Pharmacy

Despite the myriad challenges of last year, supermarket sales rose 3.5 percent from 2000, when the economy was in decidedly better shape. All departments shared in the advance.

The chain writes a new song of the South, dancing to a traditional retail tune that plays more to fried chicken lovers than sushi eaters.

Supermarket operators beware! Dollar stores are selling more food, listing more items at above a buck, and proliferating at the rate of more than 1,000 a year.

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration ruled Tuesday that water laced with nicotine is illegal, ending a California company's bid to begin selling bottles later this month, The Associated Press reports.

Inspired by the need to boost sales, manufacturers are introducing more new products than ever. For retailers, that's both a big opportunity and a major headache.

ATLANTA - Self-scan checkouts are being billed as a panacea for supermarkets, discounters, and other retailers, but don't expect to see them in Target Stores any time soon.

PITTSBURGH - Specialty food retailer Trader Joe's is reportedly eyeing the Pittsburgh market as it continues its growth plans on the East Coast, the Pittsburgh Business Times reports.

NEW YORK - Seven of the major U.S. supermarket chains were targeted on Tuesday in a hidden camera report for "Dateline NBC" that accused some 33 stores of changing dates on meat, poultry and seafood packages.

Some claim supermarkets are giving away sales to the bakery cafes that are rapidly proliferating in small towns and suburbs.

Creative retailer-supplier partnerships are boosting sales and encouraging customer loyalty.

With ever-increasing sales and scores of new product introductions, yogurt is the dairy case's shining star.

Supermarkets' sales gains pale in comparison to what Wal-Mart's racking up. Is their last chance looming?