The company will continue to increase direct sourcing for its store brands, a core component of its global sourcing strategy.

As part of the reorganization, store brands executive Andrea Thomas is promoted to senior vice president of brand merchandising for home, hardlines and entertainment.

A majority of shoppers believe store brands present extremely good value, and more than a third plan to stick with store brands after the economy rebounds.

In synch with the economic environment, products boasting “economy” claims rose dramatically, and those with ethical claims and environmental packaging increased by high single digits.

The West Coast retailer will add more gluten-free products, call them out more clearly on store shelves and provide stores with complete lists to aid customer shopping.

Although profits are still challenged, consumers are responding to price reductions and new value brand extensions recently launched.

Craig Heckert brings in a branding and marketing guru as the latest in a string of new hires since the former Wal-Mart executive took the helm of Supervalu last May.

Wegmans introduced five varieties of its new  store brand frozen mixed vegetables, called Special Blends, which are flash-frozen for maximum freshness.

In cooperation with the Save the Children Foundation, Store Brands Decisions established a fundraising program for the children of Haiti, with a pledge to match donations.