Retailers selling food, typically among the lowest-margin businesses in the nation, are suffering as much as anyone in the rough economy. Some regional stories of note:
- Bashas', an independent supermarket chain in Arizona, is closing five locations to focus on more profitable locations. The company is also the subject of a federal discrimination investigation regarding its Hispanic employees.
- Ike's Farmer's Market, a related store from Bashas, is closing as well, a failed attempt to counter the natural foods movement established by Whole Foods (who itself is enduring a difficult year).
- Bruno's Supermarkets in Alabama filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week. The company anticipates no change in store operations during its restructuring.
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