Whole Foods to Open 5 'Wellness Clubs'

Whole Foods Market said it will open "wellness clubs" at five of its stores before the end of 2011 to help educate consumers about healthier lifestyles. The clubs will be located at single stores in New York; Chicago; Boston; Oakland, Calif.; and Princeton, N.J., "and if the prototypes do well, we would open more in 2012 as part of a growth initiative," John Mackey, chairman and co-chief executive officer, told analysts. The clubs will be located within existing space at existing stores, he noted.  

Supermarket News

A.C. Moore Announces New Store Openings and Remodels for 2011

A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. announced that the Company plans to open two new stores during fiscal 2011, one in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and one in Williston, Vermont. Both stores will open later this month and are located in new markets for A.C. Moore.  In addition, A.C. Moore intends to remodel four to six stores during fiscal 2011. 

Trading Markets

Ultimate Electronics Announces Liquidation Plans

The Ultimate Electronics chain has announced that it plans to liquidate its assets, just a fortnight after filing for bankruptcy protection. The demise of the 46-store chain highlights the continued pressure on the electronics industry.  Ultimate Electronics said it will hold going-out-of-business sales at its outlets to dispose of inventory, adding that such sales will offer "the highest and best value" for creditors.

Kam City

Stop & Shop Powers Connecticut Store with Fuel Cell

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company has installed a 400 kilowatt fuel cell at its Torrington, Conn. store - the first of its kind for the chain -- and expects it to generate more than 90 percent of the store's electrical power.  Since the fuel cell was commissioned last June, it has produced more than 1.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. By generating most of its power on site, Stop & Shop is able to reduce the burden on the local power grid and its impact on the environment.

Progressive Grocer

Lowe's Promote Tax Refund Card

In an effort to get its share of looming consumer tax refunds, Lowe's is offering a Tax Refund Card as part of a "Load Up For Spring" promotion. It enables consumers to spend their tax refund on a prepaid Lowe's debit card, and earn an extra 10% for home-improvement purchases.

Media Post

Canada's Golf Town Picks Mass. for 1st US Stores

Golf Town Inc., a Canadian big-box retailer based in Markham, Ontario, will establish a group of golf superstores in Massachusetts this year as it expands into the United States for the first time. The company said it is making a $25 million investment and creating 200 jobs in the Boston area, with five stores opening next month and one more in the fall.

Boston.com

Waitrose Opens Overseas

Waitrose is set to open one of five shops in the Channel Islands this week, in its first owner-operated venture outside the UK. The new shop is one of five branches (three in Jersey and two in Guernsey) purchased from Sandpiper CI Ltd, a Channel Islands retail chain.  Waitrose now has two new operating companies, Waitrose Jersey Ltd and Waitrose Guernsey Ltd.  It described the opening as a "major logistical feat", as it involved a two-week shop refit and sourcing of 500 local products.

City A.M.