Field Reports

Brands provide special "retailtainment" activity

Stop & Shop, Quincy, MA, is rolling out a new private-label line targeted to Hispanic shoppers, the Institute has learned. The 335-store New England grocer, owned by Ahold USA, has been advertising the brand through circulars in select markets since late April.

Merchandising and marketing highlights from Dollar General's latest 10-K (for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2003)

Merchandising and marketing highlights from Family Dollar's latest 10-K (for the fiscal year ended Aug. 29, 2002)

Merchandising and marketing highlights from Dollar Tree's latest 10-K (for the year ended Dec. 31, 2002)

Merchandising and marketing highlights from 99 Cents Only's latest 10-K report (for year ended Dec. 31, 2002)

There are many benefits to selling to Dollar General: We offer over 6,000 store fronts, and we ship products from seven distribution centers. We offer growth. In 2002, we opened over 600 stores. We do not ask for slotting allowances or charge you with excessive penalties or fees.

Merchandising and marketing highlights from Big Lots' latest 10-K (for the fiscal year ended Feb. 1, 2003)

Traditional promotional tools combined with event marketing drive wine, spirits and beer sales on-premise

The tobacco company in April 2003 unveiled the latest terms in its ongoing retailer discount program.

Promotional allowances, a practice currently under the public microscope, have always been a bone of contention for food manufacturers.

Retailers who have joined the Retail Rights organization say they are frustrated by the control that buydown contracts place on their ability to merchandise -- a right that already is severely restricted by the federal government, they point out."One program says there can be only their signs withi