Samuel J. Associates

Ahold Delhaize USA has appointed Sanja Krajnovic, whose previous role was EVP, ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation, its chief supply chain officer, and Keith Nicks, whose prior position was chief digital officer, its chief commercial and digital officer.   “Given the scope of her role leading one of the largest supply chains on the East Coast, with more than 20 distribution centers and an expansive transportation network, it is important to have Sanja and her teams represented within our U.S. leadership group,” noted J.J. Fleeman, CEO of Salisbury, N.C.-based Ahold Delhaize USA. “Sanja has helped further solidify our self-distribution model as a competitive edge in the markets where the U.S. brands operate, with nearly 90% of our network now self-distributed. I’m confident she will continue to add value in this role, applying a strategic approach to supply chain management and partnering with each of the brands to advance their local brand strategies and growth.”

After a thorough search, URM Stores Inc has named Roger White as its next CEO and president, effective June 1. White, a seasoned industry leader with more than 30 years of experience, will bring his commitment to independent grocers to URM. A Pacific Northwest native, White began his grocery career at Albertsons Cos. in Boise before joining Associated Food Stores in Salt Lake City, where he led teams across advertising, marketing, merchandising, category management, private label, retail support, procurement, warehousing and transportation. “I am humbled and honored to join URM, an organization with over a century of commitment to independent grocers and the communities they serve,” White said. “I look forward to helping build upon URM’s incredible legacy and to collaborate with their talented team and impressive member-owners.”

SpartanNash has appointed Jay Mahabir as vice president of retail operations, effective immediately, the grocery retailer and wholesaler announced Monday. Mahabir, who is joining SpartanNash from Meijer, will be in charge of retail operations at about 200 SpartanNash-operated grocery stores in 10 states. At Meijer, Mahabir was responsible for operations in the Detroit area for more than a decade, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously served in store leadership positions for Lowe’s and Target, according to the announcement. “We will continue to enhance our shopping experience by focusing on freshness, value and convenience, and Jay will play a critical role in leading this work,” SpartanNash Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Officer Djouma Barry said in a statement.

During the 11-day labor action at 79 King Soopers stores in Colorado, union workers raised concerns about alleged unfair labor practices at the chain. King Soopers and the union came to an agreement that ended the strike, and both sides committed to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith, with the union saying it wouldn’t take any more strike actions for 100 days and the employer saying it wouldn’t unilaterally add any changes to the contract, according to the suit.  “We agreed to end the strike and return to work and have labor peace for 100 days,” noted Kim Cordova, president of Denver-based UFCW Local 7. “The employer’s side of that agreement was that they would not implement any new terms without our agreement, lock out workers, and would negotiate in good faith. They have failed in that commitment.” UFCW Local 7 contends that these alleged violations have led to the employer not considering the union’s proposals and issuing ultimatums that would expire in April – months ahead of the end of the 100-day stand-down agreement. “The employer needs to address issues of staffing, safety, raises, benefits and other topics,” added Cordova. “King Soopers has been acting in the same manner they did before our strike – a my-way- or-the highway approach to negotiations. That is not a negotiation. That is an ultimatum – one of the many things they can’t do during this good-faith bargaining process.”

“As families across the nation are grappling with inflation and economic uncertainty, we knew it was time to act,” Save Mart President Jim Perkins said in a statement. “Shoppers deserve a break, and this aggressive campaign is designed to bring affordability back to the table.” Walmart has also signaled that it intends to hold the line on prices as it gears up to weather higher costs, even if that crimps its profits. Last week, the megaretailer cast aside its projections for first-quarter operating income because it wants the freedom “to invest in price as tariffs are implemented” — and indicated that it has learned from experience that proactive responses to economic uncertainty ultimately pay off for its business. The potential for tariff-driven inflation to compound the cost increases customers and retailers have grappled with over the past few years is hardly an attractive prospect for grocers. But for retailers with the determination and resources to insulate people from higher prices, there is major potential to build long-term shopper loyalty.

Private equity firms Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners on Wednesday announced they’ve agreed to acquire The Vitamin Shoppe from Franchise Group. Franchise Group, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November, is selling the Vitamin Shoppe for $193.5 million, Kingswood Capital Management confirmed to Retail Dive. The deal is expected to close on or shortly after the agreement close date of May 15, as the “judge should rule on the sale order before then,” per a company spokesperson. 

Kroger Co. has announced leadership appointments involving four of its divisions in the West and Midwest. Joe Kelley, formerly president of the Colorado-based King Soopers/City Market division, has become SVP of retail divisions. Kelley succeeds Kenny Kimball, who returns to the Utah-based Smith’s division as president. Chris Albi, group VP of operations at King Soopers & City Markets, is the new president of the King Soopers & City Markets division. In addition, Kendra Doyel will lead the California- and Illinois-based Food 4 Less as president, succeeding Bryan Kaltenbach, who is retiring after more than 50 years in the grocery industry. With nearly 40 years of experience, Kelley has held a number of executive leadership roles across a variety of retailers, including Price Chopper, Stop and Shop, Star Market and Shaws Supermarkets. He joined Kroger in 2019. “Joe is a customer-centric leader who brings broad industry experience, with a strong track record of making stores great places to shop,” said Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO of Kroger. Kimball, who has been with Kroger since 1984, spent three years as SVP of retail divisions.

Albertsons Companies reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue for its fourth quarter but a disappointing outlook as the company readies for a change in leadership. Susan Morris, who has served as the grocer’s COO since 2018, will take the reins of the company on May 1, when current CEO Vivek Sankaran is set to retire. “I am delighted that the board of directors has selected Susan Morris to succeed me as CEO,” stated Sankaran. “Under Susan's leadership, I have the utmost confidence that she and the entire team will continue to drive future growth and continue to elevate our role with our customers and our communities.” Sankaran said the year ended with “positive momentum” as Albertsons continues to invest in its “Customers for Life” strategy. He sounded an equally positive note on the company’s earnings call.  “Within a few months since the termination of the merger, our mojo is back,” Sankaran said.

Lowe's Companies is expanding its professional contractor (Pro) offerings into a new distribution channel. The home improvement giant has agreed to acquire Artisan Design Group (ADG) for $1.32 billion. ADG is a leading nationwide provider of design, distribution and installation services for interior surface finishes — including flooring, cabinets and countertops — to national, regional and local homebuilders and property managers.  "With more than 18 million homes needed in the United States by 2033, we expect new home construction will be a major driver of Pro planned spend for the next decade,” said Marvin R. Ellison, chairman, president and CEO, Lowe’s. “The acquisition of ADG allows us to build on our momentum with Pro planned spend and is expected to expand our total addressable market by approximately $50 billion..."

Regional grocer Heinen's Grocery Store’s is redefining the wellness shopping experience with the launch of Apothecary, Nature’s Pharmacy, a modern take on the traditional apothecary.  Nestled within Heinen’s Wellness Department, this new destination offers a curated selection of homeopathic remedies, CBD herbs, adaptogens, tonics, tinctures, and more, empowering customers to build their own natural medicine cabinets. A natural extension of Heinen’s long-standing commitment to safe, natural, and sustainable products, Apothecary provides an inviting space for customers to explore holistic health solutions. By integrating this concept into the existing wellness department, Heinen’s ensures easy navigation while also educating shoppers on the benefits and uses of these carefully selected products. More than just a product assortment, Apothecary is a thoughtfully designed merchandising initiative aimed at re-energizing familiar wellness products through a fresh and modern presentation. By embracing the “food as medicine” paradigm, Heinen’s is positioning itself as a leader in holistic wellness, offering a compelling alternative to traditional big-box pharmacies.