kroger Co. intends to throw its own weight around to compete against big supercenter competition, said the chain's c.f.o., Michael Schlotman, yesterday at the Banc of America Securities 2005 Consumer Conference here.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- At a time when San Francisco and some other cities are considering imposing fees on grocery bags to cut down on pollution from bag waste, Yoke's Fresh Markets here is set to become the first grocery chain in the nation to offer 100 percent degradable plastic bags that the company says are just as strong as nondegradable bags and can still be reused.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich -- Gregory Josefowicz, president and c.e.o. of Borders Group, will leave his board position at Spartan Stores, Inc. later this year during the distributor's annual shareholder meeting Aug. 10.

NEW YORK -- Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market opened its doors across from Manhattan's Union Square Park here yesterday, with a uniquely-designed three-story unit at the location of a former Bradlee's discount department store.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich -- Gregory Josefowicz, president and c.e.o. of Borders Group, will leave his board position at Spartan Stores, Inc. later this year during the distributor's annual shareholder meeting Aug. 10.