KROGER

MINNEAPOLIS — Despite an overall decrease in free standing insert coupon activity, retailer promotion pages within the FSI vehicles recorded a 30.7% increase to more than 17 billion pages in 2011, continuing the significant annual increases in retailer promotion activity, which began in 2007, Kantar Media reported Wednesday.

Overall, the number of free-standing insert coupons distributed through 2011 dropped 6.5% compared with 2010. This decline in FSI coupon activity followed two consecutive years of annual increases of 8% in 2009 and 7.2% in 2010.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Thursday announced that four of the UFCW/multi-employer pension funds to which the company contributes will merge into a new fund, effective Jan. 1. This new arrangement is expected to reduce Kroger's annual pension contribution expense and will secure the pension benefits of more than 65,000 Kroger associates.

Optimism, skepticism, confidence and concern were among the range of emotions shared by Walmart suppliers who participated in the second annual Walmart Supplier Survey conducted by Drug Store News’ sister publication Connecting Northwest Arkansas.


(To view the full results of the Walmart Supplier Survey, click here.)

TRENTON, N.J. — Six retailers on Wednesday filed suit naming Wyeth and Teva Pharmaceuticals as defendants and alleging that the defendants unlawfully delayed the entry of generic versions of Wyeth's antidepressant Effexor XR (venlafaxine). A summons was issued to Wyeth and Teva on Thursday.

The retailers include Ahold USA, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Supervalu and Walgreens. The companies are suing for three-times damages plus attorneys fees.

Wyeth was acquired by Pfizer in October 2009.

LOS ANGELES — Kroger banner Ralphs has kicked off its annual hunger donation campaign at its stores.

Through Dec. 31, customers may purchase $1, $3 and $5 hunger donation cards to benefit their local Feeding America affiliate in Southern California. The program is part of Ralphs' "Bringing Hope to the Table" initiative, which works to reduce hunger in communities across the region.

PLANO, Texas — Crossmark, a sales and marketing services company in the consumer goods industry, is acquiring New Concepts in Marketing, a move that will add to Crossmark’s events and shopper marketing capabilities and create the largest in-store marketing services company in North America.
 


CINCINNATI — Kroger posted its 32nd consecutive same-store sales gains as the grocer continues to grab market share due to a combination of a customer service initiative and value pricing.

CINCINNATI — Kroger announced that it once again will support The Salvation Army by kicking off its annual Red Kettle campaign.

"Through the familiar Red Kettles, our customers and associates are able to make small donations that, added together, make a big difference for local families and individuals," Kroger group VP corporate affairs Lynn Marmer said. "We value our long-standing partnership with The Salvation Army and the impact this campaign has for our neighbors in need."