Nonfoods

SEATTLE - In the wake of national headlines about flu vaccine shortages, PCC Natural Markets here is joining forces with several natural food and health product manufacturers to donate "Wellness Baskets" containing natural flu prevention and treatment alternatives to fire stations and food banks throughout the greater Seattle area today.

TROY, MI & HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL ¿ Combine "Sears" and "Kmart" and you get "smart." And smart is what experts have already labeled the November 17 announcement that Kmart and Sears would merge in an $11 billion deal. The new company, Sears Holding Co., gives each retailer the best of both worlds in merchandise, talent and locations.

DALLAS - Whole Foods Market plans to carry several items from the Dogswell product line of premium dog treats at stores in its Southern Pacific region.

WASHINGTON - New government limits on the sales of hundreds of cough and cold remedies could cause big problems for the food industry, Marsh Supermarkets s.v.p. of government affairs Joseph Heerens testified today before the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources.

NEW YORK - From 1999 through 2004, sales of mainstream Mexican and authentic Hispanic convenience foods such as entrees and hand-held items have grown 103 percent, according to "The U.S. Market for Hispanic Foods and Beverages," a new market research report from Packaged Facts.

READING, Pa. - Executives from Redner's Markets, Inc. yesterday welcomed members of the community to the company's new location in Oxford, Pa. during a public open house to preview and become acquainted with its latest Warehouse Market, which officially opens for business today.

For smaller retailers especially, the discipline can still be somewhat of a mystery.

SEATTLE - Mariners Gift Cards, the first single, stored-value gift cards to be offered by a major league baseball team, will be available Nov. 22 not only at all seven Mariners Team Stores in Washington state, but also at 150 Safeway supermarkets in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, according to published reports.