Grocery News In Brief…
Stop & Shop workers in New England have approved a new contract by an overwhelming majority vote. The contract covers 35,000 union members in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The five unions are United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 328, 371, 919, 1445 and 1459. According to UFCW Local 328, the contract allows for wage increases, affordable health insurance, fair scheduling (two-week schedule in advance), improved dental and vision coverage, defined pension benefits, new additional full-time positions, guaranteed hours, an increase in minimum hours for long-term part-time employees and a health savings account or annual bonuses…
Weis Markets Chairman and CEO Jonathan Weis says his company plans $140 million in capital investments in 2016 for new stores, remodels, supply chain improvements and continued information technology upgrades. At the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, Weis reviewed 2015 results and updated shareholders on the company’s plans for the future. “In 2016, our cap-ex budget will total a record $140 million,” said Weis. “Over the next year, we plan to build three new stores and complete 20 remodels. We will also build three Gas N’ Go locations. Our budget also includes record technology investments. In 2015, our sales increased 3.6 percent to $2.9 billion while our comparable store sales increased 3.7 percent. In addition, our net income increased 9.1 percent in 2015. We are encouraged by our results and are grateful to our associates who helped us achieve them.”…
In recognition of Earth Day, Giant Food Stores donated 50 benches made from recycled plastic bags to local organizations and schools, including 25 benches and $2,500 to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to help with the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania. This donation is part of Giant’s ongoing Bags to Benches initiative and its overall commitment to the environment. Giant has set a goal of getting to “zero waste” by 2020, diverting 90 percent of waste going into landfills and incineration through the expansion of recycling programs.
