CINCINNATI -- The Kroger Co. is casting its net wider in the battle among retailers to lure extra dollars from shoppers during the U.S. economic stimulus effort.
The nation's largest traditional grocery chain was one of the first retailers to announce plans to give shoppers a bonus -- 10 percent in its case -- if they exchanged tax stimulus checks for store gift cards for matching amounts. Grocery competitors and other retailers are making similar offers.
A Kroger spokeswoman said Monday that the bonus is open to everyone, even if they haven't received a rebate yet and even if they don't qualify for one.
W.Va. gas prices up, hitting $3.72 a gallon
CHARLESTON -- West Virginia's average price for a gallon of gasoline is inching closer to the dreaded $4 mark.
According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the Mountain State has hit another record high average of $3.72 per gallon of regular.
Last week's average was $3.66, it was $3.62 the week before and $3.03 a year ago.
The state's average has been steadily climbing since February.
AAA's survey of 5 metropolitan areas in the state indicates the best price, $3.60 per gallon, is in the Weirton area while Huntington is averaging the highest, $3.73.
The price of a gallon of regular gas in West Virginia remains much higher than five surrounding states, whose averages range from $3.52 in Virginia to $3.62 in Pennsylvania.
The national average is $3.61.
Mine operator Alpha's profit triples
CHARLESTON -- Mine operator Alpha Natural Resources more than tripled its first-quarter profit on the strength of soaring international markets.
The Abingdon, Va.-based company says it earned $25.5 million, or 39 cents per share, in the first three months of the year. Alpha earned $8.3 million, or 13 cents per share, in first-quarter 2007.
Revenue rose 20 percent to $516.9 million, from $430.6 million in first-quarter 2007.
Fifth Third completes acquisition in Atlanta
CINCINNATI -- Fifth Third Bancorp has completed its purchase of nine branch offices in the Atlanta area from First Horizon National Corp. of Memphis, Tenn.
The Cincinnati-based bank reached agreement in March to complete the stalled purchase, first announced in September. Under terms that were worked out, Fifth Third has assumed branch deposits, and First Horizon retained all loans.
Fifth Third said the deal was finalized on Monday.
Fifth Third Bancorp operates 18 affiliates in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Georgia.
7-day Archive
