Meijer

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Mass merchandise chain Meijer operates one of the largest all-clean diesel vehicle fleets in North America, the company said Monday.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer, which runs 203 stores in the Midwest and Kentucky, said its fleet used various technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 60%. The company, which has 170 semi trucks, said its fleet was the first in North America to implement the federal clean emissions standards that feature near-zero emissions technology.

LOS ANGELES — Albertsons has placed an order for what is being called the "first true food bar" for dogs.

All American Pet Co. said Friday it received an order from the grocer for NutraBars, which are designed to be high in protein and low in fat, and are made in the United States.

The company said it also was expecting an order for Chewies Dog Treats, which are all-natural and made with peanuts, cheese and bacon. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 1,119 stores under 12 banners in 29 states.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer expects its pharmacists to administer 40% more flu shots this season than last year due to increased demand, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based chain, which operates 203 stores in the Midwest, said walk-in services and new options for flu shots had made it easier and more appealing for families to get vaccinated.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer has become the latest retailer to address the need many consumers have for more information about the health insurance exchanges that are part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — As part of the Black Chill product launch, Unilever’s Axe is whisking away nine winners — and their friends — to the ultimate winter adventure, the Axe Black Chill Challenge.

In March of 2014, selected winners will head to Sweden to take part in a series of extreme winter-themed sport activities, such as husky sleigh safaris, snowmobile expeditions through the Alpine Tundra and combat-copter flights overlooking Sweden's Archipelago, to see if they have what it takes to keep their cool in the most intense of situations.

TROY, Mich. — Five regional retailers — including mass-merchandisers Meijer and Fred Meyer — are selling a mobile point-of-sale credit card processing system compatible with most smartphones and tablets in their stores.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Walmart and Target are ramping up offerings of private-label products directed at multicultural and health-conscious consumers, according to a new study.

The findings were part of a study by market research firm Packaged Facts on mass merchandisers, "The Supercenter Grocery Shopper: U.S. Consumer Patterns at Walmart, Target, Meijer and Fred Meyer." The report noted that mass merchandisers in recent years have marketed private-label food and beverage products that rival those of national brands in price, value and quality.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer will fund local food pantries by doubling every customer's $10 donation next month, the mass-merchandise retailer said.

As part of the spring "Simply Give" campaign, the company will double donations made April 12-13 to restock shelves of pantries that were depleted during the holidays. Meijer said customers have donated nearly $5 million — equal to 30 million meals — since November 2008.