KROGER

CINCINNATI — Local Kroger stores will discontinue doubling coupons and will instead lower prices on about 3,500 items, according to a report published in the Business Courier last week. The new everyday lower prices and corresponding shelf tags were rolled out on Monday. 

Kroger will cease doubling coupons up to 50 cents by March and the change is only taking place across the Cincinnati/Dayton division. 

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Tuesday promoted Jeff Burt to president of the company's Central division, where he will be responsible for 136 food stores primarily in Indiana and Illinois.

Burt, 50, has been group VP perishables, merchandising and procurement since 2010. He succeeds Bob Moeder, who recently announced his plans to retire this spring.

CHICAGO — The Network of Executive Women on Friday named Donna Giordano, president of the Ralphs division of Kroger, and Monica Turner, general manager of market strategy and planning for Procter & Gamble, co-chairs of the NEW Executive Leaders Forum 2013.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Thursday announced the retirement of Central Division president Bob Moeder.

NEW YORK -- Growth in the consumer products market is likely to slow down over the next five years, while pharmacy retailers will see a profit windfall due to the generic drug cycle, according to a new report.

Last week in a much anticipated move, Cerberus Capital Management acquired 877 supermarkets from Supervalu for $100 million in cash and the assumption of $3.2 billion in debt.  Also part of the deal, a Cerberus-led investor consortium will provide the remaining Supervalu business an influx with the purchase of up to 30% of Supervalu stock at a purchase price of $4 per share. 

WASHINGTON — Several retailers got top scores from a gay-rights organization for their efforts to prevent discrimination against and to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

The Human Rights Campaign released its 2013 Corporate Equality Index, which gives companies ratings of up to 100% based on their policies regarding LGBT employees and also released a buyer's guide for LGBT consumers.

TORONTO — Customer service is the key driver of brand advocacy in retail pharmacy, according to a new study.