Trading Partners

New York, NY - Today's global consumers connect with brand franchises that symbolize trust, offer a specific expertise, and group products logically, according to a study released today by ACNielsen, the world's leading marketing information company.

NEW YORK - Less than two months after losing its biggest supply contract to Kmart Corp., Fleming Cos. Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection this morning, according court papers filed in Delaware.

NEW YORK - Fleming Cos. is reportedly talking to vendors about "near-term liquidity constraints" while it seeks alternative financing which, if it does not receive, may cause uncertainty about its ability to do business, Reuters reports.

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - Albertsons will begin implementing UCCnet's item registration and data synchronization services for its more than 2,300 retail stores in 31 states nationwide, according to officials from both companies. UCCnet says Boise-based Albertsons is one of the first major U.S. food retailers to implement its registration and synchronization services.

TROY, Mich. - Bankrupt discount retailer Kmart Corp. here lost $3.22 billion for the last fiscal year, but still expects to emerge from bankruptcy by April 30. The retailer also said it has completed its switch from Fleming as its grocery supplier.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., -- While IT spending by the U.S. retail industry decreased by 3.4% in 2002 from the prior year, IDC anticipates that IT spending will increase again in the retail industry in 2003 and reach $29.6 billion by 2007, representing a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%.

LAS VEGAS --Barrington Foods International, Inc., announced today they have begun a strategic alliance with Sierra Products Group, Inc. Sierra Products Group is an approved vendor for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and numerous other mass retailers.

CHICAGO -- Bankrupt retailer Kmart Corp. and its former grocery supplier, Fleming Cos. have reached a settlement over money Fleming says it is owed by Kmart, the Detroit Free Press reported on Friday.