Trading Partners

When it comes to all-natural and organic foods, today’s consumers are wiser to the differences than most marketers might think and eager to purchase them if the price is right. More than three-quarters of respondents in a recent survey said they’d prefer to purchase organic and all-natural goods if those items were comparably priced with other leading brands.

Regional independent Giant Eagle, Inc., received three awards from the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership for its efforts in energy savings and sustainable practices in its stores.

Meijer, Inc. has stepped up to the grandstand to support the upcoming Detroit International Jazz Festival by donating funds for an education stage and a family-friendly “Kid Bop” area at THE free Labor Day musical event.

The Grocery Shopping Network (GSN) has hired Robert Krajeski, formerly of Supervalu, as its new VP of Digital Marketing.

In this fourth of a six-part series, Dave Nazaruk, senior vice president, retail business development for StayWell/MediMedia USA, the world’s leading provider of patient education and consumer health information, continues his exploration of the role of retail in revolutionizing health care and the economy.

Today’s 60-somethings are a far cry from the Depression-era seniors who are just a decade older. Buoyed by higher socioeconomic standing, aging boomers continue to embrace material goods, health and fashion with more fervor than their older brethren. This means big bucks for the anti-aging segment of the skincare industry.

Jeff Noddle, executive chairman of Minneapolis-based Supervalu, was inducted into the Minnesota Grocers Association’s (MGA) Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who are outstanding in their field and have contributed to the well-being of others over a long career in the state’s food retail industry.

The most recent Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) Times & Trends Report, “Channel Migration: The Blurring of Shopper Loyalty,” has unearthed several recession-spurred changes in consumer shopping patterns across departments, categories and consumer segments, such as a shift to supercenters by value-minded shoppers.