Top Retailers

WASHINGTON — The Partnership for a Healthier America, together with First Lady Michelle Obama, on Wednesday afternoon hosted a press conference announcing that leading grocery retailers have committed to bring healthy, affordable food to nearly 10 million people over the next five years in the form of new and expanded stores in areas that desperately need them.

PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. — A Giant Food location in Phoenixville, Pa., opened its new gas station Wednesday, Carlisle, Pa.-based Giant said.

Royal Ahold-owned Giant, also known as Giant-Carlisle — to distinguish it from Landover, Md.-based Giant Food, owned by the same company — said the station would have eight pumps.

WASHINGTON — First Lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday afternoon will be joined by corporate chiefs from Walmart, Walgreens and Supervalu, as well as smaller regional market chains, as she announces a new initiative to support the Let's Move! campaign, according to a Monday posting on the blog site Obama Foodorama.

CINCINNATI — Kroger banner Smith's has a new president.

Mark Tuffin will succeed Jim Hallsey, who is retiring from his post after 47 years of service with Smith's and Kroger, the supermarket retailer announced Tuesday. Hallsey served in his role as president of Smith's since 2001.

Tuffin, who most recently served as Kroger's VP transition, leading the company's efforts to implement significant organizational changes between all areas of the business, brings more than 30 years of experience to his new role. Tuffin joined Smith's in 1996.

NEW ORLEANS — Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, has entered a collaborative agreement with Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and LSU Healthcare Network to enhance coordination of care in the greater New Orleans region.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart is putting an emphasis on value in its latest back-to-school campaign.

The retailer's "Epic Year, Epic You!" campaign seeks to meet customers' evolving BTS needs. In addition to underscoring its convenient buying options — including the buy online, pick up in store option and in-store layaway program — Kmart is offering college students and their parents the ability to reserve purchases by making four payments throughout the summer and allowing students to pick up items at a Kmart store near their campus.

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. — Dana Classic Fragrances has announced that it is re-releasing two of its popular fragrances: Love's Fresh Lemon and Love's Soft Jasmin.

The fragrances had very strong consumer loyalty throughout the '70s and '80s and, according to the company, their re-release has been requested and blogged about by fragrance users for several years.

Both fragrances will be available in 1.5-oz./ 45-mL body mists and will be featured at CVS stores in August.

NEW YORK — Rumors have been circulating that Walmart may be out to buy Rite Aid, though nothing has been confirmed yet, according to published reports.