Top Retailers

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday announced the resignation of Don Keprta, president of its Chicago-area Dominick's Finer Foods division. 

"Don has contributed significantly to the Dominick's stores. His commitment and innovation helped the stores evolve to best serve the Chicagoland customers,” stated Steve Burd, Safeway chairman, president and CEO. “We are fortunate that he has produced a team that is prepared to continue to build on our current momentum.”

CARLISLE, Pa. — The U.S. subsidiary of Dutch supermarket operator Royal Ahold is hoping to attract local and diverse suppliers to its stores in the markets in which it operates.

Ahold USA said Thursday that it had its first annual Local/Diverse Business Opportunity Fair last month. The fair attracted participants from more than 140 companies that were given the opportunity to have their products reviewed by Ahold USA procurement teams for placement in more than 750 stores throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is launching new flavors of its private-label Thrifty Ice Cream in California stores, the retail pharmacy chain said Wednesday.

The launch comes ahead of National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, which President Ronald Reagan launched in 1984.

MINNEAPOLIS — Responding to customer feedback, Procter & Gamble announced that it has improved its Pampers Cruisers diaper line to include improved softness, a 20% longer absorbent patch and new "Sesame Street" designs.

"We are really excited to offer these new and improved diapers," said Tricia Higgins for Pampers external relations. "We have listened to what parents really like about our diapers and responded by adding those features, such as the softness from Swaddlers, to our Cruisers diapers, which are available in sizes 3 and 4."

DEERFIELD, Ill. — The board of directors of Walgreens on Wednesday increased the quarterly dividend 28.6% — the largest quarterly dividend increase in the company's 110-year history — to 22.5 cents per share from the previous rate of 17.5 cents per share.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Wednesday launched a new website in support of its Comforts line of baby products, the grocer announced. 

ComfortsForBaby.com will enable busy moms to access and exchange ideas online, offering a community where mothers can share their insights and experiences parenting newborns, infants and toddlers. The website is available in English and Spanish, with the Hispanic microsite specifically designed to engage Latina moms. 

CARLISLE, Pa. — The U.S. subsidiary of Dutch supermarket operator Royal Ahold has appointed Raymond McCall SVP pharmacy and health and beauty care, the company said Wednesday.

McCall will be responsible for strategic leadership, direction and business plan design and execution for the pharmacy and health and beauty care teams for Ahold USA, which operates the Giant-Carlisle, Giant-Landover and Stop & Shop chains. He will be based out of the company’s Carlisle, Pa., support office.

ORLANDO — The Network of Executive Women will induct the first group of honorees into the newly created CPG Retail Diversity Hall of Fame on Monday, Sept. 19, as part of the organization’s annual Leadership Summit.